I M M A N U E L M A R T H O M A C H U R C H ,
1 2 8 0 3 S U G A R R I D G E B L VD.
S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
V I C A R
R E V . J O S E P H J O H N
1 0 2 1 2 F O U N T A I N G A T E D R . S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
H O M E : 2 8 1 . 5 6 1 . 9 1 4 7
C E L L : 7 1 3 . 3 3 0 . 5 2 9 9
E M A I L : V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
A S S I S T A N T V I C A R
R E V . S A N T H O S H T H O M A S
6 8 4 2 B E A R S P A T H L A N E
M I S S O U R I C I T Y , T X 7 7 4 5 9
C E L L : 8 3 2 . 8 3 7 . 4 7 2 1
E M A I L : A S S T . V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
(This newsletter is for private circulation only)
Published by P. M. Jacob, Parish Secretary
For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston
Cell: 832.567.0745, email: Secretary@immanuelmtc.org
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church
Houston, TX
N E W S L E T T E R
J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5
Happy New Year!
W o r s h i p S c h e d u l e J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5
Jan. 05 Mission outside Kerala
8:00 AM
English HQ assisted by Bethel Area Prayer
Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Exod. 3:1-17
Acts. 16: 6-15
Rom. 10: 9--17
Luke 10: 1-11
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Bethlehem Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Exod. 3:1-17
Acts. 16: 6-15
Rom. 10: 9--17
Luke 10: 1-11
Jan. 12 God of Peace
8:00 AM
G3 & English HQ assisted by YF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Micah. 4: 1-7
Rom. 5:1-11
Eph. 2:11-19
Matt 5:1-9
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Carmel Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Micah. 4: 1-7
Rom. 5:1-11
Eph. 2:11-19
Matt 5:1-9
Jan. 16 Thursday Holy Qurbana
10:00 AM Malayalam Holy Communion
Jan. 19 Ecumenical Sunday: The Church that needs to be one in Christ
10:30 AM
English HQ assisted by Ebenezer Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Zach. 8: 18-23
1 Cor. 1:10-18
Col. 3:9-17
John 17:13-23
Jan. 26 Christian Witness in the Public Sphere
8:00 AM
G3 & English HQ assisted by CFF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Amos. 5: 18-27
1 Pet. 3: 14-18
Col. 4:2-6
Luke 3:7-14
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Hebron Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Amos. 5: 18-27
1 Pet. 3: 14-18
Col. 4:2-6
Luke 3:7-14
Feb. 02 Medical Mission Sunday: Jesus who gives complete healing
8:00 AM
English HQ assisted by Horeb Area prayer
Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
1 King 20: 1-11
Heb. 9: 11-14
James. 5:13-18
Mark. 5:25-34
10:30 AM
English HQ assisted by Jerusalem Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
1 King 20: 1-11
Heb. 9: 11-14
James. 5:13-18
Mark. 5:25-34
Very soon, the year 2024 will fade into the pages of history. As we are wait-
ing the dawn of a new year, filled with hopes and dreams, let’s reflect on
the past year and thank God for all his steadfast love and faithfulness. The
end of the year is an opportune time for us to celebrate the lessons we
have learned, the growth we have experienced, and the memories we have
made. When we review the successes we have achieved in the past as a
parish, we can fully attest that God’s hands remained real to us and that He
alone guided us and directed our path. With a strong conviction, let’s affirm
what St. Paul wrote in 2 Tim. 1:12 “……. Because I know whom I have
believed, I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to
him for that day”.
The end of the year is a new beginning and a time to set new goals with
respect to our relationship with the creator. Let’s pause in God’s presence
to discern His will for us in our personal, family, and church life. Let’s work
together to lift our church to become a beacon of light and a place of rest
and restoration to many inside and outside the church….Secretary, P.M. Jacob
Y e a r E n d T h o u g h t s . . .
H O P E C h r i s t m a s 2 0 2 4 . . .
2025 Executive Committee
OFFICE BEARERS
Vicar Rev. Joseph John 713.330.5299
Assistant Vicar Rev. Santhosh Thomas 832.837.4721
Vice President Mr. Mathew T. Scaria 281.857.5611
Secretary Mr. P.M. Jacob 832.567.0745
Treasurer Mr. Joy N. Samuel 832.606.5697
Accountant Mr. Johnny M. Mathew 281.704.6901
Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Jeffrin. C Varghese 346.888.7189
Lay Leader (English) Mr. Ajel John 281.854.8078
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
Bethel Mr. Mathews Varghese 832.205.6860
Bethlehem Mr. Varghese Rajesh Mathew 832.630.0748
Carmel Mr. Mathew P. Varghese 832.929.3994
Ebenezer Mr. Jacob Kunnumpurathu 713.254.9448
Hebron Mr. John K. Philip 832.744.0271
Horeb Mr. Rajan Daniel 832.628.5481
Jerusalem Mr. Abraham Komattu 281.750.5837
Salem Mrs. Annamma Jacob 832.332.1007
Sehion Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 516.467.7926
Sharon Mr. Thomas Thyparampil 832.488.0545
Sinai Mr. Philip Mathew 682.246.1255
Tabor Mr. John Varghese 281.746.0005
CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES
Choir Mr. Bibin George 713.922.8232
Edavaka Mission Mr. Alexander Jacob 469.982.1576
Senior Fellowship Mrs. Sara Philip 281.889.8566
Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Lata Mathews 832.205.6861
Sunday School Dr. Anita Joy Thomas 630.864.1375
Young Family Fellowship Mr. Ajay Thomas 281.948.5114
Youth Fellowship Mr. Daniel Kalathoor 281.967.0607
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Christopher George 832.851.3597
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM MEMBERS
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Binu Pappachan 405.922.5716
Diocesan Assembly Ms. Jewel Zachariah 832.334.8622
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Siju Philip 516.503.5589
Sabha Mandalam Mr. M.G. Mathew 281.857.3088
OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS
IMC Administrator Scheduler - -
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John P. Mathew 832.656.1836
Technology Director Mr. Abraham Kurien 832.623.2330
AUDITORS
Auditor
Mr. Sam Thomas 832.868.5465
Auditor
Mr. Aji Daniel 214.995.4232
F R O M T H E A S S T . V I C A R ’ S D E S K
Dear Beloved in Christ
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
As we welcome the new year, let us first take a moment to thank God for His
unwavering grace and blessings in 2024. The past year was a testament to His
faithfulness, and as a parish family, we have much to be grateful for. I want to
extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who actively participated in the
Christmas celebrations and all activities in connection with Christmas. Your
involvement in all services, Carol singing, and other festive programs brought so
much joy and truly reflected the spirit of Christ’s love and unity. The decorations,
music, and fellowship were not only uplifting but also a beautiful reminder of the
light Jesus brings into our lives. Thank you for your commitment and dedication.
As we step into the new year, let us do so with renewed hope, faith, and purpose.
The words of Lamentations 3:22-23 assure us: "The steadfast love of the Lord
never ceases; his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness." These words remind us that God’s mercy is fresh and
sufficient for each new day, and as we begin this year, we can trust in His guidance
and provisions. The beginning of a new year is a time for reflection and renewal. It
is an opportunity to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith. While we
may have faced challenges in the past year, we are reminded in Philippians 3:13-
14: "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Let us leave
behind anything that hinders our spiritual growth and press forward in faith, fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
This year, I encourage each of us to make space in our lives for God to do
something new. Let us prioritize time with Him—in prayer, worship, and the reading
of His Word—so that we may discern His will for our lives. As a Parish family, let us
strive to be a source of love, hope, and support to one another and to our
community. May we become the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to the
lonely, the broken, and the weary with His love. Let us also remember that God has
a purpose for us as individuals and as a Parish. In 2025, let us commit to growing
stronger in our faith and being faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities
He has given us. Together, we can make this year a meaningful one by serving
others, sharing the Gospel, and living lives that honor God.
We both achens and families wishing each of you and your families a blessed,
joyful, and Christ-filled new year. May the Lord’s peace, which surpasses all
understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Him throughout this year. May His
favor rest upon you, and may you experience His blessings in every area of your
life.
In Christ’s love and service,
Rev. Santhosh Thomas,
Asst. Vicar
J U B I L E E P R O J E C T U P D A T E
Construction activities are progressing per schedule. Exterior work for
the gymnasium is on schedule to be completed by the end of December .
Inside the gymnasium, mechanical and electrical work is underway as well
as framing for the interior walls and doors. Waterproofing of the extension
is being completed this week after which exterior work will be started. By
mid January both of the buildings will be completed on the outside. Interior
framing, electrical, and mechanical work are being finalized in the exten-
sion.
Please continue to support the project financially if you have not done so.
Above all. keep the project in your prayers.
Personal Loans: So far, we have raised close to 1 million dollars by way of
this well received, personal loan program. The committee has set a cut-off
date of January 31, 2025, to receive any more personal loans. That is, if
you still want to subscribe to this program, do so before January 31st, 25.
Donor Tree: Any family who has paid a total contribution of 15,000 dol-
lars towards the jubilee Project is eligible for this recognition. $15 K will
include your room sponsorships and legacy brick donations. The cutoff date
for this is February 28, 2025.
N e w Y e a r R e s o l u t i o n s …
“…...Just for today, I will live through this day, and not set far-reaching
goals to try to overcome all my problems at once.
Just for today, I will be happy,. Abraham Lincoln said. “Most folks are happy
as they make up their mind s to be.” I will not dwell on thoughts that de-
press me.. I will chase them out of mind and replace them with happy
thoughts.
Just for today, I will accept reality. I will correct those things that I can cor-
rect and accept those things that I can not.
Just for today, I will improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will
force myself to read something that requires effort and concentration.
Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I am
overweight , I will eat nothing I know will be fattening. And, I will force my-
self to exercise even if it’s only walking around the block.
Just for today, before I speak I will ask myself, “Is it true?, Is it kind?” and if
the answer to either of those questions is negative, I won’t say it.
Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will look as
good as I can, talk softly, act courteously, and not interrupt when someone
else is talking. Just for today, I will try not to improve anybody except my-
self.
Just for today, I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will
have it, thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the re-
sponsibility for my own actions.
To one and all, Happy New Year!”...Reprinted
Z E L L E P A Y M E N T S
Email address for the transaction is:
O n e C a l l N o w
Apart from announcements during service and newsletters, we use One Call
Now communication platform to disseminate key information regarding
church service and other activities. If you are not receiving regular emails or
voice calls from parish, please contact the parish secretary.
w w w . I m m a n u e l m t c . o r g
We invite members to check out the updated church website with new fea-
tures and functionalities at www.immanuelmtc.org. There are several new
features like updated lectionary, Bible Verses in three different languages,
various channels for our organizations, exclusive channels for media that
include podcasts, video and photo galleries, exclusive section for our church
history, and that of the North American Diocese.
Sunil Abraham & Jensy Abraham 27-Jan
Saban P. Samuel & Kunjumol Saban 27-Jan
Mathew Daniel & Mariamma Mathew 28-Jan
Thomas Varghese & Susamma Thomas 29-Jan
Steve K. Joshy & Blessy Parayil Thomas 29-Jan
Rajan Daniel & Regeena Daniel 30-Jan
Charles Chacko Kuzhivila & Jaycee Charles
30-Jan
Ashwin George Jacob & Jilu Anna George 31-Jan
J A N U A R Y W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A R I E S
( c o n t d . . . )
C o n d o l e n c e s ( C o n t d … )
Mr. T.M. Verghese, 77 years old, co-brother of Mr. Koshy Thekethundiyil
(ID# 183) of the Bethel area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Dal-
las, TX.
Mrs. Mary Mathew, 93 years old, elder sister of Mrs. Saramma Rajan (ID #
103), Mr. Mathai P. Koshy (ID # 109), and Mr. P.M. Jacob (ID # 101) was
called to eternal rest in Amalloor, Thiruvalla.
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our heartfelt con-
dolences. May our thoughts and prayers comfort and console the families
during this time of bereavement.
J A N U A R Y W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A R I E S
Sibi Varghese Chacko & Annie Varghese 2-Jan
Ajo Thomas & Roshu Thomas 2-Jan
Saji Pappachan & Solly Saji 2-Jan
Fiji C. George & Sindhu George 3-Jan
Thomas Mathews Koshy & Maggie Thomas Koshy 3-Jan
Kuruvilla Velangadan & Usha Kuruvilla 4-Jan
Sam Alexander & Sheryll Mathew 4-Jan
Tinish Thomas & Shery Cherian 4-Jan
Abraham G. Valayil & Jessy A. Valayil 5-Jan
Roy Chacko & Emmy Chacko 5-Jan
Abraham Mathew & Valsamma Abraham 5-Jan
Varghese K. Idiculla & Mercy Varghese 6-Jan
Tony V. Philip & Rani Susan Varghese 7-Jan
Rev. Jaison A Thomas & Sherin Ann Thomas 7-Jan
Sam Mathunny & Betsy Sam 9-Jan
Mathew Thomas & Sosamma Mathew 9-Jan
Bibi K. Samuel & Nisha Varghese 9-Jan
Isac Thomas & Mini S. Thomas 9-Jan
Benson Mathew & Dr. Julie Ann Mathew 9-Jan
Arun Kuruvilla Roy & Rosemin Mary John 10-Jan
Shibu A. Abraham & Annu Abraham 10-Jan
Varghese Thomas & Susan Varghese 11-Jan
Mevin John Abraham & Liny Chacko 11-Jan
Kunnel M. Mathew & Annamma Mathew 11-Jan
Rajiv N Jacob & Leny S Jacob 12-Jan
Thomas P Abraham & LillyKutty Abraham 12-Jan
Abraham Chacko & Sara Chacko 13-Jan
Mathai Ninan & Achamma Ninan 14-Jan
Abby Theckmuryil Thomas & Cissy George 15-Jan
Abraham Mathew & Ammini Abraham 15-Jan
Titus Eapen & Sheila Eapen 16-Jan
Sam Abraham & Susan Punnoose 16-Jan
Jacob Kunnumpurath & Aleyamma Jacob 17-Jan
Abraham P. Mathew & Susan Abraham 17-Jan
Peter V. John & Aleyamma John 17-Jan
Varghese Kalathoor & Beena V. Kalathoor 17-Jan
Smijo M. Mathew & Asha Serah Mathew 17-Jan
Shibu P. Varghese & Shibi Babu 17-Jan
Abraham K. Jose & Elsy Jose 18-Jan
Samuel K. George & Vidya E. George 18-Jan
Gino P. Abraham & Suma G. Abraham 18-Jan
Thomas M. Varghese & Marykutty Varghese 19-Jan
Joseph John & Annie J. John 20-Jan
Thomas Samuel & Latha Thomas 20-Jan
Shejo Joe Cherian & Reni P Raju 20-Jan
M.M. Thomas & Molykutty Thomas 21-Jan
George Philip & Annamma Philip 21-Jan
Jose K. George & Sobha Jose 23-Jan
Thomas A.S. & Mariamma Thomas 24-Jan
Bino Thomas & Mariamma Mathew 24-Jan
Ricku Philip George & Jeena Mathew Polachirackel 24-Jan
Thomas Mathew & Amminikutty Thomas 26-Jan
Thomas. P.A & Sherly Thomas 26-Jan
George Thomas & Mariamma Thomas 27-Jan
C o n d o l e n c e s
Mr. Jayan Kurian, 57 years old, cousin brother of Mr. Aju Abraham John (ID
# 455) of the Sinai area prayer group was taken to his heavenly abode at
Varikkad, Thiruvalla.
Mrs. Liji Reji Thomas, cousin of Mr. Aju Abraham John, (ID # 455) of the
Sinai area prayer group, was taken to her heavenly abode at Mumbai, India
Mr. Itty K. Cherian, 82 years old, father of Mrs. Sheena Thomas (ID # 530)
of the Tabor area prayer group, was called to eternal rest in Bangalore, In-
dia.
Mr. GeeVarughese Pathicheril, 75 years old, brother of Mrs. Deenamma
Jacob (ID # 191) of the Sharon area prayer group was called to eternal rest
in Germany.
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our heartfelt con-
dolences. May our thoughts and prayers comfort and console the families
during this time of bereavement.
A r e a P r a y e r M e e t i n g s
Sunday School 9:30 am: Sunday school starts
Jan. 12: Sunday school Exam
Senior Fellowship Jan. 04: Monthly Prayer Meeting @ 10:00 am
Jan. 09: Pakalveedu Fellowship @ 10:00 am
Jan. 16: HQ in Malayalam @ 10:00 am
CFF Jan. 10: Prayer Meeting @ 7:00 pm
Jan. 31: Prayer Meeting @ 7:00 pm
IMAFF
Jan. 17: Prayer meeting at the residence of Mr.
Vinu Jacob @ 7:30 pm
YFF
Jan. 11: Prayer meeting at the residence of Mr.
Ninan Kalloor (ID # 509) @ 11:30 am
O R G A N I Z A T I O N A N N O U N C E M E N T S
AREA PRAYER
GROUPS
Sinai area prayer meeting is arranged to be held on
Sunday January 5th at 6:30 pm at the residence of
Mr. Cherian Mathew (ID # 639). Address: 3639 Lis-
ter Dr., Rosharon, TX
Bethel area prayer meeting is arranged to be held on
Saturday January 11th at 6:00 pm at the residence of
Mr. Zachariah Kalathoor (ID # 373). Address: 22
Castillo Ln., Missouri City, TX 77459.
Area representative to the managing committee will
be elected during this mtg.
J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 B I R T H D A Y S
Baby Oommen
1-Jan
Merin Jose
Malachi Chacko Abraham
Jonah Abraham Ninan
Alvin Joseph Sam
Angel Mariam John
Susan Samuel
Gracy Mathew
2-Jan
Dr.Chris Cherian
Mariamma Kurian
Mariamma Thomas
Ajay Phillip Mammen
3-Jan
Sam Mathunny
Aleyamma George
Beena Valiaparambil
Sam Mathew
4-Jan
Noelle Saranna John
Dr. Suraj M. Cherry
5-Jan
Bibi K. Samuel
Jaison Thomas
Abraham K. Jose
Aleyamma Samuel
Evana Ann Abu
Roy Jacob
7-Jan
Theresa Anne George
Jaycee Charles Chacko
Kaitlyn Philip
Thomas Mathews Koshy
8-Jan
Christina R. Anaghan
Calvin Chacko
Aaron Varghese Jeffrin
Ashley Mary Samuel
9-Jan
Abraham Mathew
Shanah Abraham
Ciara Ann Oommen
Ranjith J. John
Jincy Thankan Cherian
Rachel Varughese
Dave Cherian Mathew
Eivan Sajan
10-Jan
Annamma Philip
Arun Varghese
Jicky Kuruvilla
Christian Simon Chacko
Nivedh John Joseph
12-Jan
Jaden Bobby Kalathoor
Benita Merin Mathai
Harshal Thomas
Ruby Varkey
Ethan J Chacko
George C Philip
13-Jan
Kanmony Mathew
Preetha Kurian
14-Jan
Sam Mathew
Nijani Phip
Sonu E. Mathew
Alan Koshy
Selena Patel Mathew
Aiden S. George
Steffi Mariam Alex
Mathew Philip
15-Jan
Leena Thomas
Smilo Kuruvilla
Abhijit V. Roy
Micah Varghese
Liji Jacob
16-Jan
William John
J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 B I R T H D A Y S
K. K. John
17-Jan
Sanoj J. Eapen
Joe Eapen
Rahul R. Varughese
Hannah Elizath Eapen
K. T. Sajee
Girija Shaiji
Jennifer Susan Chacho
18-Jan
Felix Abraham
Leny S Jacob
Diya Elizabeth John
Abhishek V. George
Abraham K.M
Justin Mathew
19-Jan
Binoy George
Accamma A. Koshy
Thomas P. Daniel
Andrew Terish Thomas
Renu Thomas John
Regy T. Varghese
Gracious John
Annamma Mathew
Abraham Mathew
Annie Kuruvilla
20-Jan
Shebin Chandy Thottyil
Sneha Varghese
Hannah Thomas
Julia Sara Mathew
21-Jan
Joshua G. Abraham
Mariamma K Varghese
Sam Varghese
Annu Abraham
C. C. Mathew
Susan Mathew
Leah Susan Mathew
Raju M. Karikottu
22-Jan
Dr. Judy George Chandy
Daniel philip
Leah Philip
Dijo Mathews
Liam Mathew Samuel
23-Jan
Jewel Zachariah
K. Johnson
Jiny Kalathra
Johanathan Joji
Johnson Samuel
Aleyamma Abraham
Aleyamma Jacob Chacko
Santhosh K. Varghese
Mathew C. Samuel
24-Jan
Twinkle Mariam Thomas
Kayla Ann Ninan
Beena Joseph
Kayla Puthenmadathil
Nicole Thomas
Nathan John Thomas
Anpu Mathews Varghese
Varghis George
Jacob K Chacko
25-Jan
Abigail Leah Lijoy
Isaac Easow
Aaron Thomas Vinod
Anieamma Joseph
Cissy George
Varghese Kalathoor 26-Jan
John Varghese
27-Jan
Mariamma Abraham
Remya Mariam Rency
Thomas Varghese
28-Jan
Mathew O. Keerikattu
Hannah Abraham
Julie P John
Joji Itty
Ricku Philip George
Nishanth Samuel
29-Jan
Neha Mathew
Ann Kurien
Seth Mathew Abraham
Arin Luke Koruthu
Jesslin Elizabeth Abraham
Jency Mathew
30-Jan
Elias V. Samuel
Michael John Chirayil
31-Jan
Hannah Thomas
Jimmy Abraham
