The Mar Thoma Church Of New Jersey - The Mar Thoma Church Of New Jersey
lent
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 14:14
Lenten Meditations The Mar Thoma Church Diocese of North America & Europe Christian Education Forum "But if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name."- Nehemiah 1:09 RENEWAL – PARTICIPATE WITH GOD Nehemiah 1:1-11 As the vicar of a very small parish in Chavara in the southern part of India we had the responsibility of rebuilding the walls of the entire church compound. I still remember how hard it was for our church to explore human and financial resources in the small parish to rebuild the broken walls surrounding the church compound. Here in the book of Nehemiah we observe Nehemiah as one of the most powerful persons who transformed an entire community and its resources towards a vision. But the highlight of this vision is not just material prosperity or achievement of a community. The Israelites had just returned from exile and they were shattered in many ways. Nehemiah earnestly prayed to God to renew the Israelites who had turned away from God and whose communication with God had broken. He wanted his people to participate in God’s plan for them. So he prayed for renewal for his people. Nehemiah participates with God to transform the sinful and broken community to be renewed in the Lord. God calls us to be renewed in Him in the midst of our life experiences. Even though we may be far away from God due to our sinful past life there is still hope for renewal. We experience spiritual renewal when we come closer to the Lord and participate in his Plans for us and our community. Prayer: Lord we come to your presence as we are sinners and we seek spiritual renewal within us. Like Nehemiah. Help us to seek your vision for us and our community and to actively participate in your vision for us. Amen. Rev.Benu John, Baltimore
From the Vicar - 1/2012
Thursday, 05 January 2012 22:02
Dearly beloved in Christ, We are fortunate to see a new year in our life. Last year has become a part of history. We cannot reclaim history; however we can live in the present and prepare ourselves for the future. Each moment of our life is a gift of God, and keeping in mind that we are answerable to God for it. Live each second for Christ in this world. When we enter into a new year, as usual, we may take new resolutions. We may not have the will power or we may not have the strength to fulfill those resolutions. So make resolutions with God and rely on Him, he will give you the strength and power to fulfill them in your life.
Editorial - 1/2012
Thursday, 05 January 2012 22:05
From Vicar - 10/2011
Saturday, 01 October 2011 00:00
Dearly beloved in Christ,
There is betrayal of trust and faithfulness everywhere. Money, power and fame make people crazy. The social, cultural, and financial stabilityof people are going downhill. Our economy is in a bad condition. Unemployment is increasing. On the other side religion fails to give hope to the people in the midst of all these insecurities. People are becoming more religious but not spiritual. On this context what is the role of the Church? I believe Church has to share three things to this world.