THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

PARISH MESSENGER

FROM THE VICARS DESK

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15: 55)

We have come to the middle of yet another season of great Lent. During the lent, we
meditate specially on the wilderness experience, the temptation, the passion, the death and
resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which explains Divine love, Redemption
and Salvation.

What is the real meaning of the Cross? Why do we observe cross as the symbol of Christian
spirituality?

Jesus gave us this beautiful symbol as the centre of our spirituality which always challenge
us with the unfailing and unfathomable love of God, which He expresses through the cross.
In the Old Testament we see a God who accompanies a murderer, who hears the cry of the
little child in the wilderness, who loves His people who always prostituted their master, who
marries an unfaithful wife, and finally sending His own son to die to conquer death.This love
continues through the symbol of the cross. Once again we are meditating on this unfailing
love which comes from the everlasting fountain of the cross of Jesus and that is our hope in
this world of individualism and lovelessness. The one thing that takes us forward in the
world of hatred, retaliation, jealousy and selfishness is the love that flows from this
fountain.If God loves us like this,what should be our response to this cross?

As we walked with Jesus in the path of the cross, we have reached the empty tomb, with
heavenly voice why do you look for the living among the dead, He is not here He has risen.
In the midst of hopelessness and despair, there is a hope for a better tomorrow. All the four
Gospels record the great victory(resurrection), the victory over all forces of evil and
death.The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pivot of the christian faith and it is this incident
that sets christianity apart from other religions. The real proof of the resurrection today is not
the empty tomb or the post resurrection appearances, but the living testimony of Christs
followers.

During these days church members are expected to renounce special foods which are
inevitable to the food code of individuals/families and observe fasting at least one time a
day. The money that we save through our fasting should be collected separately as self
denial fund to the Evangelistic Association of the church and Receessa (adult
members contribution) towards the Sabha oce. As we move on, I
seek your wholehearted co-operation and support towards our
Parish and its activities.

May the crucified and resurrected Lord be with us in our daily life
and in all walks of life.

With prayerful regards,

Biju Achen

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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

CHURCH SERVICE & AREA ACOLYTES

Date

Theme

1st Lesson

2nd Lesson

Epistle

Prayer Group

06 Mar 2016
(Malayalam)

Transforming the
Oppressive Structures

Nahum. 1:1-15

Acts. 16:25-34

Acts. 4:32-37

Willetton

13 Mar 2015
(English)

Cross-New Model to
Discipleship

Gen. 26:12-33

2 Cor. 11:20-31

2 Cor. 1:3-11

Murdoch

20 Mar 2015
(Malayalam)

Hosana: Lord Save Us

Zech.9:1-12

1 Timo. 4:6-16

Heb. 5:5-10

Fremantle

Isa. 63:7-19

Heb.2:1-18

Zech. 21:1-16

Eph. 2:1-10

N/A

Joondalup &
North of River
(combined)
Canning Vale

Lev. 16:1-28

1 John. 4:7-20

Gen. 22:1-14

Heb. 5:1-14

1 Cor. 11:23-34

Murdoch

Isa. 53:1-12

1 Pet. 1:1-25

First Service

Fremantle

Zech. 13:1-9

Gal. 3:1-22

Second Service

Num. 21:1-9

Heb. 3:1-19

Third Service

Joondalup &
North of River
(combined)
Canning Vale

21 Mar 2015
(Malayalam)
21 Mar 2015
(Malayalam)

Passion Week Service Sandhya Namaskaaram

22 Mar 2015
(Malayalam)
24 Mar 2015
(Malayalam)

Fellowship in the Suffering

of Christ

25 Mar 2015
(Malayalam) Faith Expression of the
Good Friday Marginalised
Service

Willetton

27 Mar 2015
(English)

Resurrection Celebrating
boundless Transformation

Gen. 23:1-19

Col. 3:1-11

1 Thes. 4:13-18

Willetton

03 Apr 2016
(Malayalam)

New Sunday-Empowered
by the Risen Lord

Gen. 28:10-22

Acts. 20:7-12

1 Thes. 1:2-10

Murdoch

AREA PRAYER GROUP MEETINGS - March 2016

Area Prayer Group

Date & Time

Venue (residence of)

Representative

Canning Vale

20 March @ 6:00PM

Dr Ravi K

Mr Cibu Jacob

Fremantle

05 March @ 5:30PM

Mr Raju Thomas

Mr Aby Mathew

Joondalup

TBC

TBC

Mr Soney Titus

Murdoch

13 March @ 6:00PM

Mr Jinu Johnson

Mr Kurian Parayil

North of River

12 March @ 6:00PM

Mr Arun Alex

Mrs Binsu Abraham

Willetton

26 March @ 6:00PM

Mr Benny K David

Mr Mathews Philip

SERVICES
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

MONTHLY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

DATE

SUNDAY SCHOOL

HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE

06 March 2016

08:00AM

09:30AM - Malayalam Service

13 March 2016

08:00AM

09:30AM - English Service

20 March 2016

08:00AM

09:30AM - Malayalam Service

21 March 2016

07:00PM - Sandhya Namaskaaram

22 March 2016

07:00PM - Sandhya Namaskaaram

23 March 2016

07:00PM - Sandhya Namaskaaram

24 March 2016

07:00PM - Passover Thursday - Malayalam Service

25 March 2016

08:00AM - Good Friday - Malayalam Service

27 March 2016

06:00AM - Easter - English Service

06 March 2016

08:00AM

09:30AM - Malayalam Service

PRAYER POINTS
Pray for the Passion Week Services for His blessings and guidance;
Pray for Gods guidance, wisdom and finances as we embark on proposals for
buying a plot to build a worship place;
Pray for the preparations for the 10year Anniversary of our Parish;
Pray for the families who are affected by the recent job redundancies and Lord
bless their efforts in seeking employment;
Pray for Almightys abundant blessing in the new year;
Pray for all our children preparing for returning to school and university. Pray that
His abundant mercy and wisdom be bestowed on our children;
Pray that the new year will be a blessing for the Parish and for its members; and
Pray for the young families in our Parish and the recently married couples.

SERVICES
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth Fellowship meets fourth Saturdays of every month at 04:00pm at the
residence of a parish member.

Encourage all youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the

Youth Fellowship. For further details, please contact Mr Sujin Soloman
(youth@perthmarthoma.org.au).

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School on all Sundays before the Holy Communion
Service. Contact: Mrs Babbin Mathews or Mrs Sheba Thomas for further
details (sunday-school@perthmarthoma.org.au) or visit the Sunday School
website (www.school.perthmarthoma.org.au).

EDAVAKA MISSION
Edavaka Mission meets at the residence of a parish member every month.

An intercessory prayer is held on first Friday of every month at the

residence of a parish member. For further details, please contact Mr Joji
Varghese.

PARISH CHOIR
Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday after the Holy Communion
Service at Murdoch Worship Centre. For further details please contact Mr
Abraham Kurien (choir@perthmarthoma.org.au).

SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP

Senior Citizens Fellowship meets fourth Saturdays of every month at
12:00pm at the residence of a parish member. For further details, please
contact Mr J RetnaraMar.

SEVIKA SANGHAM
Sevika Sangham meets once every month after the Sunday service.

Encourage all women in our parish to participate in the activities of the

Sevika Sangham. For further details, please contact Mrs Aswathy Joji
(sevika@perthmarthoma.org.au).

MINISTRIES
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

Australian Government recognition for our church

and requirements for Marriage Registration
You may have heard from our Achen that the Australian Government has
proclaimed our Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, as a
recognised denomination to conduct marriages using our own rites in
accordance with Marriage Act 1961.
In Australia, marriage is regulated by the Marriage Act 1961 which sets out the
process for getting married and the legal requirements of a valid marriage. As a
recognised denomination by the Australian Government, our Church is
permitted to nominate our Priests in Australia to the state and territory Registrar
of Birth, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) for authorisation as Marriage Celebrants.
Our Achen is now registered with the BDM and is authorised to conduct
marriages anywhere in Australia using the marriage order of service approved
by our Church.
Background to the Government Recognition
About three year ago, a meeting held at the Melbourne Mar Thoma Parsonage
of our Achens and Mandalam representatives of our Parishes in Australia in the
presence of our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas elected a
subcommittee comprising Rev. Mathews A. Mathew, then Vicar of the Bethel
Mar Thoma Church Sydney, Mr. George P. Paniker, Sydney, Dr. Kuruvilla
Mathew, Perth and Mr. Varughese Komattu Mathews, Perth, to correspond with
the Attorney-Generals Department (AGS) in Canberra to get recognition for
our Church to conduct marriages in Australia.
After a long period of correspondence and discussions with the AGS, the
Attorney General Hon. George Brandis QC, on behalf of the Australian
Government, approved our application. This was further approved by the
Governor Generals representative and the approval was published in the
Commonwealth of Australias Gazette on 29th October 2015.
Let us thank God for this recognition as our Church is one of the two Christian
Churches from India who are privileged to have this approval from the
government.
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NEWS
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

Requirements for Marriage Registration in Australia

Our Achens, as authorised Marriage Celebrants approved by the Government,
are required to follow certain process for a valid marriage. These legal
requirements are in addition to any other rules of the Church.
The legal requirements and the process to register a marriage in Australia are
given in brief below:
The bride and bridegroom need to complete a Notice of Intended
Marriage form which must be given to the Achen at least 31 days (and
up to 18 months) before the wedding day;
The bride and bridegroom must provide Achen with evidence of their
date, place of birth and identity. The two documents that will satisfy
this requirement are the passport and the birth certificate original
documents are required;
The bride and bridegroom must sign a Declaration of no legal
impediment to marriage. By signing the Declaration, they declare that
they are of marriageable age (18 years or more), and that there is no
legal impediment to their marriage;
On the wedding day, at the end of the wedding service, the married
couple must sign three marriage certificates, witnessed by two
people over the age of 18 years (nominated by the couple) in the
presence of the Achen (one certificate for the couple, one to send to
the government department for registration and one to keep in our
church as a permanent record);
After the wedding, Achen will send the forms to register the marriage to
the BDM in the State or Territory where the marriage took place.
If any of your family members are planning to get married in Australia, please
contact your Achen.
George P Paniker
Dr Kuruvilla Mathew
Varughese K Mathews

NEWS
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

KIDS ONLY
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

UR
O
OL

ME

KIDS ONLY
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

BIRTHDAY - March 2016

Jaic Antony (2 March)
Jeffy Koshy (6 March)
Julie Mathew (7 March)
Susan George (9 March)
Rekha Anna George (9 March)
Anish P Varghese (12 March)
Jubin Koshy (13 March)
Prisha Elizabeth Shibu (14 March)
Ginsu Jacob Ninan (15 March)
Nivi Varghese (17 March)
Tiara Kovoor (18 March)

Deepu Abraham (20 March)

Smitha Thomas (21 March)
Annie Manjaly Itteera (24 March)
Austin Viji (27 March)
Hanna Mathew (28 March)
Anil George (29 March)
Mathew Oommen (29 March)
Jaisel Varukunnel Mathews (29 March)
Nissi Mathew (30 March)
Abigail Anil (31 March)

God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He Blesses you with life,
with love; And the joy of another year to know him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - March 2016

Jac Joseph & Tisha Thomas (1 March)

Shibu Jacob & Anita Mathews (5 March)

Joby Varghese & Jeni Joby (22 March)

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family more and more in the coming years. May you be an inspiration
and example for others in the days to come.
WISHING ALL CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

NEW ARRIVALS
Our Parish members Aby Mathew and Beena Abyhave been blessed with a baby boy. He is
namedNoah Aby.

The Parish congratulatesthem on the new addition to the family. Lets continue to
upholdthefamily in our prayers.

GREETINGS
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THE MAR THOMA PARISH PERTH INC

Volume 07 / Edition 03 / March 2016

Messenger Notes
Please feel free to drop in your comments and suggestions regarding our Parish
Messenger at admin@perthmarthoma.org.au.
We are looking for articles to be published in our monthly newsletter. Those who can
write articles, poems, drawings (kids) please contact the Webmaster at
admin@perthmarthoma.org.au. This is another opportunity to use our God given
talents for the Glory of God.

PARISH FAMILY
CONTRIBUTION
ACCOUNT DETAILS

PARISH BUILDING
FUND
ACCOUNT DETAILS

the National Australia Bank

the National Australia Bank

BSB - 086 136

BSB - 086 136

PARISH GIFT FUND

ACCOUNT DETAILS
the National Australia Bank

BSB - 086 136

Account# - 865 285 498 Account# - 195 940 763 Account# - 848 646 298
preferred transaction mode is electronic transfer to the Parish account.

For more information, please contact

Rev Biju George
(Vicar)
Mob: 0406 485 240
Landline: 08 6161 6797
email:
vicar@perthmarthoma.org.au

Mr Sam Koshy
(Secretary)
Mob: 0406 689 139
email:

Webmaster
email:
admin@perthmarthoma.org.au

secretary@perthmarthoma.org.au

The Mar Thoma Parish Perth, P.O. Box 3104, Shelley, WA 6148
for private circulation only
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