423 DUNHAMS CORNER ROAD

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ 08816

Vicar | Rev. Arun Samuel Varghese

Volume XXV | No. 05

www.ststephensmtc.org

2024

MAY

ST. STEPHEN’S

MAR THOMA CHURCH

Executive Committee 2024

President

Rev. Arun Varghese

asv001@gmail.com

Vice President Mr. Sunil Kurien (732) 546-1468

Secretary

Mrs. Bibina Varughese

secretary@ststephensmtc.com

(848) 248-5863

Treasurer

Mr. Manoj Joseph (585) 747-1839

Accountant

Dr. Raji Varghese (732) 387-6128

Lay leader

Mr. Mathew Samuel (973) 652-5679

Lay leader

Mr. Jonah Tholoor Varughese (631) 312-6510

Choir

Mr.Thomas George (848) 214-0930

Sunday School

Ms. Sneha Manoj Mathew (848) 203-6951

Youth Fellowship

Mrs. Liju Kurien (908) 670-8535

Sevika Sangham

Mrs. Ginu Kurian (848) 248-3066

Edavaka Mission

Mr. Mathew Thomas Memana (908) 247-2960

Young Family Fellowship

Mrs. Pushpa Abraham (434) 284-0267

Yuvajana Sakhyam

Mr. Jinu Varghese (508) 310-3777

Senior Fellowship

Mr. John Thomas (Soman) (908) 295-7606

Prayer Group 1

Mr. Manoj Mathew (848) 219-3724

Prayer Group 2

Mr. Joseph V Abraham (732) 331-4076

Prayer Group 3

Mr. Abey George Philip (609) 815-5804

Prayer Group 4

Mr. Varughese Abraham (908) 705-7270

Mandalam

Mr. Shibu Varghese (201) 675-9280

Assembly

Mr. Earlin George (732) 207-1330

Assembly Mrs. Mini Cheriyan (732) 579-7558

Other Contacts

Sunday School

Mrs. Rachel Thomas (908) 392-5754

Youth Fellowship

Ms. Christina Isaac (609) 455-9674

Auditor

Mr. Shibu Varghese (Anil) (732) 371-1144

Auditor

Mr. Roy Varghese (848) 213-6309

(714) 975-0239

Achen's Message!

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To

Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36

Dear St. Stephen’s family,

Greetings in the most precious name of our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ!

As we step into the month of May, let’s thank and praise God

for the grace and mercies we have been receiving from our

Heavenly Father during these days. Sharon and I are especially ﬁlled with much

joy and profound gratitude for the journey we have shared with St. Stephen’s

over the past year. Reﬂecting on the past year, we are deeply moved by the

warmth and kindness that you have extended to us. Your prayerful support and

encouragement have made our transition to New Jersey and our ministry here

truly fulﬁlling, and we are blessed to serve alongside such a loving congregation

whose faith and dedication has been inspiring for us.

This month not only brings the completion of our ﬁrst year in ministry with St.

Stephen's but we also enter this month having completed the wonder

celebration of the Silver Jubilee year of our parish. What a time of blessed

milestone for us all!

The Silver Jubilee celebration was truly a memorable occasion, ﬁlled with

heartfelt reﬂections on our past, gratitude for our present, and hope for our

future. It was a testament to the enduring foundation prayerfully laid by those

who were there at the start of this journey together and the vibrant community

spirit that deﬁnes our St. Stephen's Mar Thoma Church. I extend my deepest

appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, eorts, and prayers to

make this occasion a resounding success.

As we look ahead, let us remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to the

mission entrusted to us, all the more cherishing and embracing the bonds we

share as a church family. Let us continue to seek God's will and purpose in all

that we do, knowing that every good thing comes from Him and leads back to

Him. May our parish grow stronger in faith, love, and service that ascribes all

honor and glory to our Heavenly Father and points others to Christ.

In these coming days of May, we have special events to anticipate and celebrate.

We’ll celebrate Mother's Day on May 5th, a time to honor the women who

nurture and shape our lives. Let us express our love and gratitude to all the

mothers and mother ﬁgures in our congregation. Additionally, we look forward

to celebrating the Sunday School Anniversary on May 19th. Our Sunday School

plays a vital role in nurturing the faith of our children, and we thank God for the

dedication of our teachers and volunteers.

Dearly beloved in Christ, let our hearts be united in faith and fellowship as we go

forward with the abundant blessings we have received.

To God be the glory forever and ever!

With love and prayers,

~ Arun Achen ~

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Silver Jubilee

On the behalf of the Parish, thank you to all who participated, who

worked diligently behind the scenes, cleaning the Parish, practiced

during school nights/work week, to put on a fabulous celebration to

commemorate such a milestone of our Parish.

Sunday School

Sunday School will begin every Sunday at 9 am at Church.

Mother's Day Celebration- May 05th

Diocesan Exam - May 12th: 12 Noon - 1.30 PM

Sunday School Anniversary - May 19th

Guest Speaker: Dr. Joby Jacob,

Christos Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia.

Sevika Sanghom

The Sevika Sanghom Prayer Conference call will be held every

Wednesday in May: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th Dial-in number: Phone

(716) 427–1395, Access Code: 289872#

Sevika Sanghom meeting will be held on May 15th Wednesday, 10:30am

at the residence of Mrs. Leelamma Ipe (Address: 27 Coneﬂower Ln, West

Windsor, NJ 08550) and on May 29th Wednesday, 10:30am at Church.

Bake sale on May 19th for charity fundraising. Requesting all your

prayerful participation.

Youth Fellowship

Youth Fellowship meeting will be held on the 2nd Friday of the month,

May 10th at 7pm at the residence of Azra Joseph (Address: 24 Shepherd

Way, Kendall Park, NJ 08824) and on the 4th Friday of the month at 7pm

at Church.

Youth Fellowship and Young Family Fellowship

Volunteering at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey on Saturday

May 4th, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Address: 31 Evans Terminal Hillside, NJ 07205 United States.

Prayer Group 4

Will have a Prayer meeting on Saturday, May 18th at 6pm at the residence

of Mr. Varughese Abraham, Address: 45 Diane Ave, Old Bridge NJ

08857. Ph: 908 705 7270.

Requesting prayerful participation of all prayer group members.

Condolences

Mr. N. G Varghese (104 years; Kurianoor, Kerala), father of our member

Mrs. Lovely Prasad passed away in Kerala on April 26th. Appachen lived

a very blessed, healthy long life and raised 5 children with his wife who is

95. Please keep Ammachi in your daily prayers. During these dicult

times, let us remember Mrs. Lovely Prasad, Mr. Philip Prasad, Mr. Toby

Prasad, Mr. Jeremy Prasad, Ms. Tiany Prasad, and all the extended

families in our family prayers. May our Lord Almighty give them comfort,

strength, and everlasting peace.

Mr. K.C Samuel (86 years, Kulangara Sam Nivas, Mulavana), father of our

member Mr. Jacob K. Sam passed away in Kerala on April 5th, 2024.

During these dicult times, let us remember Mr. Jacob K. Sam, Mrs.

Annamma Jacob (Jessy), Mr. Jason, Joshua, and Justin, and extended

families in our family prayers. May our Lord Almighty give them comfort,

strength and everlasting peace.

Mrs. Aleyamma Varghese (81 years, Choorathalekkal house, Mallassery,

Pathanamthitta), mother of Mrs. Jilly Samuel (w/of Samuel John) passed

away in Kerala on April 7th, 2024. She was a member of Bethlehem Mar

Thoma Church, Mallassery. During these dicult times, let us remember

Jilly, Bobby, Leo and Eric and the extended families in our family prayers.

May our Lord Almighty give them comfort, strength and everlasting

peace.

On behalf of St. Stephen's, we oer our deepest condolences and

prayers to the bereaving family members.

Newborn

Pleased to announce that our Members Mr. Ben Samuel & Mrs. Sherry

Sara Mathew are blessed with a baby girl named Hannah Ben Samuel, on

Tuesday, April 2nd 2024 at 3:41pm. On behalf of the St. Stephen’s family,

I congratulate both the parents Mr. Ben Samuel and Mrs. Sherry Sara

Mathew, grandparents, and extended family members. Let us continue to

uphold the family in our prayers.

South East Region Center A: Combined Meeting of the Suvishesha

Sevika Sanghom and MTVEA members, on Saturday May 11th at 9.00

AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, 790 Route 10 west,

Randolph, NJ 07869. MTVEA Center A fundraising bring and buy sale

and rae ticket will take place on 5-11-2024. Rev. T. S. Jose is the main

speaker for the meeting. Registration starts at 9 AM and the fee will be

$15.00, welcome everyone’s prayer and presence.

Note: Please inform Dr. Mince John (201-315-2713) or Alex Mathew(973-

464-1717) regarding how many people are attending the meeting from

each parish, for food arrangements.

May Time Celebrant

1st

Lesson

2nd

Lesson

Epistle Gospel

Remember the Poor – Bhoo Bhavana Dana Prasthanam

(5th Sunday after Easter)

10:15

Rev. Arun Samuel

Varghese

Lev.

19:9-16

Gal.

2:1-10

2 Cor.

8:1-9

St. Matt.

25:31-40

English

Holy Spirit, one among the Trinity

10:15

Rev. Arun Samuel

Varghese

Ezek.

37:1-14

Acts

1:6-11

Gal.

5:16-26

St. John

14:14-21

Malayalam

Pentecost: The Holy Spirit who renews the whole creation

(50th day after Easter)

10:15

Rev. Arun Samuel

Varghese

Joel

2:28-32

Acts

2:1-13

1 Cor.

12:1-11

St. John

16:1-15

English

Education that leads to Wisdom

10:15

Rev. Arun Samuel

Varghese

1 Kgs.

3:3-14

James

3:13-18

Eph.

5:9-17

St. Matt.

7:21-27

Malayalam

Important Days to Remember

May 05 Mother’s Day

May 12 Diocesan Exam

May 19 Sunday School Anniversary

Mrs. Kunjamma Simon

395 Second Avenue

Long Branch, New Jersey 07740

(732) 229-9274

Birthdays

1 Mathew Philip Keecheril (732) 689-2667

1 Moby Biju Mathew W/o Biju Mathew (845) 248-9002

3 Sharon Mariam Mathew W/o Rev. Arun Samuel Var- (562) 584-5953

4 Anna Thomas W/o Bobby Iype Thomas (732) 873-7580

5 Annamma Abraham W/o Varughese Abraham (732) 251-1728

5 Azra Joseph D/o Manoj Joseph (617) 639-5511

5 Vino Zachariah (732) 369-3550

6 Prasad Kochiyil Mathews F/o Robin Kochiyil Mathews (718) 710-7726

7 Sibi Abraham (732) 200-1737

7 Annie Thomas W/o Iype Thomas (570) 620-0226

7 Aleyamma Kuruvilla (973) 324-2205

10 Pramod Mathew (732) 895-1971

11 Dr. Samuel Thomas (973) 538-1192

11 Nidhi Ann Alexander W/o Seebu John (908) 393-4892

11 Shibu Varghese (Anil) (732) 494-4199

12 Ivanna Ann Lijo D/o Lijo C. Mathews (201) 253-6715

12 Toby Prasad S/o Philip Prasad (732) 967-9272

13 Ashish C. Mathew S/o Dr. Mathai Cherian (732) 561-2181

13 Nidhin Johnson S/o Mathew Johnson (732) 432-6444

14 Philip Prasad (732) 967-9272

14 Roshan Panicker S/o Jacob Panicker (908) 994-0428

15 Saramma Pappachan W/o Andrew Pappachan (973) 227-4129

15 Annamma Rani Shibu W/o Shibu Varghese (732) 494-4199

15 Jennifer Susan Thomas W/o Arun B. Thomas (848) 459-7320

15 Rani Thomas W/o Sunil Thomas (570) 620-0226

15 Suresh Mathew (732) 626-3342

15 Alan S. Cheriyan S/o Shaiju K. Cheriyan (732) 593-8032

15 Annamma Mathew M/o Biju Mathew (845) 521-2725

16 Sheeja Saju Abraham W/o Saju Abraham (732) 605-9888

17 Andrew Pappachan (973) 227-4129

17 Jane Ponnu Sajan D/o Sajan Podikunju (732) 690-9325

17 Joana Ann Samuel D/o Manu Sam (201) 253-7368

17 Leena Mathew W/o Sunoj Mathew (732) 855-1719

18 Lizy Mathew Thomas W/o Mathew Thomas (732) 549-1437

19 Mini Varghese W/o Jacob Varghese (732) 257-0094

19 R. K. Mathew (732) 605-0370

20 Sindhu Mathew W/o Thomas George (848) 214-0930

20 Mathew Samuel (973) 652-5679

20 Tina Varghese D/o Jacob Varghese (732) 257-0094

21 Noah Abraham Kurien S/o Sunil Kurien (732) 546-1468

21 Mary Abraham MIL/o Sam Kurian Thomas (631) 568-6524

22 Annie Cherian (732) 589-6597

22 Susan Matthews W/o John Matthews (732) 356-6192

25 Dr. Joseph P. Prasad (732) 845-0703

25 Susamma Samuel W/o Samuel Oommen (973) 320-0412

25 Valsamma Mathai W/o Dr. Mathai Cherian (732) 371-2035

26 Soji Thomas S/o Abraham Thomas Mat- (908) 241-0638

26 Shibu Varghese (732) 348-8165

27 Joseph T. John S/o John Joseph (732) 419-2221

27 Benoy Thomas (732) 993-1120

27 Liby P Thampi W/o Soji Thomas (908) 241-0638

28 Amal T. Abraham S/o Byju Abraham (908) 647-5362

28 Ria Grace Varughese D/o Geogie Varughese (732) 355-0830

28 Suman R. John W/o Reji John (732) 613-0623

29 Daisha Ann Mathew D/o Mathew Samuel (973) 652-5679

29 Matthias Alexander S/o Sony Mathew Cherukara (908) 336-0501

29 Sumy Philip Cherukara W/o Philip Cherukara (732) 381-3633

29 Molly Mariam Sajan W/o Sajan P. Chacko (908) 687-1529

29 Geetha Varughese W/o Geogie Varughese (732) 355-0830

29 Annie John W/o John M. George (732) 322-8728

30 Sajan Podikunju (732) 690-9325

30 Ragy Thomas (732) 521-5894

30 Ryan Ragy Thomas S/o Ragy Thomas (732) 521-5894

31 Arun Cherian (609) 275-1987

31 Usha George W/o Joby George (908) 309-1810

31 Dr. Mathai Cherian (732) 371-2035

31 Jilly V. Samuel W/o Samuel John (732) 230-3747

31 Thomas Ephraim John S/o John M. Mathew (732) 961-3571

Wedding Anniversaries

3 Mr. Mathew Samuel & Mrs. Daisy Mathew (973) 652-5679

4 Mr. Daniel Varghese & Mrs. Reena Varghese (201) 292-7481

7 Mr. Simon Mathews & Mrs. Annamma Mathews (908) 889-8179

9 Mr. Sam Jacob & Mrs. Aleyamma Manalel (732) 549-8925

9 Mr. Arun Cherian & Mrs. Priya Mathew (609) 275-1987

11 Mr. William Morrison Schultz & Mrs. Tina Varghese (812) 598-0714

14 Mr. Arun B. Thomas & Mrs. Jennifer Susan Thomas (848) 459-7320

16 Mr. Seebu John & Mrs. Nidhi Alexander (908) 393-4892

19 Mr. Jeslie Cherian & Mrs. Cripa M. Ninan (732) 654-7756

19 Mr. Thomas George & Mrs. Sindhu Mathew (848) 214-0930

20 Mr. Saju Thomas & Mrs. Sosa Tina Thomas (732) 991-5619

20 Mr. Abraham Mathew & Mrs. Mary Abraham (631) 568-6524

21 Mr. Shaiju K. Cheriyan & Mrs. Mini Varghese Cheriyan (732) 593-8032

25 Mr. Babu Thomas & Mrs. Anny Thomas (732) 796-3455

28 Mr. Andrew Pappachan & Mrs. Saramma Pappachan (973) 227-4129

28 Mr. Bobby Iype Thomas & Mrs. Anna Thomas (732) 873-7580

30 Mr. Soji Thomas & Mrs. Liby P. Thampi (908) 241-0638

30 Mr. Anish C.Mathew & Mrs. Nimisha S. Sugu (732) 561-2181

31 Mr. Roy Varghese & Mrs. Reno Ann Cherian (848) 213-6309