National MTVEA Conference-2012

9th MTVEA National Conference of the Diocese
The 9th National Conference of the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists Association of the Diocese of North America and Europe was held at the Baltimore Mar Thoma Church from July 20-22, 2012. Theme of the Conference was “This is my blood of the New Covenant”. The Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar
Theethos, Diocesan Bishop of Mumabi Diocese, Rev. Dr. M. C. Thomas, Rev. K. E. Geevarghese, Rev. John N Abraham, Rev. Oommen V Varkey and Dr. Ashok Jacob were the leaders of this Conference.

The Conference was started on Friday at 11am with a procession led and organized by the Baltimore MTC (the host parish), which was followed by the opening worship. 124 members from 10 different churches throughout the country registered for the conference. The meeting was inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theetos Episcopa by giving an inaugural address and lighting the lamp. Rev. John N Abraham delivered the Presidential address. The inaugural meeting was attended by Fr. Kadavil Cor-Episcopa of the Jacobite Church in Baltimore, Rev. K E Geevarghese (Dio. Seccretary), Rev. Oommen Varkey, Rev. Roy Geevarghese (Christose MTC Vicar) and Rev. Alexander Varghese (Bethel MTC Vicar) besides the Vicar of the Baltimore MTC and office bearers of the Diocesan MTVEA.

Mar Thoma Parishes in Baltimore, Greater Washington, Philadelphia and New York regions led the worship services on Friday and Saturday. Rev. Binoy Thomas, Rev. Roy Geevarghese and Mr. P.V. Varghese (Epiphany MTC) led the devotions. Rev. Dr. M. C. Thomas (TMAM Orientation Center, Kottayam) led the main talks based on the theme of the conference and Rev. K. E. Geevarghese lead the Bible Study based on I Cor. 11: 23-30. Dr. Ashok Jacob gave an
absorbing class on general health. The singing sessions were arranged by the host parish. Mr. George Varghese (Dallas FB MTC) helped with a theme song for the conference. A conference souvenir was released during the conference by the Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. The conference committee will utilize the proceeds of the Souvenir fund to the MTVEA mission field in Achenkovil (Kerala). The Diocesan Episcopa led a class on the Diocesan Perspectives of Mission in the Diaspora community. Rev. K E Geevarghese led a panoramic study of the Old Testament books. Mr. Regi Varghese from Houston Immanuel MTC led the witnessing session. In order to make the conference a lively experience the conference had indoor games, bible quiz and talent night. The
food committee arranged excellent Indian food and snacks for the conference on time.

The Holy Qurbana was led by the Diocesan Episcoon on the closing day of the conference and delivered the closing message. The delegates expressed their views about the conference and its needs which is to be addressed by the Voluntary Evangelistic Association. The closing remarks were made by Thirumeni and the Conference came to a close by 11. 30 am on Sunday with prayer and benediction. The delegates went back from Baltimore MTC with an extreme
satisfaction in attending a well organized and spiritually enriched conference.
Rev. Benu John
Vicar, Baltimore MTC
(For more photos, Please visit: http://public.fotki.com/ashnjeff/mtc-edavaka-mission/)