Dallas Farmers Branch

EPISCOPAL VISIT TO MTC DALLAS, FARMER’S BRANCH
April 23-24, 2011
During the Easter weekend, the Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmer’s Branch was blessed by the Episcopal visit of the Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa. Thirumeni visited the parish from April 23-24, 2011 (Saturday-Sunday) and returned to New York on the morning of April 25th.
On Saturday morning, Thirumeni held a special meeting with the Youth Fellowship members of the parish.

About 25 youth participated who shared and voiced their concerns about mission,ministry, and the future of the Diocese. Thirumeni’s message based on St. Luke was thought provoking and challenging the youth to re-read familiar Bible passages and ponder upon its meaning.

Throughout this session, Thirumeni was very eager to listen to the concerns of the youth. Although Thirumeni had a busy schedule, he took time to visit a few of our members who have been chronically ill. Thirumeni’s prayers and presence during such visits surely provided comfort and reassurance to those who experience pain and suffering in their lives.

In the evening, Thirumeni led the Sandhya Namaskaram (Evening worship service) in the parish using our church’s special liturgy for Dukha Saniazcha (Holy Saturday). About 65 people participated in the worship service. In Thirumeni’s message, everyone was reminded about the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thirumeni emphasized that it is the hope of the resurrected Christ that keeps the Church and its mission alive. The Church is called to move beyond its boundaries and must look outside of its walls to spread the gospel in order to meaningfully fulfill the ministry of Jesus Christ that is entrusted to it.
On Easter Sunday, Thirumeni celebrated the Holy Communion service in English,which began at 8 AM with the Easter service. About 1000 persons attended the worship service and about 750 participated in the Holy Communion. Seven youth received their first communion from Thirumeni on this day as well. Thirumeni, in the Easter message,
reminded the congregation about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which changed the life of millions of people in this world. Thirumeni emphasized the need to live selflessly with sacrificial love for others.

After the Holy Communion service, Thirumeni released the CD/DVD titled ‘Haleluyah’ produced by the parish Choir. Thirumeni also released the new theme “Charity for Humanity” for Mar Thoma Fest, which is an annual charity event held by the parish to raise funds for the parish sponsored mission projects. These projects include Snehatheeram, an HIV/AIDS project at Manjalummoodu and the Mar Thoma Center for Rehabilitation & Development (MCRD) at Thadiyoor. Following the Holy Communion service, Easter breakfast was served to all those who attended.
Rev. Minoy N. Kuruvilla
Vicar, MTC Dallas, Farmer’s Branch