St. John’s UK

The Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius visited the St. John‟s Mar Thoma Church, Hounslow from February 1st to 5th 2012. His Lordship arrived Tuesday morning and was received by the Vicar, Rev Eapen Abraham. On Wednesday Thirumeni met Mr. Anish Babukutty from Ireland who formed the English order of service into an iPad, which assures to be a useful product in the future. Thursday evening Thirumeni had a discussion with the COMPE (Council of Mar Thoma Parishes in Europe) Secretary Mr. P. M. Mathew.

On Friday Thirumeni and Vicar met Rev. Canon Melvyn Barnsley (Rector of St. Andrews & St. George Church, Stevenage) and Rev. Duncan Campbell (Rural Dean of Stevenage) and attended the prayer meeting at Stevenage Area. Saturday 4th morning His Lordship had a breakfast session with 16 first communicants‟ children and their family followed by an interactive session with them.

On Sunday, February 05th, His Lordship celebrated the Holy Communion service. A special dedication service for 16 First Communicants was also held at that time.

Despite the weather conditions and heavy snow on Saturday night the church was packed by members due to God‟s abundant blessing which all of us felt in our hearts. The first communicants were gifted the certificates and special cards prepared by the Diocesan office along with a Holy Bible by Thirumeni, he also congratulated the parents for preparing their children for first communion. During the Holy Communion Service Thirumeni gave message on the topic “What should be the ministry of the church in a fragmented world?” based on the Gospel Mark 2: 1-11.

He stated Gods concern is life in totality and quoted „We should transform ourselves from hostility to hospitality which will lead us to eternal life‟. After the message, Thirumeni conducted the Dedication service for first communicants.
After the service in his closing remarks His Lordship was happy about the charity programme which the Parish commenced under the name CHARIS and extended his happiness for the Musical Evening programme conducted on February 25th 2012 dedicated to “Sadhu Kochoonju Upadeshi” and agreed his presence as the Chief Guest for the Programme.

Thirumeni had a photo session with the first communicants and their families, the whole programme ended with a fellowship lunch.
Mr. Alexander Renjith Joseph
Parish Secretary