MELBOURNE MAR THOMA CHURCH

O C TO B E R 2 0 2 5 N E W S L E T T E R

INTHIS ISSUE

Vicar's message

Lectionary

Church Services & Events

Satellite Services

Karunya HC Service

Prayer Meetings

Parish Day 2025

Onam Fiesta 2025

Sunday School

Youth

Sevika Sanghom

Church News

Words of Wisdom

Birthdays andWedding

Anniversary

Vicar's Message

Outpouring of God's Love and Overcoming Challenges with

Faith

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings

like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Greetings to you all in the name of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Opportunities for Reflection and Renewal.

As October brings vibrant colors to Melbourne's gardens and streets, let's step into

the beauty of spring, embracing the warmth of God's love. Just as the city comes

alive with possibility, may our faith and community flourish. Let's appreciate the

gentle breezes, sunshine, and joy surrounding us. May this season bring us closer to

God and to each other.

In the midst of changing weather patterns and crises, let's hold on to hope and faith.

May God's love guide us through challenges, bringing comfort, strength, and

renewal. As we journey together, may we find solace in prayer, support in

community, and peace in God's presence. Wishing you all a blessed springtime,

filled with joy, love, and spiritual growth.

Open Hearts to God.

As we reflect on our faith journey, let's open our hearts to God, just like the wattle

blossoms reveal their golden treasures. In 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, Paul's words

remind us to speak freely and open our hearts to God and each other. Like many in

our church members faced challenges - illness, loss, and personal struggles. Yet, in

faith, they have found comfort and strength. Let's trust in God's sovereignty, seek

comfort in prayer, and support one another. May God's love and peace transform us,

just as the wattle's vibrant colors transform the landscape.

Opportunities for Growth.

Our upcoming Senior Sunday School Camp 2025, taking place from October 3rd-5th

at Mt Evelyn Discovery Camp, promises to be a great blessing for our students! We

are excited for this experience to bring joy, spiritual growth, and lasting memories.

Let's pray for God's guidance and blessing as we prepare for this wonderful event.

Outstretched Hands in Fellowship.

Join the area prayer meetings to experience the warmth of fellowship and the

tranquility of peace. Let's come together regularly to seek God's guidance, deepen

our faith through shared reflections, and build stronger bonds within our parish

community. Additionally, we encourage participation in various parish organizations

and meetings, where we can serve, learn, and grow together. May these gatherings

be a source of comfort in times of sorrow, strength in moments of weakness, and

inspiration for our daily lives, filling us with love, hope, and heartfelt prayer.

Our Parish Day & Family Sunday.

Join us on Sunday, the 26th, as we celebrate Parish Day with special guest Sandy

Boyce, Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Churches! We will come together

as families, partake in Holy Communion, and support our community initiatives

through our One Day Collection. Let's rededicate our families to God's love and

service, striving to be model families rooted in faith, love, and values. May this day

bring blessings, renewal, and spiritual growth to each family. Everyone is welcome,

so mark your calendars and let's worship together.

Offering Our Hearts to God

As we journey together in faith, let us hold on to hope, love, and prayer. May God

bless our parish family and guide us to shine His light with love, hope, and kindness.

May we be a beacon of light and inspiration to all, living out our faith with courage,

compassion, and kindness.

Outpouring of Gratitude

Our hearts are overflowing with thanks as we look back on the past five months in

Melbourne. We have navigated some tough times, but the love and support we have

received have been incredible. From our mobile being miraculously returned after

being stolen to overcoming COVID and flu, God's grace has been with us every step

of the way. A huge thank you to our dear parishioners who showed up, prayed with

us, and offered a helping hand. Your kindness and compassion meant the world to

us. We are so grateful for God's love shining through each of you.

Overflow of God's Mercies.

May the beauty of spring remind us of God's love and presence in our lives, filling us

with hope, love, and peace. May our parish community grow in faith and unity,

shining God's light in Melbourne and beyond. May we find strength in our values,

hope in His promises, and joy in our shared journey, with our lives being a testament

to His love, guiding us with purpose, value, and hope.

May God bless you all.

With Love and Prayers,

Philipachen.

Vicar

Melbourne Mar Thoma Church

[email protected] | [email protected] I 0401311688

Lectionary

Our church lectionary guides us through meaningful themes this month.

Through these meditations, may we deepen our faith and live as a model community,

proclaiming God's love and grace.

Services and Events

* Changes to the services and events schedule will be intimated closer to the date of

each service/ event.

Please contact the Assistant Secretary if you wish to contribute Altar Flowers

Satellite Services

Karunya HC Service

Prayer Meetings

Parish Day 2025

Our 28th Parish Day will be on 26 Oct. 2025

(MMTC formed 1st Nov, 1997)

We will Celebrate Family Sunday, One Day Income Offertory

Prayer group wise programs

When: Sunday 26 Oct. 2025 at 8 AM

Onam Fiesta 2025

Melbourne Marthoma Church organized Onam Fiesta on Saturday, 13 Sept 2025 at

St Matthew's Parish Hall, Fawkner. Acting Speaker and Victorian Parliamentarian

Lauren Kathage MP was the chief guest. Rev. Fr. Jibin Sabu, Vicar of St. George

Indian Orthodox Church, attended as the special guest. Kathage inaugurated the

celebrations by lighting the lamp, followed by the Onam message delivered by Rev.

Fr. Jibin Sabu.

The celebrations began with a prayer led by Rev. Philip Mathew, Vicar of Melbourne

Marthoma Church. Church Secretary Alex Sen Varghese welcomed the guests and

participants. Onam Fiesta convenor Saiju Simon expressed gratitude to all who

contributed to the success of the event.

A beautiful two-meter-wide floral arrangement evoked the true spirit of Onam. The

day featured vibrant cultural performances including processions, traditional dances,

plays, songs, Chenda Melam, and Vanchipattu.

By Saiju Simon, on behalf of Executive Committee

Sunday School

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such

belongs the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 19:14

IMPORTANT DATES

05 October: Term 3 holidays

12 October: Regular Classes at Parkville (10:30 am) & Northern Satellite Service

(2:30 pm)

19 October: Close of the SS academic year – Annual Exam

Senior Students Camp: This year’s Senior Students (G6 – G12) camp will be held

at Mount Evelyn Discovery Campon October 3, 4 and 5. Registrations are now

closed.

Year 12 Graduation: VCE Students Dedication and Sunday School Y12 Sunday

School Graduation will be held during the HC service on Oct 12th.

Annual Exam Sunday School Annual Exam for the year will be held on Oct 19th at

Parkville, immediately after the first HC service.

World Sunday School Day: This Year’s World Sunday School Day will be

celebrated on Sunday, Nov 2nd.

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL SESSION

A special session of all the dads in the parish was held on Sep 7th.

Youth

EVENTS

Youth Night (Bible Study)

Date and time: Thursday 9th October 7PM

Location: Residence of Geku and Bindhu

Youth Food Sale

The youth will be having a food sale on the 19th of October after holy communion

service to raise funds for youth camp. Any support would be greatly appreciated

Date and time: Sunday 19th October, after the 8:30am holy communion service

Location: Melbourne Mar Thoma Church

Youth Social Hike

Date and time: Saturday 25th October 10AM

Location: Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (TBC)

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Marthoma Youth Camp is officially happening in Melbourne this

December 5th - 8th

Camp registrations have launched

🗓

Link to register:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1457249

YOUTH WORKING BEES

Working Bee services are available till the end of November 2025 to fundraise for

Youth Camp.

If you require any assistance with chores around your house, please contact Noel

Abraham on 0490 798 367 or Rachael Mathews 0499 110 379.

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone for your continued support of our various sales, and for

contributing in so many meaningful ways towards making our youth camp possible.

Sevigha Sanghom

Food Bank Drive

Food bank drive for Food Bank Victoria on Sundays, 12th and 19th

October (Details to follow)

Chain Prayer

Monthly online chain prayer on first Friday, 3rd October.

Intercessory Prayers

Intercessory prayers (online) on Tuesdays, 14th and 28th of Oct at 8 pm.

Meeting & Bible Study

Sevika Sanghom meeting and Bible study on first Sunday, 5th Oct, at the Main Hall,

immediately after the first church service.

Church News

Church Website

Our Website is now updated with “October Services & events”. Please visit regularly

to stay informed.

You can now also give your Offertory & Thanksgiving contributions through the

MMTC QR Code or by donating directly via our

website: https://www.melbournemarthomachurch.org.au/

Mobile Directory App

MMTC Mobile App Launching soon!

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the MMTC Mobile App –

designed to keep us all connected, informed & inspired, wherever we are!

All Services, Events & News at your fingertips.

Please submit your details & photo,(via webform). We will set up your private access

and personalize your experience.

Please click below and submit your details today.

MMTC New Mobile App Data Form

STEFM SOLO COMPETITIONS

STEFM will be having the Solo Singing Competition

Where: St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, 419 Centre Dandenong Rd,

Heatherton VIC 3202

When: 25th October ‘25

Time: 9am start (8:30 registrations)

Submit your names to Secretary and Vicar before 5pm, 10th October 2025

Max. 2 participants per event and per church; if more names, audition will

be conducted on 12th October after service to shortlist participants

Guidelines and registration forms are emailed upon request

Registration forms must be signed by the Vicar before submission

All Musically talented from Grade 1 to Age 22 are encouraged to attend under