Dear ones in Christ,

St. Thomas Day is on July 3rd, Saturday. Let’s remember the Apostles life and witness, and be thankful to the Lord for such great martyrs of church history. We are also proud to be known as St. Thomas Christians as we are believed to be the result of the great Apostles missionary programme of Malabar. As a Diaspora unit of the Mar Thoma Church we at Seattle, WA are to be more ambitious in mission endeavors of Diocese and whole Church.

I quote the words of sri.O. C. Koshy [Brief History of Mar Thoma Church in Washington State] written in souvenir released in connection to the church dedication service on May 13th, 2000.

"Our journey to this day began in August 1984, with the visit to Seattle by Rt.Rev.Dr.Thomas Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan & Rev. N. M. Cherian. During their two-day sojourn here, Suffragan Metropolitan told us that he had already given necessary instruction to Rev. K. G. Pothen who was rendering Pastoral care in Los Angeles; to provide pastoral services to those living in Seattle and surrounding areas. Thus the seed of Mar Thoma Church was planted in Seattle in 1984,but the seed remained dormant until 1986."

We are hence proud to enter Silver Jubilee year. As a parish let us make the days in front of us a greater event. Lectionary of our church reminds us of Christian stewardship for which we are placed. The need to highlight tithe observance as highly inspiring and challenging, to the cause of social transformation and of spiritual importance to obtain peaceful co-existence.

Church is a called out community, set with different varied goals. A call to act wisely, morally and ethically. A fellowship among human community that facilitates a divine-human relationship. These days the graduates of seminary are ordained for the ministry thru the church. Let’s uphold in prayers the pastoral ministry of the Church.

It’s my hope and prayer that the upcoming family retreat of our parish are in your prayer and schedule to attend. A time to evaluate ourselves and a time of relaxation and shared joy. We have plans for a Jubilee Souvenir, Jubilee song Book for our prayer use, some projects to be announced later.

May the coming days bring joy to our hearts and help us more to be used for God's Glory

In our Lord's Vineyard,

Binu Varghese Achen