FROM THE PATRIARCH

Maran Mar Joseph

The Society of Stephen

We are honored by the great anointed ministry of The Society of Stephen and Bishops Jean Stone and Richard Willans. Fuller Theological is setting aside a special place in their archives for their publications, degrees and memorabilia. We truly rejoice. We all are blessed.

They have a wonderful charismatic community at 368 E. Mendocino St., Altadena, CA 91001 Praise our Blessed Lord.

The Society of Stephen has led the advance of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in all denominations that adore our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that more Christians will receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.Ω

New Ministries

Trinity Ministries

Trinity Ministries are a new program led by Bishop Richard Dickerson, St. Thomas Chapel, San Jose, CA. Congratulations.Ω

Truth In The Word

A new group led by Bishop Mary Trombly and Rev. Mtr. Barbara Williams on the web at Yahoo Groups. You are invited to join in asking questions, contributing and learning through trivia contests and many other ways.

A message from revmary@tanaya.net:

Dear Friends;

I am inviting you to join a Group that is dedicated to teaching the Real Truth of God and His Word. If you are really seeking the Truth and you want to grow in the Lord...This is the place to come. If you are Lost...This is the Place to come. If you have a Prayer or a Testimony... This is the place to come. There will be no theology allowed, just the True Word of God. I hope you will join.Ω

Ongoing Ministries

Black

Bishop Damien (John) Black, is starting a program outside of Tucson, AZ consisting of a food bank, a clothing bank and personal & financial counseling - all of which is much needed in the area. Mar Damien was awarded the Doctor of Divinity in recognition of all the work he has done and is doing in Tucson.Ω

Jesus of Nazareth Diocese

A great global ministry is guided by Bishop Mary (Leslie) Trombly, D.D., primate of the diocese, 2209 Twin Ridge Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005. We commend her powerful faith and devotion. She has missions Nigeria, India and other nations besides here in the States. She is working with Archbishop Tedi and Bishop Francis (Phillip) Weber in Bellevue, NE. You are all blessed.Ω

Sisters of the Rose of Sharon

The Sisters, guided by Rev. Mother Abbess Teresa (Alecia) Darin, have many missions in several countries. Mtr Teresa is also the one who does all the fantastic web pages for the Diocese and for the Home Page for the Federation.

Ministries of Sts. Peter & Paul

Fr. Peter (Robert) Darin is not only the Chancellor for Abp. Weber but also keeps the network of computers up and running safely for the continuance of the ministries of the Lord.

Through much research, he has been able to develop a new firewall (Bulldog) which is extremely secure and a new anti-spam program (DynaStop Technology) that has reduced our e-mail considerably.

Ω

Communications

The Patriarch has been blessed by a communication from Rev. Mother Miriam, Fresno, CA, who was designated A Defender of the Holy Gospel. The Mar Thoma Church Outside India was once affiliated with our Christian fellowship. Glory to God.Ω

Books

There are excellent Christian books available:

The Inner Life of Christ, studies in Matthew, chapters 1-7 by Joseph Parker.

Philippians by F.F. Bruce is recommended also.

Keep up your Scripture studies. Question: What are the names of two great women in the Bible?Ω

Gifts and Donations

Thanks be to God, we now have a beautiful and all helpful Saint Andrew Service Book. This 1996 edition was donated lovingly to the Patriarch and Marta Virginia by the Venerable Dr. Michael D. Courtney. Dr. Courtney was appointed archpriest last summer and granted the Ecclesiastical Degree, Doctor of Divinity. He is an accomplished scholar and is setting up a discretionary fund for sudden emergencies. Please help by donating whatever you can.

We, the Patriarch, surely appreciated his gift of Beyond Belief by Elaine Pagels. Archpriest Father Michael has shown sensitive and positive leadership. Ω

Holidays

All Saints Day

At All Saints, we honor the great heroes of the Christian faith. Our grandsons dress up as Apostles, Martyrs, Great Missionaries and characters from Pilgrim's Progress. Ω

Advent and Christmas

We are ready to receive your plans for Advent and Christmas. Pray for peace in our world and or protection of all American troops serving far from home. Make plans to celebrate the coming of the Christ Child and the wonderful gifts He has given us.

As soon as Christmas is over, start planning for your Christian Seder and Easter Celebrations. AND please submit your plans to the Newsletter.

Happy Holidays!Ω

Notices

Please note that any information you would like to include in the next issue is mailed or e-mailed to Abp Tedi Weber at either the Bellevue, NE address or to: AbpTheodora@tanaya.net.

We welcome all to contribute to this newsletter. If there are any questions, please write to Abp. Tedi at one of the above addresses or call at: 402.291.0956. Ω

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Poetry

My Friend

He always sits and listens

To all my thoughts and prayers

In everything I hope for

The joys my heart can share

He has never sat and laughed at me

Or made fun of the songs I sing

I think, He often joins me in chorus

No matter how off-key, I seem

He often quietly comforts me

When I am feeling low

With His loving arms around me

He warms my very soul

He often dries my weary eyes

With the gentleness of His touch

Filling my heart with
inspiration and hope

I love Him... So very much

He never has to say a word

But yet, My heart... hears Him, still

In everything I choose to do

I take His love that is so true

He often guides me through the day

Pointing out the path that I should take

He is there when I close my eyes at night

And in the mornings when I awake

He promises to never leave me

No matter what I do

Always with a forgiving heart

He says, "I'm always here for you"

He takes my hand and leads me

In every step and word I say

Dear Lord, I'll thank You forever

My Greatest Friend... In all my days

Stories

Christ and Christmas

For centuries, the Russians told a legend about a young prince called Alexis. He lived in a gigantic ornate palace, while all around him lived hundreds of poor peasants in filthy hovels. The prince was moved to better their lot. So he began to visit them. But he could not make any real contact with them. They always treated him with high respect, and felt ill-at-ease with him.

Then he thought things over and one day came out to the people dressed as a rough and ready young doctor who wanted to devote his life to the poor. He started by renting a rat-ridden shack on a back street. He wore old torn clothes, just like the people. He lived on the plainest food. Often he did not know where his next meal would come from. He made no money because he treated everyone free and gave away his medicines. Before long, he won the love and respect of all the people. As Prince Alexis, he had never succeeded in doing that.

Little by little, he transformed the whole spirit of the place: settling quarrels, reconciling enemies, helping people to live decent lives.

No one guessed that this young doctor was in fact the Prince himself, who had abandoned his palace and gone down among his people to become one of them. That is a parallel to the story of Christ and Christmas Day.