Vicar’s Message

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May His grace, peace, and abundant blessings be with each one of you and your families.

As a parish, we are entering into a significant and meaningful season in our journey together. By God’s grace, the Chicago Mar Thoma Church has been blessed with a unique opportunity to offer three different styles of worship services at three different timings, namely the Divine Service, the Ignite Service, and the Holy Communion Service. This is not merely a logistical arrangement, but a pastoral response to the diverse spiritual needs, schedules, and worship preferences within our community.

With this blessing also comes a responsibility. Our parish theme for this year, “Faithful Today, Hopeful Tomorrow,” calls us to begin with the basics of Christian life: faithfulness in worship. Worship is not an optional activity; it is the very essence of our Christian existence.

It is in worship that we:

• Encounter God’s presence

• Discern His will

• Experience healing and restoration

• Journey together as a community of faith

No worship service is ever perfect in itself, but it is our preparation, our participation, and our devotion that make it meaningful and transformative. I encourage each family to prayerfully choose the service that best suits your context and commit to regular, faithful participation.

I especially urge our Area Prayer Group leaders to take intentional steps to ensure that participation in worship does not diminish but grows stronger. Let us lead by example and inspire others toward deeper engagement. As we reflected in last week’s meditation on the Emmaus journey, the risen Lord revealed Himself in the breaking of the bread. This reminds us that Christ continues to meet us in worship, in Word, and in Sacrament. Let us not miss these sacred encounters.

Prayer Concerns and Parish Life

1. Space for the Future – Public Hearing (May 12th)

This is a crucial step in discerning and fulfilling God’s vision for our parish. Let us pray:

• That this initiative aligns with God’s will

• That our neighbors and well-wishers will support us

• That this space will serve all generations, fostering worship, fellowship, and mission

In connection with this project, we will soon begin house visits for fundraising initiation. I humbly request every family to open your hearts and homes for this cause, trusting that we are participating in God’s larger purpose. As our Lord once asked, “Do you want to be healed?” today He asks us, “Are you willing to participate in the building of My community?”

2. Families in Grief

Let us uphold in prayer the families who have lost their loved ones in the past month, especially the families of:

• Mr. Shaji Koshy

• Mr. John K. Thomas

• Mrs. Mariamma George

May the God of all comfort strengthen and console them in their time of sorrow.

3. Celebrations and New Beginnings

We thank God for the sacred union of Sunil and Carolin in holy matrimony. Let us also pray for all those who are preparing for marriage, that their lives may be rooted in Christ’s love and faithfulness.

4. Prayer for the Sick and Suffering

Let us make it a priority in our daily prayers to remember all those in our community who are sick, undergoing treatment, or preparing for surgery, whether at home or in hospitals. May the Lord grant them His healing touch, divine peace, strength, and comfort, and uphold their families with hope and faith.

Growth Through Participation

This year brings several opportunities for spiritual growth through diocesan conferences, including:

• Mar Thoma Yuvajana Conference

• Sevika Sangham Conference

• MTVEA (Edavaka Mission) Conference

I strongly encourage everyone, especially our youth and members of various organizations, to register and actively participate, so that we may be spiritually enriched and strengthened.

Strengthening Fellowship at Home

As recommended by the Executive Committee:

• Every family is encouraged to host a cottage prayer meeting at least once in two years

• Each prayer group should organize cottage fellowships at least twice a quarter

To ensure wider participation:

• Keep refreshments simple and minimal

• Schedule meetings around 4:00 PM, making it accessible for families

These gatherings are not mere formalities; they are vital spaces where:

• Faith is shared

• Relationships are strengthened

• Christ is experienced in community

A Call to Renewal

Let this month be a time of intentional renewal in our spiritual lives:

• Personal prayer – deepening our individual walk with God

• Family prayer – restoring Christ as the center of our homes

• Corporate worship – strengthening our identity as a parish community

Let us grow together, not just in numbers, but in faithfulness, unity, and spiritual maturity.

Dearly beloved, the Emmaus journey reminds us that even in moments of confusion and disappointment, Christ walks with us, reveals Himself to us, and renews our hope.

Let us therefore remain:

• Faithful in worship today

• Confident in God’s promises for tomorrow

May our parish continue to be a place where Christ is encountered, lives are transformed, and His name is glorified.

With prayers and blessings,

Yours in Christ’s service,

Ashish Achen

May 2026