Dearly beloved in Christ,

Most of our members are probably still on a high from the retreat. It was an awesome retreat by the grace of God.  We had a wonderful time at Sandy Cove, a perfect place for this year’s theme, “Rest, Reflect, and Renewal - Rekindle the Fire Within”.  We chose a very relevant and meaningful theme for the retreat – Rekindle means to light the fire within, to relight (a fire), to revive or renew, regaining a new face.  Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we be rekindled.  However, this process must start with a decision on our part and the choice is ours to make.  Fire symbolizes sanctification. Isaiah 6:5 says “I am a man of unclean lips”.  Then the Seraphim flew to him with a live coal, taken from the altar, touched him and he was cleansed.  Rekindle yourself with the fire from the altar, Jesus, who is the best example of a rekindled personality. His 40 days of fasting was a rekindling experience for him.  We should become like Christ.  Lead your life and mission on this earth as Christ did.

I am very happy to see that some of the senior members of our church attended the retreat.  It was really encouraging and appreciable.  I appreciate the coordinators, leaders and the volunteers of the retreat for their dedicated service and input.

This year, the Sunday School is conducting a summer class for the kids. It is going very well.  It would be a good time for our kids to learn more about God and the Bible in a different way.  I hope they are enjoying it very well. I request all parents to encourage them to attend this program.

Our beloved Barnabas Thirumeni is visiting our parish on Saturday, July 23rd.  There will be a Holy Communion service at 6pm at our church.  This is the first time Thirumeni is visiting us (as an Episcopa).  I request your prayerful participation.  We will have some major events like VBS and convention and picnic this quarter.  I request your prayer and support for these programs.  These days some of our friends are travelling to India.  I wish all of them a safe journey.

Once more the summer has come.  Schools are closed.  We will get more time to spend with our children. Make the most of it.  Spend your valuable time with your children instead of spending it on something else.  Spend some more time in family prayer and Bible reading.  Enjoy your summer.

Thank you,

Yours in Christ alone,
Jose Achen and family