Dearly beloved in Christ,
As we have entered the second quarter, let us give thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings that we experienced in the first quarter. God has enabled us to observe the Great Lent one more time in our life. Through the 40 days fasting and continuous prayer to His Father, Jesus finished a victorious life. This is the excellent model of a blessed life in this world.
Since the church is the Body of Christ, it must exhibit the same qualities of Jesus. Otherwise church cannot be a church but simply a crowd. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” So, the church can be identified by its nature, whether it is exhibiting the qualities of life or not. If the church doesn’t have life, it means it is dead. Since Jesus is alive how can the church be dead?
As long as a church building exists, it communicates that Jesus is alive and is with us. In the same way, as long as we live others must understand that Jesus is alive and not “Jesus is no more.” May the Holy Spirit empower each one of you to abide in Jesus and spread the fragrance of the Gospel in and around us.
Let me take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you all of you for your prayers and support extended towards me and to all the church ministries from May 2015 to April 2018. God has given us the opportunity to serve you all in the past three years. I will be transferred to Naranammoozhi Nilackal MTC in the Ranni-Nilackal Diocese from May 1st 2018 onwards. I humbly request your continued prayers for fulfilling my ministry fruitfully in that parish. I wish and pray that May God Almighty continue His blessings upon you all abundantly so that you might fruitfully continue His ministry in this part of the world.
Rev. Simon Kurian is appointed as the new Vicar of this Parish. I wish all the very best for the new Achen and his family. May God Almighty shower upon him His abundant blessings and Grace so that he can serve the Parish in a blessed and fruitful way.
My blessings to you all in the Name of the Holy Trinity.
Bid Adieu to all,
With Love and Prayers
Philip P. Mathew Achen and Family