To the Families of the Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph,
Greetings. We have now reached the final quarter of the year. Time after time, we make resolutions and commitments (for example, New Year’s resolutions, or commitments we make to the Lord, and to others in our life). Do we maintain the integrity of that commitment? (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).
This month, we celebrate Youth Sunday. We remember with gratitude, the ministries of the Youth Fellowship & Yuvajana Sakhyam. These ministries began as a result of the prayers, faith, and dedication of our bishops, clergy, & older generation, keeping in mind the need for relevance and customization of ministry. These ministries cater to the spiritual and holistic needs of younger generation in our faith community. Oftentimes, we underestimate or overlook these ministries. Youth ministry is not a separate entity from the church; it is meant to plug the younger generation into the life, ministry, & witness of the church. As a parish, we need to ask ourselves: What is our investment in the youth ministry? There cannot be a divide between the youth ministry and parish life. If so, the youth ministry does not fulfill its potential and intended purpose.
We must be cognizant that our faith community consists of different generations, with different experiences and perspectives. What can we do to understand each other’s need, labor for the kingdom of God, and continue the missional mandate, to be the witnesses to Jesus Christ? Let us remember the culture and faith of the first church (Acts 4). Let our life be a creative, positive, and fruitful response to the gospel.
The holidays are fast approaching. On behalf of my family and myself, we wish you all a blessed, Christ-centered Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year.
May the blessings of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you all.
Yours in Christ,
9/21/2016 Rev. Dennis Abraham
Philadelphia Youth Chaplain