This year, the combined Junior and Senior Students conference of the North East and South East Region was held at the Ramapo College, New Jersey from Thursday July 15th to Sunday July 18th, 2010. There were 320 delegates participated in the conference, 293 Sunday school students and 27 chaperones from the tri- State area such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The age groups of the delegates were grades between 6th to 12th. North East Region Sunday School's hosted this year's conference. Many eminent speakers led the various sessions for the conference. This year's theme was, “ Walk with God ” based on the book of Genesis 5:22.
A scene from singing and listening to the Bible Studies
This conference had many unique highlights. There were theme talks, bible studies, group discussions, worship services, recreation, talent night, dedication & witnessing, and Holy Qurbana. All of these aspects of the conference touched many of our Sunday school student's hearts indeed and that led many to dedicate their life for Christ for the first time and many to re- dedicate their life for Christ
Scene from Q& A with Tirumeni and Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas
The opening ceremony started promptly at 7:00 pm on Thursday night. During the opening ceremony, Ms. Amy Thomas (Secretary) welcomed the gathering. Rev. Varghese Mathai, president of the North East Region Sunday schools gave presidential address. Theodosius Tiruemni in his inaugural address talked about the importance of walking with God in this world. Tirumeni illustrated many biblical characters like Noah that walked with God, when no believed there would be a flood but Noah believed in the promise of God. Tirumeni and all the leaders used power point presentations, videos, and various available latest electronic technology tools to communicate the messages.
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A scene from Talent Night
Main leaders for the conference were Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas, Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla (SE Region Youth Chaplain), Rev. Biju P. Simon (NE Youth Chaplain), Mr. Thomas Kurien (CEO of Almega Cable Co), Ms. Faith Dugan (Child Evangelism Fellowship). All the leaders encouraged delegates to walk with God. Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas spoke about the importance of realizing the importance of your life as young children. He said, “Your life is a gift of God- not an accident, you are in the plan of God, therefore you have the freedom to spent, wasted, or invested.” Achen's bible expositions based on theme were very beneficial to all those who attended. Youth chaplains conducted bible study sessions for juniors and seniors separately; they dealt with wide ray of issues pertaining to the youngsters' lives. Some of the issues included relationship in family, society and among boy and girl relationships. Thomas Kurien mainly dealt with issues youths facing from a scriptural and cultural perspectives.
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Workshop dealt with current issues among youths Internet, sex, dating, and pornography.
There were chaperons assisted the delegates from respective parishes. Many Achens' from both regions attended, visited, and offered their prayerful support for the conference from time to time. There was a special class for all the delegates regarding the importance of the Holy Communion preparation led by Rev. Varghese Mathai.
Worship team
Also, on Saturday night there was a band called “Anonymous” performed a concert. Special thanks to committee members of the North East Region: President, Rev. Varghese Mathai, Dr. John K. Thomas (Coordinator), Mr. T. P. Jacob (Treasurer), Ms. Amy Thomas (Secretary), Dr. Sijo Abraham (Program Convener) for their hard work and commitment. The conference concluded on Sunday after the Holy Qurbana service led by Diocesan Secretary Rev. Vinoy Daniel and concluding sermon and message by the North East Region Youth Chaplain, Rev. Biju P. Simon. The torch was handed down to the South East Region to host the 2011 conference.
The Conference was an overall success and a blessing to all those who attended.
Prepared by Rev. Biju P Simon