Mar Thoma Church
Diocese of North America & Europe
Annual Clergy Family Conference – 2010
Venue: St. Paul's Mar Thoma Church, Dallas, TX

Venue: 4^th to 6^th July

Report of the Annual Clergy Family Conference 2010

Sunday, 4^th July, 2010

The Annual Clergy Conference of the North – America, Europe, UK Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church was held at the St. Paul's Mar Thoma Church, Dallas from 4^th to 6^th July 2010. The main theme of the conference was “Ministry in a Technocratic world”. 46 Achens and families from various parts of the Diocese attended the Conference. The Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Tirumeni attended the Conference and presided over it. The meeting started with Dinner. The opening worship was led by the Achens from the Houston area.

Tirumeni appointed Rev. Biju P. Simon and Rev. K. E. Geevarghese as recording secretaries. The Diocesan Secretary Rev. Vinoy Daniel welcomed the gathering. He extended special welcome to Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas (India) and Rev. Joseph Daniel (Switzerland).

Tirumeni in his inaugural address emphasized the following things on the basis of the main theme of the conference

1. 21^st century is all about change and speed and we are in the midst of adaptive challenges. 
2. In global world, use of wireless and satellite communication has brought people and things to a state where there is no feel of space and time.
3. The world is becoming increasingly high-tech and our people are mostly techies.
4. Technological advancement – A threat or an opportunity?
5. In an age of innovation, catching the vision is the first step.
6. We are challenged to adapt new methods in ministry to the changing conditions of space and time.
7. Therefore the changes are challenging us today to clarify values, develop new strategies and learn new ways of effective ministry.
8. Update with information, maintain interpersonal relationship and make decisions in the given context and according to the need of the time.
9. Not knowing certain technologies is not the problem, but our attitude to learning and knowing them is more important.
   
   
10. We live in a digital world. We should not fall into the digital divide, like technology replacing people or relationship, taking away our relationship with God … etc.
11. Use of technology should not take us away from our thinking process or deny the guidance of Holy Spirit
12. Ministry today becomes a combination of science, culture and faith.
13. The ordained ministers are called to renew the sanctification regularly like Jesus (John 17: 19) and to say ‘yes' to the world where the ministry is needed.
14. Equip ourselves by making use of the trainings and orientations available in the theological institutions in our neighborhood

After Tirumeni's inaugural address the main speaker of the conference, Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas gave keynote address. In his address Achen shared his thoughts based on the text Mt. 9: 16 – 17.

Achens class can be summarized under three major headings: -

1. Changes in today's world
2. Challenges brought out by the changes
3. Our responses to the modern challenges

1. Change

Media change a historical appraisal

Oral communication:

• Some place of the ancient past, people communicated through word of mouth
• Culture transmitted through word of mouth, using stories, formulas, idioms and songs
• These had to be repeated again and again to remember and learn. Repetition of liturgy

Written Communication:

• Thousands of years later someone started writing down. Alphabets were invented which was the major use of technology.

Print media:

• The invention of printing press – books circulated- everything changed – generation gap for the first time – children did not need parents for knowledge and guidance – they could learn from people before their life time.

Computer:

• With computer, technology gained upper hand in networking and communication
• With compute the whole life

Three approaches in computer world

• Utopian – simply love technology
• Dystopian - technophobes – demonizing technology
• Prophetic – critical solidarity – today we need this approach
  
  

5 things we need to know about technological change

• Technology is a trade off. It gives some and takes away some other. e.g. printing press gave prose but made poetry exotic.
• The advantages and disadvantages of new technologies are not evenly distributed among the population. Some are benefited while others are left off.
• Every technology has a bias. In oral culture human memory is important. In writing culture memory is little waste….etc.
• New technology does not add something, but changes everything as a drop of ink changes water.
• Media need not be natural and god given. Beware of technological idolatry. Technology should not be our master.

2. Challenges

• Media changes is challenging our church beyond our imagination
• To the nature of the church, membership and pastoral ministry
• Migration and the nature of the church
• Media challenging the authority of the church – they are becoming their own authority
• New forms of church
  The sacrament oriented church (oral and ritual)
  Teaching oriented church (print) – shift from alter to pulpit
  Electronic church
  Cyber church (computer)
  Different forms – are they complimenting and contradicting

Media is creating a new religious public space (religion in the market place)

• What is the church identity in this context means?
• The priest hood of all believers becomes the gathering of religious consumers
• Local congregation becomes one of the options for the religious ‘consumers' or autonomous believer
• A flattening of denominational boundary in terms of doctrines and beliefs and conservative adherence to ritual practices has become a possibility
• Now the catchword is choice

3. Response

Pastor should know: -

1. How to overcome the mono-media bias of the church and the media gap between pastors and congregation members
2. To listen, discern and to be present as a friend

The church is called to communicate through its being and witness critically using various modern techniques. Achen concluded his talk with call to redefine the authority in a technocratic world. It is not your accent, but your access that is important.

It was followed by discussion. Revds. Mathew Varghese, A. T. Thomas, Roy P. Thomas, Philip George, Jose Abraham T., K. C. Varghese, Abraham Thomas and Joe Joseph Kuruvilla participated in the discussion. Rev. Sham P Thomas and Tirumeni responded to the issues raised by the Achens.

Rev. A. P. Noble, vicar of St. Paul's MTC, briefed the arrangements made for transportation and travel.

The first day's sessions ended with prayer by Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese and benediction by Tirumeni.

Monday, 5^th July 2010

The second day's sessions began with the morning worship led by the Achans from South East Region. Rev. K. C. Varghese led Bible study based on II Chronicles 1: 12 (I Kings 3: 12).

He talked about Solomon's life style and challenges of his dynasty. Rev. Oommen Varkey and Rev. Dr. Sham P Thomas responded.

Following the Bible Study, Tirumeni led a session based on “Parish Ministry and the use of e-tools”. He emphasized the following

In a world of technology: -

1. We need to figure out the talk and walk of the people
2. Technology is required in every aspect of life, including the ordained ministry. It is not a question of choice.
3. If we don't continue to learn and gather information, then out ministry will become irrelevant.
4. Diversity is to be celebrated; differences are given for being complementary.
5. Application of technology becomes inevitable and cyberspace become a useful technology for spiritual nurturing.
6. E-tools can be used for fruitful ministry.
7. Science and technology are there not to replace God, humans or spirituality
8. God has gifted us divine wisdom and that helps us to decide the good from evil.

Following Tirumeni's talk, Mr. Biju Abraham, a member of San Francisco Mar Thoma Church, gave a talk on “Technology and Tools for the Mar Thoma Church”.

He talked mainly on (i) Web technology (ii) Accounting technology and (iii) content management system.

After the break for tea, Rev. V. T. John and team led the gathering in singing.

Paper presentations by Rev. Santhosh Thomas and Rev. Joseph Johnny based on the main topic, “Family concerns in a Technocratic world”.

Rev. Santosh Thomas Achen focused his paper on family concerns in technocratic world. Achen carefully surveyed changes in history to the institution of family due to the infiltration of the technologies. Achen also raised some ethical issues in the areas such as use of bio technology for the procreation, how digital media is influencing the young children, also the value of video games. Achen said, “Technology has always been a double edged sword bringing us longer and healthier life spans, freedom from physical and mental drudgery and many new creative possibilities on the one hand, while introducing new and salient dangers on the other.”

Rev. Joseph Johnny achen focused his paper on the impact of technology on family. Achen mainly discussed about the relationship in the partnership and relationship in parenting.

Achen explained the necessity of the communication between husband, wife, and children.

Following paper presentations a general discussion on all the previous talks were followed. Rev. Benu John, Rev. T. Johnson, Rev. Roy P. Thomas, Mrs. Ruby Mathai Varghese, Mrs. Sara Joseph, Mrs. Oommen Varkey, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, Rev. Biju P Simon.

Diocesan Secretary presented the following diocesan concerns:

• Progress of the Direct Deposit
• Reminder regarding Capital Fund Raising 1.5 million;
• Achen encouraged all achens to give dues to the Diocese on time

Rev. M.P. Yohannan Achen briefed on the progress of the Capital Fund Raising also requesting participation from all Achens.

He also led the intercessory prayers.

Then there was a break for lunch.

A paper presentation was held on the topic of “Erosion of values in technocratic world” by Rev. Jacob Varghese. Achen reminded us that we are called to relate to this world.

Technology is the gift and outcome of Gods' mandate to human beings. (Gen.1:27) Technology must never replace God as the object of our trust. He raised questions regarding God's place in technology. Following persons participated in the discussion, Rev. Benu John, Thirumeni, Rev. K. E. Geevarghese, Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla and Roy Abraham

During the parish Concern session; Rev. Roy A. Thomas, Rev. Reji Zachariah, Rev. A.T. Thomas, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, Rev. M.P. Yohannan, Rev. Santosh Thomas and Rev. A.P. Noble raised concerns.

After the evening break the delegates assembled for evening worship. Achens and Kochammas from Midwest centre led worship and Rev. Abraham Thomas led devotional talk based on Mt. 28: 18.

He spoke about Mission and Authority of Jesus Christ. The authority of Jesus Christ was based on simplicity. Authority is different from Power. The mission is to become disciples: disciple is different from devotee. After the devotional talk Rev. Biju P Simon prayed.

Tirumeni in his talk on “Parish Ministry: Things to remember in the Western World” emphasized the following things.

1. Gave the progress of the DVDs: Holy Baptism, Liturgy, Evangelism and Ecumenism, Faith and Practices of the Mar Thoma Church, Marriage and Holy Bible.
2. Tirumeni expressed his concern to revise the orientation materials provided for the achens coming to US. Revds. K. C. Varghese and Roy A. Thomas will help in this regard.

Following a break for dinner there was a talent night program. Many talent programs were conducted by children, achens and kochammas. Rev. A.T. Thomas and Rev. Mathew Varghese coordinated this event.

The St. Paul's Mar Thoma parish youth fellowship organized separate meetings for children throughout the conference time on all days.

Tuesday, 6^th July 2010

Third day of the family clergy conference started with worship; under the leadership of Rev. M.S. Daniel and clergy from NJ area led the worship.

 

Bible study was led by Rev. K. E. Geevarghese based on the book of Nehemiah 10: 28-39; Achen analyzed the Nehemiah community, his role and leadership, and the application for contemporary mission and ministry of the Church.

Achen mentioned Nehemiah led his people through 5 main steps:

1. Reconnecting people to the Word of God
2. Reaffirming the faith traditions
3. Renewal in liturgical life
4. Restoration of community relationship
5. Equipping people for God's mission
   
   
   

Discussion: following achens participated: Revds. Mathew Varghese, Thomas Mathew, Santhosh Thomas. K.E. Geearghese achen responded to the questions.

A singing session was led by Rev. V. T. John and his team.

A paper presentation on “Partnership in Ministry” was done by Mrs. Sairah Joseph. She emphasized the following things

A. Partnership in Ministry

1. Partnership in ministry with God
2. Partnership in ministry with our Spouse
3. Partnership in ministry with the Church: e.g. Phoebe, Priscilla, Eudia and Syntyche, Junia and Andronicus, work of reconciliation in Philemon and the shepherd concept in psalm 23

B. Challenges that are likely to be faced in the life of an achen's wife

1. Challenge of facing the consequence of full surrender to god and being a real witness of Christ
2. The challenge regarding expectations and facing comparisons – both good and bad
3. The challenge of being calm, patient and trusting in God while in the midst of problems
4. The challenge of building a model Christian home and being a model while facing economic constrains

C. Challenge are part of God's plan to work through us

 

Kochmma concluded her talk with a video presentation.

Following that Mrs. Anitha Daniel presented a paper on “the practical aspects of Kochamma's Ministry”.

• Learning to use the language of faith
• Thanking God for our Parish
• In the midst of pain, suffering – model of David in Psalms 23
• God's support is there and his presence is always with us
• Submitting ourselves to God's hand, see his presence in our lives; let us praise God for all that he has done.
• God opens closed door, he provides
• Let Holy Spirit work through us

After a short break a discussion followed regarding the “partnership in ministry”, following people participated in the discussion: Mrs. Zachariah John, Mrs.George M. Kuruvilla, and Rev. Ommen Varkey.

Tirumeni solicited practical advice from all the delegates to implement in the Diocese:

1. Rev. Noble – Allowing women to assist in the Holy Qurbana
2. Rev. A. T. Thomas – Internet Bible Study for the youths
3. Rev. Oommen Varkey – Recommended printing main talks by Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas achen from the Family Conference studies to provide for the youth fellowship.
4. Rev. Roy P. Thomas – Explained the struggles of the youths and their world views and how some individuals exploit their spirituality.
5. Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas – Is it possible to start a “sermon discussion website” for the clergy in this Diocese by writing one sermon by each achens; intervene in Sunday school.

All the Kochammas actively and regularly participated in the conference.

Tirumeni talked on General Administration of the Diocese. He highlighted the following things:

• We should intervene in the world view of the people in this Diocese.
• Don't be in a withdrawal syndrome; be active and involved with people
• Kindly check the email regularly
• Kochammas can provide prayer fellowship, bible study, friendship, and companionship to the women in the parish
• Partnership requires participation;
• Make it a point to understand the division between regions and centers; it will come in to effect from January 2011.
• When you prepare the programs for the Episcopal visit to the parishes, let the diocese office know by October 2010.
• Tirumeni permitted diocesan secretary to explain the “Institute on Liturgy” and solicited the participation from all the achens. Rev. Dr. George Mathew Kuttyil achen will be leading this session. Respective regions need to bear the accommodation and travel expenses; workshop is open for all age groups especially the youths. This institute will take place in four places such as Dallas, Houston, NY, and Philadelphia. Tirumeni encouraged all achens to print a folder with all the reading materials and make video tape.
• Rev. Zachariah John is asked to prepare and publish a CD with liturgical chants for the use of Passion Week and other special occasions.
• Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph will look into the possibility of publishing a material to equip the achens in the Diocese for taking counseling courses in their respective areas.
• M. P. Yohannan achen requested to send a copy of the passport size photograph to the diocese for the souvenir. Tirumeni will give the information to the achens. Achen also encouraged the achens for their participation in the fund raising programme.
• Tirumeni encouraged the achens for the Family Conference 2011 at Edmonton. Entrusted Rev. Regi John to sent invitation letter to process visa to Canada.
• Revds. Regi John, Binu Varghese and Jai Varghese will look into the best possible way to travel from Seattle to Edmonton (by road) for the family Conference. They are asked to inform the details to Tirumeni at the earliest for a final decision.
• The Diocesan Secretary explained the existing practices regarding the family conference fees.
  
  
• Tirumeni briefed on the Immigration procedures – Place of worship (if renting provide proof), Office of the parish, parish budget for the 3 year needs to be passed in the general body, approximately $80,000 per year for an achen, parishes needs to have a bank account, health insurance needs to be provided, if retire achens receive remuneration please file 1090 IRS tax form and so forth.
• Know the difference of the marriage license signing laws in each local & State levels.

Diocesan secretary informed the gathering that the Diocesan Council appointed Rev. Philip George (Philadelphia) as a member to the Diocesan Council in place of Rev. P. J. Varghese, who went on transfer from this Diocese on May 2010.

The children in the conference had an enjoyable time in fellowship.

Vote of Thanks: Rev. Philip George expressed vote of thanks to Tirumeni, Sham P. Thomas Achen, Vinoy Daniel and other achens and Kochammas who led various sessions and worship services in the Conference. He also extended vote of thanks to the Vicar and members of St. Paul's Mar Thoma Church, Dallas, Texas for hosting the conference and for extending hospitality to the participants. Rev. A. T. Thomas extended vote of thanks at the dining area for those who labored there to make the conference an enjoyable one.

The Conference came to a conclusion with the prayer by Rev. Jose P. Abraham and Benediction by Tirumeni at 2 a. m.

Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Rev. K.E. Geevarghese / Rev. Biju P. Simon

Diocesan Episcopa Recording Secretaries