32nd Mar Thoma Diocesan Youth Conference
In the year of our Lord 2011, and by His Love & Grace, the Long Island Mar Thoma Youth Fellowship hosted the 32nd Mar Thoma Diocesan Conference. The conference convened at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY from July 7th – 10th 2011. The Mar Thoma church has been lighted to lighten the world for which God so loved; and so the theme of the Conference was “City on a Hill” with the theme verse from Mathew 5.14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The conference was a venue for 151 delegates from 25 churches and congregations in two nations (US & Canada). The youth chaplains, as in previous years, were the backbone of the conference.
Inaugural Session: This year we were blessed with the presence of two Bishops of the church.
The conference was inaugurated by our Diocesan Episcopa – Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas (Adoor Diocese) also accepted the invitation to attend the conference this year; Bishop brought greetings from India.
After highlighting the fact that the youth conference is older than all other conferences in the diocese, Tirumeni reflected on the theme by stating that we are called to testify Jesus in our daily lives. The city aspect of the theme verse reminds us that we are not individuals but rather a community called to witness Christ.
Rev. Biju P. Simon and Rev. A.B Binu welcomed everyone gathered on behalf of the Diocesan Youth Fellowship and the Long Island MTC family. Ms. Roshin Thomas asked all the delegates to stand as the churches were called out by name.
Main Talks: This year’s main speaker was Mr. Jason Gaboury.
Jason sought to enlighten the youth of the diocese with illustrations from scripture and the contemporary culture. He prepared five talks with each one geared towards strengthening the current as well as the upcoming generation of God’s workers in His vineyard. He taught us to pray to the Lord before every sermon “Lord, illimunate my mind, rekindle my heart and strengthen my will.”
He closed the talks with an exhortation to prevent this conference from being stored away as an “experience.” Instead he prayed the disciples who gathered would seek to build on its foundation by leading their home parishes and communities in the light of Christ, the Light of lights.
Ordination Service: By God’s grace, the Long Island Mar Thoma family was able to be the host for the St. John’s ordination ceremony of Deacon Dennis Abraham. Deacon Abraham became Rev. Dennis Abraham during the Friday Holy Communion Service which was held in the John Adams Playhouse on the campus. It was a great honor for the conference hosts to be a part of the historic event. May God bless Dennis Achen in all his service for God’s Glory & Kingdom.
General Session: A general session was led by Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla which focused on relationships and marriage. Achen highlighted the areas which differentiate men and women as well as the common bond in Christ that all have.
There was also a special “Did You Know” session highlighting the various churches from around the world, including the first church outside India located in Klang, Malaysia. Janice George and Julie George helped with the presentation that created awareness about our brothers and sisters in the faith community worldwide. A special letter was sent and read from the youth fellowship in Germany.
Carnival: There was held on Friday evening a special carnival where the delegates could win prizes and participate in different competitions in a fun atmosphere.
Tracks: there were 5 tracks along with the main talks. Delegates had an opportunity of selecting two out of five. The tracks included:
- Christian Perspective on Dating: Led by Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla, this track addressed the practical points of going about becoming and finding a suitable partner as informed by Scripture and Christian thought.
- Hermeneutics: Led by Rev. Shibi Abraham, this track delved deep into the methods of bible study to help prepare the delegates in preparing messages, studies and devotionals on their own. A believer should always be preparing his/her next message so they can be prepared to give an answer if ever called upon.
- Denominational Differences: Jointly led by Rev. Biju Simon and Mr. Stan Samuel, this track touched on the different denominations in the world, and how they are structured. Both leaders also mentioned different facts about many of the denominations, and also played a video about the Mar Thoma Church and its roots with the other denominations in India. They went through the ecumenical movement that arose in the 20th century, and mentioned which churches we have communion with.
- Polity: Led by Rev. Alex Peter, this track provided an environment to learn and share the dynamics of the history of the church which led to the structure of the church administration today.
- Apologetics & 2012: Led by Rev. Jaisen Thomas & Deacon Alex Kolath, the track participants discussed the eastern understanding of the end times (eschatology) in light of the recent “end of the world” talk. Christian apologetics must always point to Christ. It is not merely trying to prove things. It is a personal testimony of the hope we have in Christ.
Small Groups: All the delegates were divided in to 15 small groups led by leaders among the delegates themselves. These groups met to discuss the questions Jason had from the main talks. The discussions were geared towards helping the hearers of God’s word become doers through applying what they learned in their home parishes/communities.
Worships: The Long Island Youth Fellowship Praise/Worship & Prayer Teams played a vital role in the outcome of the conference. The Praise/Worship team practiced for hours every week so that they would be prepared to hear from God and lead the gathered into worship of the King of kings.
The Prayer Team team was instrumental in joining with them for the special Worship/Witnessing session on Saturday evening.
Closing Program: The conference came to a close on Sunday July 10, 2011 with the dedication service and closing ceremony. The service was led by Rev. Alex Peter under the guidance of all the youth chaplains. The chaplains and Deacon Alex also led a worship session before the dedication service.
The closing ceremony was emceed by the conveners of the conference. A few minutes were given to a youth member from Tampa, Arun Abraham, to invite delegates to the upcoming Leadership Conference in January. Please remember the Tampa youth family and parish in your prayers as they prepare.
Conclusion:
Glory, Praise, and Honor be to our Father!!! We thank Him for allowing us to host such an important conference in the history of our diocese and the present generation of youth leaders in the church. We pray for the upcoming conferences that they would continue to build on the cornerstone, our LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
On behalf of your Long Island Family,
For the 32nd Mar Thoma Diocesan Youth Conference,
Adarsh Abraham
“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.”
- Joel 1.3