Dear All,

I greet you all in the name our risen Lord and Jesus Christ. I would like to thank all for attending last month’s services and various activities in our church. During the summer season, our church is focused on organizing various events.

Prayer Meetings: We are conducting our area prayer meetings once a month and choir is meeting once a month as choir fellowship at the church as well Sevkasanghm meeting regularly at the church or at various houses. Our Vicar is actively participating and coordinating those meetings regular.

2011 Annual Picnic: This year we had the annual picnic on Saturday august 27th at Quarry Lakes Park in Fremont. There were about 300 people that attended the picnic. The weather was great and the food was fabulous. I would like express sincere thanks to all the coordinators of that event especiallyThomas Tharakan (Santhosh), George David (Jerry), Renjan , Anil Jacob,Philip Mathew (Sherry), Philip Chandy (Roby), Liju John, Anu Philip, George Kaithara, Mathew Palakottu (Jimji), Kurian Idiculla, Jeeva John, Sharon Mathew, Mary George and many, many others. A large number of people from Sacramento area attended the picnic. Thank you very much.

Western Regional Convention: About 40 people from our church attended Western Regional Convention held at Los Angeles Parish from August 19th through the 21st. We attended on Saturday August 20th, the convention programs. The convention was a great blessing to all members that participated. Sincere thanks to Mr. Kurian Varghese and Mr. Sujith Issac for coordinating the trips to Los Angeles and all travel arrangements.

Sunday School Teachers and Student Dedications Service: This year we are going to have Sunday School teachers dedication services on Saturday, Sept. 4th during the Sunday worship service. I encourage all the teachers and students to participate in the dedication service on Sunday.

Harvest Festival: This year we are going to have our annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 18th after the service. This is a major fundraising event for our church building fund. Please prayerfully participate in this event and make it a great success. I request all of the prayer groups representatives to coordinate with area prayer groups.

Onam Lunch: This year we plan to have our Onam Lunch celebrations on Sunday Sept. 11th after the church service at the social hall. We are going to have a small cultural event during lunch time. I encourage all the members to participate on the Onam Lunch. Detailed information will be updated to the website and also an Evite will be sent out next week.

After Refreshment Program: I would like to thank all for contributing to the after service refreshment. We need more volunteers and sponsors for this program. When you celebrate birthdays and anniversaries please join at the social hall and pray with us, celebrate with us. That will be a great blessing to all.

Thanks to Our Guests: Last month, we had a great number of guests attending our services. We would like to sincerely thank each and every one for their participation.

Back to School Charity Program: I would like thank all of Yuvajana Sakhyan members for coordinating the Back to School charity program. We distributed about 70 backpacks and school supplies to our neighborhood in the Livermore area. And also thank all for their support and donations for this event.
Relay for Life: I would like to thank all that participated in the Relay for Life held on July 16th and 17th in Castro Valley. Sincere thanks to Ms. Jeeva John for coordinating the event. And thanks to our youths and Edavaka mission for their help with the event..

Indian Independence Day Celebrations: This year, our Edavaka Mission sponsored a booth in celebration of Indian Independence Day on August 13th and 14th. They distributed bibles and Christian literature to all that visited the booth. I sincerely thank Mr. Kurian Varghese, Mr. Bejoi Oommen and Mr. Sujith Isac for coordinating this event.

Thanks and Regards

John Mathew