A Million Thanks

by Betcy Thotakat, PMP

Our long awaited Silver Jubilee conference and VBS are finally over. We went on a much-needed vacation after the convention and got back home yesterday. Now I'm settling back to my normal routine.

During the past few months we had several meetings to plan this. So much planning and preparations were done for which I owe you all and to Lord Almighty. When I was given the chance to say thanks at the venue, I tried to minimize my words due to the limited time I was allowed. I did not mention any one by name just because I don't want to forget any one and be fare to all volunteers. We all witnessed how sincerely the volunteers exercised selfless behavior.

We were fighting against the clock most of the time. Still we managed to deliver the planned lessons and songs. Jeeth, Kiran, Anu and team did a wonderful job in conducting the quiz program. It was awesome! Now I wonder how can we get a copy of that application to present at our local Sunday Schools?

Wilcy, Susan and Janice delivered the songs. Several by-standers commented on that. The melodious voices and the encouragement from you guys were amazing.

During the delivery of lessons I grabbed a few volunteers on site since several of the pre-planned teachers had to jump to Choir competitions. Many thanks to all the volunteers (Susan John, Smitha, Sreya Santosh, Shija Geevarghese, Melissa, Reeni Cherian, Sairah Varghese, Asha Gigi, Beena John, Reeja John, Geethu, Donny Johnson, Mini Sajan, Janice Mathew, Valsa Mathew, Salomi Paulose, Mercy Parambath,Sheela George, Shirly Kurian, Lissy Paul, Pathrose, Shiny Parambath, Mrs Roy Sakaria, Mrs Alice Kodiattu, Bibu Jacob, Lance Paulose and the list goes on) who taught the lessons, brought in supplies, and guided the children during procession etc.

(Just a side note: I wanted to share this, I ordered 220 T-shirts and had 200 song books and CDs. After distributing it among the children who came for the VBS presentation (several children did not show up for the procession) we still had few remaining. It was handed over to Susan John and Mercy Parambath who were at driving distance from convention center, so that they could use it for their local/sub regional VBS. (Sorry, that I did not get a chance to consult with the rest of the volunteers)

I did not get a chance to take pictures during the VBS. If any one of you has those snaps, please share it. Dr. Jacob Mathew is willing to post it on the web.

Many thanks to Joby George, George Korath, Biju Cherian, Reji Varghese, Dr. Jacob Mathew, Joel Edathara, Dn. Shiryl Mathai, Teena Geevarghese and Bibu Jacob for providing the rooms and facilities to conduct the VBS.

During my tenure as Sunday School Director I came across several Sunday school teachers. I knew them (Mini Sajan, Jeeth, Shibu, Sony, Shirley, Shiji to name a few) through voices during teleconferences or emails. This convention was a rare opportunity to see you all in person and work with you sharing the load of VBS related duties. Your experience, talent and charisma kept the balance and order magnanimously and upon which the Spirit of the Almighty poured out Grace. I cherish the moments that I got to meet you and work with you all. I'm confident the future of our Sunday School is safe with your support and God's Grace.

I personally want to thank each and every single volunteer. I pray for your continued support for thislittle but vital branch of our church in the coming years. I know there is room for improvement in the way we conduct the Sunday School teachers meeting and VBS. Now that you have first hand experience, please bring it forward. The improvements begin from every single one of us.

Thanks to Thirumeni and Thelapallil Achen to facilitate the election process. Achen will remain as Vice president for now.

We now have a fresh new team for Sunday School Board with Mr. T. V. John as Director and Mr. Jeeth Joseph as Associate director.

Here is the list of newly elected office bearers per region:

R1 - Ms. Kusumam Daniel
R2- Mr. James John
R3 - Ms. Janice Mathew
R4 - Mr. Binu Aramath
R5- Mr. Shibu Kunnath

Congratulations to the new MSOSSA board members.

Finally, thanks to God Almighty, our Thirumeni, All our priests, Sunday School teachers, parents and children for all the support you gave me during the past two years. I tried my best to do justice to the trust you put in me. Hope what every improvement we achieved thus far in teamwork will stay with us.

If you need me or if you have a question or concern, I'm just a phone call away.

Please keep my family and myself in your prayers.

Best Regards,
Betcy Thotakat. PMP