Where there is a will, there is a way. The Newcastle Fellowship came into existence due to the dedication, passion and an untiring desire of Marthomites residing in Newcastle. They wished for a Malayalam service following the Mar Thoma liturgy. Prior to 2010, the majority of Marthomites used to attend worship services at the Indian Orthodox Church.

 

James, Ajith and Gini contacted Rev. Varghese Mathew, Vicar of Tabore Mar Thoma Church Manchester, for guidance. (It was the closest Mar Thoma church, 3-hours away). He told them to gather data on the number of Marthomites in the region and to hold an evening cottage prayer meeting.

 

The decisive prayer meeting took place on 27th November 2009 at James's residence in Newcastle, attended by 12 families and 2 university students. They gathered together and prayed earnestly for God to show a way to conduct a worship service. On 11th June 2010, a second prayer meeting took place at Gini's residence in Newcastle. Rev. Varghese Mathew lead the prayer and proposed that a Qurbana service be conducted every month. James, Ajith and Gini were chosen as the Co-ordinators and tasked with implementation.

 

Prayer always gets answered. God provided the opportunity to hold the first Holy Communion service, lead by Rev. Varghese Mathew on 30th July 2010 at St. Francis Church in Newcastle. On 9th September 2010, the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa visited Newcastle. A meeting was organised and upon hearing the developments of this small and dedicated group, he gave consent to hold regular worship services and paved the way for a Vicar to cater to the pastoral needs of the Fellowship.

 

The rest, as they say, is history. With God's blessings.