NEWCASTLE FELLOWSHIP
MAR THOMA CHURCH
GOD PROVIDES.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
The Newcastle Mar Thoma Fellowship was born from the dedication and passion of Marthomites in Newcastle who desired a Malayalam service following the Mar Thoma liturgy. Before 2010, most Marthomites attended the Indian Orthodox Church.
James, Ajith, and Gini reached out to Rev. Varghese Mathew, Vicar of Tabore Mar Thoma Church in Manchester for guidance. He advised them to gather information on the local Marthomites and to hold an evening cottage prayer meeting.
The first prayer meeting took place on 27th November 2009 at James's home in Newcastle, with 12 families and 2 university students attending. They prayed for guidance to start a worship service. On 11th June 2010, a second prayer meeting was held at Gini's home, led by Rev. Varghese Mathew, who proposed a monthly Holy Communion service. James, Ajith, and Gini were chosen as Coordinators to implement this plan.
Prayer was answered. The first Holy Communion service was held on 30th July 2010 at St. Francis Church in Newcastle, led by Rev. Varghese Mathew. On 9th September 2010, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa, visited Newcastle. After hearing about the group's efforts, he approved regular worship services and arranged for a Vicar to meet the Fellowship's pastoral needs.
The rest is history, with God's blessings.