MGSOSA
Mid-West Regional Conference
“Back To School One-Day Retreat”
It is with great privilege and esteem that I report you on the success of the Mid-West’s “Back to School One-Day Retreat” held at St. Peter’s Church Chicago, IL on August 1, 2004. The National Theme for this regional conference was “Lead us not into temptation..” Matthew 6:13. With only two weeks to plan for this regional event, our youth proved their commitment and dedication to MGSOSA and to making this Retreat both nurturing as well as memorable for our youth here in the Mid-West. We were both honored and privileged to have with us Very. Rev. Dr. Kuriokose Corepiscopa Moolayil, Very. Rev. Fr. Sakariya Corepiscopa Thelilpillil, Rev. Fr. C.M. Markose (visiting us from India) as well as our very own two resident deacons Rev. Dn. Joel Jacob and Rev. Dn. Jerry Jacob.
An idle moment wasn’t to be seen. The Ice-breaker’s and Praise and Worship session lead by St. Peter’s Church, captured the heart’s our youth. As silly as it may sound, “Father Abraham and his many Sons” was an absolute hit and an awakening for those very few who had “fallen asleep in true faith” after a hearty lunch. Session One was our opening meeting on the theme of Temptation which was lead by Rev. Fr. C.M. Markose discussing his life long experiences with the subject. Session Two speaker was our very own Very. Rev. Dr. Kuriokose Corepiscopa Moolayil with a priceless discussion on the “True Apostolic Faith”. Last but not least the Keynote youth speaker for Session Three was lead by Rev. Dn. Joel Jacob. Dn. Joel's speech was on the theme of temptation, which certainly captured the attention of our youth. He spoke of how evil Temptations are the works of the devil and not of God. He brought to light “Peer Pressure” as Satan’s greatest achievement and how it traced back to the time of ‘Adam and Eve’ and the serpent. There is no definite way to avoid temptations, but we can certainly try to control our urges and just say NO.
The last event of the evening was our “Open Panel Discussion” comprising of the Achans and deacons present. Some very key issues were introduced by our youth which were then addressed by the panel speakers in very effective manner. Our youth enjoyed every minute of it. The vote of thanks was given by our Very. Rev. Fr. Sakariya Corepiscopa Thelilpillil, who wrapped up the days’ discussions with a final message of his own. We ended with the Evening Prayer lead by the clergy. A delicious dinner was served and our youth departed.
A very special thanks to our Regional and Assistant Coordinator Ani Skariya and Elizabeth Venkadathu for all their effort into making it complete success. Also like to thank the host parish St. Peter’s Church Chicago and its members for allowing us to hold this function at their church.
Rev. Dn. Joel Philip Jacob Elizabeth Venkadathu
General Secretary Assistant Coordinator
MGSOSA Mid-West Region
DnJoel@yahoo.com Rissykutti@hotmail.com