June 2020
Embedded Files
From the Editorial Team
From the Editorial Team
Welcome to the very first edition of our digital magazine “SMCB Times”
Under the guidance of Fr. Tony, this is a small attempt toward community collaboration to close out the digital distance at a time when social distancing has curtailed our innate need for physical fellowship.
These are extraordinary times, with COVID-19 forcing the whole world to hunker down and hit the pause button for most of 2020. In a way, this crisis has flattened time for many of us.
However, this has also been a time to get away from the busy routine we’ve been so accustomed with, and spend time at home, building memories with our children.
It has also been a time to meditate, observe, create and find joy in little things. This edition takes you through a journey of spirituality, creativity and memories in motion.
We hope that this edition of SMCB Times brings you a little more Faith and Joy during this time. This anonymous quote is truly inspiring - “Faith and Joy are just as contagious as Fear and Panic.”
Achan's Corner
Achan's Corner
SMCB Times is our humble attempt to come together as a Parish community and share our creativity. Let me join all of you to congratulate the communication team for this wonderful initiative.
COVID–19 has brought many changes in our lives. We already started to call it "New Normal". We have enough and more time now for the things for which it was very difficult to find time before COVID–19. In a way it's an awakening time, calling our attention to the basic realities of life.
Let me make use of this opportunity to congratulate our health care professionals for their selfless service in caring the sick especially the coronavirus patients. They really deserve our appreciation and prayers. May the Almighty bless you all with courage and enthusiasm to be His instruments of Mercy in this world.
All our Parents and children are also trying their best to adjust with the new situation. Staying at home was not an easy task in the beginning. Spending time with the family alone has a lot of effects in our lives – too many positive effects as well as few negative ones are possible. Hats off to you all.
I hope and pray that this time is helping us in strengthening our relationships to God and to our Family in the primary realm and then relatives and friends. Is it an occasion for us to correct our priorities!
Many of us have found out creative programs and projects to effectively spend our family time. SMCB Times is our platform to share our creativity with our community. Thank you all who joined in this venture with your creativity. Special thanks to Fr.Pinto Paul for his column.
Let us make use of this time to enrich our faith in God, hope in our loving relationships. Remembering and praying for all those who are sick and their family members,
Tony Achan
Rexy Joseph, June 2020
Everything you wanted to know about how our live stream works.
Fr. Pinto Paul, June 2020
Pinto Achan reflects on how families can find Kindness, Love and Hope during this time of lockdown and social distancing.
Musings
Musings
COVID-19 എന്ന ഇന്നതെ പകർച്ചവ്യാധിയും, ബൈബിളിൽ പരാമർശിക്കുന്ന പകർച്ചവ്യാധികളുമായി ബിജു തൂമ്പിൽ ചില കൗതകകരമായ നിരീക്ഷണങ്ങൾ.
A meditation on staying calm and responding in a Godly way, to the panic of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world. By Jilu Chengat
Meet Rebecca John, a 11 year old gifted artist who runs her own YouTube channel.
Life During Lockdown - A Glimpse!
Life During Lockdown - A Glimpse!
A few glimpses of how families in our SMCB community are finding joy and relaxation at the heart of everything - FAMILY!
Nest Watch - A wonderful discovery on the backyard steps!
Family - Rexy, Anu, Rian, RohanThis family’s backyard was the chosen spot for an American Robin looking to build a nest for her young.
It was indeed a lovely surprise when one of the boys stumbled upon a nest in the works, right on their backyard steps.If it was any other time, they would have just walked past it or maybe checked the progress occasionally.
With the shelter-in-place order, it was perfect timing to closely watch their visitor!
See the slideshow for the Nest Life Cycle in Action.
Backyard Makeover - DIY style!
Family - Varghese Yohanan, Lucy, Jerril, Sharlene & JustinReggie Uncle and sons Jerril and Justin decided to give a face lift to their backyard by building a patio with fire pit and a vegetable patch.
Camping-Under a Flower Moon Sky!
Family - Anthony , Teresa, Rohan, RheaWhat better way to enjoy the last Supermoon of 2020, than to camp outside? That's exactly what this family of four did - They headed out to pitch a tent on their deck to enjoy the luminous night sky. They had plenty of company too - with crickets chirping and frogs croaking away. When the unexpected guests got too loud, the kids ran back to the comfort of their bedrooms! Camping did not last the whole night but made for a lasting fun memory for this family during this time of social distancing :-)
Time for Family Yoga, Gardening and STEM
Family - Paul, Biya, Evelyn, ChristaYoga with Mummy is now a routine activity, while the sisters collaborate on STEM activities and partner with Dad on his gardening projects.
Here, you can see Evelyn building a roller coaster, with common household items - popsicle sticks, toothpicks and glue. At the end of 2 days of meticulous work, the final result was tested by younger sister Christa who gave the green signal by sending a Paw Patrol cruiser down the track.
Paul and Biya started building raised beds for their vegetable garden, which will hopefully see the bountiful harvest of beans, bitter gourd and other varieties soon.
Volunteering from Home - Mask Making!
Family - Joshy, Smitha, Kevin, OliviaDuring the time of lockdown, with masks in short supply, Olivia stepped up by learning a new skill - Sewing! She was inspired by Mom Smitha and together, the mother-daughter team stitched and donated hand made masks to the frontline community.
A member of our community reflects on the life of St. Peter. Included, important feast days, information and inspiration for all.
Expressions
Expressions
At the Interchange of Creativity and Imagination
Artist : Rhea Valantra - "An Inspirational Message"
Out Of The World : - Written and Illustrated by Marc Kallukalam
Artist: Jeslin Jinoy
A portrayal of Prayer & Gratitude dedicated to our COVID-19, frontline soliders
Artist: Rohan Valantra "Be Strong like trees"
Artist: Matthew John - "Dreamy Sunset"
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