Benjamin Baai Sworh was born unt

The senior warden of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Ed Champa, is appealing to parishioners to assist the church with $25,000 to bring about Parish Status.

He made the appealed during the Annual Meeting and election of new officers in the parish hall following the morning worship service.

Ed informed the congregation in his annual message as Senior Warden, that "many years ago, we lost parish status when we started receiving aid from the Diocese, and we are currently considered a "mission" church because we continue to receive financial aid every month. We are still about $20-25,000 short of being self supporting."

He revealed that the church was experiencing a serious financial deficit to meet up with her obligation to the priest and other expenses. (editor's note: the budget shortage was $4,849.73 last year).

The Senior Warden reminded parishioners to keep in mind that the church must not sit back and relax, because there are new goals for the year 2010. "You can help, you can be challenged to have a life with God, to be formed and changed by experiencing the challenges facing this year at St. Tim," he told the congregation.

"We need this money to pay Kirsteen as a full time priest. There is no way that we can be a parish without this."

He praised the vicar, Kirsteen for her dedicated services to the church and our parish.

The Senior warden also commended the entire membership of the church for their cooperation and support during the year 2009 and urged them to redouble their efforts so as to make St. Timothy a self-supporting parish soon.

For her part, the Vicar of the church, Kirsteen Wilkinson thanked the two wardens including the congregation for their cooperation thus far.

Kirsteen, who also presided over the Annual Meeting and the election of officers further announced that she would have to reduce her hours spent at the church to afford her time to find another job cause money received from the church could not meet up with her financial obligation.

The three new members of the Bishop's Committee (Vestry) include Michelle Carter, Steve Bridgewater, and Aimee Formo, all elected for a three year term, and Kitty Herndon, who agreed to serve out an existing term for one year.

Great News!!!
Contributions have arrived allowing the purchase of airplane tickets for all the children. They will be in Indianapolis and reunited with their parents before Christmas!!!

At the October convention, each congregation found on their table a flyer concerning a member of St. Timothy’s, Indianapolis. Ben Sworh arrived from Liberia in January and his wife, Kormosa, came in September. The congregation has been raising money since May to bring their three children from Liberia to Indianapolis. With money received from the diocese and the congregation, St. Timothy’s was able to purchase the children’s visas and one plane ticket. Last month the church was blessed with a $1,300 gift from St. David’s Bean Blossom for a second child’s airfare.

We are still in need of about $1,000 to purchase the final ticket.

The children’s visas expire at the end of December and if they have not left the country by then it will be a very long time before their names can be placed in the lottery for another visa. CAN YOUR CONGEGATION HELP THE SWORH FAMILY? The Advent Season will soon be here and we will begin our preparation for the arrival of God’s Son into the world at Christmas. With your financial assistance, Ben and Kormosa can begin preparing their home, their lives, to receive their children this Christmas season. Contact the church by phone: 317-784-6925 or email: sttimothy.indy@gmail.com

St.Timothy's Episcopal Church on E. Thompson Road Sunday October 3, honored their outgoing Priest, Fr. Robin Myers for his contributions and services to the church and mankind.

Speaking on behalf of the congregation, the Vicar, Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson praised Fr. Myers for his successful tenure at St. Timothy's and urged him to continue the good work in serving Almighty God.

Kirsteen informed the congregation that Rev. Myers new assignment at St. Paul's did not come as a surprised because he is hardworking and dedicated to the service of God and humanity. "He is a man who always likes to make things happen," she told the congregation.

She assured him that the parish will always welcome Fr. Myers whenever he returns.

Flanked by the Rev. Kirsteen, Fr. Myers thanked the congregation with joy for the honor, and promised to identify with them whenever he is called upon.

The outgoing Episcopalian Cleric then re-affirmed his commitment and dedication to the service of God and mankind. Fr. Myers said he feels at home whenever he is at St. Timothy's no matter his assignment. " The people at this church are great people and I hope you keep out the good work," he said.

The program was witnessed by his darling wife and the entire congregation of the church following the morning worship service.

Editor's note: Fr Robin's wife, Evelyn, was given a bouquet of flowers during the morning service. Then, the Webmaster and Senior Warden, Ed Champa, gave each priest a printout of the main page of the Churches August webpage showing Fr. Robin handing off the "baton" to Rev Kirsteen plus a CD with the entire web site as a memento. Following a pitch-in lunch, Fr Robin was given a box with remembrances of parishioners.

Mr. & Mrs. Sworh posed with their kids after their wedding on February 24, 2007 in Liberia, Small Ben, Yassah and Arbah.

The wife of Benjamin B. Sworh finally arrived in Indianapolis from the West African state of Liberia. Kormasa B. Sworh, arrived early August to join her husband who has been here since January of this year. Accompanied by her husband and brother-in-law, Bulu Taybior, Kormasa was welcomed with applause from the entire congregation during the regular worship service.

Ben, who introduced his wife to the congregation, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Episcopal Diocese and St. Timothy family for their assistance in reuniting him with his wife, and the aid provided to bring their kids from back home. He assured the congregation that he and his family would continue to worship with the church as long as they reside in Indianapolis. “I am overwhelmed for the kind of reception. I never expected it that way, but all I can say is God bless all of you for the prayers offered for my wife to come,” Ben told the congregation.

He used the occasion to appealed to the church and other Episcopal churches to assist with funding to purchase plane tickets for their three kids who are still in Liberia due to lack of plane fare to come over to the United States to join them. Ben, Jr. 16, Yassah 12 and Argbah 9.

So far, the Episcopal Diocese and St. Timothy have provided over two thousand dollars to the US Embassy in Monrovia as visa fees for three of Ben's children who are currently in Liberia.

According to the update on Ben’s family as published in the church bulletin, “with the funds raised and money received from the Diocese, we have purchased the visas for Ben’s three children and have the funds left to purchase one airplane ticket. Another $3,000 is needed to purchase the tickets for his other two children. Kirsteen Wilkinson, Vicar of St. Timothy who has been in the fore front of the process has sent letters to various churches seeking assistance.

She expressed thanks to the Almighty God for the safe arrival of Kormasa and assured that she would continue to seek additional assistance to purchase plane tickets for their kids to join them.

In an effort to offer prayers and thanksgiving, the St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in August 2009, joined friends, family members and well-wishers to celebrate the birthdays of two of it's members following the regular worship service.

Olive Gabriel Faries turned 90 on August 7, while Shirley Wilson celebrated her 86th birth anniversary on August 23, 2009.

Olive, as she is affectionately referred to by many was born in Martins Ferry, OH and attended the Eastern Kentucky University where she met her darling husband, Jack Faries.

She is blessed with two charming and beautiful girls, Katharyn Herndon and Paige Faries.

According to her son-in-law, Matthew Herndon, prior to the celebration at St. Timothy, her two daughters along with their her grand children observed the day in Bowling Green, KY where she was raised and worked as a high school teacher.

"To climax the weekend celebration for my mother-in-law, St. Timothy's had a surprise birthday cake during the coffee hour following the service in the hall. Thanks to all who attended and joined," Herndon said.

Shirley Wilson who also celebrated her birthday on August 23, is a mother of two children. She was born in Indiana.

In another development, little Paisley Carter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carter celebrated her 2nd birth anniversary at the church on August 23.

In separate remarks, the Vicar of the church, Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson who blessed the occasions congratulated the celebrants on their birth anniversaries and asked God to add more years to their ages.

She assured that the church would continued to identify with parishioners in time of happiness and sadness and called for unity and peace among members.

VICAR CELEBRATES 38th BIRTHDAY
…IN GRAND STYLE
By Benjamin B. Sworh

Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson, celebrated her 38 birthday on July 19. Her birthday, which fell on July 21, was celebrated by the entire congregation following the morning worship service Sunday. Speaking on behalf of the church, the Junior Warden, Sheryl Otter praised Almighty God for the life of Kirsteen and called on Him to continued to guard and protect her. She challenged the congregation to always offer prayers to God for their vicar whom she described as “caring and a loving person.” “Since Kirsteen took over sometime ago, there has been growth and development in the church. So we cannot sit here without giving a cake and flowers as a way of appreciation for the services. Sheryl later presented beautiful flowers and a colorful cake to Kirsteen as the church way of celebrating with her during her birth anniversary. Responding in a joyous mood, the Vicar of St. Tim’s, Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson expressed gratitude to the church for the concern and assured all that she would continued to work for God and humanity. Rev. Wilkinson, who earlier preached from Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on the theme, “come away to a deserted place all by yourself and rest awhile,” called on her parishioners to always be faithful to the Almighty God and mankind.
The occasion was graced by several members of the church.

ST. TIMOTHY FOOD PANTRY GET WEEKLY DONATION
by Benjamin B. Sworh

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a non-profitable organization has begun a weekly food donation to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church for it’s monthly Food Pantry - Loaves and Fishes. The food pantry distributes food to less fortunate people once a month at the church on East Thompson Road.

According to AA, St. Timothy's has been their home for a long time, so they decided to show their gratitude by making contributions to the food pantry in order to assist the needy. “It is a great opportunity to be of service to those less fortunate; and a good way to strengthen sobriety, after all, service work is one of the legacies of the organization,” AA said in a statement. The organization is therefore appealing to other humanitarian organizations to assist the church with food and whatsoever they can to enable them feed the less fortunate in society. Making the disclosure formally during regular worship service, the Director of the Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes, Carolyn Williams expressed thanks and appreciation to the organization and said their weekly food donation is a blessing to the entire process. She also used the occasion to commend parishioners and other organizations who continued to bring in food for those in need.

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they many solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. It is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. The primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Meanwhile, 644 persons received food during the July 21, monthly food distribution. This number represents both morning and evening food distribution.

June 16, 2009

ST. TIMOTHY EXTEND HELPING HANDS TO 561 PERSONS
... WITH FOOD
BY Benjamin B. Sworh

Despite financial difficulties, the St. Timothy Episcopal Church located on 2601 East Thompson Road June 16, distributed several food items to 561 persons in the community and its surrounding areas. According the Director of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Carolyn Williams, the kind gesture is the church's way of showing love and care for mankind. She explained that the distribution of food and other items is a monthly event intended to help people who cannot afford their basic needs.

Mrs. Williams further stated that the church would continued to identify with the needy despite limited resources. The Food and Pantry director also praised Midwest Food Bank and other humanitarian organizations as well as parishioners who continued to bring in food items to buttress the effort of donors.

The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry began operation during Thanksgiving week a few years ago, with a grant of $10,000 from United Thank Offering (UTO), and since then it has served over thousand people in the community.. The food pantry is is open one day a month and provides food to all who show up during the distribution.

As part of tradition, the St. Timothy Episcopal Church May 10, payed special tribute to all mothers for their dedicated and sacrificial services to mankind to marked the observance of the Mother's Day at the church's edifice on E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis.

Mother's Day, which is celebrated each year by Christians, is intended to bestow honor on all mothers for their care, love and the hardships they bear and continue to bear in bringing up a child.

The colorful occasion was graced with Roses placed at the Altar dedicated to all mothers by relatives, friends, and loved ones during the regular worship service.

Speaking to the congregation, the Chairperson of the Mother's Day program, Elaine Braverman disclosed that over three hundred mothers were honored by their love ones and friends and relatives.

She expressed thanks and appreciation to the congregation for the support and further assured that funds generated would be used for the improvement and beautification of the church and its surrounding.

Preaching on the Theme, "I am the vine and you are the branches", the vicar of the church, Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson, challenged Christians to cultivate a meaningful relationship with the Almighty God. The Episcopalian Cleric then reminded the church that as the fruit receives nourishment from the vine, so too we as Christians must turn to Jesus Christ for our daily nourishment and growth.

"As branches must be attached to the trunk of a tree to produce leaves or fruit, so we must attached to Christ who is the source of our energy, life and love," she said.

According to the tradition and historical background of the Mother's Day, it all started in Rome and later became United States of America national holiday less than 100 years ago.

Mother's day is the second highest gift giving day other than Christmas. It's also considered as the peak day of the year for long distance phone calls.

In continuation of its monthly distribution of Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church on April 21, shared food items with over 150 individuals in the community at the Parish Hall on Thompson Road, Indianapolis.

The Food bank, referred to as Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry started during the thanksgiving week a few years ago, with assistance from a United Thank offering (UTO) with a grant of $10,000.

Since then, it has continued to serve people in need on the third Tuesday of every month with morning and evening hours distribution.

The food pantry is headed by Volunteer Carolyn Williams with help by other volunteers from the church.

Food is purchased from food supply centers in Indianapolis and many St. Timothy parishioners also bring in canned and boxes staples. Parishioners also give spare change once a month to purchase food. The food bank has encouraged parishioners and has given them sense of mission and helpfullness in the neighborhood of the the Indy South side where the church is located.

"The needs of people is increasing as times gets tougher. I think, the church must continue this kind of gesture. Everybody needs a little help now and then," a parishioner who spoke to the website on condition of anonymity.

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church will, on May 10, 2009, Mother's Day create an Altar of Roses to be dedicated to all women for their sacrificial services towards mankind at the Church's edifice.

Mother's Day which is officially observed each year by Christians is intended to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear and continue to bear in bringing up a child.

Speaking to the congregation, the Organizing Committee's Chairperson, Elaine Braverman, said the day is also a time to remember those who are no longer alive and are still cherished in our memories.

Elaine noted that a special bulletin would be prepared listing all those to be honored and the caring people who have chosen them.

She urged members of the church to submit names of women they would like to honored so as to enable the committee to place a long stemmed rose on the altar for their honorees.

According to Elaine, proceeds from the program would be used for physical improvement and beautification around the church buildings.

"After the service, please feel free to take with you those roses given in your honor and roses you have given either in memory of someone or to honor someone who does not attend St. Timothy," she reminded parishioners.

The resolution to observe a dedicated Mother's Day was signed by former United States President, Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914 and since then people across the world have been celebrating this day with joy and devotion.

Benjamin Baai Sworh was born unto the union of Mr. Thomas Wesseh Sworh and Ars. Anna Wleh on September 29, 1966 in a village called Rockcess, Rivercess County, Liberia, West Africa.

     He begun his early education at the Lewis Community school in Gardnersville where he completed Elementary and junior high school.

     In 1981, Ben, as he is affectionately call, enrolled at the William V. S. Tubman High School in Monrovia and got promotion to the junior class but could not continue due to financial difficulties.
Still in search of education, he entered the Boatswain high school where he obtained his high school diploma and certificate in 1983.

     Not satisfied with his high school education, Ben then enrolled at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion university College in 1998 and graduated with Bachelor of Arts in sociology and minor in management in 2001. For nine years, he has worked with various newspapers in Monrovia, Liberia as reporter. From 2000-02 served as reporter for the Analysts newspaper, 2002- 04 served as junior reporter for the Monrovia Guardian newspaper, 2004-05, Chief/Sub-Editor for the Informer newspaper and 2005-up to January 2009 served as Capitol Building Correspondent of the News before departing for the United states of America where he presently residing. He also obtained several certificates from local and international organizations in journalism. He is currently, reporting for the St. Timothy Episcopal Church Website and monthly newsletter as well as the Diocesen Newspaper, the Tidings.

St. TIMOTHY OBSERVES MAUNDY THURSDAY

.. With Agape Meal

By Benjamin B. Sworh

	Members of the St. Timothy Episcopal Church last Thursday joined Christians around the world
to celebrate Maundy Thursday at the church's edifice in Indianapolis.  Maundy Thursday or Holy
Thursday, is the day before Easter Sunday, is observed by Christians in commemoration of Christ's
last Supper. The day is also associated with the Tenebrae ceremony of the extinguishing of candles 
in preparation for Good Friday.

	The celebration which is usually held in the evening Liturgy among other things includes the 
administering of Holy Communion, receiving donations and serving a traditional Agape meal with

parishioners.  In a brief chat with the Vicar of the St Timothy Episcopal Church, Rev. Kirsteen 
Wilkinson, she said the celebration of Maundy Thursday is

an annual event geared towards observing Holy week. The St. Timothy Vicar then admonished Episcopalians to redouble their effort in serving the Lord because it is always good to do so. At the occasion, chicken soup, cheese, apricots, olives, wine and juice was served to parishioners.

The Maundy name derives from the Latin Mundo, "to wash," referring to Christ's washing the feet of his disciples.

Henry Jackson, a choir member of the St. Timothy Episcopal Church was honored on Sunday by his congregation following his induction as a US citizen.

Jackson, a native of Liberia was among 194 citizens from 57 Countries from around the world to become naturalized American citizen on March 19, 2009 at a school building in Indianapolis, Indiana.

At the honoring ceremony, Rev. Fr. Robin Myers offered prayers for the honoree and lauded him for his achievement and urged him to be a law abiding American citizen. There was a beautiful cake designed in the form of the American flag.

The occasion which took place in the Church's Parish Hall was witnessed by the entire congregation following the regular Sunday worship service.

With applause from the audience, "Henry" as he is affectionately referred to by many, was apparently unaware of the honor, thanked the church for their appreciation, and assured his continuous support to the growth and development of the church.

The granting of naturalized citizen status gives naturalized citizens the same rights, obligations, opportunities, that all Americans enjoy. The naturalized citizen also gets to extend US citizenship to their children and to obtain visas for immediate relatives.

Their rights among other things states that they have the right to vote, hold public office, carry US passport, serve on jury as well as work in the US government. The only thing they can't do is become President or Vice President.

As part of it's effort to identify with the needy in society, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Tuesday distributed food items to senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals in the community.

The Loaves and Food Pantry distribution is a monthly event geared towards meeting the needs of several communities of those who appealed for assistance.

The church despite it size, membership and limited resources solicits funds and food to address the needs of citizens in the community.

According to a recent annual report, the number of people they have helped has continued to grow; however, they have been able to keep up with the need. "A few times, we came very close not having enough food, but we always seem to have something for everyone," said Carolyn Williams, Director of Loaves & Fishes.

Mrs. Williams expressed thanks to the Vicar, Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson for donating a freezer and assured that it would be well used.

Mrs. Williams also praised Gail, Jennifer and Gary Allen because they have been a great help.

Meanwhile, the Vestry of St. Timothy Episcopal Church is expected to hold its annual retreat this Saturday at the St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Indianapolis to discuss the growth and development of the church.

In a brief chat with the Senior Warden, Ed Champa, the meeting will bring together members of the Vestry in order to plan for the coming year.