the official monthly newsletter of csi church,...

Philippians 4:6

The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Toronto

Volume16Issue9

SEPTEMBER2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Achen’s message .... 3 Celebrations ............ 4 Bible Portions .......... 5 Article ...................... 6 VBS ......................... 8 Church News ........... 9 Special ..................... 10 Missions .................. 11

2016Motto‘Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.’

o ിെനക്കുറി ം വിചാരെ ടരുത്; eലല്ാ ിലും പ്രാർഥനയാലും aേപക്ഷയാലും

നി ളുെട ആവശയ് ൾ േ ാത്രേ ാെട ൈദവേ ാടു aറിയിക്കുകയേത്ര േവ തു.

2 http://csichurchtoronto.org

SEPTEMBER 2016

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chief Editor

Rev. George Jacob

Editor

Samuel Anselm Samuel

Publication Team

Shini Samuel Suja Sarah Koshy

Akshay Koshy Chris George

Address

CSI Parsonage 1311 Kipling Avenue

Etobicoke M9B 3N7 ON (416) 231– 1717

Articles/ Feedback May be sent to

[email protected]

Editorial …..

Man is the crown of God’s creation. Yet, he is very poor in life man-agement. Do you believe in yourself? Do you think destiny can be shaped? The mundane essence in man, along with the ever taunting wisdom of the serpent, forms a huge barrier in this earthly sojourn. So man needs an extra force to prove himself to be the most awe-some creation ever. Realization of his fallen state and his inability to redeem himself should draw man towards the saving grace of Lord Jesus Christ. But as man is susceptible to the intellectual, psycholog-ical and spiritual warfare, he needs backup.

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assur-ance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who prom-ised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:22-23)

Having received the love of God, we try hard to keep ourselves up to reflect the goodness in our saviour. But there are forces that are de-signed to annihilate us. We need the power of God, experienced through the faith and hope in our Lord. We should implant regulatory signs (dos and don’ts) in different stations of our intellectual, psycho-logical and spiritual realms. The regulatory signs placed by traffic au-thorities on the roads in any part of the world give us confidence and a smooth journey. Awareness of similar regulatory signs in our life will help us cling on to the faith in our onward journey towards the eternal.

When the faithful God is our fort and refuge, the signposts become very palpable, helping us take the right step. The ever accusing guilty conscience won’t be able to subdue the hope in every believer. Our lives will become worthwhile not only for us, but for others as well.

May God bless us all.

Samuel Anselm Samuel

Editor

Erect regulatory signposts ….

http://csichurchtoronto.org 3

Achen’s Message

Greetings to all beloved in the name of our Lord!

As we are coming to the close of summer and start of the fall season, once again let us thank and praise God almighty for keeping all of us safe.

The academic year is starting, and many of our members and all our children are getting busy with daily routine after the break. Our learning should help us attain the maturity to move from information to knowledge to wisdom and to character. More than any academic interests, education should aim at moulding life. Some of our youngsters are joining universities, which is yet a new phase in their life. I wish them well. I pray and wish that all of you who are engaged in teaching or learning may have a very fruitful and meaningful year ahead.

This year we are observing the Harvest Festival and Thanksgiving one month earlier. This is a time of great gratitude to our Heavenly Master, who is the source and author of life. Everything is ultimately a providence and permission from God. Though the present age argues or questions the existence of God, the Bible affirms the plan and purpose of God in the journey of life. Once again let us humble ourselves before the Lord, and give Him all honour and glory for giving us all privileges of life, eternal life in particu-lar. Let us offer the best accordingly before the one who holds the account of our life. All earning mem-bers are expected to offer one day’s salary on that day and also present items for auction and bid items at the auction. All families are to give the best they can, so that God will bless us abundantly as congre-gation, which in turn increases our mutual fellowship.

We had a fruitful time for the Church picnic. Thanks to all who have taken leadership to organize various arrangements; particularly Mr. Joshua Moothedom for organizing the picnic very effectively. Also sincere thanks to all families who have taken part in the picnic.

Our Vacation Bible School was a great time of learning and fun. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Phil Z. Mathai and the team of leaders. We had 41 children. 15 of them were guests. Sincere gratitude to all who served the VBS as teachers, volunteers, sponsors and donors. I request to keep all the children who have accepted Christ Jesus in their life in your valuable prayers, so that we will have strong witnesses for the cause of Christ in future.

The Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box project is open. Kindly obtain the pledge form and be a part of the great program which gives the light of the Gospel to the unreached through acts of kindness and gen-tleness. I encourage all families to participate.

May God almighty bless you and keep all of you in His abundant mercy and grace.

Yours in His service,

Siby Achen.

Dearly beloved in Christ,


Celebrations

BIRTHDAYS

01 Jacob M. John 13 Raj Hariharan

01 Levia Grace Daniel 13 John Mathew

02 Sarah M. John 14 Rachel Cherian

02 Neena Kuruvilla 19 Rohit Mathew Oommen

07 Elizabeth Verghis 20 Reji Kumar. P.B

07 Ancy Jacob 21 Mathew Chacko

07 Felix Abraham Varghese 22 Eva Bose

08 Priya Rachel Abraham 24 Annika Cherian

08 Toby Jacob 24 Sophy Aji Mathews

08 Jain Daniel 28 Elizabeth Mathai

10 Jithin George 28 Chole Joseph

13 Shiny Paul 28 Suja Sara Koshy

13 Varghese V. John

ANNIVERSARIES

02 Jubin Varghese George & Manasi Varghese George

03 Jinoj Titus & Rajitha Jinoj

10 Mathew Chacko & Meera Jacob

10 Selvarajan Thampy & Eva Bose

11 George Mathew & Siji Joseph

16 Rennie Philip Joseph & Preetha

28 Aaron Fredrick & Mini Fredrick


Bible Portions

September 04

16th Sunday after Pentecost

Education Sunday

Education: Ministry of the Church

Old Testament Nehemiah 8:1-8 English Service

Psalm 119:41-48 Read by

Epistle Acts 18:24-28 Christy Abraham & family

Gospel Matthew 5:1-12

September 11


Choir Sunday

Releasing Worship

Old Testament I Kings 18:21-40 Malayalam Service

Psalm 46 Read by

Epistle Acts 16:16-31 Church Choir

Gospel Luke 22:39-46

September 18


Harvest Festival &

Thanksgiving

Gratitude for the Harvest

Old Testament I Chronicles 29:10-20 English Service

Psalm 65 Read by

Epistle II Corinthians 9:6-15 Executive Committee

Gospel Luke 21:1-4

September 25


Mission Sunday

Mission: From Everywhere to Everywhere

Old Testament I Kings 17:1-16 Malayalam Service

Psalm 107:1-15 Read by

Epistle Galatians 2:1-10 Missions Committee

Gospel Matthew 13:47-52


Article

THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY AND THE MADHYA KERALA DIOCESE OF THE CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA

Rev. George M. John The C.M.S. and the Mission of Help The appointments of British East India Company’s chaplains in the metropolitan cities (i.e., Bom-bay, Calcutta and Madras) of British India in the last century marked the nucleus of the work of the An-glican Church in India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon (CIPBC). According to observers, British colonial-ism in the Indian subcontinent acted as a political umbrella in the expansion of the Church although missionary work was not officially patronized by British colonialism. The nineteenth century - the Great Century - heralded the expansion of the Christian Church in many parts of the world, especially in India. The Syrian Christian community is the remnant of the work done by St. Thomas, one of the disci-ples of Jesus Christ. According to scholars, this is one of the oldest Christian communities east of the Mediterranean Sea. The C.M.S. came to Travancore as a mission of help to the Syrian Church (Jacobite Church) in Kerala. Travancore and Cochin were ruled by native princes who were sympathet-ic to Christian missionary activities. Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan, a chaplain of the East India Company, visited the non-Roman sections of the Malabar Syrians in 1806. He has recorded his experiences in a book entitled “Christian Researches in Asia”. This book brought first hand information about the immedi-ate missionary needs of India, chiefly about the Syrian Christians in Kerala, to the churches in Britain. One of the providential factors which led to the growth of the mission was the personal interest and sup-port given by Col. Munroe, who was then the British resident in Travancore. His familiarity with the na-tive rulers strengthened the base of the C.M.S. in that part of the world. Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai and Rani Parvathi Bai became great supporters of the educational mission of the missionaries. The C.M.S. was the child of the eighteenth century evangelical revival. The reign of Queen Victo-ria superseded the inter-continental growth and expansion of the Anglican Church and India had its li-on’s share in this matter. The landing of Rev. Thomas Norton, who was the first C.M.S. missionary from Colombo to Alleppey in 1816, officially inaugurated the work of the CMS in Travancore. The present Madhya Kerala Diocese was a mission field originally under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Calcutta (the first Bishop was Thomas F. Middleton and the second one was Bishop Reginald Heber) and has been since the CMS trio Benjamin Bailey, Joseph Fenn and Henry Baker (Sr.) started their work in Travancore. When the Diocese of Madras was constituted in 1835 (its first bishop was Rt. Rev. Daniel Corrie), the mission field of Travancore and Cochin subsequently became under its jurisdiction. The formation of the Anglican Diocese of Travancore and Cochin The Metropolitan of India, stationed at Calcutta, had the jurisdiction of the Anglican Diocese in In-dia, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon. The Anglican Diocese of Travancore and Cochin was inaugurated in 1879 and its first bishop was the Rt. Rev. J. M. Speechly (1879--1889) who was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. E. N. Hodges (1890-1904), Rt. Rev. C. H. Gill (1905-1924), Rt. Rev. E. A.L. Moore (1925-1937) and Rt. Rev. B. C. Corfield (1938-1944). The first Indian bishop of the diocese was the Rt. Rev. Dr. C. K. Jacob (1945-1957) who inaugurated the Church of South India (a union of Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches) on Sept. 27th, 1947 at the St. George’s Cathedral, Madras. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. M. John, was bishop of the Diocese from 1958-1974 and during his episcopacy, the Rt. Rev.T. S. Joseph was consecrated in July 1967 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kottayam, as the assis-tant bishop. Bishop Joseph belonged to the backward class of the Diocese and who was elected bishop in 1974. The Rt. Rev. Dr. M. C. Mani was consecrated bishop in 1981 and he followed the traditions of the Diocese. The late Rt. Rev. Dr. Sam Mathew was consecrated in 1993; he retired in September 2001 after dedicated service to the Madhya Kerala Diocese. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, the retired bishop of the Diocese, was consecrated in October 2001. The Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the present bish-op of the diocese, was consecrated in March 6, 2011, and the diocese has advanced in every sphere.


Article

Some contributions of the C.M.S. The early missionaries of the CMS who came to Travancore, pioneered the spread of education by starting elementary schools. The uniqueness of the mission was that almost all the CMS centres had ele-mentary schools and thus education became an instrument for the spread of the gospel. It was the need of the hour and the educational institutions fulfilled the objectives of the CMS which was founded in Eng-land in 1799. They held the view that education of the nationals is a media for the spread of the gospel and Travancore and Cochin became a fertile field in this regard. A new era dawned with the advent of the Church Missionary Society in the princely States of Travancore and Cochin in the field of English educa-tion. This missionary policy was strongly endorsed by several missionary societies in Britain in the last century and the C.M.S. always emphasized this policy in its outreach in Travancore and Cochin. This vi-sion became a reality when the CMS had the largest number of elementary schools in the Malayalam speaking area. The Grammar School started by the CMS was a farsighted one. The beginning of the printing press by the CMS in Kottayam accelerated the spread of the Malaya-lam version of the Bible and the spread of literacy in Kerala. The printing press became an instrument in obliterating illiteracy, spreading knowledge, enhancing the position of women, the down-trodden, slaves and people of the social strata of society. The contributions of the missionaries to the development of Malayalam Language and Literature are praise-worthy. Caste showed its ugly head in India and the low castes were slaves of both the upper class Hindus and Syrian Christians in Kerala. The baptism of one Pulaya by name, Abel, took place at Kaipatta near Mallappally in 1854 and thanks are due to the initiative taken by the Rev. T. G. Ragland, a C.M.S. missionary who was working in Tinnevelly, the Rev. George Mathen and others. The missionaries bought large compounds to set free these outcasts from the cruelty and oppression of their masters. The C.M.S. pioneered the educational mission to the Hill Arayans in 1848; and Henry Baker (Jr.), “the Apostle of Hill Aryans”, played a dynamic part in the advancement of the tribals, culminating in the formation of the East Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India. Its first bishop was Rt. Rev. K. Michael John, and he was succeeded by the Most Rev. Dr. K. J. Samuel. ` The C.M.S College, “the crown of Christian educational institutions in Kerala” became the citadel of higher education in Kerala and accelerated the spread of English education. The Cambridge Nicholson Institute, Kottayam became a training centre for both clergy and laity. According to records, a bishop of the Mar Thoma Church was also trained at the CNI. The founding of the Industrial School, Kottayam, the Primary Schools and Training Schools are other expressions of the gospel, the concern for the down-trodden, and a help for the pluralistic society to understand the slogan, “Who is my neighbour?” Conclusion The package of the CMS was comprehensive and it fulfilled the needs of the time. The primary aim of the C. M. S. was to revitalize the ancient Syrian Church, yet its comprehensive package in Chris-tian mission resulted in the rejuvenation of the down-trodden, the outcast, the slave and the socially op-pressed sections of the community by giving a new way of life and survival in the Kerala’s ill-fated situa-tion. Hindu dominion of the depressed class was checked, slavery was abolished, the winds of social equality was breathed into Kerala’s air, the position of women was enhanced, ozhiyam (the down-trodden, including the Christian community were forced to work without wages), and moreover, the Kerala community was emancipated from its old clutches of serfdom and backwardness. The advent of the western missionary societies in Kerala was a golden age in all walks of life. Kerala’s present day educa-tional advancement is due to the pioneering work of the C.M.S., the London Missionary Society and the Basel Missionary Society. With regard to women’s education in Travancore, Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Mead, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Bailey and others did yeoman’s service in the last century according to historians. The exodus of Kerala’s manpower and intelligence to other parts of the world, especially to the Gulf countries and to the western world is directly or indirectly influenced by the work of the western mission-ary societies. The role played by the western missionary societies in Kerala, especially the CMS, had a

(Continued on page 9)


VBS


Church News

Monthly Fasting Prayer

The monthly fasting prayer will be held on Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 am in the church sanctuary.

Education Sunday

Sunday, September 4 will be observed as the Education Sunday, all teachers and students in our congre-gation are encouraged and invited to participate in the dedication prayer.

Cottage Prayer

Cottage prayer for Shalom group will be held on September 10 at 6.30 pm, at Mrs. Aleyamma Jacob's residence. All area members are invited

Cottage prayer for Jordan group will be held on September 17 at 6.30 pm, at Mr. Santhosh Cherian's resi-dence. All area members are invited

Choir Sunday

September 11 will be observed as the Choir Sunday. The Choir members will offer the Lay Ministry.

Harvest Festival

This year the Harvest Festival will be observed on September 18 at 11:00 am with the Holy Communion Service. Kindly note the change in timing.

Mission Sunday

September 25 will be observed as the Missions Sunday. Rev. George M John will bring us the message. Mission Committee will offer the Lay Ministry.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box project is open for 2016. This year also we as a congregation intend to participate in this noble venture.

There are 3 options:

1. Donate CA$ 25/ 30/ 35 towards any number of boxes that you would like to present.

2. Pack with your family any number of boxes that you would like as a family.

3. Take any number of boxes to your friends / relatives and return them packed.

Youth Fellowship and Sunday School Team will pack the boxes. Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes pledge forms are available with the Mission Committee Members.

unique role in the matter. A new highway was wide open for progress and prosperity and it had its demonstration effect in the Indian sub-continent too. Kerala attained a global recognition for literacy and economic growth, chiefly among the so-called Third World countries. The missionary work was a leaven which showed tremendous influence in all walks of life in that region. To conclude, the C.M.S. enlarged the mental horizons and pioneered a series of new programmes for man’s body, mind and soul in the multi-religious milieu of Kerala. The light that was lit by the CMS still enlightens the minds of the people of Kerala and it will continue to enlighten its people in the decades ahead. Let us salute the missionaries who rendered their services for the betterment of the people of Kerala.

(Continued from page 7)


Special


Missions

Adopting Odisha Mission

The Annual General Body 2016 of CSI Church Toronto, has agreed in principle to consolidate the Mis-sion activities supported by our Church under Diocese of Madhya Kerala to a single Mission field -Odisha Mission. This change is expected to bring effective participation and support to Odisha Mission. We will be continuing our support to Sarah John, Power to Change in Toronto and Shibu Mathews, Indi-an Evangelical Mission.

As of June we are stopping our support to Kuttanad Mission and Parakal Mission and from now on our primary support will be given to Odisha Mission. Our intention was already conveyed to MKD Mission Director Rev. Raju Jacob.

The missionaries we support

Sarah works as a campus staff of Power to Change, overseeing UT Scarborough campus. We will be praying and continuing our support during 2016.

Mr. Shibu took charge as the Field Secretary of IEM (Indian Evangelical Mission), Punjab Region on April 2016. Please continue to pray for Shibu and his family, IEM and its General Secretary Rev Dr. Raja Singh Elias.

Rev. Soji A Thomas took charge of Odisha Mission on May 22, 2016. Please do pray for him to be effective in the new place. Also please uphold the five evangelists in the Od-isha Mission field. They are currently concentrating on 28 villages of Odisha, comprising about 100 families. Let us pray to strengthen them while they face new challenges and oppositions. Let us also pray for their needs.

Rev. Raju Jacob, Missions Director of MKD visited South Korea on an invitation from Youngnak Presby-terian Church of Korea, on June 05 2016. Youngnak church has been founded by Rev.Kyung Chi Han, and has 50,000 members and 70 Pastors.

Inspired by the challenge presented by Anson Thomas, our church members formed an Outreach Minis-

(Continued on page 12)

01 Jan - 30 June 2016


try. Presently, our Church members are trying to reach out the neighbourhood to share the Gospel. KP Alexander and Mary Alexander, along with a few mem-bers are encouraging and sharing their expertise in sharing the Gospel. More dedicated volunteers, tools and prayers are required for this exercise. May the God almighty give the wisdom, courage and dedication to share His words to the people around.

Summary of donation received during the Financial year 01 Jan to 30 June is tabulated.

Missions $7,808.11(includes $2,500.00 designated donations for other Missions of MKD)

Alberta Fire $1,535.00

Chennai Flood $495.00

Telangana Van $1,060.00

Total $10,898.11

Missions team thanks every member who contributed generously for His ministry.

May God bless you abundantly.

(Continued from page 11)

For Private Circulation Only

Published by CSI Church, Toronto, 1315 Kipling Avenue M9B 3N7, ON. All rights reserved

Committee

President Rev. George Jacob

Vice-President / Rector’s Warden Mr. Abraham P. George Women’s Fellowship

Director Mrs. Susan Joseph

Secretary / People’s Warden Mr. Christy Abraham Men’s Fellowship

Director Dr. Nibu Varguise

Joint Secretary / Trustee Mr. Rennie Philips Joseph Sunday School

Director Mr. Philip Z. Mathai

Treasurer Mrs. Sheeba L. Ghosh Youth Fellowship Director Mr. Sanju Cherian

Joint Treasurer / Trustee Mr. Abhilash Raj Mission Director

Choir Director Mr. Daniel Thomas

Mr. Joseph Thomas

Social & Entertainment Director Mr. Joshua Shaji Moothedom

The Executive Committee Members of the CSI Church, Toronto

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