AUGUST 2021 • ISSUE 08 • VOLUME 01

India Independence Day

MCSI LIFE
 therefore to make it self-sufficient is a
A Letter From distant dream. India has to fight
hunger, poverty, terrorism,

The Vicar unemployment, the recent heavy blow

of the diverging Pandemic, Ecological
Crises etc. and cater to some basic
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us
needs of the people such as education,
free; stand firm then, and do not let
health, drinking water, housing and
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke
rural electrification, transportation etc.
of slavery”. [Galatians 5:1]
The farmers are to be encouraged to
cultivate land and bring the produce
Millions of Indians celebrate the 75th
but they still require to fight for
Independence Day and 74th anniversary
justice. India will have to meet the
of our freedom as a nation on 15th
challenges of liberating and
August 2021. Freedom is a precious
empowering women and children, the
thing and its cost is inestimable.
Adivasis and the Dalits.
Freedom is bought with the sweat, toil
and blood of countless Indians and lives
Even as we celebrate the Freedom,
of martyrs under the devoted leadership
our nation still need to be freed from
of the father of our nation Mahatma
many other kinds of neo colonisation
Gandhi. Gratitude without measure must
of the multinational companies,
well up in our hearts when we consider
Cultural invation and the misuse of
the brave men and women of the Indian
modern electronic and social media
freedom struggle.
that leads to Cyber-crimes that
adversely affect our generations
In spite of diversities, they shared a
common goal of protecting our nation’s
Our church is also seemed to be under
freedom, peace and integrity. The
the clutches of dominating affluence,
promises and commitment that India
arrogance, money power and politics
made to her people over 74 years ago
which leads to fragmentation,
remain unfulfilled and there are
rebellion and deterioration instead of
incomplete and immediate tasks that we
being the channels of peace, unity and
need to materialize in the Nation’s
reconciliation. Church should
economic, social and cultural scenario.
recognize the call and the mission for
which she is commissioned. Many
India is still a developing country with an
among us find it hard to free
incredible number of population and
themselves from the bondage of
 corrupt habits and practices which make
themselves deteriorate and finally
destroys health and wealth.

Jesus Chris said “If you abide in my word…

and you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free”; (John 8:31-32). —
freedom from sin, death and the devil;
freedom from a life of futility and eternal
wrath. It is the freedom to which we
should awake. Real freedom is to now and
live for the creator and for the fellow
beings. Christians can fall prey to the
temptation to trust in other things such as
status, money, rituals, good works,
associations, social and political
involvement etc, for our freedom from the
tyranny of sin. But the true disciple finds
freedom in Christ and Christ alone. Our
national freedom is precious, but our
freedom in Christ is of infinite worth.

May this year’s Day of Independence be a

declaration of freedom in Christ to all
around us, our families and friends. and
that we will continue to live this freedom
with uncompromising allegiance to the
standards of Jesus Christ. Let the nation of
Australia also be filled with the fragrance
of freedom and liberation in Christ. Happy
Indian Independence Day.

VICAR

Rev Kurian Peter

Service Schedule & Almanac
VBS 2021 - RECAP

I am happy that even in this pandemic, we

were able to attend VBS through virtual
platform. At the very start of our VBS we
were introduced to the theme ‘Never
Alone’. Through the three days we got to
know about different characters from the
Bible. We memorized key Bible verses and
learnt some action songs to assist with us
learning. All three characters had different
stories but helped us to understand that
we should always be loyal to God, and to
always remember that God is with us
forever.
On the first day we learnt that we should
only listen to God’s voice, even though
there are so many different voices out here
in the world that we live in. The next day
we learnt that we should trust God in every
circumstance. On the last educational day
of our VBS we learnt that God would guide
us forever.
These lessons have been educational and
helped enlighten the spirit within us. As
whole I have thoroughly enjoyed this year
VBS and hope that many more to come.
Special appreciation to the VBS team and
organizers.
Thanks to give me this opportunity to pen
down my experience
Lenita Jobin
Junior Grade (4-6)
 VBS 2021 -
EXPERIENCE
By Tania Mathew and Krupa Elsa Kurian
The main theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School
was ‘Never Alone’ based on Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you
go”. On the first day, Dr. Prabhu and his team shared
the story about Joshua who felt alone after having
given the task to succeed Moses. However, God
assured that he will be with him in his life. This
helped us learn that even when we feel lonely and
helpless especially during these tough times when we
might not be able to see our friends and families, God
promises his love and care. This was taught through
the skits, Mr. Lee in the puppet show and the song
starting “I will never be alone” which was a fun way to
learn.
The second day was focussed on the love of God
which centres around the story of Rahab, the
prostitute who helped hide Israelite spies. Hence, she
and her family was saved when the wall of Jericho fell.
Through this story, we understood that God loves
everyone no matter how great or small their sin
is.The memory verse for this day was Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the
Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future”. This day, like
the other two days was also filled with engaging
activities, warm up games and quizzes at the end.
Quick enough, it was already the third day when our
devotion was about Jesus being the Way and Light
based on the John 14:6 in which Jesus says “I am the
way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me”. This day, we were
presented with a skit by the team members about a
prince, who got killed by a thief who was robbing the
palace. However, responding to the thief’s his plea for
mercy, the king spared him. Moreover, he offered
him to be in charge of the land that belonged to the
prince. This was analogic of how God the father
saved us sinners and has promised us eternal life
through His Son Jesus Christ.
On VBS Sunday, we as the students got a chance to
submit ourselves before God during the dedication
prayer. This was a special moment of reflection and
helped us to be ready to implement into our lives
what we had learnt during VBS.
The final day was so much fun and it was
encouraging to see all students participate in this
while showcasing their amazing talents. Even though
the program was of short notice and via zoom, all
children worked hard for their items and did it in the
best possible way.
Overall, the VBS experience of 2021 via the online
platform was engaging, thoughtful and enjoyable.
Apart from the common sessions, we also had
separate classes in which other stories and characters
were meditated upon. We both are glad that people
from all over the world were able to connect and
contemplate about how we are never ever ever alone.
It was worth the time during the holidays for
everyone who attended. So we would like to take this
opportunity to thank Almighty God, our Achen and
the pastorate committee members, the coordinators
and teachers, and especially Dr. Prabhu and his team
for their efforts and commitment. Not to forget,
thank you to our favourite guest Mr. Lee for his hit
witty presence in the VBS. We would definitely miss
him!
 VBS 2021 - EXPERIENCE
He said to them, “Go into all the world
He said to and preach the gospel to all creation”.
Mark 16:15. The Great commission is
them, “Go not an option but an order to obey and
I am thankful for the opportunity to be
into all the able to play a part in the 2021
world and Vacation bible School (VBS) outreach.
preach the The VBS was held from the 1st of July
till the 3rd of July and I thank God that
gospel to we were able to still come together
even in the midst of lockdown. The
all VBS was led by DR P.R.D Prabhu and
his team from Bangalore. The Theme
creation”. was Never Alone. We had an average
of 45 student attend and 15 teachers
Mark and volunteer. I was amazed at the
students’ zoom etiquette which was
16:15. probably an indication that they had
been in lockdown way too long!
NEVER
ALONE
It was a privilege to be able to serve
the Lord and it was a pleasure teaching
my Grade 1-3 students. I taught the
children lessons on David conquering
the Lion, God calling to Samuel and
God’s provision to Ismael in the desert
focussing on God’s pursuit and
protection in all their lives which
formed the cornerstone of the
message that they are never alone.
This was something I wanted to make
sure every student understood clearly
so we discussed our personal
experiences here as well. Of course,
what is a class without some tricky
questions for the teacher. I had one
student who asked me “If Samuel can
hear God’s voice, then why can’t I?”.
Although it was one of the harder
questions, I felt pleased she was able
to bring this question up to me so I told
her to not give up and to ask God to
talk to her and that he would one day
talk to her in a way she would
understand. Looking forward to next
years VBS.
We also sang that following Sunday a
beautiful old Hymn which I am sure
resonated with all the VBS attendees
and teachers.
Fear not I am with thee
Blessed Golden ray
Like a Star of glory
Lighting up my way
…
No, never alone,
No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone;
No, never alone,
No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
By Ansu Anand
 We thank God for f r his life
fo f and witness and for
fe f r all the wonderful
fo
service
r ice Barry
serv
rv r has done for
ry f r the Parish of Ashburton. Barry
fo r was a
ry
strong pillar of St. Matthews church and a good friend of MCSI
church. His smile and humour will be greatly missed. May his
soul rest in peace and let the peace of Christ surround the
bereaved. Our heartfelt
heartfef lt condolences and prayers.
fe

(29th July 1949 – 6th July 2021)

 Organisation News

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth Fellowship meets every second Tuesdays through zoom platform and study the Bible.
Encourage all youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Mr. Geo Peter.

CHOIR
Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday after the Holy Communion Service at the church.
For further details please contact Mr Jupin Cherian.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School classes are held every Sunday before the Holy Communion Service at the rear
hall of the church.
Contact: Mr Justin Israel for further details.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The women of our church meet third Sunday of every month after the service at the church.
Encourage all women in our parish to participate in the activities of the Women’s Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Mrs. Jessymole Justin.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Fellowship meets fourth Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Mr Renji Cherian.

YOUNG FAMILIES' FELLOWSHIP

The Young Familes' Fellowship meets second Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Ms Aparna Anna.

FASTING PRAYER MINISTRY

Our Vicar and some members meet every Fridays at 10:30am at the church for fasting prayer.

COTTAGE PRAYER
Cottage prayers are held once every month at 07:00pm at the residence of a church member.
Encourage all members to participate in the prayer meetings.
For further details, please contact Mr Thaju Mathew.
 MISSION SUPPORT

FOR MORE INFO, EMAIL US AT

SECRETARY@MELBOURNECSICHURCH.ORG.AU

MISSION SUPPORT
 MISSION SUPPORT

FOR MORE INFO, EMAIL US AT

SECRETARY@MELBOURNECSICHURCH.ORG.AU

MISSION SUPPORT
BIRTHDAYS

God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He
Blesses you with life, with love; And the joy of another year to know him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family abundantly in the coming
years. May you be an inspiration and example for others in the days to come.
WISHING ALL CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
 Souvenir Advertisement Tariff

MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

Church of South India

Dear well-wisher,
To mark the 10th Anniversary of Melbourne CSI Church we
will be bringing out a Souvenir. We solicit your
cooperation and support for the same through
advertisements in the Souvenir. The tariff is as given here:

POSITION TARIFF/RATE

Back Cover Page $ 2,000

Back Inside / Front Inside $ 1,000

Full Page Colour $ 500

Half Page Colour $ 250

Custom Bookmarks (church members only) - Auction

All payments should be made to church building fund

Acc Name: Melbourne CSI Church
BSB: 063103 / Account number: 10450633
BIC/SWIFT code: CTBAAU2S
For further details contact:
Souvenir Committee

Vicar:
Rev Kurian Peter | +61 447 438 900
vicar@melbournecsichurch.org.au

Mr James Rajesh | +61 401 552 651 Mr Robin Varghese

admin@melbournecsichurch.org.au
Ms Rinju Abraham
secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au
Mr Manoj David
manoj.merlin@gmail.com
robinbethel@gmail.com Mr Sunish Varghese
sunishav@yahoo.com
Ms Aparna Anna
aparnanna@gmail.com Mr Ben Koshy
ben.chenathara@gmail.com
BIBLE CROSSWORD

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. How many apostles did Jesus choose?
2. What are the wages of sin?
3. Who is the first mother mentioned in the Bible?
4. Who else, other than the wise men, came to visit Jesus when he
was a small child?
5. Who lied when he was asked to reveal the source of his great
strength?
6. What was the name of the man Jesus’ mother was engaged to at
the time she became pregnant?
7. Which book of the Bible records many of the hymns David wrote?
8. From what disaster did the Ark save Noah?
9. What happened to Jesus forty days after his resurrection?
10. What animals did Jesus cause to run into the sea and drown?
Answers published in the Newsletter next month.
BIBLE CROSSWORD - july ANSWERS

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ - july ANSWERS

1. Who lied to God when he was asked where his brother was? - Cain (Gen 4:9)
2. Which Old Testament character showed his faith by being willing to offer his son
on an altar to God? - Abraham (Jam 2:21-22)
3. What significant event is recorded in Genesis chapters 1 and 2? - Creation (Gen 1
- 2)
4. What was inscribed above Jesus’ cross? - King of the Jews / This is Jesus, King of
the Jews (Mark 15:26; Matt 27:27)
5. Whose mother placed him in an ark of bulrushes? - Moses (Exo 2:3)
6. For how many days and nights did it rain in the story of the flood? - Forty (Gen
7:12)
7. What was special about Jesus’ mother? - She was a virgin (Matt 1:23)
8. Who gave gifts to Jesus when he was a young child? - Wise men / magi (Matt 2:7-
10)
9. What happened to Jonah after he was thrown overboard? - He was swallowed by a
great fish (Jon 1:17)
10. In whose image was man created? - God’s (Gen 1:27)
 MCSI LIFE
For more information, please contact
Rev Kurian Peter Mrs Rinju Abraham Mr James Rajesh
(Vicar) (Secretary) (Webmaster)
Mob: 0447 438 900
vicar@melbournecsichurch.org.au secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au admin@melbournecsichurch.org.au

Melbourne CSI Church Inc., 334 High St, Ashburton Vic 3147
MCSI GENERAL FUND MCSI BUILDING FUND MCSI MISSION FUND
ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS

A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church
BSB: 063-244 BSB: 063-103 BSB: 063-103
A/c No. 10662876 A/c No. 10450633 A/c No. 10450625

melbournecsichurch.org.au for private circulation only