Volume 02 | Issue 05

Mission with Christ's

Spirit
May, 2022
 St.Matthew’s Anglican Church &
Melbourne CSI Church
Vicar’s Report
April 2022.

Philippians 3:10-11
“ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his
resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like
him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the
resurrection from the dead”.

The Christian Church is a Post resurrection Community. We are on

our resurrection journey. Post resurrection experience of the
disciples of Christ were challenging, Transforming and Missional.
The breakthrough of risen Christ into the closed room of
discouragement and fearfulness have made a drastic change in their
lives. The resurrection appearances of Jesus built in the hearts of
disciples the confidence to step out in to the community and share
the good news. If the resurrection was not real, they would not
have stood audaciously in witness to Christ.
 2

After the resurrection, Jesus could have shown his might before
those who led him to the Cross. But Jesus did not do that. He never
made his appearances to those who sentenced him death on the
cross, not to Herod or Pilate, not to any priest or Pharisee, nor any
scribe or soldier, but to those who really loved him, to those who
really hoped for him and believed in his promises. He appeared to
Mary Magdalene, then to his disciples, to the doubting Thomas, to
the debating disciples on their way back home to Emmaus.

Resurrected Jesus meets us in the corridors of our lives, whether

we are together or in isolation, in our doubts and fears, in our
despair or disgust, in our denial or acceptance, in our disbelief or
discipleship, He is very much available to us. The risen Lord wants
us to transform our lives and the life of the world at large through
us.
The world still faces daunting times of Pandemic and civil unrest in
many parts of the world. People are in great distress. Many are
discontented financially, politically and spiritually. What message
we as resurrection community can convey? Can we as a church
make a difference in the lives of people around us? Is it possible to
carry out the task entrusted to evangelise the world and introduce
the new hope in Christ, the defeater of the death and damnation?
For this we need to experience and realise the inherent power
within us that can transform us personally and thus becoming
agents of transformation through the resurrection process that
would definitely conquer the forces of evil.
Yes, the resurrected Lord has granted us power to evangelize, to
turn the heats of the people to the Lord of grace and Salvation. To
deal with the unjust structures of the world and remain faithful in
the hands of God to stand in witness to the gospel of Christ and to
uphold the values of the Kingdom of God.
The Worship Life.
The Lenten Season was marked by special gatherings, Morning
meditations, Bible studies and cottage prayers. In spite of the
COVID challenges, our community could keep up the warmth of
fellowship and the self-giving attitude especially during lent.

We had the Passion Week special service like Palm Sunday

marked with the parade around the church premises with palm
 3

leaves and shouts of Hosanna. On Maundy Thursday we combined

celebration of the Lord’s supper and the observance of ‘feet
washing’.

The Good Friday Service held with much serenity and there was
meditation of the cross for both English and Malayalam Services.
The Vicar assisted with James Rajesh, Leon, Pritam, Jelin, Ashish
preached on the seven verses from the Cross. Special thanks to all
who led the devotions, readings and prayers during the holy week
services.

The Passion Recital by the Choir and Children on Holy Saturday

evening and it was a blessed time to remember the great sacrifice,
Passion death and resurrection of Jesus.
 4

Special thanks to the Choir and the Junior choir who rendered
songs. Thanks to Ashok Varkey & Graceline Justin for training the
junior Choir and I thanks the parents for their cooperation.
Rev.Kurian Peter, Smitha Kochamma & Anu Anand together
presented a Malayalam song. Rev.Argho Biswas,Vicar of Anglican
Church, Hampton Park attended the service along with his family.
Rev. Biswas gave a homily during the service and sang a special
Hindi song.
 5

On Easter morning, we had

Malayalam & English
services. The Choir sang two
special numbers.
Breakfast was served after
the morning Malayalam
service and there were
refreshments after the
English Service.
We had special flowers
arranged in the form of a
cross on Easter Sunday to
symbolize the fragrance of
the renewed life and hope in
Christ.

Lenten Spiritual Exercise

The St. Matthew’s members conducted Lenten Bible Studies
regularly on Sundays during the lent after the service. The
meditations were led by Margaret Holt. A special text titled
“Restoring Freshness in the time of Lent” written by Michael
Elligate, was used for the weekly classes. I do appreciate all those
who participated and thank Margaret for leading the meditations.

The MSCI members had daily Bible reading and a short prayer
prepared by each family and individuals and it was a blessed
experience. We also had Wednesday cottage prayers in different
houses and the concluding meeting was held at the Parsonage.
I thank and appreciate all those families
who welcomed our congregation to their
houses for Lenten fellowship and Bible
studies.
New Choir Robes
The choir members were received new
robes with new pattern, stitched in Kerala
and brought to us with the co-ordination
of the Choir committee. It was dedicated
during the service on Palm Sunday the
 6

10th of April. Special thanks to Ashok Varkey & Rinju Abraham

for organizing.
‘Vachanolsavam’ (Festival of the Word) Lenten Retreat.
The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church of Melbourne had conducted
three-day special Lenten meditations for the church from 1st to 3rd
April 2022. Rev. Kurian Peter led the main retreat on Saturday the
2nd of April and it was a wonderful spiritual experience and a
blessed fellowship with many pastors and lay people coming
together for worship.

Youth Fellowship Initiatives

The Youth Fellowship re started their Online Bible Studies and the
meditations of the month of April was led by Akhil Mohan and
Ansu Anand. Our Youth Member Ansu Anand got an opportunity
to preach the word
from the cross during
the Good Friday
service at Holy Trinity
CSI Church, Brisbane.
We congratulate and
thank Ansu for this
leadership the
ministry.

Safe Ministry Trainings

The Vicar and the leaders of different ministries of our parish have
participated in the three level Safe ministry trainings in this month
according to their own convenience and this is a definite exercise
to make sure
our parish is
compliant to
the clearances
of ministry and
clearances of
service. Thanks
for those who
have
cooperated and
found time to undergo this training programs.
 7

The MOU Matters

The MOU Draft which was sent to the Episcopate Bishop was
reviewed and we have got a response from Bishop Paul Barker.
The Combined committees and the Parish Council are to discuss
this matter in detail and revert our views to the Diocese at the
earliest.
St. Matthew’s Vestry
St. Matthew’s Vestry gathered on 28th April and decided to hold
the vestry meetings on a stipulated day and time each month. For
the convenience of gathering, the Vestry meeting will be held at
the Adult Lounge on second Thursdays of every month from the
May 2022 onwards. Special committee will be convened soon to
discuss the forthcoming 75th Anniversary Celebrations of St.
Mathews this year.

New Window Drapes.

The Sanctuary is beautified with a set of
new white printed curtains instead of the
old ones and it looks wonderful. Special
thanks to Amarnath Porselvan and
Family for sponsoring.

Key Handing Over

By God’s grace the
MCSI was able to
purchase an
investment property
at 17 Shiras
Crescent, Narre
warren and we
could get the House
Keys handed over to
us on Saturday the
23rd of April.
The house needs some basic maintenance and we plan to rent out
that house at the moment to meet the financial requirements of the
repayment of mortgage. Thank you for the support and prayers.
 8

We have started some cleaning works in the compound and I thank

everyone who volunteered to help. Special thanks to Mr. Anand
Varghese and Mr.Jupin Cherian for the coordination. We will be
having a dedication prayer on Saturday the 7th of May 2022.
Rt. Rev. B,N.Fenn, Bishop in CSI Diocese of Cochin has Kindly
agreed to be with us online to convey his Greetings and to pray and
dedicate the house for God’s Glory.
Service Schedule & Acolytes
 Organisation News

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth Fellowship meets fortnightly on 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 Mrs Gracelin Justin.

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 Mrs Dhanya Rajesh.
 Melbourne CSI Church
LIST OF MEETINGS FOR THE MONTH
MAY 2022

For detailed information: www.melbournecsichurch.org.au

Call Rev. Kurian: 0447 438 900 or secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au
 MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH
YOU'RE INVITED TO THE
DEDICATION SERVICE OF THE
CHURCH HOUSE!
"This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes".
Ps 118:23

MAY 07, 2022 | 06:30 PM

17 SHIRAZ CRES, NARRE WARREN VIC
Special Guest online - Rt.Rev. B.N.Fenn, Bishop in CSI
Diocese of Cochin.
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!!
BIBLE CROSSWORD

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. What did the earth look like in the beginning?
2. How did the father first respond upon seeing the Prodigal Son returning
home?
3. Which well known Psalm of David contains the line, “he maketh me to lie
down in green pastures”?
4. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, bore a special son. What was his name?
5. Which son did Jacob love more than all the others?
6. Who was Jacob’s grandfather?
7. To which city will all nations one day go to worship God?
8. Who said, “I am the true vine”?
9. When there was no water to drink in the wilderness, how did Moses
provide it?
10. To which tribe did Jesus belong?

Answers published in the Newsletter next month.

BIBLE CROSSWORD - april keys

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ - april ANSWERS

1. What happened to Elimelech in Moab? - He died (Ruth 1:3)
2. What does the shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep do once he realizes one
is missing? - Goes and looks for it (Matt 18:12)
3. What is the name of the disciple who betrayed Jesus? - Judas Iscariot (Mark
14:10)
4. What golden animal did the Israelites make as an idol? - Calf (Exo 32:4)
5. Who did Jesus appear to first after his resurrection? - Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9)
6. What job did Peter and Andrew do? - Fishermen (Matt 4:18)
7. Which prophet tried to flee from God when asked to preach God’s message in
Nineveh? - Jonah (Jon 1:2-3)
8. What is the collective name of the stories Jesus told to convey his message? -
Parables (Matt 13:10-13)
9. What was noticeable about Jacob’s twin brother, Esau, at birth? - He was red and
hairy (Gen 25:25)
10. Who wanted to kill Jesus when he was a baby? - Herod (the Great) (Matt 2:13)
 MCSI LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

For more information, please contact

Rev Kurian Peter Mr Jupin Cherian 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