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October 2022
Volume 02 | Issue 10
Service Schedule & Acolytes
 St.Matthew’s &
Melbourne CSI
September Vicar’s Report
2022

See, today I appoint

you over nations and
kingdoms to
uproot and tear
down, to destroy and
overthrow, to build
and to plant.”
Jeremiah 1:10

The mainline churches face different kinds of existential crises.

The modernity has undermined the importance of faith in God and
spiritual needs of the people. Many Young people have become
indifferent to church and the Gospel. The lack of exemplary
spiritual leaders and model ministers and the infiltration the idea of
seeking pleasure without conscience have brought the generation to
experience worship without sacrifice. Many churches are in
financial crisis because of low membership and thus cannot
maintain their buildings and infrastructural facilities. There are less
people willing to help out on a volunteer basis any more. Life is
busy, and the church is having a harder time finding musicians and
Sunday School teachers and all the other willing workers.
 2

Thank God for our congregation that have enough volunteers to

keep our church moving. God can do great things with a handful
of faithful disciples. The church’s life needs to be reorganized and
revived for a rebuilding. We are called to prayerfully endeavor for
a bright and vibrant future of Christian ministry in our land. We
have to take confidence in the Lord. He is the author and finisher
of our faith. He has chosen us for his kingdom.

If we look at the text from Jeremiah 1, 4-10, Jeremiah has been

chosen and sanctified even before he was born. When we consider
the situation Jeremiah lived in, he lived in a scary time in the
history of Old Testament people. He began his ministry as a
prophet around 626 B.C., during the reign of King Josiah, a good
king who tried to encourage his people to turn away from idols and
worship the one true God of Israel. But he lived in times of
political upheaval. In those days the three great superpowers –
Egypt, Assyria and Babylon were fighting for power. During the
forty or so years of Jeremiah’s ministry, there were several
invasions from Assyria and Babylon. Good King Josiah was killed
in battle against Egypt; at least two kings were deposed by foreign
rulers and replaced by new kings that were more to their liking.
Israel became a vassal state of Babylon; it rebelled twice, and each
rebellion was put down with brutal force. After the second
rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem,
burned its temple and palaces to the ground, broke down its walls
and took all its leaders and ruling classes away to exile in Babylon.
That was the world that Jeremiah lived in. God didn’t call Jeremiah
to be a prophet in a nice peaceful time but a tough time. Are we
called to speak in God’s name in a time of postmodern era? We are
given the great commission to be his witnesses by our words and
actions. We are to invite people to be a part of this fellowship. We
are a prophetic community to challenge injustice and oppression
and violence and hatred.
 3

In a world where injustice reign, the Kingdom of God is about

justice and compassion and peace and love. As Jeremiah stood for
the righteousness of God, Let the Spirit of God give us courage to
be His witnesses in our families, and in our society.

Worship Life
The worship services during this month had good
attendance and it marked the preparations for the
celebration of the 75th year of existence and ministry for
both St. Matthew’s and CSI. The Sunday School, The
Youth Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Young Family
Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, the choir and the different
committees along with the Pastorate committee worked
hard to make all the events of the churches so blessed and
rich.
MCSI
Bible Conventions.
The Annual Bible
Conventions were held
at our church from 2nd to
4th of September 2022.
Rev. Sujit David was the
Convention speaker. The
theme for this year’s
convention was “Salt
and Light”.Achen gave a
very good exposition of
the Word and everyone
on the congregation
could grasp and
appreciate the wonders of the Word. The time with Achen
& Kochamma at the vicarage was also so happy and
blessed. May God bless Achen & Family’s ministries.
 4

Sujit Achen and Sonu Kochamma also led the Bible

studies for the Youth and Women Fellowships. Rev. Sajin
Baby, Vicar, Immanuel Marthoma Church attended.
 5

Songs and worship sessions were led by Ashok John

Varkey & Geo Gladin and
I thanks them both. The
musical Instruments were
played by Daniel, David ,
Jonathan & Andrew for
the MCSI convention
songs and it is much
appreciated.

I thank the pastorate committee for all arrangements made

and thank all those who attended the conventions and led
the singing and other ministries to make this year’s
gathering a great blessing.
 6

All Australia Song book named Hymns of Faith was

launched during the convention.

I thank Mr. Justin Israel and the team for the compiling,
proofreading and printing and shipping arrangements.
Special thanks to Robin Varghese for the beautiful Cover
Design. Lets use the song boo for singing praises to our
God.

Special thanks to Anand Varghese & Family, Ashok &

Family, Justin Israel & Family for hosting Sujit Achen &
family during their days with us.
 7

Celebrating 75 years
St.Matthew’s
Ashburton

St. Matthew’s congregation had three major events that marked the
anniversary. On 17th September we had St. Matthew’s dinner
attended by many old prisoners and present members. The church
hall was beautifully arranged and decorated to receive the guests.
 8

Margaret Holt the Warden of the church welcomed and the vicar
Rev. Kurian Peter did the opening prayer. Children and some
families entertained the gathering with their talents of singing,
dancing and music. Everyone gathered enjoyed the dinner and felt
the warmth of love and fellowship within the church community.

The second event was the

St.Matthew’s Day Evensong. Rev.
Kurian Peter led the service and
Rev.Clem Taplin was present. and
This service also recorded good
attendance. There were light
refreshments served the service. at
the Narthex after.
 9

The biggest event was the Thanksgiving service combinedly held

on Sunday the 25th of September. The Archbishop of the
Anglican Diocese of
Melbourne, Most Revd.
Dr. Philip Freier and his
wife Joe Freier were the
chief guests and the Arch
bishop gave a timely
sermon and was the chief
celebrant of the Holy
Communion. John
Carrick, Dean of the Box hill Deanery, Rev. Lawrence Anbalakan,
Vicar of the Tamil Anglican congregation, and the former locum
minister to our church along with the vicar Rev. Kurian Peter
assisted the service.
 10

St.Matthew’s booklet named “ Let the Light Shine” authored by

Margaret Holt, was launched during the service. It was her son
Richard Holt, who designed the Cover Page for the Booklet and we
offer him a special word of thanks and appreciation.

Let Your
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Celebra ng 75 years
Li t i e
1947 - 2022 St Ma hews Ashburton 1
St Ma hew’s Anglican Church 344 High Street ASH C 3147 1947

Margaret introduced the book and the Archbishop Philip Frier

launched it and handed the first copy to Dr.Greame Blackman AO,
who is the Chancellor of the University of Divinity and the
President of the Victorian Council of Churches.
 11

The Junior Choir sang a beautiful song and Mr. Ken Hutton, the
executive officer to the archbishop played Instrumental music of
the song ‘Give Thanks’ on flute.
Mr. Ashok John Varkey, the Synod representative of MCSI,
greeted St. Matthew’s Congregation on behalf of MCSI.
Gifts were presented to the archbishop as a token of our
appreciation and thankfulness for his valuable presence and prayers
on this auspicious occasion.

Margaret Holt, the church warden gave the vote of thanks.

The Service was followed by a delicious lunch. By the grace of
Almighty, the 75th Anniversary celebrations of St.Matthew’s
concluded successfully and blessedly.

I would like to thank the members of the St.Matthew’s vestry

especially the secretary of the Parish, Leonie Cartledge and
Warden, Margaret Holt for the arrangements of the whole
celebrations. I thank all the MCSI members for their participation
in all the events and celebrations. Special thanks to Sandeep and
James Rajesh and Richard Holt for the booklet publishing.
 12

CSI 75 Years Jubilee.

Church of South India also celebrated its 75th Year of formation
this year. The Jubilee celebrations were concluded in an elaborate
manner all over the world.

There were different levels of celebrations in all the 24 Dioceses

and the culmination event and holy communion service was held at
St. George’s Cathedral, Chennai on 27th September.
MCSI Observed the CSI Day in association with the All-Australia
CSI congregations and brought in a CSI Banner as a token of our
thankfulness to God.

CSI Day Koinonia.

The All Australia

Churches observed CSI
Day and held a prayer
Koinonia on Tuesday the
27th September at 07.30
pm through Zoom.
Rev. Dr. Jacob Thomas,
theologian and
convention preacher gave
the Platinum Jubilee
Exhortation. The new
Vicar of Holy Trinity
CSI, Brisbane Rev.Felix
Matthew gave the jubilee
greetings. All the CSI
Congregations in Australia, CSI Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and
Melbourne joined the gathering. Rev. Sujit David, Rev.
 13

Electrical works
Major electrical works have been undertaken by St. Matthew’s
Vestry to update the Electrical systems. The Meter has been
replaced and the whole outdated Switch box and connections were
replaced with new system required. Thanks to Mr. Stanley George
and Stephen who worked hard for this major work.

Outdoor Painting works.

St.Matthew’s also
undertook the
painting works
and
cleaning of
the walls
and that has
brought a
new look to
the church
building.
 14

Mr. Sritharan and team worked hard for this and we thank them for
the work.

STEFM
The new Executive committee met at St.Mary’s Syro Malabar
Catholic Church at Melbourne West, on Thursday the 29th of
September and have discussed the forthcoming ecumenical events.
Fr. Sebastian Mandapathil is the new President and the new
Secretary is Sunil Matthew from City Marthoma. I congratulate
 15

Renji Cherian from our parish who is appointed as the new

treasurer of STEFM for this term.

Onam Celebrations
As people of Kerala celebrates their cultural festival Onam, MCSI
along with St. Matthew’s congregation, arranged a delicious Onam
meal after the Sunday service 17th September. with many different
dishes and variety entertainment for all. There were some games
for kids, youth and families and it was a joyful community get-
together.
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Aged Care Ministry

The Vicar regularly visits Grand Cedar Aged Care, Ashwood and
there are new members attending the service. Please pray for the
ministry so that it may be a healing experience for those who
participate in the Holy Communion.

Family & Youth Conference

It is decided to conduct the MCSI Family& Youth Camp at the
YMCA Recreation Camp, Mount Evelyn. Preparations are going
on. The Theme of this Years Camp is “Family: A Sanctuary of
Love”. There will separate leaders for the families, Youth and
Kids.

New Secretary to the MCSI

As Jupin Thomas Cherian has resigned from the position of church
Secretary due to his own personal reasons, the Pastorate committee
nominated Manoj David Kalarickal to that post and he has assumed
the new role. The Committee thanked Jupin for the great service
with dedication to the MCSI Ministries and for the hard work and
commitment for the church.
 21

Jupin Thomas Cherian & Manoj David Kalarickal

I personally thank and appreciate Jupin for the leadership and

assistance to the governance of our parish for the last year. Please
pray for Manoj David as he shoulders more responsibilities now
and may God bless him and guide him to take this church to new
heights for the Glory of God.
 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
OCTOBER 2022

For detailed information: www.melbournecsichurch.org.au

Call Rev. Kurian: 0447 438 900 or secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au
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!!
 S I H A R V E ST
M C
Festival
NOVEMBER 20TH

MARK THE DATE!!

THANKSGIVING | GAMES | AUCTION | FOOD

MORE INFORMATION SOON

IT'S THAT TIME OF
THE YEAR!

MCSI'S

CHRISTMAS
CAROLS 2022
MARK THE DATE!!

NOVEMEBR 26
 MCSI LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

For more information, please contact

Rev Kurian Peter Mr Manoj David 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