Blessed

BEYOND MEASURE

& thankful
TO OUR GOD ALMIGHTY
Volume 02 | Issue 11

November 2022
Service Schedule & Acolytes
ELEVEN YEARS OF WORSHIP

MELBOURNE
CSI CHURCH
ANNIVERSARY
A day to celebrate a decade of community
service.

N o v e m b e r 0 6, 2 0 2 2 , 1 0 : 4 5 a m o n w a r d s |
3 3 4 H i g h S t , A s h b u r t o n.

A Holy Communion service along with

thanksgiving. Followed by shared BBQ lunch.
Everybody's welcome!
 St.Matthew’s &
Melbourne CSI
October Vicar’s Report
2022

Honour the LORD with

your substance and
with the first fruits of
all your produce;
Proverbs 3:9

When we honour the Lord with our substance and with the
produce of the land, we are offering the sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving to the Lord. We are acknowledging God’s gracious
providence in our lives. Our Wealth is the gift of God. As we give
a bit back to honour him, our wealth becomes a means of Worship.
As we offer grateful thanks, we are enriched and blessed by the
attitude of gratitude. Let us thankfully remember the marvellous
things God has done in our lives.

Honouring God with our wealth means earning, using and holding
it in such a way as to show the world that God is the most
important factor than any kind of wealth we hold. As we bring a
portion of what we have been given, we ascribe majesty and glory
to God, the Lord of the Universe. In ancient world, substance or
wealth would have meant cattle, crops and land and other house
hold including slaves. We’re not to worship wealth – but we are to
worship with wealth. Worship is worth-ship - What is worthy,
lawful and owing to the Lord, we must not hold back.
 2

God has commanded his people to bring only a small portion, may
a small basket, which is affordable to them, that you can simply
carry on your head. God never wants you to bring everything you
have, but a portion of the produce of the land. The first fruit of
your labour. This means we need to prioritise our giving in order to
honour God. It’s a time to remind ourselves that we are not the
owners of anything that we have and hold, but only humble
stewards of God’s creation.

God blesses what we bring to his house. There is a transformation

happening when we offer our thanks and first fruits. The produce
of the mud takes its place at the Altar. Ordinary things become
precious things. It becomes the token of giving ourselves to the
Lord. God is ever faithful; and he rewards our faithfulness. He will
bless us and increase the work of our hands.

Let us with joyful hearts make our commitment to the lord of

increase and abundant blessing.

Worship Life.
The regular worships were all done with good participation and we
had a different experience in conducting the worship service at the
YMCA Camp Centre during our Family camp this year. All the
organisations of the church participated and led the different parts
of worship services.

MCSI Family Conference.

This month began with the commencement of family conference
held at the beautiful site Mt. Evelyn Recreation Camp YMCA, on
Friday the 02nd of October inaugurated by the vicar Rev. Kurian
Peter. The camp was so blessed and attended by most of our church
members and their families. Children, youth and elders were all
engaged in the different activities like Bible Study sessions, games,
talent time, fun activities etc. The Theme for this year’s camp was
“Family: A Sanctuary of Love”.

The main sessions for the families were led by Mr. Charles
Wesley, IT engineer and an evangelist who at present coordinating
family centred ministries in
Australia representing the
Indian Evangelical Mission. He
is also doing MDiv at the
Ridley theological College. He
attended the conference with
his wife and three children
 3

Children of our church had a great time with the Scripture Union
Volunteers, who did an amazing job in teaching songs, Bible
Stories, Activities and group discussions and the children really
loved to be with them. Mr. Chris Helm, Field Development
Manager Metro Melbourne East, SU Australia led the ministry.
4
5
6
7
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The Youth fellowship members had separate sessions led by Rev.

Joshua Millard, Youth Pastor, St. Thomas Anglican Church,
Burwood. They had communicative interactions and discussions.

The Pastorate Committee under the able leadership of Manoj

David, the MCSI Secretary have made all the necessary plannings
and arrangements for the camp. Special thanks and congratulations
 9

Our thankfulness and appreciation to all the dear members of

Men’s fellowship and young family fellowship for their hard work
and commitment to prepare food for each day and everyone
enjoyed the delicious food served.

Thanks to all members of our Parish who took part in the

conference and made this year’s events a great success and
blessing.
The camp concluded with Sunday service on 4rth October. MCSI
Flag was brought during the Sunday Service carried by the MCSI
Secretary Manoj David, along with the Vicar to commemorate the
75th Year Jubilee of the Church of South India, Mr. Charles
Wesley delivered God’s word.
 10

All those who attended the service joined the lunch thereafter.

Youth Sunday
MCSI Youth fellowship led the service on 16th November and
Leon Thomas Eapen spoke the word and led the meditation. The
youth read the scripture and led the intercessory prayers. Special
songs were sung during the service. I do appreciate and thank the
Youth members for their commitment and leadership in our
church’s ministry.
175th Anniversary of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne.
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne celebrates its 175th year and to
mark the event, there was a special choral evening conducted at the
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne on Sunday the 09th of October
2022 at 06.30.pm.
The Most
Reverend and
Right
Honorable
Justin Welby
was the chief
guest and he
delivered the
homily.

Most Rev’d Dr.Philip Freier presided the gathering and there were
many bishops, clergy , nuns, Synod members, secretaries of the
parishes. The solemn service was conducted with the grace of God
and with houseful attendance of invitees and guests.
 11

MCSI Secretary Manoj

David, and Synod member
Ashok Varkey, along with the
Vicar attended the service.
Let us remember the Anglican
Diocese of Melbourne and the
various ministries in our
prayers.

The Choir.
New members have joined our church choir and there was a
dedication prayer on Sunday the 09th of October during which Mr.
Roy Samuel, Mr. Jobin Benjamin and Miss. Lenita Jobin became
the choir members. Our Congratulations to them and may the Lord
bless them to be faithful to the music ministry of the church.

Christmas Carol Practice have started and the choir members are
preparing for the carols to be held on Saturday the 26th of
November 2022. Please remember them and the leaders and
musicians in your prayers.
Parish Council
The Parish Council met on Thursday the 13th of October to discuss
the feasibility of the proposed project of multi-purpose building at
St.Matthew’s property. The preliminary discussions with the
bishop and Archbishop of the Diocese is over and now we
prayerfully move forward with the development planning and
action. Kindly pray for the divine guidance and blessings.
 12

Confirmation Service 2022

Confirmation service will be held on
Friday the 18th of November at 07.30
pm. There are three candidates this
year to profess their faith in Jesus
Christ as their personal Saviour and
Lord. Rt.Rev. B.N. Fenn, bishop in CSI Diocese of Cochin will be
leading the service. Please uphold the candidates and the service in
your prayers. Every church member is invited to attend the service.
Harvest Festival & Annual Thanks Giving 2022.
This year’s MCSI Annual Thanksgiving and Harvest Festival will
be held on Sunday the 20th of November 2022 at 10.45 am. Rt.Rev.
B.N. Fenn will be the chief celebrant of the Holy Communion
service. Every member and families are invited to attend and
requested to offer your One day offering as special thanksgiving.
Also please bring some items / first fruits/ goods / homemade
articles etc. for the auction and sale. Please encourage each other
and invite your friends/neighbors to join the festival. Kindly pray
and participate.

First Second Third

We have started the sale of Raffle Tickets for fund raising and
there are attractive prizes for the winners. Let’s together give our
best to the Lord and use it for the extension of God’s Kingdom.
 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
NOVEMBER 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!!
ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD. - MATTHEW 9:36

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING

ST FEST
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Veg
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ket ket
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HOLY COMMUNION | TITHES | RAFFLES | AUCTION

FOOD STALLS | SALES | GAMES & MUCH MORE

CHIEF CELEBRANT
RT. REV. B. N. FENN
BISHOP IN CSI DIOCESE OF KOCHI

20 NOVEMBER
20
TH 10:45AM 22
MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH
334 HIGH STREET, ASHBURTON
AUCTION STARTS AT 1PM

melbournecsichurch.org.au
IT'S THAT TIME OF
THE YEAR!

MCSI'S

FESTIVAL OF
CAROLS 2022
NOVEMEBR 26 @ 06:30PM

ALL ARE INVITED!!

 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