Volume 02 | Issue 08

August 2022
Service Schedule & Acolytes
“Christ loved the church
and gave himself up for
her to make her
holy, …….. and to present
her to himself as a
St.Matthew’s
Anglican & MCSI
radiant church, without
stain or wrinkle or any
other blemish, but holy
and blameless.”
Vicar’s Report July 2022

Ephesians 5:25-27

The Church is a missional community in its vocation and

enterprise. It’s a disgrace to see the Church, called to be united and
uniting, loses its vitality and integrity to uphold the kerygmatic
identity and comply to the gospel mandate. The church faces
infiltration of many deteriorating forces and corrupted power nexus
into many areas of ecclesial life undermining the real call and
purpose of her ministry. It’s obvious that challenges and threats
are from within and without that disturbs the solemn tranquility,
Sanctity and peace that should prevail within the body of Christ.
Instead of being missional and becoming the gospel itself, Church
communities tend to be more ‘un missional’ in its representation
and witnessing today. The term ‘Un missional’ means the existence
of a church that seized to be Christ minded, are no longer worthy
of its calling. This condition of the church not only causes
disfiguration of the body of Christ, but also makes stumbling block
to the gospel. The very existence of the church in the society
becomes irrelevant being ‘un missional’. The concept of
‘Christianity’ is reduced to be termed as ‘churchianity’.
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In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul instructs the church how they have to

act one to another. We the community of the faithful are
summoned to reflect Christ in our ‘living the gospel’. Christ sent
out his disciples as materially and physically vulnerable, but
spiritually powerful. Our unity is not to show off strength and
extravagance. Our Unity is the result of the work of the Holy
Spirit. It is the result of Jesus’ High Priestly prayer. There is a
purpose for our unity. We are united to be broken for the world as
we part take in the one bread that is the body of Christ, broken for
the whole world.
As we look at the above text, Certain Characters that marks the
disfiguration of the body of Christ are explicit. Verse 3 says,
Selfish motives will ruin the church unity. The society in which we
live is a very self-oriented society. if questions arise within
Christian community like, what’s my role and position? What’s in
it for me? How will I get benefitted of this? then there is a danger.
Forgetting our privileges is the first thing to take up. If we are truly
worshipping the Lord, no human name will be glorified, it’s not the
name or fame of a human or an evangelist, nor a clergy or a nun,
nor a bishop or any other ecclesial offices that is to be glorified, but
the true and only living God. In Christ alone we glorify. The
aftermath of our worship is the abundance of love, compassion and
peace. If this is not happening within the church, we cannot find
our identity in Christ and we seize to be the channel of God’s peace
and grace.
Another mark of disfiguration is our Good Impressions. Making
good impression on others is not a Christian attitude. (vs. 3) In
such a success-oriented society, it seems that everyone wants to
impress others with their own accomplishments. It’s a basic to the
fallen human nature—just to show off. we call it pride. Sometime
we lose our character and good values for cheap popularity. We
publicize even an insignificant deed of benevolence and promote
ourselves. We’re so concerned about what others think of us. Jesus
certainly didn’t live to impress others. Most of the time when
Jesus, healed or did miracles, he strictly warned against his own
publicity. Vs. 7, says, He made himself nothing. He was ready to
give away his reputation and glory. He was willing to face
humiliation. We as church must note that all good things done
with selfish and wrong attitude is worthless. We should not forget
God’s gracious hand and providence behind our success and
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blessing. Church needs to abstain from promoting our own glory

and popularity. If tempted to gratify ourself, we cannot claim a
share in Christ’s community.
Another threat to Church’s integrity is the Pride and
Authoritarianism demonstrated within the ministerial realms. Verse
3 reminds us to be humble and sociable. To think of others better
than ourselves. Our submissiveness to the authorities and our
obedience is not to be out of legalities, but out of awfulness of
God’s Holiness and majesty. This is applicable to anyone who has
put his hand on the plough. Any position or promotion in our
ministerial office is a further call to humility. When we think we
are better and powerful than others, we destroy the unity of the
body of Christ. Church is not a one man show, God has designed it
not with hierarchy but with coarchy. The church needs to be
humbled enough to acknowledge that she is still a learner and
needs to heed to all human voices and experiences, even that of a
child in order to fully understand what kind of Kingdom does Jesus
envision for us.
Church as the body of Christ, holds many organs together
maintaining mutual respect and honour. Every person is to
contribute towards the healthy co-existence and complementary
growth of the body. It’s not about what you are doing, or about
what I am doing. It is about what we are doing together.
Therefore, spiritual sustenance and unity within the Church is not
just desirable, but absolutely essential. May the spirit of God bind
us together with chords of love that cannot be broken.

===============================
The worship Life.
The month of July was engaging and moving. All the services
except that on 24th and 31st July was regular gatherings and may
events happened during this month. We had to move the church
services to online during the last two Sundays due to COVID 19
Constraints. Thanks to the pastorate committee for the sudden
arrangement and thanks to all those who led different parts of the
service.

The MCSI VBS 20222 was held at our church from Friday 8th to
Sunday he 10th of July 2022. and there were more than 40 children
 4

participating. It was a blessed time for our kids to learn new

themes, songs, bible stories, Christian doctrines and values in a
very simple manner and joyously spend the three days with
jubilation and praise. Special thanks and appreciation to Joanna
Rajesh for preparing the VBS Banner and Certificates.
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We had a wonderful team of teachers and volunteers headed by

Lintu Mathai who directed this year’s VBS. The theme was “Its
Dawn” based on John 21:4. There was VBS Witnessing Parade on
VBS Sunday and VBS Talents performed in the VBS Final Day
program.
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I thank Dhanya Rajesh for the perfect coordination and thank all
the dear parent, teachers, Volunteers, and the pastorate committee
for supporting this year’s VBS and making this a great success.
Many of our children could re dedicate their lives to the Lord Jesus
Christ.

Special thanks to Prasad & Family, Manoj David & Family, Anand
Varghese & Family for sponsoring meals for each day of the VBS.

The Youth Fellowship has regular Bible studies online. This

month’s devotion was led by Priya Justin. The youth led the
service on 24th July and it was a great blessing for all. They also
helped and assisted this year’s VBS Programs and also at the
STEFM Annual Day Celebrations.

The men’s Fellowship served the congregation on different

Sundays with their barbecues and food preparations. I thank Renji
Cherian and Manoj David for organising. The Women’s
fellowship assisted the VBS Programs and assisted beginner
classes.

Young Family Fellowship members also assisted the VBS classes

and supported for the different needs.
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The Choir regularly assist the worship and congregational singing.

They have practice sessions on Sundays after services. The Junior
Choir learns new songs and occasionally present songs during the
service. New members have shown interest to join the choir and we
will be welcoming them soon. Thanking the choir master, secretary
and the Choir committee for their leadership.

The STEFM Annual Day Celebrations.

This Year's STEFM Annual Event was done blessedly and
successfully by God's grace on Saturday at the Phoenix Park
Community Centre, Rob Roy Road, Malvern East on 16th of July
2022. Dr. Graeme Blackman, President of the Victorian Council of
Churches and the Chancellor of the university of Divinity was the
chief guest of honour and he was very much impressed by the
ecumenical platform among the Malayalee Christian Communities
in the city of Melbourne.
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Rev. Kurian Peter, President of the STEFM welcomed the

gathering and the STEFM Secretary Bejoy George presented the
annual report and STEFM Treasurer Joshy offered a vote of thanks.
There were many talents showcased by different church
denominations and all of them were very catchy and thematic.
Ansu Anand from our church was one among the emcees. I thank
Ansu for the leadership.

I thank the Vicars of STEFM member churches, Secretary,

Treasurer and all the dear committee members of STEFM
Executive committee and all those who presented their talents and
all those who assisted and participated in the event.
Do thank and appreciate the valuable help and cooperation of all
the members of MCSI , especially the Choir and the youth for their
help and support. Special thanks to Ashok John Varkey, Renji
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Cherian & Manoj David for their leadership and assistance to make
this event a great blessing.
The STEFM Junior Solo Competition Trophy was given to Daniel
Justin and the Parish Participation Trophy was handed over to the
STEFM representatives during the Sunday service on 17th July. My
sincere thanks to all who attended.
 Report on

VBS 2022 Dhanya Rajesh

VBS 2022 Coordinator

This year the pastoral director Mr Lintu Mathai on certificates and children did
committee decided to hold day 1, followed by Mrs their presentations in the
the vacation bible school Graceline Satyadas the form of skits, activities and
from 8-10th July 2022 from second day and Mr Roy singing.
9:00am -3:30 pm for the first Samuel the final day.
2 days and observing 3rd day The third day was observed
as VBS Sunday. Achen The first day the VBS theme as VBS Sunday and the
coordinated with Dr P.R.D. was introduced. Achen led children led various part of
Prabhu for this years VBS the singining sessions and Mr the service. The VBS classes
learning resources. Achen Lintu led the devotions and were held in the morning
also organised Mr Lintu activities. It was quite followed by VBS procession.
Mathai as the VBS director to engaging as the devotions
lead the 3 days of VBS. and the activities helped the I would like to conclude my
kids to learn the word of God report by thanking Almighty
The theme for this year is “Its in a fun filled way. The God for his guidance and His
Dawn” based on John 21:4. children also enjoyed the
class and the activities while
Dr PRD prabhu did a VBS they reiterate the learnings.
teachers’ orientation via
zoom which was quite The students were grouped in
engaging and informative for two groups to engage with
the VBS team. various common activities.

This year we had 37 The second day we had the

registered students and 10 devotion session, singing
teachers. followed by class and
dedication of children. All the
All the three days starts with classes presented with
teachers devotion led by VBS

August 2022
VBS 2022 - Report August, 2022

I also like to thank the teachers Smitha

Thomas, Smitha Kochamma from the
Sprouts group, Keerthi, Prisha, Ansu, Roy
from the sparkles group, Aparna from the
Splendours group, Graceline from the
seekers group and finally Ashok and Akhil
from the Serene group.

I also like to thanks the sponsors who

contributed towards the VBS lunches,
Prasad and Dharshana, Manoj and Merlin,
Anand Uncle and Anita aunty.

I also like to thank the volunteers who

were of great supporter for me; Meril, Anu
Bivindas, Ancy, Justin S, Rinju and I also
acknowledge the support from my family.

Finally I would like to thank all the children

who attended this year VBS and
contributed to the overall success.

God Bless you all.

abundant grace throughout the

VBS sessions.

I would like to thank Achen for his

guidance and leadership in
conducting the sessions.

I would also thank VBS director Mr

Lintu for his leadership and leading
the VBS sessions in an engaging
way. Also I thank his wife Deepthi for
actively supporting throughout the
sessions.
 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
AUGUST 2022

For detailed information: www.melbournecsichurch.org.au

Call Rev. Kurian: 0447 438 900 or [email protected]
 FAMILY &
YOUTH CAMP
30 Sep - 02 Oct 2022
Mt Evely n Recre ation Cente r YMCA

for mcsi
https:/ /camps .ymca. org.au/ mt-eve lyn-rec reation -camp

MARK THE DATES

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!!
 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

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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

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