MCSI LIFE

NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

75th CSI FORMATION DAY

SEPTEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 09 • VOLUME 01

A Letter From Unity in serving God and God’s
creation is the primary mission of the

The Vicar church. We call the worship as

‘service’. Once a man asked the
Pastor, “when does the Sunday
In the month of September we do service begin?” the pastor replied, “our
remember the Church of South India to service begins soon after the Sunday
which we all belong. This should be our worship.” This is a profound statement
platinum Jubilee Year since it was on of the mission of the church. We unite
September 27th 1947, the Church of in worship to be united in service to
South India was inaugurated. The God and to the society. The term
formation of the CSI is considered to be liturgy comes from the Greek root
the ‘second Pentecost’ by many of the ‘leitourgia’ which literally means ‘work
Christian leaders, because it was a for the people’ Or ‘Public service’.
miracle of unity transcending the socio-
cultural, denominational and linguistic Unless Christians live in harmonious
barriers. The coming together of different reciprocity with one another and with
Christian traditions and the the people of other faiths, the
amalgamation of the missionary churches intended unity can never be achieved.
resulted in a kind of organic unity of The social barriers between the rich
faith, order and mission of the church. and poor, native and immigrant,
literate and illiterate, men or women,
The Mission Statement of the CSI is as masters or servants, and any other
follows: “ The Church of South India kind of socio-economic inequalities are
affirms that the Church is the servant of to be eradicated.
God to carry on the mission rooted in
Jesus Christ and based on the Scriptures. Christian missionaries who came to
The Church through her mission India realized very soon the need to
expresses solidarity with the broken get united in serving the needy. They
communities for a new hope to face the revived the practice of hospitality,
challenges of life. The Cross continues to equality, reconciliation and peace
be the sign of hope for the witnessing wherever they settled and propagated
Church, which strives towards Unity, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peace and Reconciliation as a vibrant
Channel of God.”
 The CSI upholds the spirit of the triune
unity that is expressed in serving the
humanity. Let’s remember all the great
missionaries, who came to India and
enlightened the people with the gospel
light. Let’s pray for the leaders of the
church, all the congregations and its
missions. Let’s thank God for this vibrant
church and its wonderful witness in India
and the world at large.

Happy CSI Day

VICAR

Rev Kurian Peter

Service Schedule & Almanac
 Young Families Retreat

Missional Marriage: the church and God. With

time, we tend to forget this The first ever young
A missional marriage commitment and move away
families retreat was held
translates to a marriage with from the true purpose of
a mission. The two main marriage. Marriage turns into on 7th of August 2021. It
aspects of a missional individual needs and wants was conducted by Dr P.
marriage are complementary which results in an unhappy, C. Mathew and his wife,
companionship and unfulfilled marriage. Ciby Mathew from Urban
covenantal commitment.
India Ministries. The
This retreat reminded us that
The companionship in a we need to have a Christ like theme of the retreat was
missional marriage is approach towards marriage. Becoming a Missional
complementary in nature. A husband and wife are Family.
Complementary meant to love and respect The word missional
companionship means each each other just like Christ
includes both the
spouse is equal in status and loved the church. It is also
worth, and complementary in each one’s responsibility to mission and the family or
function (Gen 2:18), just like make sure that external people involved. The
the Godhead. The husband intrusions do not strain the mission within a family
and wife should support each marriage. can be anything from
other instead of competing. It is worth reflecting on the
raising children with
They should be equal following points.
partners in maintaining the In what ways can you as Christian values to being
household, parenting, and a couple reflect the a full-time preacher. The
making decisions. relationship of God – retreat focused mainly
head in being a on missional marriage
The commitment in a complementary
and missional parenting.
missional marriage is a companion?
covenantal commitment: In what ways can you
LEAVE CLEAVE and BE guard your marriage from
ONE (Gen 2:24). It is a intrusions?
commitment made before
Missional Parenting:

Missional parenting means to raise

children to be more like Jesus. Parents
need to make their children understand
God’s ultimate plan.

At present, children are influenced by

media and their friends. The content
they are exposed to might be violent
and aggressive and could lead them
away from God. Parents need to be
good role models and help children
navigate this world. It is worth
remembering that children model their
parents’ behaviour.

Parents need to provide children a

loving and nurturing environment to
grow in. They need to teach them to be
responsible from a young age by giving
them chores (Gen 2:15) and helping
them make decisions. It is a parent’s
responsibility to teach children about
God and his nature.

Parental control is essential when

children are growing up. But that does
not mean parents should continue to
interfere even after they grow up. As
children mature, parental control
should decrease. From being a dictator
when they were infants, a parent
should become a supporter and a
friend when they are of marriageable
age.

As Christians, we need to lead a

prayerful life completely reliant on God.
It will help us stay true to our faith and
help us in our relationships. It is also By Ms. Aparna Anna
important to help us become a
missional family. This retreat was an
eye opener. It helped us understand
God’s purpose of marriage and
parenthood. Young Families Retreat
History of CSI
Being the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI celebrates
her life with Indian culture and spirituality and she also raises
her voice for the voiceless on matters of justice, peace and
integrity of creation.

The Church of South India is the result of the union of churches of varying traditions
Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. It was inaugurated
in September 1947, after protracted negotiation among the churches concerned.
Organized into 24 dioceses, each under the spiritual supervision of a bishop, the The Journey Continues
church as a whole is governed by a synod, which elects a moderator (presiding bishop)
every 2 years. Episcopacy is thus combined with Synodical government, and the church The CSI is a united and uniting
explicitly recognizes that Episcopal, Presbyterian, and congregational elements are all church moving forward with a
necessary for the church's life. The Scriptures are the ultimate standard of faith and dynamic vision for The
practice. The historic creeds are accepted as interpreting the biblical faith, and the Communion of Churches in India.
sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are recognized as of binding obligation. The Church of South India, the
Church of North India and the
Discussions concerning union had begun at a conference at Tranquebar (now Mar Thoma Church are already
Tarangambadi) in 1919, and in 1947, after India attained independence, the union was members of this commune of
completed. The Church of South India has its own service book and communion Churches and are venturing into
service, both of which draw from several denominational sources. The union, especially wider ecumenical relations to
in its reconciliation of the Anglican doctrine of apostolic succession with the views of witness to One Lord Jesus Christ.
other denominations, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.

Formation
On 27th September 1947, the General council of Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and
Ceylon, General Assembly of South India United Church and South India Provincial
Synod of Methodist Church joined together to from the CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA as
the largest united national church in India. The continued growth has been further
enriched with the joining of the churches of Basel Mission and the Anglican Diocese of
Nandyal. A unique church was born out of the blending of the Episcopal and non -
Episcopal traditions as a gift of God to the people of India and as a visible sign of the
ecclesiastical unity for the universal church.

Credits CSI Synod |  csisynod.com

 CSI LOGO
Indian expression of people's communion with God.
The colours being red (for life), purple (for piety and
ecclesiastical) and the white backdrop (for purity)
implicitly communicate the nature of the mystical
union, where, an inseparable companionship is
established which, again is a typical Indian thought
form.

The words THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE, CHURCH

OF SOUTH INDIA are embossed in a circle round the
Lotus and the Cross. The words, as we know, are
The Logo of the Church of South India is an taken from the high priestly prayer of our Lord Jesus
important and significant as the formation of the CSI Christ who prayed not only for the 'Church' but also
through the process of unification. The Lotus and the for the whole world. This universality is expressed by
Cross used in the Logo possess a rich cultural history placing the words in a form of a circle symbolizing
and heritage which will help us in the not only the universe but also the inclusive nature of
understanding of the significance of the unification the Church.
and our call and mission as members of this great
and unique church. That they all may be one; as thou, father, art in me,
and I in thee that they also may be one in us......"
The Lotus, a typical Indian flower, in Mythology is (John 17:21) is an inclusive affirmation showing
supposed to be not only a temple flower but also the explicitly that Christ is the Head and the Church, His
seat of the creator. "Pankajam" one of the Indian body. It also symbolizes the prayer of the Church
names given to the Lotus has a very significant that not only Churches need to be united but all
meaning that "it is born in mud". The Lotus blooms people of this country which can be interpreted as a
at sunrise and withers at sunset, in other words it meaningful prayer for national integration.
lives as long as it can receive the sunrays hence it is The imposing central position of the cross in the
also called 'Thammipuvu' meaning flower of the sun. Logo conveys the idea that the indefatigable, self
Whether it means "born in the mud" or "flower of the less supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the
sun" to the Indian Church, it stands to be interpreted basis of the Church and its faith. The cross runs
as symbolizing the composition, nature and role of through the Lotus depicting its cleansing act
the members of the Church of South India in the working in the hearts of the members of the Church
bond of the union and in the context of being and restoring them to the pristine purity of heaven.

indigenous and also being dependent on the grace The four ends of the cross made of equal size

of God. symbolizes the equality and also the contextual

peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. The

The petals of the Lotus and the arms of the Cross are Church of South India gratefully acknowledges the

beautifully intertwined together with the fiery initiative taken by the Officers and the Executive

tongues of the Holy Spirit. This again is an authentic Committee Members coinciding with the Silver
Jubilee celebration of the CSI in 1972.

Credits CSI Synod |  csisynod.com

 MCSI CHURCH CONGREGATION EXPRESS DEEPEST
CONDOLENCES TO MR. BIVINDAS AND FAMILY DURING
THIS TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. KINDLY REMEMBER THEM IN
YOUR PRAYERS.

Mr. Devadas
FATHER OF MR. BIVINDAS WAS CALLED TO
ETERNAL GLORY ON
TUESDAY, 03RD OF AUGUST, 2021

May the Eternal Father give rest

& peace to the departed soul
 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

Missions supported

by MCSI in august

COVID Assistance

Many families are affected by the

pandemic in the Diocese of Malabar
as with most other places around the
world. We have received a request
from the Diocese through Bishop
Royce Manoj regarding the same.

Thank you for your wholehearted

support through our Mission Fund.

Support provided - ₹45,000

THANK YOU FOR

YOUR SUPPORT!
FOR MORE INFO, EMAIL US AT
SECRETARY@MELBOURNECSICHURCH.ORG.AU

MISSION SUPPORT MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

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

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. On what were the Ten Commandments written?
2. What did Jesus sleep in after he was born?
3. What was man created from?
4. What did Jesus do to each of the disciples during the Last Supper?
5. To which city did God ask Jonah to take his message?
6. Who was David’s father?
7. Which of the gospels appears last in the Bible?
8. What is the only sin that cannot be forgiven?
9. How did David defeat Goliath?
10. What did Joseph’s brothers do to get rid of him?

Answers published in the Newsletter next month.

BIBLE CROSSWORD - august ANSWERS

MONTHLY BIBLE QUIZ - august ANSWERS

1. How many apostles did Jesus choose? - Twelve (Luke 6:13)

2. What are the wages of sin? - Death (Rom 6:23)
3. Who is the first mother mentioned in the Bible? - Eve (Gen 4:1)
4. Who else, other than the wise men, came to visit Jesus when he was a small
child? - Shepherds (Luke 2:16)
5. Who lied when he was asked to reveal the source of his great strength? - Samson
(Jdg 16:15)
6. What was the name of the man Jesus’ mother was engaged to at the time she
became pregnant? - Joseph (Matt 1:19)
7. Which book of the Bible records many of the hymns David wrote? - Psalms (Ps
1:1-150:6)
8. From what disaster did the Ark save Noah? - Flood (Gen 7:7)
9. What happened to Jesus forty days after his resurrection? - He ascended into
heaven (Acts 1:3-11)
10. What animals did Jesus cause to run into the sea and drown? - Pigs (Matt 8:32)
 MCSI LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

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