The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Toronto

Transcription

1 The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Toronto Volume 18 Issue 5 MAY Motto...for it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy. 'nj ൻ വ ശ ൻ ആകയ ൽ ന ള വ ശ ര യ ര ൻ' e I Peter 1:16 eഴ ത യ ര ക ക വ ലല. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Achen s message... 3 Celebrations... 4 Bible Portions... 5 Women s Sunday... 6 Church News... 7 Farewell... 8,9 Quiz.10,11

2 Editorial.. The ultimate hope MAY 2018 EDITORIAL BOARD Chief Editor Rev. Anish M. George Editor Samuel Anselm Samuel Publication Team Shini Samuel Suja Sarah Koshy Akshay Koshy Chris George Address CSI Parsonage 1311 Kipling Avenue Etobicoke M9B 3N7 ON (416) Do you hope to become a star? Are your hopes aligned with the perfect will of God? Emily Dickinson, the famous American poet, in her poem about hope wrote: Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all. Quite true! Students at an adult ESL class were asked to compare their hopes when they were children to those when they became adults. Most of them said, during their childhood, they hoped to become very rich. Some even hoped to fly like a bird! Now that they have become adults, their hope is to learn English well and get a good job. The change from fantasy to reality is not always smooth. Hopes are good to keep us going. They give us a direction in our lives. But this blithe state of mind can also be marred by hopelessness. There are many people in our communities, who experience this hopelessness. Remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12, NRSV). Everyone who has experienced hopelessness in their lives, can enjoy the blessed state of having hope Christ. The moment we realize that Jesus Christ is our hope, we can boldly sing, My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. When this paradigm shift occurs in our lives, our hopes will become meaningful and achievable. The shattered hopes in our lives will transition to the state of a calm assurance the presence of Christ, the hope of glory. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NRSV) Articles/ Feedback May be sent to pilgrimcsi.to@gmail.com Samuel Anselm Samuel Editor 2

3 Achen s Message Dearly beloved in Christ, Let me greet you in the name of our savior Jesus Christ. I have been asked by our CSI Moderator to minister among you. I am sure that it is the Lord who has sent me to CSI church Toronto. I praise God for this privilege, and I thank Most. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Moderator of the CSI and Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, for entrusting me with such a lofty mission and responsibility. I consider it a task of honour and significance to be appointed as your achen, and to serve a period in Canada. Let me introduce ourselves: I belong to the St. Andrews CSI Church, Kumplampoika (Pathanamthitta District). My wife Jucy too is with me to help me in my ministry, and to do whatever service the Lord entrusts her in the parish. As a couple, we assure you of our availability to the best of our ability. Do let us know if we can help you through our prayers as well. We have three children Aneasow, Sthuthi and Mahathw, who will be growing up among you. We are sure that the church will be a place where they will be nurtured in the Lord. I am transferred to this church from my responsibilities at CSI St. Paul s church Valanjavattom, Thiruvalla. It s soon going to be Pentecost season, with the Pentecost Sunday falling in May. For the early church, Pentecost was the experience of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). According to the Lev. 23: 10-16, this is the festival of the first fruits of the grain. At the same time it is the anniversary of the giving of the law to Moses in the Mount Sinai (Ex: 19). As we know, Pentecost assumes a newer significance in the New Testament. Jesus, even before his ascension, had given a unique power to his disciples. Receive the Holy Spirit says He, in John 20: 22. On the festival day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was made available to all those who were waiting and praying. What is this day for us? As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are anointed and given authority through the experience of Pentecost. We will never be able to exercise the power of God without faith. Faith is a fact as well as an act. The Holy Spirit reveals the will of God and the things He has prepared for us. We have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. We can draw upon God s wisdom to know what he actually wants us to do. This Pentecost, let s just try to understand and follow God s plan His plans for us and for our church. The first New Testament is marked by the sign of speaking in other tongues. It had a significance in those times: it was a sign and a ministry to the people around, who spoke different languages. The gift of tongues made the ministry effective among them. What we need today is the same anointment: the anointment of the Holy Spirit, which will cause us to do our ministry effectively, inside and outside the church. With all good wishes and prayers, Rev. Anish M. George Padickamannil 3

4 Celebrations BIRTHDAYS 03 Annamma Chacko 20 Preethamole.R 06 Elijah Johnson 22 Abhilash Raj 06 Annet Thomas 23 Santhosh Zac Koshy 07 Smitha Victor Sam 25 Daisy Pothen 08 Andrew Paul 27 Jenny Cherian 09 Asha Joy 27 Preetha Joseph 09 Toms Jacob 28 Sam George 09 Manasi Varghese George 28 Abner Vinu 10 Vivek Kumar S 29 Simi K. Sunny 11 Swarup Itty 30 Ann Abraham 18 Rapti Ghosh 31 Samuel Chacko 20 Mini Fredrick ANNIVERSARIES 09 Joy & Ann Abraham 10 Thomas Mathai & Nisha Thomas 18 Tim Eapen & Ninu Ann Varghese 21 Vivek Kumar S & Premax C.P 23 Shaji Levison Moothedom & Daisy Pothen 24 P.J. Skariah & Annamma Skriah 26 John Mathew & Sheeba Thomas 28 Mathew Modayil Kuruvilla & Elizabeth Kuruvilla 4

5 Bible Portions Christ s Invitation to be an Expression of Mission May 6 5 th Sunday after Easter Old Testament Ezekiel 34:25-31 English Service Psalm 47 Read by Epistle I Peter 2:1-10 Hans Thomas & Family Gospel John 20:19-23 Waiting Upon the Holy Spirit May 13 6 th Sunday after Easter Old Testament Isaiah 40:25-31 Malayalam Service Psalm 51 Read by Epistle Acts 1:1-11 Christy Abraham & Family Gospel John 14:15-21 Come Holy Spirit, Renew Us May 20 Pentecost Old Testament Ezekiel 37:1-14 English Service Psalm 104:24-35 Read by Epistle Acts 2:1-13 Abraham Varghese & Family Gospel John 16:1-11 We Worship the Triune God May 27 Trinity Sunday Old Testament Genesis 1:1-28 Malayalam Service Psalm 2 Read by Epistle II Corinthians 13:11-14 Samuel Anselm Samuel & Family Gospel John 1:

6 Article Keep Praising the GOD Almighty!!!! Dr. Ajin Varghese Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. To see what God will do, you must acknowledge what God has done. - Unknown It is so easy to dream of things and get them with one easy click. Life s needs met at your finger tips. However, we still lack happiness and end up craving for more. This brings up the question of What do we really want?. Do you feel that way? If you do, then I suggest you keep on reading. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord always giving thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus - Ephesians 5:19-20 Always give thanks for everything no matter the circumstances. Coming from a generation where there were no computers or cell phones, I have seen the impact technology has on our world. I still wonder how we used to live our life then, because we are so dependent on the rectangular pieces of technology in our pockets. Back then, we worried less, worked harder and found it easier to trust. Today we are more anxious and closed off. This is the world of the smart phone, and I don't blame anyone. The inventions are spectacular and it is good to see that mankind is progressing. But what about our relationship with God? It is so easy to get caught up in the modern day world. But remember, God is the same yesterday, today and will be forever. His faithfulness is steadfast through all generations. His word is a double-edged sword. Let not the world change our relationship with our creator. It is so important that we praise him for his love every minute of the day. Gratitude is a thankful expression for what an individual receives whether tangible or intangible. As a result, gratitude helps one to connect to something larger than themselves as individuals whether to other people, nature or God. Gratitude helps us to refocus on what God has blessed us with. As new immigrants, when we come into this country without a job or relatives, it is a difficult situation. But, praying, holding on to God s word, and praising God help us overcome hurdles. Don t let the devil tell you that somebody is doing better than you. It is a strategy for ingratitude. Comparison always comes up when we choose to take a risk. No matter how well off we may be, someone else will always appear to be better. But take a moment before you try to conquer the world in fear, God says For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11. So give thanks to God for he is going to take care of you. Now go and conquer the world knowing God will take care of you. Be thankful for one another and work together. Did you know that your current position is somebody s future expectation and your life is somebody s prayer request. There is so much to be thankful for..god is good all the time. Praise God. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! -Thessalonians 5:

7 Church News Monthly Fasting Prayer Fasting prayer for the month of May will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Please come and be blessed. Intercessory Prayer Cell Fellowship The Intercessory Prayer Cell Fellowship will be held in the Sanctuary on every Wednesday from 10:00 AM till 12:00 noon. All are encouraged to participate. Men s Fishing Trip - May 12, 2018 Better to sit in a boat thinkin about God, than sittin in church thinkin about fishin! It's that time of the year again when the Men of CSI Church, Toronto head down to Rice Lake, Ontario on May 12, 2018 for a day of fellowship, fishing, food & Fun. For more information, please contact Santhosh Cherian, Men s Fellowship Director. Youth Picnic Youth are having their picnic on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Caledon. All youth are encouraged to participate. The cost will be $10.00 per person. For further details, please contact Hans Thomas, Youth Director. Garage Sale, BBQ and Car wash Entertainment Committee is organizing a Garage Sale, BBQ and Car Wash on Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 10:00 am. 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Abhilash Raj, Entertainment Director. Church Executive Committee Meeting A meeting of the Church Executive Committee will be held at the Vicars office on May 13, 2018 at 12:30 pm. Upcoming Events Church Retreat... Saturday, June 9, 2018 NA CSI Youth and Young Adult Conference... July 5-8, 2018 NA CSI Women s Conference... July 6-8,

8 Farewell 8

9 Farewell 9

10 Bible Quiz Women's Fellowship Bible Quiz Quiz # 1 on the Book of Ruth was circulated among the Women's Fellowship by . Winners of Quiz # 1 - Book of Ruth, April First - Ms. Ragitha Jinoj Second - Ms. Elzy Verghis Third - Ms. Susan Kurien Book of Ruth- Quiz questions and answers (All NRSV references) 1. Who ruled Israel, during the events in the life of this Israelite family? 2. Who went to the country of Moab? 3. Where was Elimelech from? 4. What are names of Naomi s children? 5. Which of Naomi s sons was Ruth married to? 6. When did Naomi decide to return home from Moab? 7. How long did the family live in Moab? 8. What are the names of Naomi s daughters-in-law? 9. Naomi said to the women, call me no longer Naomi, call me "Mara. What is the meaning of the word "Mara"? 10. Ruth found herself working in the field of this wealthy man. What was his name and who was he related to? 11. What did Boaz pour into the cloak of Ruth and what was the measure of it? 12. When Naomi instructed Ruth to meet Boaz, where did they meet? 13. What character trait of Ruth did Boaz praise? 14. How many elders of the city did Boaz take with him to settle the matter as the Kinsman-redeemer? 15. What was the custom, in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final? 16. Name the two women mentioned by the witnesses (the elders and all the people at the gate)? 17. What is the theme of the Book of Ruth? 18. Whose son was Obed and who named him? 19. Name one of the 12 tribes mentioned in the book of Ruth. 20. Who was King David s grandfather? ANSWERS 1. Judges (Ch 1:1) 2. Elimelech and family (or Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon and Chilion) (ch 1:1,2) 3. Bethlehem in Judah (ch 1:1, 2) 4. Mahlon and Chilion (ch 1:2) 5. Mahlon (ch 4:10) 6. When she heard the Lord had considered his people and given them food (ch 1:6) 7. About 10 years (ch 1:4) 8. Orpah and Ruth (ch 1:4) 9. Bitter (ch 1:20) 10. Boaz, Elimelech (ch 2:1-3) Barley, 6 measures (ch 3:15-17) 12. Threshing floor (ch 3:1-6) 13. Loyalty (ch 3:10) 14. ten (ch 4:2) 15. one took off a sandal and gave it to the other (ch 4:7) 16. Rachel and Leah (ch 4:11) 17. Loyalty, Providence, Redemption (ch 1-4) 18. Boaz and Ruth, the women of the neighbourhood named him. (ch 4:13, 17) 19. Judah (ch 4:12) 20. Obed (ch 4:17, 22)

11 Bible Quiz Women's Fellowship Bible Quiz Quiz # 2 (Book of Esther) Instructions: 1. We are following the NRSV version, since this version will be followed for the women's conference (Ruth and Esther) 2. Answer the question with related Bible verse (eg,ans : xxxxxx chapter 1 versus 2) 3. Send the answers to elzygeorge@gmail.com. Answers should reach us on or before May 25, 2018 Quiz # 2 is on the book of Esther. 1. What was the name of the King who ruled the provinces from India to Ethiopia and how many provinces did he rule? 2. For how many days was the wealth and splendor of the king on display? 3. Where was the royal throne of the king situated? 4. How would Queen Vashti s behaviour influence the women of the province and who advised the king regarding how Queen Vashti should be punished? 5. Which tribe did Mordecai belong to? 6. What is the Hebrew name for Esther? 7. Who was Esther s father? 8. Name the guards who conspired to kill the king. 9. Who discovered the plot to assassinate king Ahasuerus? Where was this recorded? 10. Who did not bow down to Haman and what was the reason? 11. Which day was chosen by Haman to annihilate all the Jews young and old, and to plunder their goods? 12. Who was appointed to attend to Queen Esther? 13. What was the exact sum of money that Haman promised to pay for the destruction of all the Jews? 14. What will happen to the man or women who goes into the king s inner court without being called? 15. How many days were all the Jewish people to hold the fast, on account of Queen Esther? 16. What did the king do when he saw Queen Esther standing in the court?. 17. Who else did Queen Esther invite to the banquet other than the king? 18. Who advised Haman to build the gallows? 19. How tall were the gallows built and who was hung on it? 20.For how many days was Purim celebrated? Who celebrated the festival of Purim? 11

12 Committee The Executive Committee Members of the CSI Church, Toronto President Rev. Anish M. George Vice-President / Rector s Warden Mr. Zac Santhosh Koshy Women s Fellowship Director Mrs. Selvakumari Daniel Secretary / People s Warden Mr. Daniel Thomas Men s Fellowship Director Mr. Santhosh Cherian Joint Secretary / Trustee Mr. Abraham K. Varghese Sunday School Director Mr. Samuel Anselm Samuel Treasurer Mr. Ajoy Lional Youth Fellowship Director Mr. Hans Thomas Varghese Joint Treasurer / Trustee Mrs. Elizabeth Verghis Mission Director Mrs. Elizabeth Mathai Choir Director Mr. Chris George Social & Entertainment Mr. Abhilash Raj Director For Private Circulation Only Published by CSI Church, Toronto, 1315 Kipling Avenue M9B 3N7, ON. All rights reserved 12