Arcot Lutheran Church. Mission 2020-Document. Mission Coordination Office, ALC, Cuddalore

Transcription

1 Draft Four Arcot Lutheran Church Mission 2020-Document Mission Coordination Office, ALC, Cuddalore 1

2 Acknowledgements I wish to acknowledge my heartfelt gratitude to the ALC Bishop- Rt Rev Dr Gideon Devanesan RJ for inviting me as Mission Coordinator to the Arcot Lutheran Church. I am personally enriched by his warm friendship, considered opinions and incisive understanding on matters pertaining to the life and mission of the Church. I place on record of discovering a fellow pilgrim in Rev Raja Socrates, the Vice President of ALC. He travelled with me to the four corners of ALC making my task of knowing and interacting with the ALC Clergy and members a lot more easier. I recognize his erudition, commitment to the church and for possessing the greatest gift of the Spirit- discernment of the signs of times. I am grateful to Rev D Vijayakumar- the Treasurer of ALC for his outpouring friendship. I place my thanks to the ALC Church Board Secretary- Dr Richard Bhaskaran for his encouragement and cooperation. I shall be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge my appreciation to each and every Pastor, Mission Worker, Lay Leader and ordinary members of ALC for accepting me as one of their own. I thank Edward Sundarraj for assisting me in producing the preliminary proposal. Finally, I place on record, my appreciation to G Prabakaran Samuel for making my stay in Cuddalore pleasant and comfortable. Rev Dr R Daniel Premkumar Mission Coordinator 9, ALC Campus, Cuddalore- TN ( ) <rajanugraham@yahoo.com> Jan 18 th, 2008 Cell: ,

3 Who does not believe in the people, does not believe in God -Anne Marie Petersen (1927), Porto Novo, Near Cuddalore An Equation, has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God -Srinivasa Ramanujan (A World Renowned Mathematician born 1887 in Tamil Nadu) The community which Jesus wished was not the community of believers, but the humane fellowship across all divisions caused by society, religion and castes. And what Jesus demanded was not worship of himself, but the love of the neighbor. But the church organization inevitably ends by isolating itself in relation to the world and concentrating on itself and its own rigid ways of worship, this is not what is important, but the world, the people, the humane community (Kaaaj Baago 1970, 55) 3

4 Contents CHAPTER ONE: THE BEGINNINGS 1. ARCOT LUTHERAN CHURCH: FOUNDED ON FAITH AFFIRMATION THAT JESUS OVERCOMES CASTE DIVIDE 2. Legacy of Partnership Between ALC and Danish Missionary Society 3. MILE STONES IN EVOLVING COMPREHENSIVE MISSION PROPOSAL IN ALC CHAPTER TWO: THE PARADIGM SHIFT: CALLED OUT TO BE CHURCH IN ARCOT REGION: 1. RE-VISITING THE VISION OF THE FOUNDERS: ALC MISSION DISCOURSE IN RE-READING THE BIBLE IN TODAY S CONTEXT IN ARCOT REGION 3. NEW STIRRINGS OF THE SPIRIT- FORE-TASTE OF THINGS TO COME 4. MISSION AS THREE LEGGED RACE: IMPOSSIBLE? THINK AGAIN, AS FAITH COMMUNITY! 5. ALC CONGREGATIONAL PRIORITIES AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIES CHAPTER THREE: THE NEW BEGINNINGS: TOWARDS ALC POLICY ON MISSION VISION AND MISSION OF ARCOT LUTHERAN CHURCH 2. EMERGING CHURCH POLICY ON MISSION COORDINATION 3. ALC MISSION THREE YEAR PROPOSAL: A ROAD MAP TO MISSION 2020 CHAPTER FOUR: THE ANNEXURE 1. PROFILES OF DISTRICTS WHERE ALC CONGREGATIONS ARE SPREAD 2. QUESTIONNAIRES 3. A NOTE ON THE FOUNDER: REV DR ERNEST OCHS CHAPTER ONE 1. The Arcot Lutheran Church _ A Brief History The first Missionaries from Halle University, Denmark were sent to India by the Danish King Frederick IV in Because of the revival in Denmark, the Inner Mission Group started the Danish Missionary Society in

5 The Arcot Lutheran Church, formerly known as the Danish Lutheran Church was founded in The German Missionary Ochs left the Leipzig Mission 1863 on the question of tolerating caste in the Church and started an Orphanage in Melpattambakkam in South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu. In 1864 Ochs was accepted by the Danish Missionary Society as their Missionary. The Missionaries were engaged in the preaching of the Gospel and the school work, and the congregations began to grow. It was the Danish Mission Church till 1950 and the Danish Missionaries were the leaders at every stage. In 1951 a new constitution was introduced for the truly indigenous church. This paved the way for The Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC). From 1960 onwards, Indian leaders are in the helm of affairs, and ALC maintained cordial relationship and co-operation with fraternal missionaries from Denmark. The Church in India and the Church in Denmark acknowledges of moving away from a phase of receiver and giver relationship to a sound and mature phase where they see themselves as in Partnership committed to the Mission of God. From 2003 onwards, ALC has entered into the post Danish Missionaries Era with the exit of the last missionary personnel Miss. Janne Garder. Episcopacy was introduced in 1981 and that helps the Church in its growth and witness. ALC is co-operating with Danmission, Danida, Dan Church Aid, LPGM, and UELCI in the School Project and various other community projects. ALC is a member of UELCI, NCCI, WCC and LWF. It jointly supports the functioning of TTS. It is ecumenical in nature and has Altar & Pulpit relationship with sister Churches around. The ALC works in several districts of Tamilnadu including Pondicherry. Of late, it has extended its mission in Bangalore, Karnataka State. It is an evangelizing Church with an active Board for Mission and Evangelism. Mission is expressed by local congregations as well as through ALC service institutions like the Schools, Orphanages, Home for Women, Hostels for Students and Working Women, Hospitals and Community Service Centers in villages, towns and remote hills. 2. Legacy of Partnership Between DMS and Arcot Lutheran Church: Sketch of Common History Main events that have shaped the partnership: 1864 Beginning of Cooperation: First Missionary of DMS- Christopher Ochs ( Formerly from Leipzig Mission) at Melbatabakkam Tirukoilur Mission Station church, school and clinic 18?? First Indian Pastor appointed. 5

6 Peak period for missionary presence 1951 ALC Constitution 1960 First Indian Church President 1964 Centenary Celebration 1979 Junior Ministry 1981 First Bishop of ALC 1981 ALC/DMS Coffee Club 1982 First Council of Partners 1984 School Project 1986/7 First Indian Missionary in Denmark 2000 Merger of DMS and DSM to Danmission 2002 ALC Master Plan 2002 Western Youth 2002 Quo Vadis 2003 Last Danish Missionary left 2003 First South-South Missionary 2004/5 Major Emergency Relief Program 2005 Pastor s Exchange Program 3. Mile Stones in Evolving Comprehensive Mission Proposal in ALC A. ALC MASTER PLAN ALC decided to prepare a 5 Year Master Plan. The task was circulated in the church and people were asked to give their suggestions. Efforts were put into it, and it was finally presented at Council of Partners 2002 in Tiruvannamalai. It was acknowledged that the Master Plan lacks professionalism. The Strategies and Priorities referred in the Master Plan should be more focused and concrete, it was thought. All the same, it was considered worth the exercise. The Plan certainly serves as a historic bench mark in the perception and response to Mission in the life of ALC. 6

7 There is need to re-visit the above exercise and to define the Mission and Vision of ALC, including the specific Mission Statements of her own service institutions. What is their core purpose for starting the existing service wings of ALC, needs to be restated. As regards ALC, the Vision and Mission of the church needs to be articulated afresh, especially in the context of evolving Mission There is urgency in redefining the role and place of some of her social engagements in the changing scenario. It was felt that the church leadership may bring out theological and spiritual dimensions of being the Church in Arcot Region. Then, seek professional assistance with the nitty-gritty of frameworks, proposals, time-lines and other logistics. The discussions that transpired at that time between DMS and ALC are note worthy. They noticed that the situation of ALC and Danmission seemed almost identical. Danmission too, was also in a process of re-defining it s Aims and Goals in the changing global scenario. As Danmission is relatively a small mission organization, there is need to prioritize. This may result probably in reorganizing their secretariat. B. ALC PROPOSES MISSION COODINATION OFFICE Minutes of the Executive Committee of the Arcot Lutheran Church held on , in the ALC New Life Centre, Devanampattinam, Cuddalore. EC 22/ Mission Coordination Office- Regarding The Bishop President explained that the cost incurred in this regard will be met out by the DANMISSION. However in order to furnish and equip the office we are to sanction an amount of Rs 30,000/- for furnishing the office. Secondly, it was resolved to open joint account in the name of the Mission, the Treasurer/ALC and the Mission Coordinator Thirdly, a sum of Rs /- be sanctioned and deposited in the Mission Coordination Account for its running expenses. That the Mission Coordinator is to submit detailed reports to the Executive Committee once in every three months. Chapter Two THE PARADIGM SHIFT: CALLED TO BE A CHURCH IN ARCOT REGION: 1. RE-VISITING THE VISION OF THE FOUNDERS: ALC MISSION DISCOURSE IN

8 ALC is called to be Church in Arcot Region To Love the Arcot Region and its People as Jesus Does, Especially the Region s Broken and the Hopeless Arcot in ALC s parlance would mean Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Salem Districts, Puduchery and parts of Chennai. Much is written and read about Arcot- India, her People- her History and Polity- her political economy, her Culture and her diverse Faiths. Known for her internationally popular religious pilgrim centers and shrines, inter religious tolerance, hospitality and rich and varied cultures. Yet, all may not seem as well as they look in society. There is intense and growing poverty and the travails of the poor are assuming alarming proportions. The tremors of globalization are palpable in the remotest corners of Arcot-India. Traditional occupations have become redundant. The main feature of Global Economy is that the workers will never get to see or meet those who hired them. Caste violence is waiting to pounce back in various pockets of Arcot India. The growing religious fundamentalism among Tribal and Dalit pockets is like a landmine ready to be exploded. The State and the Central governments are cutting down on welfare subsidies and slowly transferring their responsibilities of providing education, health services, clean drinking water and other basic services into the waiting hands of Private Sector. The future of Arcot- India like the rest of India is increasingly becoming bleak. In the Name of Jesus, can Arcot Lutheran Church rise up to the challenges as her fore-fathers and mothers did? ALC and Affirmative Mission Action The challenges before the people of the region are indeed stupendous and seemingly impossible. Even so, ALC in the strength of the Living Lord can courageously step out in the foot steps of their fore-fathers and mothers. Surely, the Arcot Lutheran Church does have innumerable strengths- ALC came into being on a prophetic note. It is founded on the affirmation that Church as the Body of the Risen Lord shall overcome caste and other forms of social divide. ALC in her 125 years of mission history has scripted golden chapters on addressing critical issues besetting the poor and the broken. Faith in the Risen Lord is expressed not only through worship but concrete action by initiating number of schools, hospitals, boarding homes for girls and boys and other logistic support for the poorest of the poor. ALC compared to other Churches in Lutheran Communion in India is relatively smaller church and is one large happy family and stays closely interconnected. ALC can boast of gifted and well accomplished clergy who adorn ALC as priceless jewels. They have special skills as Leaders of Peoples Movements, Inter-faith 8

9 Dialogue, Communication Techniques, Counseling the Terminally Ill or those who are Substance Abusers. What ALC needs today is a challenging focus in Mission Agenda. The bed-rock of ALC is the body of the faithful spread across scores of congregations, ever faithful and loyal to ALC, extremely devout and prayerful and generous in giving to Evangelism and Mission. They eagerly await directions for a totally engaging faith journey. ALC also provides employment to a large number of Teachers, Medical Personnel, Boarding Home Workers, Church Workers, Evangelists and the like. Among these are a sizeable number of conscientious and committed personnel who have taken their vocation as a service to the Lord. These understand the costs of discipleship and are willing to walk the extra mile as a testimony to their faith. This segment remains an untapped gold mine for Mission Engagement. Then, there are those who have excelled themselves and have made an indelible mark in the wider society in the fields of Art, Literature, History, Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, Business, Secular Politics and hold positions of esteem in Government, Corporate Sector and in Civil Society Organizations. ALC is yet to interact with these professionals in their language and on their turf so that they can speak the glorious things about God in most unlikely places like the market street and secular governance. ALC can be proud of her members who have done painstaking scholarship in wider religious heritage of Arcot Region. They unfold significance of Bhakti Traditions of the Region like Nammalavars and Tirukkural for Christian faith. This is an example how the Mission Discourse has touched new frontiers and the Spirit of the Lord is beckoning us to courageously launch out into the unchartered paths! The ever increasing boundaries of the ALC as new congregations come up in other Districts and new areas, new Mission Fields are surfacing. Moving of the Sprit of the Lord is palpable as new Ministries are launched among the Transgenders, the Wahris, Lambadis, Malayala Gounders in Jawwadi Hills, Tribals of Kalrayan Hills, Fish Workers near Parangipetai, among Weavers in Erode and Tirupur Districts. The Lord s presence indeed is attested richly all over ALC. As Jesus said- Those who have eyes can see and those who have ears can hear. The task before us is to coordinate among diverse Mission Expressions, help enlarge the Mission Contours and enrich each of these Mission Expressions with faith and works content. 2. RE-READING THE BIBLE IN TODAY S CONTEXT IN ARCOT REGION Regional workshops were conducted under the leadership of Mission Coordinator across the four corners of ALC on Identifying Mission Priorities. The discussions were held on unfolding the message of the Bible in today s context. This was followed by an intense discussion by the Pastors and both women and men lay leaders. Many questions were raised and concerns expressed. One or two examples in a nutshell, of such Re-reading of the Scriptures are cited below. 9

10 A. Psalm 23: The Lord of Livelihood (Kallakurichi, July 10 th, 2007) The Psalm begins with Yahweh, the starting point of our faith journey. Lord is the author and provider of our wellbeing. Psalmist says- Lord is my shepherd! Sheep rearing and allied occupations were the major source of livelihood of most people in the then society. And to claim that Yahweh is my shepherd is making a major faith affirmation regarding God s concern for people s general source of living and their wellbeing. Today, if agriculture, industry, IT, Service Sector are major job providers, then the Lord is equally concerned about these as well. Hence, to organize or lobby for better working conditions and greater returns for all those who labor in the above sectors is not anymore limited to secular realm but, amazingly the Biblical and spirituality realm. We need to remind ourselves that Tribal would always be conscious of the whole group of tribal people. The Lord is my Shepherd is never to be understood the way we understand in personal terms. As explained in Joshua the identity of an individual is hidden behind his nation, tribe, clan, household, family and finally the individual. Hence, the concern for neighbor is the very core of Biblical understanding of God and humans. Today, if we are challenged to be concerned about livelihood issues of people in ALC, we are not talking about social work or project implementation, but carrying out the purposes of very God her/himself. The God of the Psalmist is assuring us that s/he is concerned about people s lives and livelihood equally today. By sharing in these concerns we are participating in God s mission today! At Kallakurichi, as most congregational members are Agricultural workers, we, as church need to immerse in the issues related to farm sector. We need to be concerned about excessive use of chemicals in farming, the depletion of water table, just and equal wages for women and men Farm Workers, agriculture policies of the Government which favors only the dominant, Caste equations and land holdings, the impact of Globalization on Agriculture and the mushrooming of Special Economic Zones, Feminization of agriculture, Food Security, Organic Farming, Importance of Rearing Farm Animals and host of other issues. If Yahweh is Shepherd or Lord of Livelihood and Jesus is Lord of Life, as church ALC needs to take up issues of livelihood pertaining to not only her members but most of people in the region. B. John : Five Loaves and the Famished Lot (Broadway, Chennai, October 31 st, 2007) 10

11 Wherever Jesus went, the needs of the people come out in the open. The sick and the lepers come out and shout for help, those who crave for forgiveness appear at the road side or in the crowds. On the contrary, the popular Gurus and Babas generally tend to sweep aside all unpleasantness and want. But, Jesus, the Lord of Life and Giver of Life in all its fullness goes after the lost, seeks out the sinner and helps unveil the want around us. In John Chapter six, Jesus surprises his disciples with an impossible agenda of feeding the multitude in the wilderness. Resources almost nil, and the task seemed nearly impossible! When we look back and wonder at some of the pioneering works of Ernest Ochs or those committed missionaries from DMS during those yesteryears, we surely revisit Jesus and the disciples in John 6. What dreams, what courage and what vision, all with very limited resources at hand. Task loomed beyond anyone s wildest dreams, that when the likes of Philips surround us. They keep warning us- No, it s not possible, do not be crazy, be realistic etc. When the task is stupendous and resources almost nil, Jesus teaches us to look for assets in most unlikely places and from most unlikely people. Finally, a little lad had something to share. It is surprising that the disciples even cared to enquire with the little boy for any food. Children till the age of their adulthood they are not even counted as individuals in Jesus times. In God s mission all are important- children, youth, women, men, old, poor, unlettered, rich no one is too small that s/he can not be an active partner in the great miracle about to happen in John 6. That is why, in ALC Mission 2020, each and every section of members of ALC have their due and honorable place and role in the great task ahead. No person or asset too small in the sight of Jesus. Why Jesus did not say a mantra as he held the five loaves and two fish and multiply the food thousand fold under the spot light and gaze of all people. This would have turned him over night as a powerful contender for position with the then rulers and governors. On the contrary, Jesus presents a unique way inviting all and sundry to become partners in this transformative task. List of participants in the wonder working goes on endlessly- the disciple who found the little lad, the parents of the little lad who taught the boy even in his tender age to share are present thought physically absent, Jesus who raises these seemingly inconsequential assets and thanks God and breaks the bread, the disciples who knew the impossible odds in the episode and yet obeyed Jesus and made the crowd to sit in orderly rows, and finally, the people, who may also have known some bitter facts unfolding before their 11

12 piercing eyes, even so, decide to obey the Master and sit down in batches expecting great things from Jesus. ALC Mission 2020 is also about unraveling and bringing forth out in the open those five loves and two fish from most unlikely places and people in ALC. Just as God is not without witness so are, five loaves and two fish hidden away somewhere yet so important for Jesus to organize a miracle together with so many partners in meeting the stupendous challenge of the day. C. Mission Coordination together with the Department of Mission and Evangelism, Department of Dalit Concerns, Department of Social Action, Quo Vadis plans to organize (say from April 2008) Re-Reading of the Bible with the following people groups: Transgenders in Villipuram and T malai Malayala Gounder Tribal people at Jawadi Hills Fish Workers in Coastal Mission Area Wahiris near Tirukoilur Lambadis near T malai Dalit Displaced Communities near Neyveli Arundathiyars in Erode and Tirupur Districts Victims of Toxic Pollution near Sipcot, Cuddalore Street Children, Broadway, Chennai Dalits who suffer Discrimination and Atrocities around T malai Truth Seekers at Quo Vadis Tribal communities at Kalrayan and Kariayur HIlls Such an exercise not only builds authentic relationship between ALC and diverse people groups it fine tunes ALC s perspectives on mission. This process enlarges ALC s vision concerning God and deepens her faith in her Lord. 3. STIRRINGS OF THE SPIRIT- FORE-TASTE OF THINGS TO COME Within a couple of months since the initiation of Mission Discourse among the rank and file of the members of ALC, the Spirit has begun to move in wondrous ways. The following are only few examples of how congregations and individuals have acted spontaneously responding to the call of the Holy Spirit. Listed below are a couple of examples. 12

13 A. I Love Cuddalore Mission Coordination has evolved a Questionnaire on Concerns of Children in the Congregations. During the data collection in Cuddalore, parents have expressed deep concern about the breathing problem of some of the children in Cuddalore. They were sure that it is because of the toxic air pollution emanating from the chemical factories in the outskirts of the town. Further enquires led to disturbing facts about state of Cuddalore with regard to the contamination of air, water, fish and those who are linked to these livelihoods suffer health problems. A Delhi Based NGO with their presence in Cuddalore on Community Monitoring of Pollution Levels joined hands with ALC Mission Coordination together with other civil society organizations. ALC-MC has proposed I Love Cuddalore as a Citizen s Movement addressing the problem of pollution in Cuddalore. An American troupe Dream Time Circus visited Cuddalore and ALC-MC together with Rotary Club hosted the public performance highlighting the pollution problem in Cuddalore. ALC Cultural Team co-performed with the visiting Circus Team at Valli Vilas Marriage Hall, Cuddalore on 18 th January ALC-MC has mooted Religious Leaders Meet at Cuddalore end of January ALC-MC is working out Employment Opportunities in the whole realm of eco-friendly products, and pollution controlling units together with the Department of Social Action in ALC. ALC Boarding Home Projects assisted by LPGM are open to getting involved in Ecological Awareness Programs etc. Following is the introductory letter from the Mission Coordinator to all the Pastors and Lay Leaders in ALC. I Love Cuddalore- A Citizens Movement Launched A group of concerned people, institutional heads, religious leaders, young innovators, fisher folk, advocates and members of a professional body monitoring pollution levels in SIPCOT near Cuddalore met on November 30 th, 2007 in Cuddalore to discuss some of the burning problems faced by the citizens of Cuddalore. One issue singled out by the group as the deadliest enemy of Cuddalore was the air pollution faced by the people. Direct impact of poisonous chemical pollution on the health of people especially on children and women around SIPCOT and Cuddalore is evident through birth of malformed babies, growth retardation among children, upper respiratory disorders, increase in the incidence of cancer etc. Cuddalore is now getting the dubious distinction of becoming yet an another Bhopal! 13

14 The group also focused on other serious problems affecting the people, viz., like the reckless use of Air horns, more safeguards for the pedestrians on the roads, contamination of food, water etc. The group decided to act on the following- To convene a meeting of religious heads from all religions in the next few weeks on addressing the issue of air pollution etc. To organize an Exhibition of products and models on alternatives to use of plastic carry bags, chemically produced food etc. on 26 th January 2008 at the Town Hall, Cuddalore. To involve all institutional heads to put up vermi-pits in tackling bio-degradable waste To explore setting up a Task Force dealing with alternative and non chemical consumer goods in the fields of food, daily needs etc. To build networking with like minded individuals and groups within and outside the country. To involve children, student community in organizing community awareness and action on pollution problems besetting the citizens of Cuddalore. To meet again on December 15 th 2007 with larger group of committed members on chalk out an action plan for Jan-Dec 2008 Reported for the group by: Rev Dr R Daniel Premkumar, Mission Coordinator, 9, ALC Campus Cuddalore B. ALC Congregations Share Christmas Joy with the New Born Babies in the Sri Lankan Refugee Camps, ALC-MC explored ways and means of reaching out to the Tamil Refugees Catholics and ALC join hands and hold an Ecumenical Christmas Service at Thiruvannamalai and Cuddalore year after year. However, this year (2007) when they decided to hold the Ecumenical Christmas Service the Mission Coordination brought into the planning the feature of Remembering the Strangers Amidst Us at Christmas. That gift be brought out of the offering collected at the Ecumenical Christmas Service to be given to the new born babies at the Sri Lankan Refugee Camp near Thiruvannamalai and Cuddalore. In the name of new born Jesus remembering other children in distress around us was an unique feature of 2007 Ecumenical Christmas Service at the above two places in ALC. Letter from the Commissioner of Rehabilitation, Chennai is appended. C. ALC Broadway Shows the Way for ALC Unemployed Youth 14

15 A member of Broadway Church who holds dealership for Sales and Service of Mini and Maxi Trucks of a reputed Company in Chennai has come forward to absorb 25 young persons a year with a decent on-job-allowance effective forth with. With Bishop s permission even accommodation at Broadway for these candidates in Chennai is also arranged. The invitation letter from the Transport Company is appended. 4. THREE LEGGED MISSION JOURNEY: THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT The first feature of ALC Mission 2020 is that it is based on Faith and Prayer. Faith is nurtured through prayer, fellowship and Re-reading of Scripture. We are endowed not with the Spirit of timidity but with courage. Mission is not fleeing from Life s Challenges but responding to them courageously in faith. ALC is invited to appoint a Prayer Time, may be lasting only a couple of minutes say- 7 am each morning, when thousands of her members spread across the four corners of ALC, shall be bound by spirit of intercession for ALC Mission May be a new prayer is scripted which may be set to music like the Sunday Liturgy. This gives congregational participation and sharing in the vision of Mission The second feature of ALC Mission 2020 is about People s Participation and Partnership in the cause of the Mission. ALC Mission 2020 is not a project driven but people driven. ALC Mission 2020 stands as a colossal vision, seemingly impossible in human terms. That is why, ALC Mission 2020 anchors on faith and the participation of a vast body of committed and motivated believers. The job at hand for the Department of Mission Coordination is to mainstream these enormous resources for the cause of the Mission. That is why, the Mission Coordination is proposing- Me Groups (Mission Enabler s Groups) in urban and rural congregations in ALC. The purpose is to bring into the mission net, members with different skills and resources for the implementation of the mission programs effectively in their neighborhood. These Me Groups are loosely knit and are task oriented. All those who have been alienated or feel sidelined because of church elections and all the ruckus that is associated with it, can now join hands and become active participants in the mission of the church. Such Me Groups through Internet could be initiated among the ALC Diaspora and friends of ALC in far off places in India, Gulf, Far East and the West. ALC Communication Department could handle such a responsibility. 15

16 Outside professional inputs are brought into the development processes initiated through Mission Coordination in ALC. This constitutes the Third Feature. It is this input that telescopes ALC on a national and international pedestal and assures professional competence at every level. 5. ALC CONGREGATIONAL PRIORITIES AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIES We list here priorities and concerns expressed by the Congregational members in the following regions of ALC - Cuddalore Region Tirukoilur Region Tiruvannamalai Region Vridhachalam Region Kallakurichi Region Neyveli Area Samiyarpettai- Fisher Folk Parangipetai Malavarayanur Chennai 5.1 Some of the Concerns Expressed are: 1. The burning problem of Unemployment both in urban and rural congregations 2. Alarming rise in School Drop outs among especially-girl Children. 3. Violence and Discrimination against women (even before birth- Female Feticide) 4. Failure of Agriculture and depletion of water table hence large scale migration from villages 5. Health services out of reach for many, problem of HIV and AIDS 6. Responding to Ecological Catastrophes and Environmental Disasters Waiting to Happen at Cuddalore, Manali in Chennai, now Salem. 7. Advocacy on inclusion of Wahiris and other Lambadis into ST status 8. Resettlement of 10,000 Displaced Dalit families in Neyveli and Reclamation of large tracts of land utilized for mining. 9. Responding to Plurality of Faiths and Growing Sectarian Assertion 10. Re-visiting Religious Heritage and Folk Wisdom of the Region- Nayanmars, Thirukural etc. 11. Responding to Migration and Internal Displacements taking place in large numbers in ALC Congregations 5.2 Concerns and Wider Realities - To sensitize and equip the lay leadership to become active participants in making faith responses to the above issues. 16

17 - To Revisit Martin Luther, Lutheran Heritage, Bible, Liturgy and Spirituality of Engagement in enabling congregations to make a well considered faith response to issues of life - In equipping Pastors to play vital role in Church s Mission Response by encouraging them to access additional skills, professional assistance and training in various related fields of interest. - To hasten the day when ALC shall boast of a new generation of competent and skilled leadership nurtured from among the rank and file of ALC to address emerging issues related to life and mission of the Faith Community. - Enabling ALC to make critical alliances with other Faith Based Organizations in addressing to common issues ex. environment, agriculture etc. 5.3 Marching Towards 2020: Locating Congregational Concerns in the Larger Socio-Economic Context Now we need to locate the above concerns of ALC member s in the wider context of issues and responses as we march towards Marching Towards The Industrial Ferment 300 KM of Hi Tech Super High Way Between Chennai and Bangalore by 2020, requiring at least One Million Skilled and Unskilled Workers of the Age Group of 18 to 35. Cuddalore Sea Port and additional Chemical Factories in Cuddalore is planned in the next 5 years, Compounding Already Hazardous Pollution Levels Brain Drain from Towns and Villages to Chennai, Bangalore and the like, leaving the rural scenario more emaciated Greater fall in Literacy and Livelihood Skills as More and More People shall be Excluded from the Formal Schools and Technical Centers of Learning Marching Towards The Social Ferment Hardening of Structures Related to Caste and Creed Greater Strains on Traditional Family Structure and Rise in Divorce Cases Systemic and Subtle Forms of Violence and Discrimination Against Women Trampling of Children s Rights The Near Collapse of Farm Sector and Rising Tide of Migration to Cities in Millions 17

18 As number of Illiterates shall grow and remain Un-skilled, Providing Simple Literacy Skills, Life Skills and Livelihood Trades shall remain a stupendous Challenge. Marching Towards The Spiritual Ferment Religious Fundamentalism shall raise its ugly head and Further Fracture and Isolate Sects and denominations Spirituality shall become a tool in perpetuating exploitation and even social and gender divide. Rich Bhakti Traditions emanating from the region (Nayanmars) need to be acknowledged for in-depth appreciation and critique of Arcot religious heritage. Ancient Wisdom Ttraditions of the Tamil Culture like Tirukkural also needs to be appropriated for reflection and dialogue. CHAPTER THREE: THE NEW BEGINNINGS: TOWARDS ALC POLICY ON MISSION EMERGING CHURCH POLICY ON MISSION COORDINATION 2. ALC MISSION 2020 Introduction Vision and Mission of Arcot Lutheran Church A handful of ALC functionaries including the Bishop met in Bangalore to arrive at the Vision and Mission Statement of ALC. Official from DANIDA, New Delhi assisting the group as a facilitator. The following are the Vision and Mission Statements. Vision Arcot Lutheran Church, envisions to witness to Fullness of Life in Jesus to all, especially to those who are broken and discriminated. Mission: Arcot Lutheran Church strives that all her members be sensitized and be equipped to respond to issues pertaining to the environment and aspirations of the broken and the discriminated in church and society. Mission Goals: 18

19 To establish through struggle and solidarity a just community that overcomes caste, class, gender, religious divide and diverse forms of discrimination in a multi religious context. To bring about attitudinal change in church and society on issues of inclusive communities, spirituality of engagement and justice. To respond to ecological crisis besetting especially the region. To evolve ALC Mission and Vision Document for Objectives: To sensitize key functionaries of the ALC, both lay and ordained with regard to Jesus spirituality of social engagement. To ensure that Jesus spirituality of social engagement is reflected in the congregational worship, liturgy and lyrics. To engage in dialogue with people of other faiths to establish societal peace. To ensure reduction of school drop-out rate in ALC schools in the next 3 years. To improve the health status of all people with greater emphasis on the Community Health component of ALC Hospitals in the next 3 years. To make Arcot Lutheran Church HIV AIDS friendly. To make ALC gender sensitive. To achieve 50 per cent self reliance within ALC in next 5 years. 1. CHURCH POLICY ON MISSION COORDINATION CHAPTER THREE 3.1 Arcot Lutheran Church: Congregational Priorities and Mission Opportunities We list the priorities and concerns expressed by the Congregational members across ALC. 19

20 Cuddalore Region Tirukoilur Region Tiruvannamalai Region Vridhachalam Region Kallakurichi Region Neyveli Area Samiyarpettai- Fisher Folk Parangipetai Malavarayanur Chennai Some of the Concerns Expressed are: 12. The burning problem of Unemployment both in urban and rural congregations 13. Alarming rise in School Drop outs among especially-girl Children. 14. Violence and Discrimination against women (even before birth- Female Feticide) 15. Failure of Agriculture and depletion of water table hence large scale migration from villages 16. Health services out of reach for many, problem of HIV and AIDS 17. Responding to Ecological Catastrophes and Environmental Disasters Waiting to Happen at Cuddalore, Manali in Chennai, now Salem. 18. Advocacy on inclusion of Wahiris and other Lambadis into ST status 19. Resettlement of 10,000 Displaced Dalit families in Neyveli and Reclamation of large tracts of land utilized for mining. 20. Responding to Plurality of Faiths and Growing Sectarian Assertion 21. Re-visiting Religious Heritage and Folk Wisdom of the Region- Nayanmars, Thirukural etc. 22. Responding to Migration and Internal Displacements taking place in large numbers in ALC Congregations 3.2 Some Underlying Concerns - To sensitize and equip the lay leadership to become active participants in making faith responses to the above issues. - To Revisit Martin Luther, Lutheran Heritage, Bible, Liturgy and Spirituality of Engagement in enabling congregations to make a well considered faith response to issues of life - In equipping Pastors to play vital role in Church s Mission Response by encouraging them to access additional skills, professional assistance and specialized training in various related fields of interest. 20

21 - To hasten the day when ALC shall boast of a new generation of competent and skilled leadership nurtured from among the rank and file of ALC to address emerging issues related to life and mission of the Faith Community. - Enabling ALC to make critical alliances with other Faith Based Organizations in addressing to common issues ex. environment, agriculture etc 3.3 Marching Towards 2020: Locating Congregational Concerns in the Larger Socio-Economic Context Now we need to locate the above concerns of ALC member s in the wider context of issues and responses as we march towards Marching Towards The Industrial Ferment 300 KM of Hi Tech Super High Way Between Chennai and Bangalore by 2020, requiring at least One Million Skilled and Unskilled Workers of the Age Group of 18 to 35. Cuddalore Sea Port and additional Chemical Factories in Cuddalore is planned in the next 5 years, Compounding Already Hazardous Pollution Levels Brain Drain from Towns and Villages to Chennai, Bangalore and the like, leaving the rural scenario more emaciated Greater fall in Literacy and Livelihood Skills as More and More People shall be Excluded from the Formal Schools and Technical Centers of Learning 3.4 Marching Towards The Social Ferment Hardening of Structures Related to Caste and Creed Greater Strains on Traditional Family Structure and Rise in Divorce Cases Systemic and Subtle Forms of Violence and Discrimination Against Women Trampling of Children s Rights The Near Collapse of Farm Sector and Rising Tide of Migration to Cities in Millions As number of Illiterates shall grow and remain Un-skilled, Providing Simple Literacy Skills, Life Skills and Livelihood Trades shall remain a stupendous Challenge. 3.5 Marching Towards The Spiritual Ferment 21

22 Religious Fundamentalism shall raise its ugly head and Further Fracture and Isolate Sects and denominations Spirituality shall become a tool in perpetuating exploitation and even social and gender divide. Rich Bhakti traditions emanating from the region (Nayanmars) need to be acknowledged for in-depth appreciation and critique of Arcot religious heritage. Ancient Wisdom Traditions of the Tamil Culture like Tirukkural also needs to be appropriated for reflection and dialogue. CHAPTER FOUR ROAD MAP FOR MISSION Profiling and Re-Orienting of Existing Service Wings With Regard to Mission 2020 DSA, DDC, Youth Dept, Junior Ministry, Women s Fellowship, Medical Personnel, School Personnel etc.,) with appropriate church resolutions, operating power, integration with other wings and vice versa With Regard to Mission 2020 and on line of 3 Year Road Map. 2. Equipping of Pastors, Lay Leaders with Regard to Mission To appraise Pastors and Laity concerning Mission 2020 and to engage all in ALC congregations in the Mission a. meeting with Representatives of rural congregation from all ALC pastorates b. meeting with representatives of rural youth from all ALC pastorates c. meetings with representatives of urban youth from all ALC pastorates d. meeting with representatives of women fellowship from all ALC pastorates e. meeting with representatives of teachers from all DM Schools 3. Infrastructural Development at Parish and Department Levels computer, internet links, other communication systems, web site, disseminating tools, LCD projector, Video camera for documentary production, Vehicles etc.. Strong infrastructure back up essential to implement long term activities with regard to Mission

23 CHAPTER SIX ANNEXURES 6.1 SOME MISSION SPIN OFFS- FORETASTE OF THINS TO COME! 6.2 PROFILES OF DISTRICTS WHERE ALC CONGREGATIONS ARE SPREAD 6.3 QUESTIONNAIRES 6.4 A NOTE ON THE FOUNDER: REV DR ERNEST OCHS 6.5 ALC MASTER PLAN (2002) EVOKES THE FOLLOWING: A. Earlier Attempts for a Comprehensive Mission Proposal: Discussions on DMS and ALC on ALC MASTER PLAN ALC decided to prepare a 5 Year Master Plan. The task was circulated in the church and people were asked to give their suggestions. Efforts were put into it, and it was finally presented at Council of Partners 2002 in Tiruvannamalai. It was acknowledged that the Master Plan lacks professionalism. The strategies and priorities referred in the Master Plan should be made clearer, it was thought. All the same, it was worth 23

24 the exercise. The Plan certainly serves as a historic bench mark in the perception and response to Mission in the life of ALC. There is need to re-visit the above exercise and to define the Mission and Vision of ALC, including the specific Mission Statements of her own service institutions. What is their core purpose and reason for starting such institutions, needs to be stated again. As regards ALC, the vision and mission of the church needs to be articulated. There is urgency in re-defining the role and place of some of her engagements in the changing scenario. It was felt that the church leadership could bring out theological and spiritual dimensions of being the church in Arcot region, and then seek professional assistance with the nitty-gritty of frameworks, proposals, time-lines and other logistics. The discussions that transpired at that time between DMS and ALC are note worthy. They noticed that the situation of ALC and Danmission seem quite similar. Danmission too, was also in a process of re-defining their aims and goals in the changing global scenario. The Danmission s Mission Statement served as the core foundation, but, in reality it is very much a wishing list. As Danmission is relatively a small mission organization, there is need to prioritize. At Danmission there are efforts to currently work on vision, mission and aims, followed by the means, as well. This may result probably in reorganizing their secretariat. Status : Strengths Weaknesses - Can be used as foundation - People s participation - Lack of professionalism, e.g. financial expertise. - Lack of prioritization Lessons - Strategic Planning - Need to define core business, - Review of mission It is at this juncture that the following consensus emerged between DMS and ALC- Vision and Objectives for Future Cooperation: Vision : 24

25 ALC and the Church of Denmark as open, missionary, diaconal and dialogical churches Objectives : Openness - Danish church to be open to the world and other cultures ; A church with a global understanding - An ecumenical understanding and initiatives in ALC and Denmark - Better communication and transparency in ALC and in the ALC-Danmission- Partnership - Cultural Exchange, specific and board - Cooperation on senior volunteer service - High theological level engagement. 1/3 of the pastors are female. More discussions on theology, less on church politics Dialogue - Dialogue Center: Quo Vadis, as self-financing and income-generating center. Place of inspiration for all faiths and for congregations in ALC - Quo Vadis, a center that promotes peace and reconciliation. Emphasis on sociological dialogue Diaconia - India as a casteless society Sustainability/Oikonomia - ALC as a giving church - Financial stability and sustainability in ALC - All worshipping congregations shall have proper buildings for worship Missionary 25

26 It was pointed out that the Danmission is working along two lines : church and poverty reduction. This could be used as a model for cooperation between ALC and Danmission. Church : - Capacity Building (strengthening financial situation) - Renewal (church building) - Theological education (stipends and pastors exchange) - Exchange (pastors, volunteers) - Mission (South-South, new mission fields) - Dialogue Poverty Reduction/Community Work : - Health (Mini project & HIV/Aids Khalrayan Hills (planned) - Education - Integrated projects (village or city) plan B. ALC PROPOSES MISSION COODINATION OFFICE IN 2007 Minutes of The Third meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arcot Lutheran Church for the period was held on , Saturday at pm in the ALC New Life Centre, Devanampattinam, Cuddalore. EC 22/ Mission Coordination Office- Regarding The Bishop President explained that the cost incurred in this regard will be met out by the DANMISSION. However in order to furnish and equip the office we are to sanction an amount to begin with. 26

27 Mr. Deivaneethi insisted that the funds sanctioned by the donor agencies should not be sent to the programme or to the persons in charge of the Project directly but through the central Treasury/ALC Resolved a. to sanction Rs.30000/- for furnishing the office b. to open joint account in the name of the Mission Coordination and the account shall be operated jointly by the Treasurer/ALC and the Mission Coordinator c. A sum of Rs /- be sanctioned and deposited in the Mission Coordination account for its running expenses. d. The Mission Coordinator is to submit detailed reports to the Executive Committee once in every three months 27