DIOCESAN JOURNAL A Quarterly Newsletter of the Diocese of North East India, CNI

Transcription

1 DIOCESAN JOURNAL A Quarterly Newsletter of the Diocese of North East India, CNI Vol: 2 December 2018 Greetings in the precious name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ! It my pleasure to share with all of you the Diocesan Journal the Newsletter of the Diocese of North East India, Church of North India. This Newsletter will give glimpses of the various mission endeavors of our Diocese in the past few months. The mission focus of our Diocese from the year 2015 is based on the theme The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Labourers are Few [Matthew 9: NRSV]. The North Eastern Region is, perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of of our country, gifted with diverse flora and fauna, lush green mountains, gurgling waterfalls, rivers and have a rich ethnic diversity. But the North East Region in India is ripped apart by different types of challenges like ethnic conflict, violence, violation of human rights, human made environmental degradation, acute poverty, increasing human trafficking, etc. The ministry of our Diocese is in the midst of these challenges aiming to build communities of justice and peace where all can have life in its fullness. Our churches not only engage in nurturing and spiritual formation of our congregations and church members but are also engaged in the healing ministry through our two Hospitals, St Luke s Hospitals at Chabua and Tinsukia, the SPARSHA Project catering to those in the periphery of our society. Educational Ministry through our Schools, Seminary. Various Projects are run by Women s Fellowship catering to needs of women and children. We emphasize on developing Prophetic Youth leadership as they are the prophets of our time. Our Churches and Deaneries continuously run various capacity enhancement, awareness and other out-reach programmes in order to reflect faith in action and be labourers in God s garden. Advent Season is the time for us to renew and refresh our calling to welcome Jesus amongst us. We are called to be the servant of the Servant God who came to serve people and transform society to establish the reign of God on Earth. The Prince of Peace was not born in a palace but in a stable wrapped in swaddling clothes, felt threats of being murdered by Herod and his parents had to flee to Egypt to save him and He became a refugee. This Christmas in midst of festivities and celebration let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas and commit ourselves to wipe all tears, bring smiles, heal brokenness and spark hope. I wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and New Year. I Hope you all will enjoy reading this Newsletter and together discover new avenues of partnership to be The Rt. Rev. Michael Herenz Bishop, Diocese of North East India laborers in God s vineyard. Do uphold us in your prayers. Yours in Christ, Bishop Michael Herenz 1

2 45 Days Pre-Ordination Retreat and Ordination The Diocese of North East India organized a 45- day Pre-Ordination Retreat and Ordination at Shillong, Meghalaya from 16 th July - till 1 st September, The Retreat aimed not only to spiritually prepare the candidates for ordination but equip them with knowledge of various doctrines and traditions of Church of North India, Church Administration, Finance Management, Church History of Diocese and the CNI, Homiletics liturgy, various dynamics Mission, Evangelism, Ecumenism in the present context. A curriculum was especially designed for this retreat. The various resource persons included Bishop Rathod the Director of Programs on Mission and Evangelism of CNI who conducted several sessions. Moumita Biswas, Manas Raj and Tomba Singh were ordained as Presbyters. PROGRAMS Nivedita Barmuch Miller, Ananda Horo, Gushen Malar, Junash Kashyap, Bilson Kongari, Rocky Teron, Binion Daimari, Langki B Sungoh were ordained as Deacons. We are also promoting Discipleship of Equals Women s Ordination in our Diocese. This year we ordained two women. emphasized Bishop Michael Herenz. Annual Clergy Retreat 2018 The Annual Clergy Retreat of the Diocese was held from 5 th to 9 th November, 2018 at the Vidyadeep College in Bangalore. The aim of this Retreat was to enhance the capacity of clergy, nurture and revitalize their praxis oriented spirituality to promote mission and vision of Diocese of NEI and the CNI. The retreat was attended by Presbyters and Deacons of Diocese of NEI, Bishop Michael Herenz, Dr. Paul Petta (Treasurer of Diocese) and the Host Committee Members.Various sessions on Counseling, Leadership Development, Finance Management, History and Geography of Bible, History and importance of Faith and Order, Liturgy and Sacraments of CNI and Contextual Bible Studies were conducted. Holy Communion Service, Praise and Worship also formed an integral part of the worship. The resource persons were Rev. Dr. Vincent Rajkumar, Fr. Monodeep Daniel, Rev. Sunil Daniel, Mr. Arpit Waghmare, Ms. Manju George, Mr. Jacob Ninan. Church Visits and Exposure Programs were also part of the retreat. The Clergy visited the Holy Trinity and St. Mark s Cathedral in Bangalore and were warmly welcomed by the Rt. Rev. Prasanna Kumar Samuel of the Central Karnataka Diocese of the Church of South India. According to Rev. Philip Topno, a participant, The Clergy Retreat was an unique experience. It not only empowered us it also helped us to develop ecumenical and church relations and strengthened networking with Church of South India. 2

3 PROPHETIC YOUTH MINISTRY Seminar on Stewardship, Leadership and Marriage The Diocesan Youth Fellowship organized a Seminar on Stewardship, Leadership and Marriage on 24th August The Seminar was held at Christ Church, Guwahati, Assam. 130 young leaders from different pastorates attended the Seminar. The Rt. Rev. Michael Herenz, Bishop, DNEI, observed that the Youth are the backbone of our church, society and country. It is our sacred duty to equip and nurture spirituality of stewardship among youth so that they can good leaders and accountable for their actions. The youth also needs to be made aware of the importance of spirituality of maintaining sanctity of relationships, love, commitment and marriage in midst of present challenges that breaks families. Diocesan Youth Festival 2018 The Diocesan Youth Festival was held at St. Paul s Church Borosingha Tea Estate in the Barak Valley Deanery during November, Over 400 youth delegates from different Pastorates attended this festival. The theme of the Youth Festival was based on the Diocese theme The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Learning to re-read the Bible from a liberative perspective, seminars, lectures, praise and worship, group discussions, cultural events formed part of this festival According to Rev Angel Daimari, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Equipping youth to be engaged in Prophetic ministry is the main aim of this Youth Festival. Youth Capacity Enhancement The CNI Youth Fest, a joint program of CNI Synod and Youth Fellowship of Jabalpore Diocese was held in Diocese of Jabalpore, Madhya Pradesh,at Christ Church Boy s Senior Secondary School. The theme of the Fest was Seek Ye the Kingdom of God (Mathew 6:33). 450 Youth Delegates from different Diocese attended this Fest.16 youth from Diocese of North East India participated at the Fest. According to Rev. Dn. Rocky Teron, a participant in this Fest, This Fest not only empowered us regarding strategies to be prophetic Church leaders but to break the status-quo and transform society. It helped us to develop church relations and nurture bonds of friendship. Sports, discussions, lectures, dialogues etc. were part and parcel of this Fest. 3

4 World Sunday School Day Let little children come to me, do not hinder them. Sunday School Ministry for children is an important mission focus of Diocese of NEI. Like every year different Pastorates commemorate World Sunday School Day on the 1 st Sunday of November. At the All Saints Cathedral in Shillong the children conducted the Evening Worship Service followed by prize distribution. According to Rev. Manas Raj, Presbyter in charge of Margherita Pastorate We not only commemorated World Sunday School Day in our Pastorate, which comprises of 13 churches, but we also acknowledged that children are the gift of God and it is our duty to nurture them and spiritually and sharpen their leadership qualities. Partnership to Promote Child Rights and Child Protection Policies In the context of increasing violence on children in India, the Diocese of NEI mission also gears towards promoting Child Rights and Child Protection Polices. The Rt. Rev. Michael Herenz observed that In the context of increasing violence and abuse of children in India it is essential to train our clergy, our congregations, the Sunday School teachers and leaders CHILDREN S MINISTRY of our institutions to engage in mission to end such violence. For this we need partnership in Mission. The Bishop nominated Mr. Donald Ingty (Secretary of Diocese of NEI) and a few Presbyters from the Diocese to attended a Seminar on Wholistic Integral Mission organized by World Vision on 4-5 September, 2018 at the Pastoral Care Center in Shillong. This Seminar also saw participation by some clergy and the Bishop of Chotanagpur Diocese of the CNI. The aim of this Seminar was strategizing with World Vision to promote a wholistic mission in both Dioceses especially in matters of promoting Child Rights, Child Protection Policies. There were also discussions methodologies of accompaniment and partnership. IN SOLIDARITY WITH DIFFERENTLY ABLED Blind Walk on World Eyesight Day On the occasion of World Sight Day 2018 the Project Vision Northeast organized the Blind Walk Shillong to create awareness on the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of the blind. The Blind Walk Shillong is a conglomerate movement of different organizations, religious bodies, Educational institutions across all spheres of life in Shillong. The Diocese of NEI is part of this movement. On 11th October the Blind Walk Rally was organized which started from All Saints Cathedral, Shillong. Among its participants was Rev. Himanshu Christian (who was also part of the organizing team), other clergy and church members. More than 500 people participated in the Blind Walk. The Chief Guest was Shri. Pravin Bakshi IAS, Secretary Health & Family Welfare Government of Meghalaya. Jesus healed the blind, lame and the sick. It is time for us to make our churches more inclusive and friendlier to sisters and brothers who are differently abled. I invite churches our Diocese to have Braille Bible in our churches and build ramp for wheel chair for those who cannot walk. stated Bishop Michael. 4

5 MISSION ENDEAVORS OF DIOCESAN WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE Seminar on Parent and Children Relationship The Diocesan Women Fellowship for Christian Service (DWFCS) organized a Seminar-cum-Workshop on Parent and Child Relationship on 13th October 2018 at St Luke s Hospital, Chabua. Women Fellowship Presidents, Secretaries or their nominees from different Pastorates attended this Seminar. The Resource Person for Seminar was Ms. JordanaBarla who highlighted the various challenges families are facing in the present context and strategies to enhance Parent Child Relationship. According to Dr. (Ms) Angela Ingty, President of DWFCS In the Indian context, most of the time discrimination starts within our own home. Women s Fellowship can play a crucial role in educating parents to create home safe place for both boys and girls. Family counselling, family prayer and spending quality time with children is very important. Participants also discussed ways to build up Christ Centered families to promote Child Rights, end child abuse and enhance healthy family bonds. 16 Days of Activism Campaign Revd. Canon Terrie Robinson Director of Women in Church and Society of the Anglican Communion invited the Diocese of NEI to engage in advocacy and join the 16 Days Activism Campaign a global campaign to eliminate violence on women and girls which is being promoted by Anglican Communion. From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. This year the UN theme of the Campaign is # Hear Me Too. The Women s Fellowship of All Saints Cathedral, Shillong will observe and promote this Campaign. According to Mr Donald Ingty, Secretary of Diocese of NEI We are in the process of developing a Gender and Child Protection Policy in our Diocese. This is crucial as India is the 4th most dangerous country 5 in the world for women to live in and a girl child to survive and violence exists within our own home and communities. Christ had deep compassion and concern for women in this society who constantly face various forms of violence and discrimination. We have to develop mission strategies to end gender-based violence.

6 YOUNG WOMEN TRAINED IN DORCAS PROJECT Reviving the DORCAS Project Weaving is part of the culture of indigenous women in the North East of India. Through weaving women retain their culture and traditional art form and pass on their cultural heritage, generation after generation. The patterns they weave narrates history of different Tribes, creation stories etc. However due to influx of cheap machine-made products, migration, increasing cost of looms and thread, weaving cottage industries are facing challenges in the North East Region. According to Dr. (Ms) Angela Ingty, President, DWFCS Majority of our congregation in the Diocese are rural. In the context of neo-colonization abject poverty is a reality. Women have become economically the poorest of the poor and many of them are leaving home and migrating to become domestic workers or daily wage labourers in Tea Gardens. It is important to retain and nurture traditional skills which women have and make them self-reliant so that have sustainable income. Thus, the DWFCS ten years back initiated the DORCAS Handicraft and Handloom Training and Handloom Production Project which aimed at teaching young women skills of weaving. However, the project fizzled out due to challenges and dearth of funds. DWFCS revived the Project again. The DORCAS Training Centre was reopened in Margherita Pastorate in Upper Assam Deanery on 19 th May, Mrs. Anjali Nag is recruited as teacher and the Centre started in her home. Since then seven young women from different Pastorates of the Upper Assam Deanery are being trained in this Centre. Women s fellowship of each pastorate contribute for food and accommodation for the trainees and a Managing Committee has been appointed. In future the DWFCS aims at opening DORCAS Training Centres in different Deaneries. Fellowship of the Least Coin Movement ( FLC) The Women s Fellowship of Christ Church, Guwahati is observing FLC Day on 18 th November, The FLC Movement is a world-wide ecumenical movement of prayer for peace, justice, healing and reconciliation. Through this movement Christian women around the world seek fellowship with each other and are reminded to live a reconciled and forgiving life with others. FLC is promoted by the DWFCS of CNI in different Dioceses. 6

7 EDUCATION AND CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT MISSION Appointment of Chaplain for the All Saints Diocesan Higher Secondary School (ASDHSS), Shillong Rev. Moumita Biswas has been appointed as Chaplain of All Saints Diocesan Higher Secondary School in Shillong. According to the Rt. Rev. Michael Herenz, Bishop DNEI ASDHSS is one of the best Schools in North East India. Our aim is not merely to mould children to be good achievers in professional life but also to develop their personality to be good human beings, citizens and leaders of our country and the world. Hence, it is essential from tender age to nurture their ethics and morals. Children also need to be counselled in today s world as they face lots of challenges. Teachers, parents and even children need to be aware of their Rights and deal with various contextual issues which affects them. The role of the Chaplain is to facilitate with creative endeavors in all these things. Rev. Biswas comes with twenty years of rich work experience of serving in the National Council of Churches in India, Christian Conference of Asia headquarters in Thailand and is member of the Steering Group of the International Women Network of the Anglican Communion. Distance Theological Education Program In order to enhance the capacity of the Clergy, Catechist, Lay leaders, the Diocese NEI in has started a Distance Theological Education Program in collaboration of Sceptre of the Serampore Senate. Many Presbyters and Deacons have enrolled into this Program to upgrade themselves. We also encourage lay leaders to join this Program. Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, former General Secretary of National Council of Churches in India and Former Director of Sceptre will serve as the Dean of this Program from January Seminary Equipping Children to Build Culture of Peace 17 boys between the age group of 14years to 18 years are being trained in The Seminary of Diocese of NEI who will in future pursue theological and other education and take up leadership roles of various churches and institutions of the Diocese. The Seminary was established on 22 nd March, 2015 as per the decision of XXI Ordinary Diocesan Council. Most of these children are from rural Pastorates and are from vulnerable background or orphans. At present they are pursuing their education at the All Saints Diocesan Higher Secondary School in Shillong. Bishop Michael states Education is the only way of empowerment and paves way for liberation from bondage. Many of children in rural areas in our congregations do not have adequate facilities to get proper education. The phenomenon of poverty, child labour, child trafficking, has increased in this region. During ethnic conflicts teenagers and children, especially from vulnerable backgrounds are mobilized, brainwashed or forced to child warriors and perpetuate violence. Our rural congregations are not free from such challenges. In 2015 we started with 8 boys now we have 17 boys. Our mission is to make them peace makers in their communities and build culture of peace. We are planning to further develop All Saints Diocesan School in Tezpur where we will be able to accommodate more rural and vulnerable children not only boys but even girl children and teenagers. Very recently two boys in the Seminary lost their parents. We express our deep and heartfelt condolences. We uphold these two children in our prayers. 7

8 Story of Hope: I want to Sing and Use Music to Heal Others I am Meyoo Bha Ki Diengdoh. I am thirteen years old from the Jowai Pastorate. My lost my mum last year when she died of kidney failure and my dad when I was a baby My heart broke when mum left me.. Rev. Dhar Presbyter of my Church in Jowai made arrangements for me to enroll in the Seminary and I was admitted in to the ASDHSS School of our Diocese. Here in the Seminary we have coaching teachers who helps us in our studies. The Diocese and School takes care of my education. What I cherish most in the Seminary is love of my friends. I realize that some of my friends like me also don t have their parents. The love my friends gave me strength and made me feel I am not alone; also I know God is with us. We Seminarians are a close-knit family now. I love music and play the Guitar in our chapel in the Seminary, sometimes during church functions and Sunday school also. I also compose songs. I serve as Altar boy in All Saints Cathedral in Shillong. I want to get engaged in the Music Ministry when I grow up. After coming here, I realized that while studying Theology one can learn and specialize in church music and liturgy. I want to learn about the history of Church music. I love the song What a friend we have in Jesus written by Joseph Scriven who lost his fiancée a day before his wedding and later wrote the poem to bring some spiritual comfort to his Mom, who lived in Ireland. I realized that music is therapeutic. When I feel sad I sing and I feel comforted. I want to use music and song to heal others. Candidates for Full time Bachelor of Divinity Course Eight dynamic youth leaders who have committed themselves to be in ministry has been chosen to pursue their Theological studies in different renowned theological colleagues in India. Catechist Training Eastern Meghalaya Deanery organized a two day Catechist Training Program at Church of Resurrection in Jowai on 21 st September, Bishop Michael inaugurated the program. Rev. Shemphang Siangshai trained the lay leaders regarding role of Catechists in Church ministry and CNI liturgy, Sacraments. 8

9 St Luke s Hospital, Tinsukia St. Luke s Hospital Tinsukia has recently been equipped with modern high technology medical and the Operation Theatre has been upgraded to current standards. Now laparoscopic surgery is possible at St. Luke s. Over and above the Ophthalmology Department is up to modern standards as also the Gynae section. Project SPARSHA As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility Oil India, Duliajan, in partnership with St. Luke s Hospital Tinsukia and Chabua, has initiated a project to cater to the medical needs of the rural people in villages. Mobile clinics and medical camps are run in different villages, awareness camps are organized. Daily 4 doctors and 4 nurses visit different places accompanied by two local volunteers from that particular place. Medical camps are also conducted in CNI church premises by the SPARSHA team. Averages of 259 patients receive medical treatment during peak months of February to November. MEDICAL MISSION A modern and equipped ICU is being introduced shortly. According to Mr. DD Ingty, Secretary of the Health Board of the Diocese of NEI the main aim of the Hospital is to serve and heal people especially people at the grassroots, rural people and economically poor. We look for further partnership in our medical ministry. Medical outreach Program On 23 rd November, 2018, Christ Church, Guwahati, to commemorate its 175 Jubilee, organized a free Medical Camp at the CNI School Campus, Gobardhan Pastorate, with help of Satribari Medical Hospital. I87 people from vulnerable backgrounds were administered treatment. 9 Greening Our Diocese We need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth. In the name of development we have destroyed and plundered Earth. Environmental degradation have devastating impact on us. We have to make our congregations aware of climate change and other harmful impacts of exploiting nature. We are called to be stewards and take care of Earth. Through spiritual nurturing and acts of planting trees our aim is greening our Diocese, churches, homes, neighbourhood opined Bishop Michael Herenz. On 31 st August 2018 in Bishop Kuti and office Campus Bishop planted trees along with staff and ordinands who came for Pre- ordination Retreat.

10 WELCOMING THE BABIES We welcome three new babies in our Diocesan Family. We congratulate the new parents and wish the babies God s richest blessings. * Baby Arita, daughter of Rev. Angel Daimari and Yekhali Daimari * Baby Evina, daughter of Rev. Harrison Masih and Nisha Masih * Baby Joham Jian, son of Rev. Dn. Jarina Daimari and Rev. Jiran Daimari BIDDING FAREWELL We bid farewell to Rev. Muhit Ch. Muchahari, Rev. Piyran Law Kandulna and Rev. Benjamin Soren from their service in Diocese of North East India. We wish God s richest blessing to each of them for serving as Presbyters in Diocese of NEI. During the Annual Clergy Retreat at Bangalore, Bishop Michael Herenz acknowledged their contributions and said Ministers of God never retire, but continue to serve God and His people; but may be now not as Presbyters in charge but other different ways. National Day of Prayer for the Country On 2 nd October on Gandhi Jayanti the Bishop invited all the Pastorates and Congregations to engage in prayer for the country and different issues related to crisis of our nation. Fasting and chain prayer was observed by many pastorates. Prayers were offered for Christian missionaries who are facing persecution and for the Government to uphold democracy, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Human Rights, the rights of minority communities and forth coming elections. Prayer was also offered for promoting vision and mission of CNI and different Diocese and church leadership. Church of North India Day CNI day was observed throughout the Diocese on 29 th November, Along with prayer and worship flags was hoisted. Congregation members were reminded of the history of formation of CNI, Church unity and its vision and mission. 10

11 CHURCH AND ECUMENICAL RELATIONS Partnership with Chotanagpur Diocese On 4 th and 5 th September, 2018 the Rt. Rev. Basil Balia Baskey, Bishop of Chotanagpur Diocese along with few pastors from his Diocese visited the DNEI. There were discussions among the two Diocese as to how they can work together in unity to promote God s mission. Christos Marthoma Church Visit Congregation Members from Christos Marthoma Church, Mulund, Mumbai visited the All Saints Cathedral, Diocesan Office at Shillong with Rev. Eapen Abraham in the month of September. Bishop Michael Herenz welcomed them and hosted a fellowship meal in his home. He shared with them about the history of Diocese of NEI and stressed on the importance of Church Unity. CNI, CSI and Marthoma Syrian Church has Organic Unity and hope in future we get opportunity to learn from each other the richness of diverse Christian traditions in India. 11

12 Diocese of Gujarat and Diocese of NEI Partnership The Diocese of Gujarat (CNI) and Diocese of NEI have developed a partnership to enhance capacity of Presbyters through Exposure and Exchange Program. Five Presbyters from the Diocese of Gujarat, CNI, visited different Pastorates of the Middle Assam Deanery during October The Presbyters visited different churches, interacted and dialogued with church leaders, visited Mission fields, witnessed contextual mission practiced in this region. There will also Presbyters visit from Diocese of NEI to the Gujarat Diocese in Church Relations with Coimbatore Diocese CSI Bishop Michael Herenz during his visit to Coimbatore met Bishop Timothy Ravindran of Vellore and Coimbatore Diocese of Church of South India. There were discussions about Vellore and Coimbatore Diocese of CSI accompanying Diocese of NEI in its Medical Mission and Mission and Evangelism endeavors. Newsletter published by - Diocese of NEI - CNI (for Private circulation only) Managing Editor: Rev. Moumita Biswas (Director - Seminary, Chaplain ASDHSS) Editor: Mr. Donald Ingty (Secretary Diocese of NEI) 12