...... Magazine of the Church of South India December 2020 | Christmas Volume XVIII | Issue 12 | Rs. 150/Annum

Immanuel - God With Us - in Our Pain and Struggles www.csi1947.com 2 December 2020 Greetings from the General Secretary

Christmas Leads us to a New Dawn of Hope that Leaves Behind Gloomy Dusks ear Brothers and Sisters in bereaved will find this Christmas a Jesus Christ, difficult time. We pray to the Lord D God almighty that He be present We may be becoming older, to all who are suffering or alone but we still love the magic of during this Christmas season. Christmas. One of the wonderful They are and shall continue to be features of this time of year is the very much in our prayers at this opportunity to exchange greetings time. with so many friends all around Editor’s Desk the world. It is precious time The COVID-19 crisis reminds spent with family and friends. us of our shared fragility, it also Adv. C. Fernandas The coming of Christ, over two demonstrates how everything Rathina Raja thousand years ago, changed the and everyone is truly connected. (M.A., B.L.) course of human history. Eradicating the pandemic in one community will never be General Secretary CSI & While we celebrate this Christmas, achieved unless it is done in all Hon. Secretary CSITA the church invites us to look to communities. It is at this moment; and celebrate the life of the newly we are finally brought together formed family of Nazareth and see as one human family standing it as a model for our own. In the together to build a better future. gospels, we are reminded that our Lord’s Family had to face struggles Even during these weary times, we and dangers that are part of the believe that ‘even the very hairs of human condition. In particular, your head are all numbered. So Matthew tells us that when Jesus don’t be afraid…’(Matthew 10: 29- was still a toddler, He and his 31). May the Lord help us to know parents, Mary and Joseph, had that He knows us, loves us and to flee from Nazareth to Egypt has our wellbeing at heart. fearing for His safety. We cannot imagine what it must have been While we need to accept the reality like when they had to leave their that the world is never going to home and flee to another country go back to exactly how it was for not knowing, when, it would us pre-pandemic, it is going to be possible for them to return continue to get better and we are hometown in safety. Similar going to continue to adapt and be mindset would have been of the resilient together. thousands and thousands of migrants who walked hundreds During this Christmas season, and thousands of kilometres to we pray that may this light be the home town or village during switched on in every human heart this COVID 19 lockdown. Many and in every corner of the earth. of our friends have gone through May it transform the hearts of weary times due to COVID 19. brutality and hate into the hearts Many have lost their loved ones. of love. May God grant us grace to For such those who are recently be the hands and feet of Christ, www.csi1947.com December 2020 3 making the light visible and transformational for others.

Let the Light and let it shine and come into our hearts by faith in the darkness of this world.

I extend my sincere best wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful and blessed Season of Christmas. May the Divine Child, shower all His graces upon all of you. Wishing you and your family peace, health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year 2021.

With kind regards,

C. Fernandas Rathina Raja General Secretary, CSI

www.csi1947.com 4 December 2020 Greetings from the Moderator

The Manger was an Intentional Incarnational Choice nd she gave birth to of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to her firstborn son and the city of David called Bethlehem, “Awrapped him in bands because he was descended of cloth, and laid him in a manger from the house and family of because there was no place for David.” (Luke 2: 4) them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 7) This was for a registration of We celebrate Christmas this time people that Emperor Augustus in a context much more complex decreed. The census was part of The Most Rev. A. than in the previous years. A tryst a larger imperial design and what Dharmaraj Rasalam with the pandemic has affected was at stake was the question (B.A., B.D., M.Th.,) life in its entirety including that of belongingness. Where did the of the church. Like in every crisis family actually belong? Where was Moderator of CSI & we tried to see the tremendous their home? Bishop in South Kerala opportunity to live the gospel Diocese beside the pain and agony of the Vulnerability comes from the Latin suffering masses and Christmas word ‘vulnus’ which means wound should open our eyes afresh in our and denotes all life that is exposed seeking and serving the Saviour of to the pain of wounds- physical, the world. economic, psychological and social. The manger was an ‘Incarnational Choice of the Divine’. Options One of the worst impacts of the of the most copious of settings pandemic was the movement of available for the birth- the Saviour people, especially families that it chose the sparsest setting of a necessitated. Several families were manger- a space accessible to both told in contexts where they were the shepherd and the wise men leading a settled life that you do of the orient alike. This, I believe, not belong here and had to go. is the primary lesson the Church People even hailed the exodus needs to learn while we look at stating- after all they were going making Christmas meaningful. It home. But few realised that there is in the most unexpected spaces was nothing left in their so-called we need to seek the newborn homes to be called their own. They baby. The culpability of the child were thrown into the whims and in the manger is evident around fancies of the uncertainty. us practically manifesting itself in various ways- directly impacted We saw images of large groups by the pandemic or at least of people making a cumbersome compounded by it. journey to their so-called homes during the pandemic. Some tried Families in positions of to find a settlement on waysides Vulnerability while others got into buses and Here is a family on the move. trains and flights leaving behind “Joseph also went from the town the small lives, they had built with www.csi1947.com December 2020 5 so much toil not sure whether they birthing of his beloved and finding and support programmes that would ever be able to return. none. Imagine Joseph attending to we envisage. The empowerment the childbirth with perhaps some and ensuring of spaces congenial At Christmas, we must see them. stranger locally assisting. Imagine to their blossoming should be They are among us. They are Us! Joseph decking up a manger with our priority. Special focus on the straws and grass to be the crib of differently-abled and variedly Mothers in positions of his little baby. He is a symbol of challenged should capture our susceptibility several fathers around us today. engagement. “He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged Journeying in helplessness not At Christmas, we must see them. and who was expecting a by choice but by compulsion. They are among us. They are Us! child. While they were there, Wanting to be of help to mitigate the time came for her to deliver the pain of the women but May I wish you a Christmas of her child.” (Luke 2: 6-7) Imagine finding no way to do. Desiring diaconal engagement to be with the familiar picture again. Mary, to be helpful to children but not the people who suffer and a new expecting the child anytime, able to. The economic depravity year of healing and wholeness. journeys into uncertainty with just and the denial of social security Even this shall pass, and we shall Joseph by her side. mechanisms have made several enter into a new normal and let people lurching in the dark. us pray that the newness that we Imagine the cumbersome and will inherit will be devoid of the bumpy journey of the pregnant At Christmas, we must see them. insensibility that we carry with us lady on the donkey. Imagine the They are among us. They are Us! to the existential angst around us. doors of the Inns being closed one by one. Imagine the labour pain. Children in positions of God Bless You. Imagine the birthing of the child Spaceless-ness in an unsafe shadow. Imagine A child having to face the issue the mother wrapping the child in of having no space even to be cloth and putting him in a manger. born is a complex yet painful Imagine the sigh of relief when all reality. When we seek the Christ was done and all the agonising child today, we realise that there experiences of being exposed to are several children living under public gaze be it the shepherds or great stress around us. They are the wise men. exposed to brutal violence and blatant exploitation. Their safety The pandemic had a very strong is a major issue compromised gender bias. The most affected often. Even sparsely available were the susceptible women, spaces have become unsafe young mothers, the gender spaces for children. The lockdown minorities and alike. and the containment strategy of keeping children away from their At Christmas, we must see them. public spaces have not helped. They are among us. They are Us! It has affected the mental health of children far beyond we can Fathers in positions of imagine. Helplessness Imagine Joseph having no choice Around us, we also see children but to embark on a difficult deprived of the security of families, journey with his pregnant wife. displaced with and sometimes Imagine Joseph desperately without their families, detained in looking for some sort of help or precarious settings. Pushed into support when the time of the homelessness and space-less-ness. childbirth came near but could not find any. Imagine Joseph knocking The church should be able to at each door of the Inn and finding redefine our ministry among and no positive response. Imagine with children more creatively and Joseph desperately looking for a pragmatically. The children should safe and hygienic space for the become subjects of the nurture www.csi1947.com 6 December 2020 Greetings from the Deputy Moderator

Christmas: Finding Space for the Prince of Peace hristmas greetings to my shepherds who were considered fellow brothers and sisters! as ‘the outsiders,’ lowly, despised, CI am always concerned liars and thieves and the unclean about the Burma refugees who in those days. But the good news live in the village of Anthergoan, was brought to them because Peddapalli district, Telangana God has shown grace, favour and state, which is geographically compassion to liberate them from located in the Diocese of the constructed and imposed Karimangar. Of late, they are character and identity and give The Rt. Rev. Dr K known as Rohingyas and ‘illegal them a space to lead a dignified Rueben Mark migrants’ across the world and life in its fullness. Despite Jesus (B.Com., B.D., M.Th., Ph.D.) around 40,000 (forty thousand was not given a space to lay in India) Rohingyas spread over his head, he strived hard and Deputy Moderator of CSI & across various states in India. sacrificed life to find a space for Bishop in Karim Nagar According to the United Nations the despised and rejected ones. Diocese Human Rights Commission, they The church, the body of Christ is are one of the most vulnerable called to embrace the refugees and and victimized ethnic groups in rejected ones and allocate a room the world. They do not have space, for them to live as human beings land, identity and rights to live in who are also created in the image across the world. The only place of God. they are left is low lying areas under plastic sheets, with no Secondly, as hopelessness, proper water or toilet facilities. uncertainty and turmoil prevail in the lives of the refugees and As we celebrate Christmas in the vulnerable, God assures shalom in midst of Coronavirus pandemic, order to establish the reign of we have to understand that justice and equality. Jesus was born in Bethlehem as a refugee and a threatened child Thirdly, the birth of Jesus, the in a place where many migrant Messiah makes the rejected and labourers were born. I would despised as the announcers or the like to leave out a few thoughts channels of peace. As the thorny to remind the church of God corona pandemic time reveals the and strengthen the faith of the importance of ‘space’ either in subjugated migrant communities. private or public arenas, it is high time for the church to become a channel of space and peace. May Firstly, Jesus, the prince of peace this Christmas bring joy, peace was born to liberate the people and hope in these troubled times from the corrupt structures and of terror, violence and uncertainty restore them to the wholeness of and enable to embrace the life. The Gospel of St. Luke 2:1- revolutionary legacy of Jesus, the 14 lucidly depicts that the angels prince of peace. announced the good news to the www.csi1947.com December 2020 7 Greetings from the Treasurer

Christmas and the Advent season Call us for a More Meaningful Existence with Christ!

Christmas we celebrate. We from their homes and their existence, celebrate the birth of Jesus, the authorities being fascist and Atthe One in whom we see the imperialistic in their approach rather fullness of God’s love and grace, the One than championing the fundamentals in whom we find our lives made whole, of constitution and Democracy which the One in whom we know God’s peace. made the conditions go worse.

In the Gospel stories of Jesus birth, A regional newspaper in its editorial we hear that God comes to us in the page wrote a tag line about the growing Prof. Dr. B. Vimal reality of ordinary life. God doesn’t live intolerance in country as, “today the Sukumar separated off in some spiritual heaven Indian man has grown in such a (M.B.A., M.Com., L.L.M., far away. way that he can see his mother in an M.Ed., M.Phil., Ph.D.) Animal, but fails to see a brother in a God isn’t a disembodied concept or idea. fellow human being”. The existentialist Hon. Treasurer of CSI & God is part of our real lives, here and tag line, “existence precedes essence” Hon. Treasurer of CSITA now. seemed to manifest in lives of people and it is in this context that the message Across generational and cultural of Christmas gives us hope that the boundaries, God comes to us and is sinful structures of inequality will be with us, sharing our lives, and bringing overthrown by the Kingdom of God peace. which will be restored by the coming of Christ. No matter who we are, where we come from, and what our lives look like, in Christmas and the Advent season is all our celebrations and in the most painful about preparing for a more meaningful parts of our lives and world, God is existence with Christ Himself. Because there, right in the middle of things. Christ gives meaning to life and in Christian sphere, “we are only because In a post-modern era, especially amidst He is”. the pandemic outbreak, people are confronted with existentialistic and The Christmas stories are not just harsh realities of life. The advent season stories about the birth of Jesus 2000 and the Christmas celebrations becomes years in the past, they are stories all the more relevant this year, because of God, in Christ, tangled up and it is a reassurance that, though He enmeshed in the middle of our story, in seems distant, He is closer than ever. our world, in our lives, right here, right now, reshaping us, and making us new, Recent developments in our context particularly in the context of the Church reasonate the uncertainties and of South India. existential rifts which occurred in the life of people before the birth of Christ. May you share in the love, joy, peace The pandemic left a majority of peasants and hope of Christ, Emmanuel, God- homeless and with no means so that with-us, this Christmas! they could meet both ends of their lives. The migrant workers displaced www.csi1947.com 8 December 2020 Christmass Meditation

The God Remembered at Christmas

Christmas time is a time to see the mysterious abstraction. But the God tension between the everlasting light in remembered at Christmas is a God the churches and the extreme darkness with a name, a God with a human outside on the streets. Christmas is face” (Deliverance to the Captives, p. the proclamation that though in great 161). darkness God still shines in the world and in our hearts. The continuous The birth announcement is the salvific work of God is our hope despite assertion that God is powerfully at many fears threatening our lives. work for those who cannot fight their own battles. The coming of Jesus is “The people who walked in darkness the LORD radically and powerfully with have seen a great light; those who lived his people in times of distress to rescue in a land of deep darkness—on them them. Jesus is the means through light has shined. …For a child has which God’s faithful covenanting is been born for us, a son given to us.” — evident to his people (Luke 1: 72-74). These are words of Prophet Isaiah we In the announcement narratives Jesus often read on Christmas day (Isaiah is given two names: (a)… she shall 9:2-7). bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from Christmas faith does not deny the their sins. (b) Behold, a virgin shall darkness but chooses not to live in it. conceive and bear a son, and his name People of Christmas faith claim that shall be called Emmanuel, which the light that shines in the darkness means, God with us (Matt. 1:21, 23). can be trusted more than the darkness itself, and that a little bit of light can The first name calls to mind the great dispel a lot of darkness. I write these heroes of Israel who intervened on words with the experience of tropical behalf of this people in time of trouble ‘Cyclone Burevi’ that ripped through (cf. the book of Judges). The second is a the eastern and northern parts of quote from Isaiah 7:14 concerning the Sri Lanka last night. We are also in LORD’s assurances that he will invert the midst of the raging ‘Covid-19’ the situation of political oppression pandemic. The sufferings of the people and historical hopelessness. continue to burden their day-to-day existence. Jesus’ birth narratives are about his “with-ness” and “for-ness” of God. Whatever the darkness is for us, we Who Jesus is, is known only from should know that there is light: a what he does. And what he does is small, fragile light to be sure, but light to be with us and act for us. “For our that will not be overcome; light that sake Jesus became poor (2 Cor. 8:9); will dispel darkness. “for our sake he became empty” (Phil. 2:6-11) and the ‘living one’ faithfully The great twentieth-century theologian laid down his life for all (John 10:11). Karl Barth said that when we think about God, “we think of the highest, The church’s doctrine of incarnation, the absolute, the ultimate, some “word became flesh,” is not some www.csi1947.com December 2020 9 Christmass Message metaphysical doctrine. It is rather the church’s Jesus Christ - God’s Gift confession that in the radical self-commitment of Jesus to the powerless and worthless of his time we can Christmas is a very exciting time, for adults and children discern the full commitment of God himself to his word alike. It’s a highlight of the year and in life-giving ways. We are bold to affirm that in Jesus part of the excitement is the giving we know fully and unmistakably that God is not only and receiving of gifts. with us but for us. We know that the first visitors God shows who he is by his capacity to enter into the who came to visit the Christ-child suffering of others, by being with and identifying totally brought gifts. The shepherds who with them. Characteristically the presence of the LORD were watching over their flocks to his people is not only affirmed. He does something! near Bethlehem were poor but they Life is changed. God’s presence consists in his faithful brought possibly what they had in action to transform life. kind– a lamb. The Magi brought expensive gifts of gold, frankincense And that, Christians believe, is the way God comes and myrrh, and knelt before the little among us: in the birth of a child, in the way every one child and in honour and worship. of us was born, in the incredible miracle of human life, in the love of a mother and father, a family, and Sometimes we focus on the gifts so much that we miss a community. That is how God comes, we believe. He the fact that Christmas is God’s gift to us. Son of God is a comes in life lived, as that baby, when he became a gift given out of extreme love that the only Son of God was man, lived his life—with authenticity and courage and born as a vulnerable and helpless baby born to human selfless love. That is how God comes: when the poor are parents. His first bed was a manger; his first visitors were cared for, the oppressed receive justice, the forgotten strangers. and excluded are included, and the lost are welcomed home. That is how God comes: in love that knows it Mary and Joseph were to soon realise that this tiny bundle is better to give than to receive, to forgive rather than was God’s gift not only to them but also to the world and hate; in a love more powerful than death; in love, one of he will give everyone the greatest gifts of all – joy, peace, his disciples said not long after Jesus died, from which forgiveness, reconciliation with God, eternal life. You and nothing can ever separate us. And now there is work I know what devastating effect sin has in our lives. Sin to do. destroys everything good. It destroys our good relationship with God and people. Christmas changes all these. The It is apt to conclude with the words of Marcus Borg baby in the manger is our Saviour – Jesus – the one who and John Dominc Crossan in their book, The First rescues us from our sin. Christmas: What the Gospels really teach about Jesus’ Birth (2009), “We who have seen the star and heard the The World has witnessed the deadly pandemic, a tragedy angels sing are called to participate in the new birth caused the loss of the loved ones. We wonder why this has and new world proclaimed by these stories. The birth to happen. When will it end? When will we have peace of stories are not a pipe dream, but a proclamation that mind, health and restoration of normalcy again? How will what we see revealed in Jesus is the way—the way to a you ever be able to cope with? Christmas changes all this. different kind of life and a different future. . . . God will The gift that God gave us at Christmas is our Saviour. As not change the world without our participation.” unintelligible as it is to think of Almighty God becoming a weak helpless baby born in a manger, that is what Rt. Rev Dr Daniel S. Thiagarajah PhD happened so that he could be Emmanuel, that is God with Bishop in Jaffna us.

In the end, the only thing that counts is the gift we receive from God. The gift of a Saviour is “God with us”.

I wish that we all may experience the birth of this wonderful Saviour in our hearts and homes so that we will have a blessed Christmas.

Rt. Rev. Ravikumar J. Niranjan Bishop in Karnataka Northern Diocese. www.csi1947.com 10 December 2020 Christmass Message

Journey towards Bethlehem Dear in Christ,

Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem to register their Greetings to you in the blessed name of our Saviour and census as per the decree made by Lord Jesus Christ! Ceasar Augustus. Then God invited to Bethlehem to have the Spiritual Tagore in one of his poems in Gitanjali Experience of Christmas. When we go presents the story of a maiden with to Holy Land we say: ‘We are going to a lamp. An old man sees the maiden Israel (or) Jerusalem (or) Holy Land’, walk up to the river with a lamp in her but never say to Bethlehem. Let us hand. He asks her where she is taking take a journey to Bethlehem ‘in the the lamp and requests her to lend Spirit’. him the lamp because his house is all dark and lonesome. She answers the 1) Let us go to Bethlehem, a old man by saying that she is going place of Simplicity: Bethlehem to the river to float her lamp on the is a simple, cheap, old-styled town stream when the daylight wanes. The with safety, cheap living and one with nature. But, Jesus old man again requests her to lend him the lamp because could not have a place in a city like Jerusalem, not even he asserts that the lamp would be helpful to him at his an inn in Bethlehem, but only a manger! Hence, let dark and lonesome house. She waits a while confused and us decide to celebrate this Christmas with simplicity. replies to the man that she has brought her lamp to join 2) Let us go to Bethlehem, a place of Nature: Bethlehem the carnival of lamps. Saying this, she releases the lamp is a small town with natural surroundings, and every into the river. Tagore ends by saying that thousands of house has a small garden and with less traffic. Jesus lamps uselessly floated down the river, still, there wasn’t selected this place of nature for his birth. Let us make a any light to lighten the dark and lonesome house of the sincere effort to have this Christmas Season with ecological old man. concern, avoiding decoration things which pollute nature; by planting trees, making kitchen gardens, developing According to the Gospel of John, Christ came into this nature, and encouraging others ecologically. world as the true light that gives light to everyone. We, as 3) Let us go to Bethlehem, a place of Hard Work: Christian are bound by the duty to pass on this light to Bethlehem is called the City of David. David was a man of those around us whose lives are dark and lonesome, and Sincerity, hard work, and achievements. The shepherds of thereby lightening the world one person at a time. But we Bethlehem were also hardworking, sincere, loyal in their are often occupied in ceremonies and activities that are duty. Let us commit ourselves to work hard with loyalty. useless and void of meaning. Jesus said, “You are the light 4) Let us go to Bethlehem, a place of Liberation: In of the world” (Mathew 5:14). This Christmas let us ty to Palestine, shepherds were not treated with dignity. But be a lamp to those who need our light. Let our lamps not God chose this underprivileged community to proclaim the just float down the river uselessly but lighten the lives of birth of Jesus through the angels. Bethlehem proclaims people who are suffering and tired. Let our lamps provide freedom from slavery, sin, oppression, falsehood, inequality warmth and comfort to the lives that are burdened by the and neglections. Let us celebrate our liberation through the hard and trying times. birth of Jesus. 5) Let us go to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ Birth: May our lives be a blessing to all those who need a Bethlehem was brought to light only after the Birth of Jesus. blessing. Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and Jesus is “Bread of Life.” Bethlehem becomes an important place because of With prayerful regards and best wishes, the Birth of Jesus, who brings New Life, New Thinking, New Yours in Christ, Power and New Commitment, which leads to Eternal Life. Rt. Rev. B. N. Fenn May God help us to restart our life-journey spiritually Bishop in Diocese of Cochin towards Bethlehem.

Wishing you all a Meaningful Christmas and a Blessed New Year on behalf of the Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad and the Bishop’s Family.

Rt. Rev. Dr M. Joseph Bishop in Madurai-Ramnad Diocese www.csi1947.com December 2020 11 Christmass Message

MASK - Modified Attitude of Sharing Kindness Christmas - Goodnews of Great Joy (Luke 2:8-20)

Christmas for every individual is personal and the Christmas is a historical event that revealed the universal celebration is a miracle of the Love of God for the entire creation. reality of baby Jesus who enters the This is the festival of divine light, love, world and became the reason for joy, hope and peace. the jubilant Christian message of love. Today, the world is a place of The incarnation of Jesus Christ vehemence, abhorrence, panic and became the Good News of great dissection. Love is the only medicine joy to the whole world. For it is the that heals and unites communities! powerful sign of God’s unconditional love and grace. It proclaims God’s Indian tradition and culture show how care for human beings because, in love is pooled within communities. On Incarnation, the Creator God has Christmas eve, men and women of become human to bring salvation to the Tribal villages in India dance until all. late night and give gifts to their friends and neighbours. The dancers wear Indian customary dress and perform In Luke 2:10-11, we find that the Angel of the Lord the dance which brings out the traditional feel. On proclaimed the good news of great joy to the shepherds. Christmas morning, they greet each other in the village This news brought hope to the hopeless. I would like to putting their heads into every door and people in the tent share the Seven Reasons to call the Gospel “Good saying, “Merry Christmas.” In the afternoon, the villagers News”. 1) It banishes Fear. 2) It brings Great Joy. 3) It is gather again and gift fruit dishes, desserts made of fruits for ALL people 4) It emphasizes the Individual 5) It Saves and nuts, fruit and nut baskets. With this sharing, their 6) It glorifies God 7) It gives Real and Everlasting Peace. celebrations come to an end. This practice reminds us of the supreme commandment “love your neighbour as you This good news became great jubilation, inspiration and love yourself.” new strength from generations to generations. It produces newness, a sense of rededication within us to glorify God Christmas is “A Space for Acceptance”: Luke 2:7. Jesus and to become a witness. One of our Diocesan rural was laid in a manger because there was no room for them congregations came forward with a great commitment in the inn. The owner of the inn accepted this couple and dedication to construct a new Church building as and gave a space for the birth of Jesus. Though there is they experienced God’s protection and providential care oppression, identity crisis, poverty in this world, accept during Covid-19 pandemic, as promised in Psalms 91:10. the poor and needy to show the love Jesus commanded. In another congregation, a woman dropped silently a gold chain into the offertory bag worth of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. Like “A Space for Interceding”: Luke 2:14. The shepherds Magi of the East, she also worshipped Jesus by offering a in the field provided a space for the angel to intercede gold chain for being healed from the Coronavirus. through which they received peace. In this COVID situation, everybody wants to experience peace. We the For them Christmas is experiencing, celebrating the called to intercede share this love and peace to the entire presence of Emmanuel God in tough times. Yes, the community. birth of Christ has brought light to those who walk in darkness; hope to the hopeless. Let us commit our A Space for Proclamation: Luke 2:10. The angels did not lives afresh to the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, keep the good news within them rather they proclaimed the Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace to be a witness to good news to shepherds. They returned from Bethlehem his saving grace and love. with praising and glorification (Luke 2:20). In this COVID time let us share the love silently with the poor and needy. Have a Happy and Blessed Christmas. Today, we have the opportunity to willfully provide space for others to experience this love during this Christmas. Rt. Rev. Dr E.Pushpalalitha Bishop in Diocese of Nandyal Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder Bishop in Coimbatore Diocese

www.csi1947.com 12 December 2020 Christmass Message

Christmas amidst Pandemic: Testing Ground of our Christmas: Finding Space for the Prince of Peace Faith The Christmas spiritual tradition of ‘Advent Wreath’ is We see in Luke 1: 13 that Zechariah commemorated by lighting four candles was actually praying for a child: ”…the for each week symbolising Gospel values angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, of hope, love, joy, and peace. Jesus is Zechariah, for your prayer has been the one who transforms the situations heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear of hopelessness, violence, grief, and you a so”. The angel in front of him was animosity into hope, love, joy, and peace. actually there in response to the prayers But, How can we affirm peace in the Zechariah had prayed. But Zechariah COVID 19 situation? Peace, Shalom, prayed for so long and then failed to in the OT, means fulfilment, maturity, believe when his answer arrives! soundness, wholeness, harmony, tranquillity, security, well-being, Zechariah was a priest and teaching friendship, success, and prosperity. It is people to believe in God was his job. not only an absence of hostility but the And he was a trusted friend and servant of God. Why else maintenance of a prosperous social system for a common good. would God Himself dispatch His angel other than Zechariah was close to God? Surely, Zechariah grieved the Holy Spirit Finding space for peace “With-In”. If there is no peace with- (Ephesians 4:30). If he didn’t believe God would give him a in we cannot find peace outside. We cannot be in peace when child, why did he pray to God for a child? Perhaps he simply my neighbours are not in peace. The external world, which stopped praying after his wife and him had reached a certain is communal, casteist, class-oriented, and racist, should age when he thought having children was no longer possible. disturb us. ‘Peace on earth’ is a call to combat the evil forces Many of us pray with so little confidence that when God that affect individual and community. The present pandemic shows up, we are amazed. encourages us to realize the importance of the ‘other’ and the ‘neighbour’ and reconciliation. Abraham asked God, ”O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it” (Genesis 15:8)? Abraham had already Finding Space for Peace ‘In and through’ Wilderness. The believed and waited for the fulfilment of God’s promises. Israelites, while journeying ‘in and through’ the wilderness, Before you ask, ”Lord, show me a sign,” you must believe were assured of God’s abiding presence but were grumbling first. An official came to Jesus once to ask the Master than against God. However, God’s steadfast-love helped Israel to his son would be healed. Jesus said to the official: ”Unless realize their iniquity and return to God in all faithfulness. you see signs and wonders you will not believe” (John 4:48). The experiences of wilderness and exile helped to experience Jesus refused to go with the man but said, ”Go; your son will shalom. The peace of Jesus is not the absence of wilderness, live” (John 4:50). The Bible says that the man believed Jesus but assuring God’s presence in and through the wilderness. right then and there and he went on his way (John 4:50). Finding Space for Peace in Worship. COVID 19 uncovered Zechariah did not believe. But he was a believer: ”And they the importance of worship among all communities of faith. The were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all closure of worship places encouraged people of faith to innovate the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). Like new forms of worship. In Biblical history, worship emerged as a Abraham before him, his faith temporarily wavered. civil-disobedience in the history of Israel. Worship was always an expression of Israel’s fidelity towards God against the Kings. Are we really believers? We celebrate Christmas during a The Lukan writer, in countering Augustus as the prince of deadly pandemic situation. It is a testing time for our faith. peace, proclaims Jesus as the King and prince of peace. One Let us take this Christmas as a time to strengthen our belief day, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and in God because He is ‘Immanuel’. on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” With prayers for a blessed New Year Conclusion. May the Advent season and Christmas help us Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj to understand God’s peace in the pandemic situation and Bishop in Karnataka Southern Diocese inspire us to be peace-makers. Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Rt. Rev. Dr P K Samuel. Bishop in Karnataka Central Diocese

www.csi1947.com December 2020 13 Christmass Message

Christmas - The Inauguration of the Family of God The Light of “Emmanuel”

Christmas is a festival of ‘the Family’, not only for Christian Christmas is the revelation of the manifestation of God’s families but for the family of God which being. The birth of God the Savior includes the whole humanity. While in a manger, which has no worldly celebrating Christmas we should significance, was a major surprise never lose sight of the wide scope to those who expected the Messiah’s of the “good news of great joy for all arrival. Christ the child of God is the people.” We celebrate Christmas, entrusted to Mary and Joseph who a festival of new life and hope, at were travellers and homeless. The the time of this great pandemic. The surprise gift of baby Jesus was a gleam Christmas celebration is an occasion of light in the darkness for them. for the whole of humanity to feel the common human predicament that What is the significance of Christmas this pandemic has thrown us together for us today when we are in the and to regain our lost sense of family. darkness of pandemic? Everybody Comforting and lifting one another we look forward towards is in panic and looking for safety and a secure life. Face the new hope that His Christmas promises. masks, social distancing, quarantine, sanitizer, etc. made everyone lonely and feels like an island separated Jesus’ coming is a great disturbance of the traditional from others. The social life has been compelled to halt. concept of family. For, Jesus, the traditional family Christmas is the proclamation of the inauguration of system was only functional- Mary functioned as the God’s reign, a realm which is not of this world and a place vessel of the Holy Spirit to bring Him to the world and where God’s rules are established. The Son of God is the Joseph functioned as a protector. At the appropriate time, Gift from Heaven to those who have the humility and Jesus stepped onto the world scene as a minister of His wisdom to receive such a gift of heavenly light. Christmas Heavenly Father. Then on Jesus was not burdened about gives hope to everyone who is in darkness. The light of his biological family but had a burden to bring up the “Immanuel” is with us in our journey through darkness larger family of God. Jesus’ understanding of the family is and leads us to the destination where we are aiming for. in line with the priestly editors of the Old Testament who inserted the first eleven chapters of the Genesis to expand By giving His only begotten Son, the world is blessed to the scope of the salvation worldwide. For Jesus, the family receive the unmerited and unconditional love of God. The is the family of God. God who loves us invites us to love everyone we see. Let us break the barrier of social distancing by showing the COVID 19 pandemic has compelled us to feel the common unconditional love that God gives us. humanity as one family in Gods’ created order. We are now reminded that we are inexorably bound in our common When we make a gift of ourselves to others, the gifts of human predicament. We have felt the pain and sorrow of God are ours and God’s reign is close at hand. So, with our neighbours. We have experienced the loss of lives and humility and love let us accept God’s precious gift, God’s the whole humanity felt lose like a great family in grieving. only Son Jesus Christ. Gifts are given to be received and May this mutual concern and care for one another all over the greatest gifts are meant to be shared also. Let us the world remain with us. Christmas is a time when we resolve on this time of Christmas to accept Jesus Christ to are all invited to feel this oneness in joy and hope. May live with Him and make our life a similar gift to share His Christmas bring us the hope of salvation. love with the world.

With the greetings of a meaningful Christmas and a May God bless you with a blessed Christmas and hope- blessed New year, filled New Year!

Rt. Rev. Dr J. George Stephen, Rt. Rev. Dr Royce Manoj Victor Bishop in Diocese of Madras. Bishop in Diocese of Malabar

www.csi1947.com 14 December 2020 Christmass Message

Christmas: Light and Life Christmas: A Paradigm for God’s Solidarity in the Margins Light and darkness are antithetical to each other. While darkness is symbolic to moral The Story of Christmas is about God’s corruption, erosion of social values, supernatural act that makes the deviation from religious tenets and birth of Jesus Christ very unique and complete chaos; light is symbolic significant. The incarnation of Jesus to justice, righteousness, truth Christ reveals the love that God has for and peace. When Prophet Isaiah the entire creation. Today, Christmas prophesied the birth of the Messiah, is being celebrated with pomp and the context was quite wearisome as festivity and the real crux is forgotten. Zebulun and Naphthali, two tribes The true meaning of Christmas is among the twelve were invaded and found in the birth narratives of Jesus destroyed. Faith, justice and lives Christ in Luke 1 and 2. were at stake (Isaiah 9: 1-2). Today we face a similar situation with the We find God’s Solidarity is embedded in pandemic invading our lives, corruption exploding the the birth narratives of Jesus Christ. God’s coming into this fabric of our society and Religious fanaticism claiming world is seen in his adaptability to embrace the vulnerable innocent lives. But the ‘good news of great joy’ is that human lives, culture, place and language. Though, being the light of lights took human form and dwelt among us omnipotent and omniscient, God condescended to be born to lead us from darkness into His marvellous light. in a small town Bethlehem. It is certainly preposterous to human wisdom that the saviour of the world was born in a Jesus was born to be a saviour (Luke 2: 11) and called place of littleness. ‘the God of our salvation’ (Titus 1: 3,4). The process of salvation is by justification, sanctification and Jesus’ parents could not find any space in the inns. In those glorification. Sanctification is the gift of the Holy Spirit days the inns were served as the place for the common by whom we attain the quality of life. And glorification is people it provided hospitality to the pilgrims. Nevertheless, about resurrection and eternal life (John 3:16). It is the the parents of Jesus could not find a place for the baby to knowledge of the love of God (2 Cor2:4) that transforms be born even in such places. Since there was no place in the us into the people of God and brings us back into the inns, Jesus was born in a manger where cows and cattle fold of God. Jesus is the light of the world. He illuminates lived. It was not clean and sanitized for the baby to be born. and enlightens our minds and re-connects us with the Father. This light is promised to the obedient, upright, The message of Christmas was first communicated to just and benevolent. And the people of light are those the shepherds who were considered as a marginalized who worship the living God (2 Chr. 5: 13-14), work the community and labelled as unclean, landless and poor, works of him (John 9:4); bear witness to God and shine lived in the fields. This indicates the status of the Shepherds in the world (Phil. 2: 15). The light in us helps us to as despised and despicable. This story describes God’s rediscover ourselves, find God within ourselves and Solidarity with the powerless, poor, vulnerable, oppressed reflect the nature of God to the people around us! The and the marginalized. transition from darkness to light will be remarkable for we can only be the agents of peace and reconciliation The hope for the world and the renewal emerge not from the (Isa. 2: 1-5). Hence though darkness surrounds us, let city of Rome or the emperor but from the manger. God brings us not fret but by faith let us allow the light within us to renewal from peripheries and margins, not from the centres. shine forth so that all those in darkness may find a ray Hence the birth of Jesus Christ lends powerful vision, of hope in these turbulent situations. Thus, we re-live passion and mission for those who live in the periphery. the joyous Christmas every day! All those who express their loving solidarity, found in the I wish you all a blessed Christmas and bright new year incarnation of Jesus, with the poor and vulnerable can be 2021! agents of change and renewal. Let this season of Christmas become an event to encounter Christ in alternative Rt. Rev. Dr A. C. Solomon Raj perspectives of Christmas. Bishop in Medak Diocese Wish you all a meaningful Christmas and God bless you.

Rt. Rev. Dr S. E. C. Devasahayam Bishop in Thoothukudi – Nazareth Diocese www.csi1947.com December 2020 15 Christmass Message

Blessed be the Most Holy Name of God! (In Isaiah 40:3) Let us Find New Ways as the Magi Did!

We hear the prophetic voice of the birth of the Lord Jesus. We are into yet another Christmas In this year 2020, the Festivities of season which is an unprecedented Christmas will be as old as ever. one. The jubilations and celebrations Maybe the rush in the markets and of Christmas are overshadowed by the queues in front of the beverages COVID 19 and now the protocols are likely to decrease. The mission of of COVID are on the roads instead the Church to show the world ministry of the carol groups. We are forced with a difference, like the ministry of to be confined in the homes instead John the Baptist. His diet, clothing, of visiting our near and dear ones, and lifestyle were prophetic. Only socialising, worshipping together and John, who did not fall into the wrong having fellowships. This pandemic association, could stand alone in the forced us to change our lifestyles. In wilderness. an architectural magazine, I read that a customer contacted the shop and When I was 12 years old, my father was serving as a declined the former order for a shower and other fittings Catechist in a Parish. We used to visit homes, irrespective for seven lakhs and asked for a shower set of below than of their denominational background, singing carols and twenty thousand! Many have found their own talents when receive donations. This was an important source of income they were ‘locked down’ in their houses and started to use for the church. One year the youngsters quarrelled with the the spare time to make the expressions of their talents such Church committee and denied to join carol team. Suddenly as singing, cooking, painting, and what not! The pandemic I had an idea, and made an old Christmas lamp (Star) with brought changes in us! my friends and visited the houses for five nights and the contributions for the church collected was handed over to Changes means the deviation from the traditional/often my father. This adventure that thwarted the efforts of those travelled paths. in the “Journey of the Magi”, T. S. Elliot youngsters against the Church still helps me as the Bishop describes how difficult was the journey of those three wise of CSI Kollam Kottarakkara Diocese to make decisions for men who travelled all the way down to see Jesus. the church. “A cold coming we had of it,/ Just the worst time of the When Elizabeth greeted the Virgin Mary (Luke 1: 39), year she was facing the challenge of getting blamed. But the For a journey, and such a long journey:/ The ways deep experience of ‘Christmas’ brings relief to them as well as and the weather sharp,/ The very dead of winter.” people of the world. We must patiently wait for God’s promises. If Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph or Zechariah had Even though they faced all these hardships, they were rejected the word of the angel there would be no Christmas! trapped into the traditional ways of thinking and caught in the ‘popular’ ways of undertanding. Hence they thought There are 5 chapters in 1 Thessalonians that highlight the that the king was born at the palace. They couldn’t coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. David says in Psalms understand that the kingship of Christ was an alternative that “in sin, my mother conceived me so”. But, our spirit, form of power, which is just opposite to the power of the soul and bodies are purified because Christmas happened. worldly kings. The paraphernelia of a king and his power Christmas is the time of redemption from this sin and the are questioned by Jesus by his birth in a mager. The Magi cleansing process. took a bit of extra time to undertand this factor. When they were told about this by the angels, they decided to take Jesus of the Old Testament - Christ of the New Testament - another route to go back without informing King Herod The birth of the coming King of the world is the order of the about the place of the birth of baby Jesus. Hence, This world. May the Immanuel Jesus, who means God is with Christmas puts forward a challenge to mend certain things us, always be born in us as the great plague of Covid-19 in our lives. We should be taking alternative paths defyinhg continues to plague humankind around the world. the much tread paths. A new direction should be our focus! God bless you. Rt. Rev. Dr D. Chandrasekaran Rt. Rev. Dr Oommen George Bishop in Trichy - Tanjore Diocese. Bishop in Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese

www.csi1947.com 16 December 2020 Christmass Message

Star of Bethlehem ‘Emmanuel - God with us’ (Matthew 1:23) is the greatest gift of all. The lives today we all leading are restricted and untold On November 9 2020, I visited Penumur, a village in Chittoor difficulties that this pandemic District, Andhra Pradesh, wherein I met brought. It’s easy to blame a bat, a person along with his daughter, who but isn’t our own destruction of hails from the Reddy community. His nature and the traditional habitats of wife passed away recently. He and his species responsible for the pandemic daughter have accepted Jesus as their gripping the world right now? The Saviour and because of that, they were loss and imbalance of biodiversity, ostracised from their community. They mainly because of humans, is directly wanted to donate their ancestral land to connected to the spread of deadly build a church. I was touched by their diseases. In Romans 8: 22 it is said zeal and amazed that being poor that that “the whole creation has been they are, they still want to dispossess groaning as in the pains of childbirth of all that they have, towards God’s right up to the present time.” This ministry. “Our Lord Jesus Christ came shows how God so loved the world and his creation. into the world leaving everything for us. The greatest gift one can give others is to introduce our Saviour. Hence we If we observe, we would be able to see that God used contribute our land.” When I asked how can they do at this his own nature i.e. Star of Bethlehem as a greater sign difficult time, they told: “Though this pandemic has affected associated with the birth of Jesus. Let us meditate how us adversely, Emmanuel is helping us to survive.” God used his creation to find & worship Jesus Christ. The entire world is in despair by the pandemic which drives God’s own creation as miracles: God’s heavenly us to a hopeless and critical situation. Though we are luminary appeared for the first time in a miraculous nearing to the Christmas celebrations, the magnitude of this way over Jesus’ birthplace. The Lord interrupted time pandemic makes us gloomy. Thus, even during this season and space with the star to lead the Wise men to worship of celebration, it will be hard for almost all of us to enter into and to return with the news of Christ to their land. the Christmas spirit this year.

God’s own creation as a messenger: John Calvin However, the Bible gives us a message of hope amid crisis, God taught that all of humankind has a ‘sensus divinitatus’ sent Emmanuel as the priceless gift to the entire humankind. (sense of divinity) within his spirit which is the very He will sustain us and enable us to survive. image of God, the Divine Creator. Thus, God uses his creation as a mean to draw us to Himself as the Star did Thus, on this Yuletide season, with Wise men. • Let us thank God for giving us Jesus Christ – the greatest gift of all. God’s own creation as a witness: God used the star as • Let us introduce Emmanuel – God with us- to others. Let us a witness as it settled over the Christ child. God uses share the good news, no matter what happens. this light as a witness to Jesus Christ, and to see the • Let us become Emmanuel to others. Let us imitate Christ our Saviour and follow Him. Master, by becoming Emmanuel to others by being with them in their suffering and caring for them in their needs. Thus CSI Scripture says: “And those who are wise shall shine Vellore Diocese has decided to become the Emmanuel to the like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn poor girl, who has donated wholistically her entire property many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” for God’s work, by taking care of all her educational needs.

Let us celebrate Christ’s birth by becoming a miracle, May God Almighty help us to carry out the message of true messenger and witness of Christ from womb to tomb, Christmas through every walk of our lives. just like the Star of Bethlehem. Wish you all a Happy and Meaningful Christmas and a God Bless You! Blessed New Year! Wishing you all a wonderful and joyful Christmas… Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithiyanandham The Rt. Rev. Dr. T. G. Cornelious, Bishop in Diocese of Vellore Bishop in Krishna-Godavari Diocese.

www.csi1947.com December 2020 17 Christmass Message

Christmas is an Event of Salvific Actions ‘Christmas: The Beginning of Fearless Life’.

The way in which our Lord is leading our life, during the The divine act of conveying the good news of great joy for present pandemic, is a Salvific action all the people in a night to a group which is being experienced by us in of shepherds from the lower strata our lives. of society is perplexing. If it would have been shared in the daylight to In this Christmas, we have to an ‘esteemed’ group of people in the maintain social distance and keep society or religious leaders at the time our face covered with a mask. We of some great festivals or feasts, this have to follow the worship service in message wouldn’t have had a wide our Churches only as per specified acceptance? But the elites would try guidelines. However, the essence of to eliminate the Savior born thinking Christmas will bring joy to the world he would be a threat to them or they and joy to the Church. Prophet Isaiah would have tried to secure him within elucidates Messiah as the suffering themselves alone. Either of these servant of God [Isaiah 58]. In the suffering of Jesus Christ, could have prevented the spread of good news to all! is the purpose of His coming. Who is this Savior? He is the one who has authority rests Christmas is an event of the indescribable God’s Gift: upon his shoulders, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, The real gift of Jesus is His grace. Ephesians 2:8 says Everlasting Father, Prince of peace (Isaiah 6:9ff) and He “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is the one who can influence, control and reign over all is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” The biblical realms of human life. Not only that he is the one who has understanding of grace is unmerited divine assistance, authority over heavens and the earth, past, present and given to us. the future.

Christmas is an event of unlimited God’s love: The Christmas: the days of euphoria. In my childhood days, ultimate aim of God’s love is depicted as we are called to we children used to anxiously wait for the Christmas love one another. Love brings joy, fellowship, forgiveness vacation. We craved for the freedom we enjoyed in and reconciliation. If we love one another God dwells spending time with friends, playing together, making stars among us (1 John 4:12). and roaming around. The disciplined way of celebrating Christmas event was passed on to generations, thus the Christmas is an event of the veiled of God’s glory younger generation grabbed the whole story of Jesus’ We recognize God’s glory in the presence of God and birth without any formal teaching process. where there is God’s presence there is God’s glory. During Christmas, we used reflect on Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14 and Let ‘Christians’ celebrate Christmas. Christmas is for 2 Corinthians 3:18. The above scripture verses are very those who have room for Christ in their lives, no matter much related to our daily life. The meaning of God’s, glory whether Christians or not. But, these days many want is to draw near to God and keep a distance from worldly celebrations in the centre, not Christ-centred celebrations. temptations. We the ‘Christians’ must re-examine the modes of our Christmas celebrations. Do the celebrations convey the Don Richardson, a missionary, who wrote “Peace Child”, real message of good news to the world? approached the Chief of the Sawi tribe with his 6-month- old son in his arms, when he and his wife moved to Celebrations the means of faith transformation. Every Indonesia. During their time as missionaries, Don tried celebration must turn to a channel of faith transformation. to bring about peace among the tribes who are in war Our celebrations should not transmit biased or unethical each other by preaching the Good News to them. Don took traditions to the new generation, rather they must be the example of “peace child” explanation of the Gospel equipped with the fullness of faith, love for God and and there was an ultimate breakthrough. They started commitment to the church. The message from the angel of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate Peace Child of God and the Lord to the terrified shepherds, “Do not be afraid” sounds began responding to the Gospel and reaching out to the relevant because of the widespread COVID- 19 pandemic. other tribes. This is how the Saviour born as the sacrifice May this Christmas uproot all our fears! for salvation transforms lives! Rt. Rev. V. S Francis Rt. Rev. A. R. Chelliah Bishop in East Kerala Diocese Bishop in Diocese of Kanyakumari www.csi1947.com 18 December 2020 Christmass Message Christmass Message

Looking towards Secular Bethlehem Christmas in a Manger for the Prince of Peace A few years back, the Christmas Christmas celebrations are Christian celebrations in our church were washed witness in a secular space. The Prince away due to torrential rains and flooding of Peace is born in the history, which is in our area. Nevertheless, we were blessed witnessed by St. Luke as (2:4) “Glory to with an opportunity which enlightened God in the highest heaven, and on earth our hearts during the ‘watery’ Christmas peace among those whom he favours!” season. Just before the closure of (emphasis mine). We are invited to look institutions, we were able to visit a towards Bethlehem as a secular space in Diocesan Hostel in our locality with order to narrate the story of Jesus to the secular world. Christmas dress for the hostel boys. The rains forced The COVID 19 pandemic compels the Church to make early closure and the boys were not expecting any new its faith relevant to the secular. In the birth narrative clothes for Christmas. Now, the news of our unexpected of Jesus Bethlehem town is depicted as inclusive, visit with gifts filled the boys with radiant smiles and a secular space, receiving the most vulnerable, the the hostel with a joyful atmosphere. When we entered returning migrants, to enrol in the Census. It is secular the hostel, we were in for a surprise. The hostel was Bethlehem where Angels and Shepherds, wise and the decorated and there was a Christmas tree put up in a common could join together in celebration of Jesus’ corner. That was the only Christmas celebration for us birth. Unlike religious contestations over the birthplace during that season. of the divine elsewhere, the Bethlehem is a secular town for the celebration of peace on earth. Enlightening the lives of those who may not have reason to celebrate is the essence of Christmas celebrations. It is reported in the Gospels that the Roman Emperor For many years now, Christmas is not only the occasion Augustus ordered for a national census, which for celebration for Christians alone. People from non- compelled the Palestinian population to travel to their Christian religions have joined the celebrations and native places. The sufferings of the returning migrants have felt the joy of the season. However, this year we are for accommodation and other needs, especially the celebrating Christmas amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. needs of the pregnant and the infants, is also inferred Many communities in this world have reasons to mourn from the Gospels. Further, hostile and masked nature and to weep. of King Herod against the children of Bethlehem and its vicinity is reported. In response, the solidarity of the Our Father in Heaven has a special concern for those Bethlehemites with the migrants is well reported. There who have no reason to celebrate. When God entered was no mention of Temple but an Inn at Bethlehem. humanity as baby Jesus, he chose the fringes and When there was no more space left in that Inn. The frontiers for his nativity. The manger is the lowest point Bethlehemites could keep their homes, private property of human habitation, but it is the highest point in the including the Stable, at the service of the returning history of salvation- touching the history of those who migrants. Subsequently, the pregnant Mary, her spouse had reasons only to mourn and to be sad. Christmas Joseph and the newborn child could find protection. in a manger is a celebration centred on the fringes of The meaning of Bethlehem, “house of bread,” is fulfilled humanity. Christmas in a manger is a celebration which in its courageous acts of protection and provision to the begins with those who have no reason to celebrate. It is vulnerable. The Angelic presentation of a sign to the a celebration which fills who have reason to mourn and Shepherds in the field points at the Stable. The start depressed with joy and the hope that “God is with us.” guides the Wisemen up to the Stable. Further, both the Wisemen and Joseph were guided to avoid Herod’s Rev. M. Benjamin Inbaraj palace in their forward journey. Looking towards secular Director, CSI- SEVA Bethlehem is to strengthen Christian witness.

Wish you a blessed Christmas and a promising New Year 2021!

Rev. Dr Praveen Prabhu Sudheer, Ph. D CSI-EMS Liaison Officer

www.csi1947.com December 2020 19 Christmass Message Christmass Message

The Wondrous Cross and Christmas The Joy and Peace of Christmas 2020 Christmas is a time of joy and peace for Bless us, Lord the world. Only when people become like This Christmas little children imbibing the Christian With quietness of mind virtues in childlike innocence, can Teach us to be patient and always we celebrate Christmas joyfully and to be kind meaningfully. When some disciples stopped children from coming near ~Helen Steiner Rice Jesus, he rebukes them: “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a The prophet Jeremiah tells what ‘one needs to depend little child, he shall not enter therein.” Children readily upon in times of trouble’ in our case the pandemic learn what we teach them. No one is born with caste, especially as the yuletide spirit catches with us at religion or any other ideologies. They learn from their Christmas time. He tells that if the wise, the rich or family and school. the powerful try and escape the common calamity by their wisdom, money and might none of these things is Using the books of CSI –Green Stories for Sunday School sufficient in the day of trouble except Jesus Christ. Children and The Green God of the Bible, my daughter used to teach her four-year-old twin daughters the In today’s context if we ask someone “how are you?” The ecological assertions in these books. God created all answer we get “I am fine, by God’s grace”. Everyone, the creations on this Earth with an intrinsic value and whom we ask like this, acknowledges the presence with a purpose. The next day the kids saw a snail in of grace in their life. This is not so during the pre- their room. Both of them went near it and were keenly pandemic times therefore I believe a pandemic situation observing it. Immediately their Mom saw it and removed like this has made everyone to acknowledge God’s grace. the snail from the floor and threw it away. The kids The cross is a symbol to keep reminding us to remain asked, “Mom, yesterday you taught us that God created humble with a heart filled with gratitude. all the creatures on this Earth with a purpose”. She was surprised, but she told them that God had given each The birth of Jesus once again brings us to the same creation a place to live, known as habitat. The snail is humility that shepherds shared with the whole world not expected to live in our house but in its habitat. They bringing Joy, Peace, and Love. did not understand that. Again the snail appeared on the wall the next day. The kids decided not to report it to The Board of Education Ministry wishes the same their Mom, fearing that she might throw the wonderful Joy, Peace and Love to prevail amongst us particularly creation of God outside the house. One of the positive during this period of crisis. aspects of this incident is that we can mould innocent children in the way we visualize things. Dr Daniel Ezhilarasu Hon. Director We can effectively create an ecofriendly world; if we Board of Education Ministry teach children the intrinsic value of each creation, interdependence, purpose of each creation. Then only the next generation will experience the joy and peace of Christmas.

Prof. Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackad Honorary Director, Department of Ecological Concerns

www.csi1947.com 20 December 2020 Christmass Message Christmass Message

Pandemic and Christmas: What do we Joy to the World- “Sarvodaya”- Actually Learn? “Joy to the world “is the unique beauty The dangerous pandemic, COVID 19, almost of Christmas. It denotes the ‘Sarvodaya- turned the world upside down. The powerful Welfare of All’! In this transformational looked powerless in certain and the whole process, Christmas always stands with the humankind looked so fragile to a tiny virus. grassroots, villagers, poor farmers, Daily But, a closer look suggests that the affluent wages, Dalit and Adivasi communities, and powerful managed to maintain their homeless, street-slum dwellers, abandoned privileges and the pandemic did not actually people, so-called sinners, alienated victorious to make the people think of their communities like LGBTQI, migrant workers vulnerability. The romantic rhetoric that ‘a small virus taught (guest labourers), victims and more. us all human beings are equal; there is no rich no poor and no powerful and no powerless in front of the power of this During a mission journey in Vellore Diocese, met a virus’ was proven wrong because the racial, casteist, and village little girl-child, Monica, along with her father in communal forces still play the role against humanity. Moppiriddipally in Chittoor Area. She is ten years old and lost her mother in her early childhood and living with her The divide among the rich and poor, the affluent and father. She enthusiastically introduced her father’s name powerless, the ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ are the curse on the as Yesu Rajah (before it was Kumar Reddy). When they humankind. Disparities and discriminations were there in the became the followers of the gospel movement, they started time of Jesus too as it was before and after. The shepherds, to opposition from their villagers like physical attacks, and who are seen in the Chrismas story, were a marh=ginalised mental abuse. But, they are ready to uphold their ardent community of that time. They were not similar to the faith and hope in Christ even amid struggles. Monica characters in the Old Testament such as David or Joseph. seems to be a very potential girl and she is eagerly looking They possessed herds, but the shepherds in the Christmas forward to her bright future with possible support. They story were just labourers without any possession and thus need constant support to build up their life because of poor and marginalised. They were actually considered as financial and socially backwardness. If Monica can avail ‘unclean’ and were not allowed to socialisation with others. a good education, she would be a remarkable asset to But, surprisingly, God chose them to witness the divine act the entire community. This experience shed light into the of the birth of the Son of God in history. God’s preferential missional challenges in which the church has to take up. option for the poor and marginalised was evident here. It is obvious that gospel galvanizing grassroots towards transformation. Monica, a little girl is one of the icons People were shocked to hear that Ms Devika Balakrishnan towards it. who was 14, a Dalit schoolgirl good at studies, set herself ablaze and on June 1 in Valanchery, a town in Kerala’s Where is Christ, there is Christmas! Christ is with the Malappuram district because her poor parents were unable suffering people. As described in Matthew 25: 34-46, Christ to buy a gadget for her to attend online classes. The digital is building his community of last, least and lost. We are divide pushed her to peripheries, as similar to the condition invariably invited to participate in the Mission of Christ. of these shepherds, who were in the peripheries. What does If we are not responsive to the invitation of Jesus Christ, this year’s Christmas actually tell us? How long we will act whatever we are celebrating in connection to Christmas as Christians and close our eyes towards the stark realities will be meaningless and pointless. of discrimination and a social structure which makes the gulf widened between the haves and have nots? Christmas is the life-affirming engagements amid hopeless situations. In order to achieve ‘Sarvodaya”, we should Will we be able to ponder over these questions when we enter empty ourselves for the sake of others with empathy. Ms a new year? What does the preferential option of God on the Monica is not an object of our charity, but her subjectivity ‘unclean’, powerless, marginalised shepherds actually mean should be upheld. This is Christmas- Immanuel- God is in our lives? with us- is a new model of Mission. Therefore, Christmas challenging us to do the mission with the margin and from Rev. Sunil Raj Philip the margin towards joy to the world- ‘Sarvodaya’-welfare Director, Communications and Dalit & Adivasi Concerns of all.

Rev. Maxcin John, Director, Department of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod www.csi1947.com December 2020 21 Christmass Message Christmass Message

A Made-up Conversation with Jesus in God Incarnate in a Manger the Pandemic. Manger has an important place in Christmas Let us imagine that Jesus joined the two decoration especially when we display the disciples on the road to Emmaus in this nativity scenes. Churches and families are 21st- century pandemic. Emmaus reminds spending a lot of money to make the manger us of the remaining presence of Jesus. beautiful with an intention to attract many One disciple affected by Corona Virus [C + visitors to the church campus during the Disciple] and the other tested negative [C - period of Christmas. Many churches are Disciple]. making their campuses like tourist centers to attract people to see the nativity scenes. Their conversation begins: In this Christmas season we have to remember that C - Disciple: Are you Ok? Mary laid her new born baby in a rough feeding trough C + Disciple: Somehow surviving. I’m worried about my of animals, because there was no better place that was family available to her. In this season of Christmas, we have to C - Disciple: Yes, this Christmas would be a distressed remember that Jesus Christ, our savior had born in a very one, not only for you but for who all affected by this virus inconvenient circumstance that was lower than a poor isn’t it? (Jesus unexpectedly join with them but this time enjoyed in those periods. they identified Jesus) Jesus: Hello friends what are you talking about? Jesus Christ practiced the same experience of lowliness C - Disciple: we are discussing the impact of the Corona in his whole life. He was born in a manger, started his pandemic, and he himself is a victim childhood as a refugee; lived with poor, sinners and tax Jesus: Yes, my friends, in centuries there are plagues and collectors; and died on a rugged cross outside the city gate. pandemics those make big impacts on humanity. Hopefully, Now Christians are in a mood to make beautiful mangers this pandemic also brings new understanding as the world to lay baby Jesus and to exhibit him with excellent talks about the new normal. One of the impacts is that you ornamentation. Since most of the drawings and visuals are understood the essential workers’ commitment during this producing by rich and elites, especially Westerners, the pandemic. real picture of infant Jesus in manger is not yet visualized. C + Disciple: But we are forced to keep distance and that I think, poor people can imagine the nativity scene better is against community living than the imagination of wealthy and elites. Jesus: Surely not, keeping a social distance is showing love towards others. Your sickness should not affect If church has lost her commitment to identify with the others, right? manger, church cannot take side with the lowly and C - Disciple: Masks make discomfort for us. despised. Jesus, the God incarnate in a manger indicates Jesus: Wearing a mask is not hiding the face but reminds that God dwells among the people who are forcefully the hidden faces of the liars. This destructive, winds of pushed out from the main stream and live in unhygienic COVID 19 blows us the place we need to go. and filthy surroundings. Our God one who glorified in the C + Disciple: Jesus, how could your birthday could be messy and filthy context in the manger in Bethlehem is jubilant this year in the midst of many losses. always taking the side of the rejected people those who are Jesus: Dear friend I want to remind you that my birth itself destined to live outside of the comfort zones. brought a great loss for many parents. C - Disciple: You are right Jesus but a birthday is a time Wish you a Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year! of celebration. But now… Jesus: My friend I know your anguish but my birth brings Rev. Dr. Prinstone Ben hope, not the loss. You should remember the purpose of Director, Department of Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod. my birth. It gives hope to the world. Hope brings Joy. Hope brings Peace.Whatever the circumstances but you can find the inner peace of hope. So, have a hopeful Christmas this year. My peace be with you Disciples: Thanks for enlightening us, dear Jesus!

Rev Christopher Dharmaraj Director, Department of Christian Education

www.csi1947.com 22 December 2020 www.csi1947.com December 2020 23 www.csi1947.com 24 December 2020 www.csi1947.com December 2020 25 www.csi1947.com 26 December 2020 Christmass Message

Jesus Christ is Born to Sanitize the Unsanitized

The year 2020 made us step back and introspect the purpose of sanitization. There were crores of people who were not accessed to any sanitary products before 2020, but now things turned up to a new dynamic shape of longing for health and hygiene. COVID 19 pandemic pushed us to sanitize us to disinfect the infected. Most of the popular religions use the word ‘sanitize’ to explain the process of purity from sin. In general, Sanitize also denotes About the Cover the process of making anything less offensive by eliminating Ten million migrant labourers were forced the objectionable elements or in short, constructing the to travel back to their homes, mainly on scene which is acceptable by all, by removing the evil and foot, when the lockdown was announced thereby good is established. Sanitizers became an integral claiming to combat COVID 19 in India! The component of our lives. Let us look at the 2020 Christmas lockdown by the government, which was like from the point of sanitization. a magician pulls out a rabbit out of the hat, adversely affected the poor and vulnerable The biblical understanding of the word Sanitization denotes groups of people such as migrant labourers. physical sanitization and spiritual sanitization. In Exodus, Thousands of hapless people died, and many chapter 3, Moses was sanitized by the burning bush and were killed in the mishaps on the road and commissioned for the liberative action. In Exodus 12: 22, railway tracks, when they were forced by blood on the doorframe acted as the sanitizer and did not the state machinery, exerted power without allow plague to enter. Water in the river of Jordan acted as compassion. Surprisingly, the government did the sanitizer in the life of Naaman (II Kings 5:14). Throughout not maintain any data on how many migrant the Old Testament times, Creator God has sent patriarchs, labourers were affected by the surprise priests, kings, and prophets to sanitize the world with the announcement of lockdown! As of the Word of God, which was manifested in various forms like nameless victims in Rama (Matthew 2: 18), water, blood, and fire. But in the New Testament, the same the migrant labourers’ lamentation, weeping Word of God incarnated as Jesus Christ (St. John 1:14), and mourning also go down in the history as Creator God has sent his/her only begotten son to sanitize another inhuman story of the excessive use of this world which is exposed to various evil practices. In the power of the rulers. this context, Jesus Christ’ entry into this world brought a radical shift. We could able to attain salvation through The artist, Ms Catherine Kuruvilla, a CSI this process of priceless sanitization. Jesus’ precious blood Member from the Malabar Diocese, focuses on on the cross is the sacrificial sanitizer for all our lives. In the parallel between the plight of the migrant the present pandemic, we might use chemical sanitizer to labourers and the flight of Joseph and Mary protect ourselves from the virus but we need to remember with the Baby Jesus to Egypt to escape the that Jesus Christ is born to sanitize us. As believers, we wrath of King Herod. need to follow Christ by practising communion with God, neighbours and God’s creation. So, let us sanitize our lives with the Word of God and the blood of Jesus!

Wish you a happy and sanitized Christmas and blessed New Year!!!

Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar Director, Department of Youth, CSI Synod

www.csi1947.com December 2020 27 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism Witnessing in With-it-ness: A Visit to Mission Centers in Palayamkottai was the eye-opening experience to visit certain Itmission centres in Palayamkottai under the Church of South India (CSI) Tirunelveli Diocese on 28 October 2020. Sarah Tucker Higher Secondary School for Girls, Bishop Sargent School for the Mentally Retarded, and Florence Swainson Deaf School stand for the transformation as well as social upliftment of most vulnerable in the community. These centres serve as the pivot of hope in the context of the hopelessness. enriched by Rev. Vijayasingh; Furthermore, this visit was the Director for the Department perennial occasion to thankfully of Mission and Evangelism, cherish the contribution of Tirunelveli Diocese, Christopher, missionaries such as Miss Sarah Samuel and D. Johnson along Tucker- a physically challenged with Rev. Maxcin John. English Missionary Lady, and Miss. Florence Swainson. They Rev. Maxcin John have considered Mission as Director, Department of Mission education for transformation and Evangelism, CSI Synod which was sustainable as well as monumental. The visit was

ARM-AMEN-MOVEMENT in Madhya-Kerala Diocese part of the “ARM- AMEN-MOVEMENT”, As distribution of COVID Relief Kit were conducted in the Diocese of Madhya Kerala of the Church of South India (CSI). It was conducted for the Parakkal, Katrippally and Telengana Missionaries on 20th October 2020 and for the Bhilai Missionaries on 22nd October 2020. Rev. M. Kanaka Rathnam, the Mission Director of Karimnagar Diocese was the guest speaker for the distribution ceremony in Katripally during the auspicious moments Bhilai Mission Centre, Rev. Sujin the missionaries in the midst of of 53rd Anniversary of Telangana G. Thomas has led the ceremony. the pandemic situation. Mission. Rev. John K. Mathew, There were 50 Missionaries Rev. Rijin, and Rev. Jess Mathew have benefited out of this newly Rev. Maxcin John also led the distribution ceremony. initiated program. It was a Director, Department of Mission Regarding the distribution in considerable help and support for and Evangelism, CSI Synod www.csi1947.com 28 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News ARM–AMEN Movement 2020 in Vellore Diocese part of ARM– AMEN Movement 2020, As Board for Mission and Evangelism of the Church of South India (CSI) Diocese of Vellore organized COVID-19 Relief Distribution programme for 16 missionaries serving in the four areas of our Diocese on 19. 10. 2020 at the Vellore Diocesan office The Covid – 19 Relief Distribution On behalf of the Board for Mission at 10: 30 a.m. programme was carried out in the and Evangelism of CSI Vellore presence of the Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Diocese, I would like to express As CSI Diocese of Vellore is a Nithiyanandham, Bishop in Vellore my heartfelt sincere thanks to bilingual Diocese the missionaries and the Chairperson of Board for CSI Synod Department of Mission in the diocese hail from Tamilnadu Mission and Evangelism, Rev. Asai and Evangelism for helping our and Andhra Pradesh. But due Thambi, Southern Area Chairman Missionaries at this pandemic to the ongoing pandemic, on the and Bishop’s Chaplain, Rev. D. situation. ARM– AMEN Movement one hand, there was no interstate S. C. Menon, Director, Vellore 2020 by our CSI Department of transport facility, while on the Diocesan Mission Board and Mr Mission Evangelism is turning other hand, there was heavy rain Gnana Sigamani, Coordinator, out as a timely initiative. We are these days. Keeping all these Vellore Diocesan Mission Board. grateful to our beloved Moderator in mind, through the Board After a brief devotion, each and the officers of our CSI synod for Mission and Evangelism of missionary was given Rs. 1000/- for their willingness to support Vellore Diocese decided to give to buy grocery. Missionaries our missionaries and for showing all its missionaries grocery kits expressed their gratitude to God God’s love in action through this as per the instruction of CSI for enabling them to get this ARM– AMEN Movement 2020. Synod Department of Mission financial aid to buy grocery at this and Evangelism. Considering crisis. The programme came to Reported by: the above-said reasons, the conclusion with a word of prayer Vellore Diocesan Mission Board and benediction by our beloved Rev. D. S. C. Menon, has decided to give the money Bishop, the Rt. Rev. H. Sharma. Director, (an amount of Rs.1000/- each On the whole, the programme Board for Mission and Evangelism, Missionary) instead of a grocery kit went off well by the grace of God CSI Diocese of Vellore. worth Rs.1000/- for His glory alone.

ARM-AMEN Movement in Tirunelveli Diocese he Church of South India (CSI), Department of Mission Tand Evangelism Synod along with the CSI Tirunelveli Diocese’s Mission and Evangelism Board jointly organized ARM- AMEN-MOVEMENT- COVID 19 Food Kit Distribution on the 28th October 2020 at the Sarah Tucker Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Palayamkottai in Thirunelveli Diocese. The AMEN-MOVEMENT as “Always Tirunelveli Diocesan Treasurer Moderator’s Commissary for the Remember Missionaries”. He and Manger G. Jeyachandran, Tirunelveli Diocese; the Rt. Rev. stated that this movement is a new North Council Chairman Rev. D. Dr D. Chandrasekaran Bishop initiative of Synod Mission and Wilson Solomonraj, West Church has inaugurated the distribution. Evangelism Department to support Council Chairman Rev. ARGST. He explained the concept of ARM- the missionaries during the crisis. Barnabas, STC Hr. Sec. School www.csi1947.com December 2020 29 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

Head Mistress Mrs C. Vasantha J. PD. Swamidason, South distribution ceremony. Forty-three Mary, Trichy-Tanjore Clerical Church Council Chairman Rev. missionaries were benefited out Secretary Rev. S. Sudharsan, T. G. Duraisingh, Rev. Benzly in this relief kit distribution. North West Church Council Trichy-Tanjore Diocese and Rev. Chairman Rev. T. D. Jebakumar, Maxcin John have participated Rev. Maxcin John Central Church Council Chairman in the distribution. Rev. G. Director, Department of Mission Rev. Pray S. James, Dr Y. John Vijayasingh, Director for the and Evangelism, CSI Synod. Nicholson I.P.S., South West Department of Mission and Church Council Chairman Rev. Evangelism has organized the

ARM-AMEN Movement in Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese he Department of mission and Evangelism of the TChurch of South India (CSI) Synod has taken a new venture as “ARM-AMEN-MOVEMENT” to take part in the needs of Missionaries of all the Dioceses by sharing relief materials during Pandemic. In this regard, Home Missionary Society in CSI Madurai- Ramnad Diocese has arranged COVID Relief Kit distribution on 27th of October 2020 at The Chapel of OCPM Girls Hr. Sec. School, Madurai. Missionaries and Bible Women. the Bible portion chosen for this Adv C. Fernandes Rathinaraja; special occasion. Bishop Amma The Relief Distribution Function the General Secretary of CSI Mrs Dr P. Leela Manohari Joseph had been arranged as per Synod and the Lay Secretary of shared the word of God with them. the norms suggested by the the Diocese, gave an inspiring It was really a practical sharing Government of Tamil Nadu during Special talk on the purpose of to suggest a new methodology Pandemic. By the grace of God, sharing the relief materials for the of continue mission even during Rt Rev. Dr M Joseph, Bishop missionaries during the pandemic lockdown with great faith. The in Madurai, presided over the times. closing prayer was done by Rev function. Our beloved Bishop A. David Jebaraj, the Clergy Amma Mrs Dr P.Leela Manohari The relief materials consist Secretary of our diocese and Joseph and all the Officers of of groceries provided by the Benediction was given by the the Diocese graced the function Department of Mission and Deputy Chairman. with their august presence. 30 Evangelism of the CSI Synod, missionaries and 9 Bible women worth Rs 1100/- packed in 40 The COVID Relief Distribution participated as beneficiaries. individual Bags were distributed has underlined the Bible verse as by the Bishop and the General “And don’t forget to do good and The function started with a Secretary of CSI Synod and by to share with those in need. These word of Prayer by the Deputy all the officers of the Diocese. are the sacrifices that please God” Chairman of our Diocese Rev. Our Diocesan Treasurer and (Hebrew 13: 16). Furthermore, it Dr A. Yacobu. The HMS Director the Chairman of Minority shows that Mission is not merely Rev. J. Pon Prabhakar welcomed Commission of Tamilnadu Er. T. of sharing the good news to the the Chief Guests on behalf of the John Mahendran also took part in people through words but it is distributing the relief materials. actualizing the love of God through action. In continuation with the distribution of relief materials a Reported by: special gathering of Missionaries and Bible women had been Rev. J. Pon Prabhakar arranged. The Registrar of our Director, Diocese Mr Edwin Chellaiah read HMS Diocese of Madurai - Ramnad www.csi1947.com 30 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News MAITRI Meet in Palayamkottai Highlighted the Sole Agenda of the Church he Department of Mission and Evangelism the TChurch of South India (CSI) Synod along with Tirunelveli Diocesan Mission and Evangelism Department jointly organized a one-day missionary conference based on a tittle “MAITRI MEET” on 28th October 2020 at “Living Water Chapel” in Sarah Tucker who was a physically the community transformation, he Tucker Girl’s Hr. Sec. School challenged English Missionary added. Palayamkottai. The meeting was Lady. As she stood strong for the inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Dr upliftment of girl children as well Tirunelveli Diocesan Treasurer D. Chandrasekaran, Moderator’s as women in the community, it and Manager G. Jeyachandran, Commissary for Tirunelveli is the need of the hour for the North Council Chairman Rev. D. Diocese, and the Chairman for church to maintain such kind of Wilson Solomonraj, West Church the Mission and Evangelism missional spirit for the woman Council Chairman Rev. ARGST. Department Synod and the Bishop empowerment, he added. Barnabas, STC Hr. Sec. School in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese. Head Mistress Mrs C. Vasantha Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Mary, Trichy-Tanjore Clerical “The sole agenda of the Mission Director, explained the Secretary Rev. S. Sudharsan, Church is the gospel and concept of MAITRI as “Mission North West Church Council Mission,” proclaimed Bishop Accompaniment towards Inclusive Chairman Rev. T. D. Jebakumar, Dr Chandrasekaran during his Transformation through Radical Central Church Council Chairman inaugural speech. We must Intervention”. “Practice the gospel Rev. Pray S. James, Dr Y. John stand strong for the gospel of values in all aspects of our life is Nicholson I.P.S., South West Jesus Christ. Regardless of the real transformation,” said Rev. Church Council Chairman Rev. J. circumstances, we must witness S. Sudharsan, Clerical Secretary in P. D. Swamidason, South Church the gospel through our life even in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese during his Council Chairman Rev. T. G. the midst of crisis and opposition, Missional sharing. Furthermore, Duraisingh, Rev. Benzly in Trichy- Bishop added. he stated based on 2 Timothy 3: Tanjore Diocese and Rev. Maxcin 11-18, the congregation must John have participated and led the “Sharing the gospel of Christ be equipped by the word of God conference. Rev. G. Vijayasingh, in our everyday lives is very and then become the missional Director for the Department of crucial and essential”, reminded congregation. As remained as light Mission and Evangelism has Dr Y. John Nicholson during and salt to the earth, we should organized the conference in his Missional sharing. He witness the gospel throughout our a creative manner along with has highlighted the life and life and deeds. Thus, the personal Tirunelveli Diocesan Treasurer contribution of Miss. Sarah transformation always leads to and Manger G. Jayachandran. In addition to the resource persons and special invitees, A forty-three missionaries have attended the conference.

The Conference was the time of learning and listening from each other. It was time for mutual empowerment and encouragement.

Rev. Maxcin John Director, Department of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod.

www.csi1947.com December 2020 31 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism MAITRI Meet in Kolli Hills: A Call to Become Role Model to the Community he Department of Mission “Unless and until we are breakthrough even in the midst and Evangelism of the transformed, we can’t act as the of crisis”, said Thambi Selvaraj TChurch of South India champions of transformation,” during his mission talk. He has (CSI) Synod along with Diocesan said Rev. V. David Robby Jacob, encouraged the participants by Missionary Prayer Band (DMPB) in the General Secretary for DMPB, saying that God is always with us Kanyakumari Diocese organized during his missional speech in and we could move ahead by the a one-day missionary conference the conference. He further added empowering presence of God. titled as “MAITRI MEET” on 30th that as a church, we must be October 2020 at DMPB Mission the role model to the community Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Mission Compound in Thindu, Kolli Hills. and we are the starting point Director, explained about the

The Meeting got underway with a of transformation. Therefore, concept of “MAITRI” as Mission Bible Study led by Tensing, DMPB personal transformation is very Accompaniment towards Inclusive Mission Promotional worker based much important in doing the transformation through Radical on Mathew 25: 34-46. He has mission. God has invited us to Intervention. He encouraged spoken about “sadharana parvvai” participate in the transformational the participants to become the (Ordinary Vision), “asadharana mission (Luke 4: 18-19). Without channels of transformation for the parvvai” (extra-ordinary vision), changing our heart, we can’t well-being of all. “kitta-parvvai” (short-sight) and change the heart of the world. We “dhoora parvvai” (long sight). “we must identify other’s pains and Rev. S. Godwin Balis, DMPB must be an ordinary missionary agonies and try to accompany Assistant Superintending with extra-ordinary eyes”, Tensing them. We must be emptying for Missionary (ASM) has organized added. He further added that other’s well-being (Philippians 2: the conference in blessed ways. our vision must be an extra- 1-16). Our Missional engagements Rev. Dr D. Elias, the founder ordinary vision in connection to should be the life-giving of DMPB has attended the the mission. Having proper food, engagements through the humble conference and offered prayers. clothe and shelter are the basic service (Mk 10: 45). Through There were 42 participants in right of human beings. We must Mission, we are focusing on the conference including the have the vision to assure the basic personal transformation, not in family of missionaries. It was right of people. He has exemplified proselytization, he added. the time of fellowship, mutual the example of Ida Scudder who empowerment, learning, listening was the founder of CMC Vellore. “All missionaries must have a and rejuvenation even in the midst As she was expended her life sense of direction”, said Jones of COVID19 pandemic. for the transformation through Light, DMPB during his mission healing mission, the church must talk. He further added that we Rev. Maxcin John serve as the centre of hope for the must take lessons from Jonah’s Director, Department of Mission people who are struggling in their life and filled with accountability and Evangelism, CSI Synod. life, he added. and responsibility without any deviations. “we should make a www.csi1947.com 32 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News MAITRI MEET in Zion Hills Made a Clarion Call for Inclusive Transformation he Department of Mission and Evangelism of the TChurch of South India (CSI) Synod along with the department of Mission and Evangelism Vellore Diocese has organized a two-days missionary conference on 10th & 11th November 2020 at Zion Hills- a renowned and indigenous pilgrim centre of Vellore Diocese under the leadership of Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Nithiyanadham, Bishop in Vellore Diocese. The conference was based on the title “MAITRI missionaries, we need to engage he pointed out the three major MEET”. ourselves in respective mission aspects of mission as ‘Mandate fields like a Good Samaritan. for the Mission, Message for “Live out the Gospel of Christ Missionaries are needed to be the Mission and Model for the and make our life as a living in solidarity with the suffering Mission’. Our mission mandate example”, said Bishop H. Sharma communities, and to be taken is to go to unknown places, and Nithiyandham during his Mission care of the needs of the victims of face all challenges by depending Talk in the conference. Bishop oppression and subjugation, and on God’s providence. The sense has made a clarion call for to be shown God’s love in action of direction-where to go as well inclusive transformation. Unless and compassion. He appealed to as what to do in a specified time and until we are transformed, the missionaries to get inspired frame is very important in doing we can’t transform the world, by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and mission. There will be dry-brook Bishop stated. Further, he added tried to be more and more like experience and starvation, but about the three dimensions of Jesus in missional engagements. without wavering our faith we Mission as Spiritual, Economic, should moving towards the and Social Dimension. He “We are called not to be at centre direction which God appointed urged the missionaries to work but to be at peripheries,” said Rev. for us. Regarding the Message faithfully and nurture spiritual Jared Isaac Jebaruben during his of Mission, he highlighted life through maintaining prayer session on Mission. He further that the message of hope and life and meditation of the word of stated that God has created each abundant life is the message of God. Discriminate the difference one with a purpose. He exemplified mission. We must radiate hope between greed and need and as the life of Abraham (Genesis in hopeless situations and affirm missionaries, we must always 12) and Jacob (Genesis 33) who life in life-negating circumstances. meet the needs, not greed. Interact became the blessing of many. Furthermore, the model of our with the society is indispensable Similarly, all missionaries must be mission is a liberative model. It in doing mission. Through our a blessing to many. Not baptizing, is exemplified in the suffering missional engagements, we must but making disciples of Christ Christ. Therefore, the mission is work for the inclusive community is important in doing mission. involvement with commitment in where all people can live and act As missionaries, we must reach the struggles of people for their harmoniously based on the gospel to the people and be with the radical liberation, he stated. values, Bishop added. people. The good news is not only preaching, but be in solidarity with “Our Commitment and team- The meeting was started with a the people, especially the most spirit are very essential in the Bible Study led by Rev. Maxcin vulnerable, he added. missional engagements”, said Rev. John, Synod Mission Director. T. Augustine, the former Mission During the Bible study based on “Mission is not activities of the Director for CSI Synod during a Luke 10: 25-37, he was stressed Church, but the action of God,” session based on “Commitment that the focus of the mission said Rev. Rajendran during his towards the Mission”. He further is to declare our solidarity to session on what is Mission? based added that commitment with the most vulnerable people. As on 1 Kings 17:1-24. Furthermore, companionship is an inevitable www.csi1947.com December 2020 33 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism factor in doing mission. He has “Mission Movement must be of everyone, he added. exemplified the life of Elijah and contextual and dynamic”, said Elisha based on 2 Kings 2. Our Rev. George Edwin during his The “MAITRI” concept was walk and talk must go hand in session on Mission based on explained by Rev, Maxcin John, hand. We must be ready to come Mark 6:7-13. He added that the Synod Mission Director. He out of our comfort zone and ready Church is the instrument in God’s highlighted that as Missionaries, to be with the struggling people. mission. God gives each one of us we are invited to be a channel of Moreover, our life must be a role opportunities, if we reject it, God “MAITRI”-Mission Accompaniment model for witnessing the gospel of will make use of others. We all towards Inclusive Transformation Christ, he added. are called to carry the pain and through Radical Intervention. burden of the people because God Therefore, our personal “Day to day dialoguing the is with the suffering humanity. transformation is more inevitable gospel through our lives to the He urged the participants to so that we may able to transform community is very crucial in doing Come out of comfort zone and the living surroundings through mission”, said Rev. Paul Robert fundamentalistic ideology, on the our life examples, he added. Kennedy during his session based other hand moving in love and on “Mission in Pluralistic and compassion. The conference was creatively COVID19 Contexts”. He added that arranged by the Vellore Diocese we must be positive and trust in Rev. D. S. C. Menon-Mission under the leadership of Bishop God like Joshua and Caleb in the Director for Vellore Diocese has H. Sharma Nithiyanadham and Old Testament. Daily propagation conducted a detailed study about Rev. D. S.C. Menon; Mission of gospel is needed in the day to the book of Habakkuk, Haggai Director, and Mr. Sigamony; day life (Acts 1:17). He urged the and Malachi. Through these Mission Coordinator. Necessary participants to be disciplined in all studies, he urged the missionaries Local arrangements were made the aspects of life and adhere to to maintain the prayer life like by Rev. Isaac Fernandas- the COVID19 protocol given by the Habakkuk and be ready to listen presbyter in charge of Zion Hills government without any fail. from God always. Furthermore, in Nagamangalam Pastorate along firmly uphold our faith even with Karuna who is the caretaker “Missionaries must be like the in the midst of disappointing of Zion hills Mission Compound. people who have taken the circumstances. Like Haggai, The conference was the venue for paralytic to Jesus “, said Rev. Missionaries must speak to the Missional learning and listening Isaac Fernandas- the Presbyter people in time to time and make as well as mutual fellowship and in Charge for Zion Hills while them active and fill them with a empowering in the midst of COVID he was leading a devotion to the sense of responsibilities in their 19 pandemic. missionaries. Everyone must be daily life. Moreover, like Malachi, firm in their mission to bring as a missionary, we must be the Rev. Maxcin John holistic healing to the needy and caretaker of the people of God and Director, Department of Mission marginalized, he added. the environment for the well-being and Evangelism, CSI Synod.

“Malaivazh Makkal Iraivanin Pillaikal”- A Mission Journey through Kolli Hills Mission Centers he Department of Mission and Evangelism the Church Tof South India (CSI) Synod along with DMPB in Kanyakumari Diocese has organized a mission journey through the mission centres of Kolli Hills on 30th and 31st October 2020. The team for the mission journey has visited certain hilly mission centres of DMPB. It was an eye-opening experience to visit Kuzhivalavu, Karaiyankadu, Pallakuzhi, www.csi1947.com 34 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

Valappoor, Ettadipparai, Pellcaud, This sharing profoundly revealed stand as a creative model to the and Alatthur Mission fields. that “malaivazh makkal iraivanin modern world. Through these visits, we could pillaikal- people of the hills (too) able to identify and listen to the are the children of God”. It was The Mission journey was people’s true faith stories in which heart-touching to listen to their accompanied by Rev. V. David they have enthusiastically shared innocent faith stories of God’s Robby Jacob (General Secretary, how they could able to survive intervention in their day to day DMPB), Rev. S. Godwin Balis, during the pandemic season life. These stories were shared (ASM, DMPB), Tensing, Jones along with lockdown situation. enthusiastically by K. Santhosh, Light, Thambi Selvaraj, P. Serin, With strong faith and hope, they S. Malayan and Vennila, Johnson G. S. Albany, G. S. Epiphany, Dr have explained the empowering and Sasikala, Elanthaththan R. Judes Joel and Dr S. Brailie presence of God in the time of and Susy, Daniel and Priya, P. and Rev. Maxcin John (Synod crisis. They were constantly Arulkumar and Ramya who are Mission Director). maintained their day to day life in serving as the missionaries in prayer, worship and Bible studies these areas. It was the stories Rev. Maxcin John and meditation which enabled of prayer, worship, fellowship, Director, Department of Mission them to overcome miraculously mutuality, agriculture, and and Evangelism, CSI Synod. the severe situation of crisis. sharing which distinguishably

“They are Still Speaking: Tracing the Missional Legacies” he Department of Mission and Evangelism, the Church Tof South India (CSI) Synod along with the Diocese of Trichy- Tanjore has organized a Mission journey through the Mission Centers of Trichy-Tanjore Diocese from 4th -6th November 2020.

The Rt. Rev. Dr D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese and the William Tobias Ringeltaube, to affirm their contributions and Chairman for the Synod Mission Rev.J.F.Kerns( SPG), Rev.William realize it in the present world. and Evangelism Department has Herbeat Blake (SPG), Rev. led the journey. Christian Fred Schwartz, Rev. The Journey was accompanied John Caspar Kohlhoff (SPCK) by Rev. S. Sudharsan, Clerical It was a wonderful experience to Christina Magdalena, Vedanayaga Secretary in Trichy-Tanjore trace the mission legacies which Sastriar( Evangelic poet of Diocese, Rev. Arulsingh, Mission was sacrificially and faithfully Tanjore), Noah Gnanadickha and Evangelism Director for the contributed by the Missionaries. Shastriar, Varothaiam Ammal, Trichy-Tanjore Diocese, and Simon and more still speaking about Sukumar, Mission Secretary for The team has visited Tranquebar, the monumental missional the Trichy-Tanjore Diocese. This Nagapattinam, Karaikal, engagements for the sustainable journey also was the part of a Mannargudy and Thanjavoor transformation of the society. preparatory visit to the venues where we could identify the Thus, these contributions and for the upcoming Diocesan footprints as well as perpetual histories still inspiring and Mission directors Meet and Synod memories of the missionaries and rekindling the present generations Mission Board on 25th to 27th their contribution out of their to participate in the mission of November 2020 in Tranquebar and missional passion and zeal for God for the well-being of all the Nagapattinam. the transformation of the entire people including environmental community. sustainability. They have pawed Rev. Maxcin John the way towards the gospel Director, Department of Mission The perennial memoirs of Rev. movements through education and and Evangelism, CSI Synod. Bartholomew Ziegenbalg, Rev. healing. It is the need of the hour www.csi1947.com December 2020 35 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism “We are with You: Accompanying Missionaries in their Needs” he Trichy-Tanjore Diocese of the Church of South TIndia (CSI) has distributed five motorbikes to Missionaries in order to encourage them in their gospel works. The Rt. Rev. Dr D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese has distributed motorbikes on 11th November 2020 in front of the Diocesan office. Rev. Sudharsan, Clerical Secretary, Diocesan Treasurer Rev. Sahara Alexraj -Mayanur, Andrew in the needs of the missionaries Kirubakaran, Mission Director Kunnam-Ariyalur, Kumar which resonates that “we are with Rev. Arulsingh, Rev.John -Komaralingam (Udumalpet) and you”. Prabhu, Rev. M. J. Rajaiah, Manikam-Vedharnyam were the and Simon Sukumar have beneficiaries. It was the inspiring Rev. Maxcin John participated in the distribution initiative by which the Diocese Director, Department of Mission ceremony. The five missionaries- has declared their solidarity and and Evangelism, CSI Synod. Manoj -Tharangambadi, extended their accompaniment

“Gospel Galvanizing Grassroots towards Transformation-A Mission Journey” he Department of Mission and Evangelism of the TChurch of South India (CSI) Synod along with DME Vellore Diocese has organized a mission journey through certain churches and mission centres of Vellore Diocese on 8th to 9th November 2020. The Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Nithiyandham, Bishop in Vellore Diocese has led the journey. The team has visited CSI Ratchagar Aalayam in Iruvaram Pastorate and Karadivaripalli on the first enthusiasm of the village people. encouraged missionaries to place day of visit and witnessed the their trust upon God without any inauguration of Compound wall, On the second day of Mission doubt. He further added that all laying of the foundation stone for journey, the team has visited St. missionaries have to maintain a parsonage and the dedication Luke’s CSI Church, Chittoor where the prayerful life along with Bible of newly constructed Church there was a special missional reading and meditation. The building in Karadivaripally. The gathering for the missionaries of mission is a gift of God. The gospel President of Indian Missionary Northern area of Vellore Diocese. induces to moving ahead for the Society (IMS)- Rev. Soudera Nine missionaries have attended well-being all. We must be ready to Pandian and his wife Elizabeth the special meeting in which they stand with the most vulnerable in was present on this occasion as have submitted their field reports. the community. We must consider special guests. It was the perennial Subsequently, there was a short helping activities like helping to fill moments to witness the innocent exhortation led by Bishop H. up Muthaliyar pension application faith, celebration of life and the Sharma Nithiyandham. Bishop form, cleaning the village, guiding www.csi1947.com 36 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News and interacting with elderly living with her father. She was light into the missional challenges people as the part of the missional remarkably enthusiastic while in which the church has to take engagements, he added. she was introducing her father’s up. Undoubtedly, assure her baptismal name as Yesu Rajah. future is one of the major missions Afterwards, the team has visited Since they became the followers of which church has to initiated in Beattie Missionary School and the gospel movement, they were the marginalized villages. It is the handicraft training centre faced lots of opposition from their obvious that gospel galvanizing as an initiative of Synod Youth villagers-many times they were grassroots towards transformation. Department. It was a woman attacked, stoned by the villagers Monica, a little girl is one of the empowerment program which and faced marginalization and icons towards it. moving well. After that, the isolations. Yet, it was visible team has visited Penumur, that both of them was ready to The Mission journey was Thiruvanaampaali Village in uphold their ardent faith and accompanied by Rev. DSC Kanipakkam Mission field, hope in Christ even in the midst Menon- Vellore Diocesan Mission Rangampalli and Yenadhi Colony of struggles. Monica seems to Director, Rev. Samuel Babu- Villages in Aragonda Mission field. be a very potential girl and she Northern Area Chairman, Rev. is eagerly looking forward to her Dalwin Christudoss-Northern Area During these visits, there was bright future with any sustainable Secretary, Samuel and Sathya heart-touching and challenging support and encouragements. from Vellore and Rev. Maxcin John experiences that occurred from Since they are financially and along with Bishop H. Sharma the local people. One of the socially backward, they really Nithiyanandham. challenging experiences was the needed constant support to build meeting with a girl child named up their life. If Monica can avail Rev. Maxcin John Monica along with her father in a good education, she would be Director, Department of Mission Moppiriddipally. She is at the age a remarkable asset to the entire and Evangelism, CSI Synod. of ten and lost her mother and community. This experience shed

Kadapa MAITRI Meet Invites to Witness Gospel in Love and Compassion he Church of South India Synod-Department of TMission and Evangelism along with Rayalaseema Diocese has organized a one-day Missionary conference based on “MAITRI” on 18th November 2020 at the Diocesan Centre, Kadapa in Rayalaseema Diocese. The meeting was inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Reuben Mark, Deputy marginalization, she was ready situations, Deputy Moderator has Moderator Church of South India. to act and work in God’s love and added. compassion towards her master “All Missionaries must have Naaman. Her community was “Coming out of the safer zone to be the heart to serve others with brutally oppressed and suppressed with the suffering people is a great humanitarian approaches”, said by the Syrian Army under the missional challenge today”, said Deputy Moderator during his Army-Commander Naaman. Rev. C.H. John Nischal Kumar, inaugural speech. He further Nevertheless, in the time of his The Director for the Department added that we are called out physical ailment, regardless of of Youth CSI Synod, during to witnessing gospel in love his cruelties, the Little Girl was his session based on “Mission and compassion. Bishop has ready to help him in love and as Transformation”. He has exemplified the life of the compassion. Actually, she was highlighted the importance of the ‘Little Girl’ based on 2 Kings 5: participated in the Mission of Bible passages of Mathew 10:35- 1-27. Despite of the suffering, God with a heart to serve others 45, Luke 4:18-20, John 17:21 and exploitation, deprivation and even in the midst of unfavorable 1 Corinthians 12:12 and he has www.csi1947.com December 2020 37 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism reminded the participants that it Synod. Since “MAITRI” stands and conveyed their greetings. is the need of the hour to serve for “Missional Accompaniment Rev. David Naik-Mission Director towards the transformation based towards Inclusive Transformation has organized the meeting along on the gospel values. Moreover, all through Radical Intervention”, he with the Diocesan Officers. A missional engagements must be invited everyone to participate in thirty-five participants including in unity and in harmonious ways the mission of God more ardently missionaries have attended in the towards the common good of all. In for the glory of God and for the MAITRI Meet. It was the venue this doing, we should uphold the well-being of all. for rejuvenation, refreshment and attitude of servanthood as well as mutual empowerment as well mutual identification, he added. The Diocesan Officers- Rev. C. as dedication towards missional Mathaiah- Vice President, Rev. C. engagements. The “MAITRI” concept was Ananda Rao- Secretary, Rev. N. explained by Rev. Maxcin Joh, Prabhakar - Ass. Secretary- and Rev. Maxcin John the Director for the Department Mr. CBJ Russel Kiran-Treasurer Director, Department of Mission of Mission and Evangelism, CSI have attended in the meeting and Evangelism,CSI Synod

“Mountaintop Experiences Urge towards Mountainous Gospel Movements” was really an inspirational experience when Itmissionaries of Vellore Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) gathered together for a special meditation on the well-known mountaintop of Zion Hills in Chittoor District on 10th November 2020. The Rt. Rev. all missionaries are to lead a life mission of God more ardently. H. Sharma Nithiyanandham, in fervent prayer with a burden Bishop in Vellore Diocese has for the fellow-beings who are The Vellore Diocesan Mission led the meditation. During this perishing day by day, Bishop Director Revd. D. S.C Menon, meditation, Bishop has shared added. former CSI Synod Mission Director about the visiting card of the great Rev. T. Augustine and Rev. Maxcin Missionary St. Paul, the Apostle More exceptionally, this John have attended in the special (Romans 1:1). He has encouraged mountaintop experience was the meditation along with fifteen the missionaries to follow the precious time to make urge in the missionaries in Vellore Diocese. example of Jesus Christ, the participants to carry mountainous servant Lord. Furthermore, he gospel movements. Moreover, Rev. Maxcin John advised to uphold the conscious it was the time for prayer, self- Director, Department of Mission that we have set apart for the auditing, self-discovery and and Evangelism, CSI Synod. gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, rededication to participate in the ARM-AMEN-Movement in Cochin Diocese he Cochin Diocese along kit to the seven Missionaries of with the Department of the Diocese. Rev. T. David Edison TMission and Evangelism, has organised the meeting for CSI Synod, organised “ARM- the distribution. It was a time AMEN-MOVEMENT” COVID for mutual rejuvenation and Relief Kit Distribution for the fellowship. Missionaries in Cochin Diocese on 18th November 2020 at CSI St. Rev. Maxcin John John’s Church, Mariyoor. The Rt. Director, Department of Mission Rev. B. N. Fenn, Bishop in Cochin and Evangelism, Diocese, has distributed the relief CSI Synod www.csi1947.com 38 December 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News ARM-AMEN-Movement in Kollam Kottarakkara Diocese he Board for Mission of distribution was inaugurated Department for Mission and the Kollam- Kottarakkara by Rt. Rev. Dr Oommen George, Evangelism and the Department Diocese of the Church of Bishop in Kollam- Kottarakkara Chairman for extending this T th South India (CSI) along with CSI Diocese on 06 November and kits helping hand in providing relief Synod Mission and Evangelism have been distributed to Internal kits to our missionaries through Department has organised “ARM- Missionaries. On 08th November ARM-AMEN Movement. It was AMEN-MOVEMENT”- A COVID kits have been distributed in a timely practical response and Relief Kit Distribution for the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh a gesture of love towards the Diocesan Missionaries on 6th by Rev. Jeswin Yedhi Chacko and missionaries, who are labouring and 8th November 2020. The in Uttarakhand by Br. Joyson. and proclaiming the gospel in the With the support of the Synod, we grassroots level irrespective of the have provided provision kits worth COVID challenges. Rs. 1000/- each to 33 Missionaries spread across Chhattisgarh, Reported by Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kerala. Rev. Thomas Cheriyan Secretary, Board for Mission, We are indeed very grateful to Kollam- Kottarakkara Diocese the Synod Officers and the Synod

Dept. of Communication CSI Synod News Installation of Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan he Most Rev. Dr Theodosius continuity in the religious life Mar Thoma Metropolitan was of Ezhavas in South Kerala. Tinstalled as the Malankara He has been a bishop of the Mar Thoma Metropolitan on Mar Thoma Church since he Saturday, 14th November 2020. He was raised to the episcopacy is the 22nd Malankara Mar Thoma in 1989, and has headed Metropolitan to occupy the Holy various Dioceses of the Mar Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas Thoma Church, including the after the re-establishment of the North America and Europe, episcopacy in the 17th century. Malaysia–Singapore–Australia The Installation Service was Dioceses, as well as a part held at Dr Alexander Mar Thoma of the Arabian Gulf diocese. Valiya Metropolitan Memorial Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma is Auditorium, Tiruvalla. The Rt. Rev. known for his commitment Dr Euyakim Mar Coorilose (the to nurturing ecclesial unity senior Episcopa of the church) led and strengthening wider the service in the presence of Dr ecumenism. He represented Philipose Mar Chrystostom Mar the Mar Thoma Church at Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, other the Lambeth Conference held Bishops of the Mar Thoma Church at Canterbury, England from and Metropolitans and bishops of July 16 to August 3, 2008. sister churches. In a message to the newly installed years. It is a fruitful relationship, Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Archbishop of made real in personal contact and Metropolitan studied Comparative Canterbury The Most Reverend sharing of prayer and worship Religions at the Viswa Bharathi and Right Honourable Justin between our people. .. As you take University, Shanthinikethan, and Welby noted: “The Anglican up the responsibility of your new obtained his Ph. D from McMaster Communion has enjoyed a office, I pray for you that God may University, Hamilton, Canada relationship of communion with bless and equip you in the service with a focus on change and the Mar Thoma Church for many of Christ.” www.csi1947.com December 2020 39 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA CSI SEVA Initiates Projects as Part of Kasam Centenary Celebration the year 1919 Kasam Agricultural Institute In (KAI) was built and established by De Valois’s with a dedicated Mission and Passion which he had towards Agriculture Ministry. Kasam consists of about 330.30 acres of land near Katpadi, Vellore Diocese, in the vision of De Valois, such as Peace Initiatives were presented which he planned to establish agriculture and training based proposals for the future plan and an agricultural farm and for activates. valuable suggestion focussing on its farming training purpose to the demand and possibilities in poor. On the 3rd November 2020 CSI SEVA was invited on 3rd Nov (KAI). Katpadi- Kasam Agriculture 2020 Kasam Centenary Day Institution celebrated its celebration at KAI along with SEVA aims to network with Centenary day. Bishop in Vellore Rt. Rev. H. the local church, donors other Sharma Nithiyanandham, Rev. institutions and possible schemes. Rev. M. Benjamin Inbaraj, the Isaac Kathirvelu; Chairman, T. Training grass root leaders and Director of CSI Synod SEVA, Sundar Raj; Treasurer, Rev. N local congregation with hands- and staff initiated a piolet visit to Sampath Sadhanandam; Director, on experience on sustainable Kasam on the 13th October 2020 Prof. Tagu Kumar; Accountant, agricultural techniques which with the guidance of Bishop in Church pastors and members. includes, Organic farming, Piggery, CSI Vellore Diocese to explore Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar; the Dairy, Beekeeping Extension the possibilities and to utilize Youth Director of CSI Synod was a & Community development available natural and human special invitee. etc., forming of women groups, resource in the area, region for involving people with disabilities the development future benefit Based on the observation visit and training centre for youth of Kasam. After the completion on 13th October CSI SEVA- on disaster preparedness and of transit walk and orientation Programme Executives of different emergency response. with Bishop and the senior staff projects such as Emergency and and pastors of Kasam, CSI SEVA Disaster Preparedness, Land J. George Wesley shared and discussed their views Labour Life-giving Agriculture Programme Executive and possibilities of the different (JEDP), Disha- Disabilities CSI SEVA projects which go along with Intervention and LCP- Interfaith

Integrating Child and Women Protection: Tirunelveli Diocese round 60 delegates, and Moderator’s including Presbyters, Commissary, AProfessors and Heads of Tirunelveli the Department of Sarah Tucker Diocese, reflected College and St. Johns College, on how Jesus Tirunelveli, took part in the blessed the little one-day dissemination of Child children and how Protection and Gender Policies of important they CSI Synod, held at Sarah Tucker are to the society. College. The introduction and the need of CSI- SEVA. All the sessions Rt. Rev. Dr D. Chandrasekaran, the two policies were given by Rev. were handled by the Programme Bishop, Trichy- Tanjore Diocese M. Benjamin Inbaraj, Director, Executives of CSI- SEVA, through www.csi1947.com 40 December 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News a PowerPoint Presentation, for easy explained how Churches can The meeting came to a close after understanding of the workshop. be made more able for disabled a brief Prayer and Benediction. Then, the session on Gender Policy people to come in. A feedback was taken by Ms Merlin Jochebed session was also held, where two Ms Aruna Stephen, and Ms Glory Thomas. This was Professors came forward to share Programme Executive, followed by Child Protection their views on the workshop. They FOCUS 9/99, CSI- SEVA, Policy by Ms Aruna Stephen, Ms said that such type of workshop CSI Synod, Chennai Glory Thomas and Mr Solomon is the need of the hour and Raja. Then, Mr Jason Christian applauded the organisers’ effort.

Dissemination of Child Protection and Gender Policies at Madurai - Ramnadu Diocese one-day meeting to disseminate the Child and A Gender Policies, held at the OCPM School, Madurai, was attended by thirty delegates. Rt. Rev. Dr Joseph, the Bishop of Madurai– Ramnad Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) and Ms Leela Manohari Inbaraj, followed by CSI- SEVA’s Mr Jason Christian. A feedback Joseph; the President of Women’s Programme Executives’ PowerPoint session was held, in which the Fellowship, along with the Presentation on Child Protection participants posed questions officers of the diocese, were and Gender Policies. Child and got answers. The meeting present for the workshop. Adv. Protection Policy was presented concluded with Prayer and Fernandez Rathinaraja; the by Ms Aruna Stephen, Ms Glory Benediction. General Secretary, CSI Synod, Thomas and Mr Solomon Raja. was also present and addressed Gender Policy was taken by Ms Ms Aruna Stephen, the gathering. Introduction for the Merlin Jochebeth and Ms Glory Programme Executive, Policies was given by the Director, Thomas. More Able Church FOCUS 9/99, CSI- SEVA, CSI- SEVA, Rev. M. Benjamin Guidelines was presented by CSI Synod, Chennai Skill Training for Livelihood – Driving Training & License for 25 Youths. ased on Justice and of Kiruba Driving School, agricultural village operate the Empowering-Diakonia Thoothukudi gave the Driving tractors, mini transport vehicles, BPerspective (JEDP) theme- Training to the youths. After autos, etc and those in the town Labour, Unemployment & Human Covid-19 lockdown, 25 youths areas work as taxi drivers. They Resource Church took initiative got their driving license during can also earn regular income. in promoting economic growth. October 2020. The driving licenses Those who have been trained by CSI – SEVA along with Department were distributed to the youths by this programme are mainly from of Youth initiated Skill Training and with the blessings of Bishop, poor families. Now they have for Livelihood by providing in the presence of Diocesan confidence in self-employment driving training for 25 Youths. Officers, Clergies and numerous and they can earn money from This programme was started by Congregational members of this training. These youths are Rt. Rev. S. E. C. Devasahayam, Diocese, during Diocesan Mission therefore very happy and satisfied Bishop of CSI Thoothukudi – Festival Programme held at by this training. Nazareth Diocese on 14.12.2019 at Nazareth on 24.10.2020. The Thoothukudi. In this programme, positive outcome of phase 1 has J. George Wesley the training was given to first encouraged the Diocese to extend Programme Executive batch of 25 youths from various the initiative by training the next CSI SEVA places in the Diocese. Mr Paulraj set of 25 youth. Youth in the www.csi1947.com December 2020 41 News CSI Synod Dept. of Youth “Youngsters Managing Negative Emotions During a Crisis Lead to Self-Confidence and Optimism”: CSI Synod Youth Webinar he Department of Youth of the Church of South India T(CSI) conducted an online meeting of the Youth Directors of the Dioceses and Initiated a Zoom Webinar on ‘Youth Handling Emotions during Crisis’ in November 2020. The Diocesan Youth Directors meeting was held on 23rd November 2020, from 3:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m through Zoom. depression, sadness, loneliness, views on ‘Education and Emotions After the formal introduction, embarrassment, guilt, shame and during COVID 19 Crisis’. Dr there was a discussion on the so on becomes very vivid and vital. Tessy Grace Mathews, Clinical present and future activities of Each person will experience crisis Psychologist from Government the CSI Synod Youth Department. according to the context in which Medical College, Kottayam, Diocesan Youth Directors s/he is placed but the COVID shared the practical aspects of shared their activities during the 19 pandemic pushed all of us the ‘Impact of Emotions on Health lockdown period and explained into the crisis irrespective of our (Physical and Psychological) about the future projects in their context. Guiding the young people and suggestions to Handle the respective dioceses. to effectively handle their negative Emotions during Crisis’. Rev. emotions during this time of crisis John Samuel, Youth director from The Webinar on, “Youth Handling leads to self-confidence, optimism the CSI Thoothukudi-Nazareth Emotions during Crisis” was held and motivates them to move Diocese, offered an opening on 23rd November 2020, from forward to achieve their goals. prayer. Rev. Adrian Deepak, Youth 4:00 p.m to 5:30 p.m through Director from the CSI Karnataka the Church of South India - CSI This webinar presented the topic Southern Diocese, enriched us Synod official Zoom App. A crisis ‘Youth Handling Emotions during with the singing. Rev. Thomas can happen anytime, anywhere Crisis’ by using various lenses Cheriyan, Youth Director from the and to anyone. In different forms, such as biblical and theological CSI Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese, we all do undergo a crisis at understanding of youth handling moderated the Question and some point in time in our lives. emotions during crisis, education Answers round, and Rev. Pratap “When people perceive an event and emotions during COVID Vasamalla from the CSI Dornakal or situation as an intolerable 19 crisis and the impact of Diocese offered a closing prayer. difficulty wherein their problem- emotions on health (physical and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, solving abilities are not functioning psychological) and suggestions Department of Communication, well, they experience Crisis.”1 to handle the emotions during a CSI Synod, Mrs Augustina A crisis can be developmental crisis. The Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma Margret, Mr Eby Mathew, Mr (crisis occur in different stages Nithiyanandham, Bishop in Ebenezer David were instrumental of life like birth, going to school, Vellore and the Chairperson of in bringing out this webinar. This adolescent problems, middle-age the CSI Synod Youth Department, Zoom webinar was also premiered crisis, later stages like the death enlightened the young minds in CSI Synod Official FaceBook of a spouse, old age and so on) with his thought-provoking talk page (FB Live). and accidental (accidents, illness, on ‘Biblical and Theological death, bereavement, natural understanding of Youth Handling Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar disasters, war, pandemic situation Emotions during Crisis’. Dr Daniel Director, Department of Youth, CSI and so on).2 At this time of Crisis, Ezhilarasu, Honorary Director Synod handling negative emotions of the Education Ministry at CSI such as anger, fear, anxiety, Synod, shared his contextual

1. George Varghese, “Counselling Process,” A Study Book on Counselling, edited by George Varghese (Tiruvalla: Christava Sahitya Samithi, 2014), 50. 2. Howard Clinebell, Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counselling (Thiruvalla: Suvartha Bhavan, 1984),192,193 www.csi1947.com 42 December 2020 Tiruchirapally - Tanjavur Diocesan News CSI Tiruchirapalli – Thajavur Diocesan Annual Youth Conference – 2020 held at Bishop Heber College, Trichy SI Tiruchirapalli – Thajavur be a welcome opportunity to seek message, followed by the lighting Diocesan, “Annual Youth the comfort and consolation. The of lamp by Bishop Amma, Mrs. CConference – 2020” held at other major concern was that, Roselind Chandrasekaran. The Bishop Heber College, Trichy from the parents were filled with a esteemed presence and greetings 23rd to 25th of October 2020. As great deal of disquietude of being of Rev. S. Sudharsan, Clerical the world experience ambiguity anxious of sending their children Secretary, Mr. S. Rajendran, each day with the effects of the through the public transport Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. D. COVID-19 pandemic, when we during this pandemic. We could Ravikumar, Lay Secretary, Dr. D. turn back and recall the memories, able to resolve this issue by Paul Dhayabaran, Principal, BHC, it will be so distressing to see that arranging the private transport made the event more eloquent. we lost our normal life especially facility for all the participants. our regular participation in the Safety protocols were strictly Bro. J. Peter from Tuticorin Church services. Churches all followed and a bag of supporting and Sis. Chitra Rajendran from around the world were closed from aids along with a face cover Madurai were the guests of the 3rd week of March 2020 and protective mask was provided to honor, who brought a realistic now the sound of the Pipe organ all the participants. and challenging God’s word, nurturing the young minds to become responsible people and to actively strive for the development of the church. Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, Director, Dept of youth, CSI Synod has motivated the young people with the theme, “Hope for Good-Spirituality of Youth.

The following programmes were the highlights of the conference held:

of Church pulses through drowsy The theme for the conference was, • Debate on “Greatly supportive streets, puncturing the Sunday’s “Hope for Good” (1 Tim 6:11- of the youth’s faith journey quietness for the first time in five 12). The event was Graciously of the church or family” months on the 1st of September inaugurated by the Bishop in delivered by the Judge Mrs. S. 2020 and this has made the lives CSI Tiruchirapalli – Thajavur Jeyamary, Tirunelveli. of the people to blossom with diocese, His Grace, Rt. Rev. Dr. fragrance of spirituality. D. Chandrasekaran. Bishop • Competitions on Bible quiz, motivated Young people with a poetry and group singing were On the account of this pandemic, thought-provoking and contextual conducted based on the theme. it was keenly observed that the young people of the subsequent pastorates of the CSI Tiruchirapalli – Thajavur diocese faced major ominous challenges of how to keep them away from stressful barriers they undergo each day. In order to strengthen the young people during this crisis, a planning committee was set to plan and organize the youth conference for the current year. But at a time of widespread grief and anxiety about the future, we felt this will www.csi1947.com December 2020 43 News Diocesan Tiruchirapally - Tanjavur

• Sandhiya session, games and of Trichy DCC and Dr. D. Paul The total number of participants activities were also organized. Dhayabaran, Principal, BHC and were 446 out of which, male College family. The conference participants were 253 and female • Inspiring singing was led by carried forward the transformation participants were 193. In the the Trichy DCC Music team. of new vision and mission in the conference 75 young people pandemic situation. committed themselves to serve the The conference was coordinated Lord Jesus Christ through various by the team headed by Rev. As we are in the state of a new supporting ministries. M.J. Rajaiah, DCC Chairman normal, it is our responsibility to & Convener, Trichy, Rev. Paul practice the safety precautions Rev. Paul Sundersingh Sundersingh, Youth Director, Mr. stipulated by the Government Director J. Samson Kirubakaran, Youth of India. Considering this fact, CSI Tiruchirapalli–Thajavur Secretary, DCC Youth Workers, we have set forth a limitation Diocesan Youth Movement Department Directors, Presbyters, with regard to the number of the Office bearers, Youth Movement participants from each pastorate.

News Diocesan Vellore Centenary of the Agricultural Institute, Kasam 1920- 2020: Celebrating the Past, Present and Future he Centenary celebrations of the Agricultural Institute Tin Kasam (KAI), Vellore, got underway with the thanksgiving service even amid COVID 19 protocol on 3rd November 2020 at 10:00 am in the H. M. De Valois Memorial Chapel, Kasam.

November 3rd is an important day to be remembered in the history Time to thank and to celebrate missionaries, and our ancestors, of the Diocese of Vellore because God’s faithfulness: David says in especially J. J Devalois, Dr the Agricultural Institute in Psalm 105:1 “O give thanks to Debrauin, Ms Henriette Devalois, Kasam was founded on November the LORD...” Thankfulness is an Bishop. Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop 3rd in the year 1920 by Dr J. important quality for people of God V.S. Azariah of Doranakal, J. De Valois, RCA Missionary (1 Thessalonians 5:18) because Rev. Joseph John, Mr Aaron for American Arcot Mission. it helps in recognizing who God Christian, Rev. A. Devasahayam, Completing 100 years in the life is and what God has done for us. Dr Rotchaffer, Mr K. T. Paul, Mr of an institution is an important This institution has seen ups and Kangasundaram, Mr P. Sam, milestone as it provides an downs but still cater to the society Dr M. J. John, Dr Mrs M. J. opportunity to stop for a moment because of God’s grace. Therefore, John, Dr John L. Peters, Dr & to recall the marvellous ways in let us thank God for guiding this Mrs D. Kanakaraj, Mr & Mrs which this institute has fulfilled Institute for the past 100 years for James William, Mr & Mrs A. E. its visionary mission in the field of His glory. Kamalanathan, Mr P. David, Mr & Agricultural ministry. Mrs A. Gunaseelan, Mrs Henriette Time to Remember and to Devalois, Mr & Mrs A. Nallamuthu, The celebration is necessary and Celebrate People’s Contributions: Mr & Mrs C. Rajaratnam, Mr a joyous part of human life. It We need to remember our roots & Mrs A Y. John, Mr & Mrs is important as it reflects the which have shaped our identity A. Devapriyam, Mr & Mrs C. attitude of our gratitude. Even at because our growth and strength Manikam, Mr & Mrs Gandhi this pandemic situation, we are are found in our roots. This Ruban, Rev. Gnanasundramani, called to celebrate God’s doing centenary celebration is an Dr Peter, Rev. Arnold Joseph, Mr in the Diocese of Vellore through appropriate time to remember Karuna John, Mr Samuel Sankar, Agricultural institute. the contributions of the RCA D. P. Devadoss, Mr Joseph, Dr www.csi1947.com 44 December 2020 Vellore Diocesan News

Pushpanathan, Bishop Sharma On the other hand, it is also a time chairman, Presbyter-in-charge Nithiyanandham, Mr Alfred to rededicate and renew: ‘Kasam’ of Kasam, Executive committee Arunkumar, Dr Vijayakumar means spring which marks a members, past and present leaders James, Rev. Samuel Gembeeram new beginning. This is the story of Kasam and Local Congregation and Rev. N. Sampath Sadanandam of a model to all Agricultural for their continued support and who toiled hard for the growth of institutes, all over India. We need patronage. the institute. to rededicate ourselves and to strive our best to regain the past The present Director In-charge, De Valois, the founder of glory of this institution and make Rev. Sampath Sadanandam and this Institute, was especially this spring an ever-flowing stream. his team deserve appreciations for remembered with gratitude during We should make the best use their committed and sincere efforts the celebration. De Valois came to of all the institutions, land and to safeguard this Institute in all India with a dream and vision to properties which we have inherited aspects. address the need of Agricultural from our pioneer missionaries. We ministry. During those days are called to be good stewards and The Diocese of Vellore thanks there was no budget allotted for to strive our best to work for the God the Almighty for giving the agriculture sector. De Valois betterment of this institution. the wonderful opportunity to managed to get around 330.30 commemorate the Centenary acres of land in Kasam in which As an indication to make these celebration of Agricultural an agricultural farm and a middle- ideas into practice, after the Institute, Kasam, CSI - Diocese of level vocational school based on Thanksgiving Service connected Vellore. The Diocese is indebted agriculture were established. The to the Centenary celebration, to the Moderator of CSI; Most. first session started with 16 boys a compound wall was for the Revd. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam, but grew faster. He encouraged Kasam agricultural fields was Deputy Moderator of the CSI; Rt. the organizational network of dedicated to safeguarding the Revd. Dr K. Rueben Mark, General co-operative societies. Out of property. This was followed by the Secretary of the CSI; Adv. C. many projects he initiated, the public meeting at the community Fernandas Rathina Raja and the agricultural institute became hall adjacent to the De Valois Honorable Treasurer of the CSI; outstanding with an egg marketing Memorial Chapel (CSI Kasam Prof. Dr B. Vimal Sukumar. The co-operative society. De Valois Church) focusing on the future Diocese thankfully remembers imported a dozen of Rhode Island of rebuilding and reviving Kasam the services of Dr J. J. Devalois, Red chicken and white Leghorn Agricultural Institute. Rev. Dr Bishop Newbegin, Revd. Arthur chicken from America, which Isaac Kadirvel brought out the John, Bishop Henry Lazarus, produced high-quality eggs. In history of the farm. Rev. Ch. John Rev. Joseph John, Dr M. J. John, 1940, the farm created a record by Nischal Kumar, Youth Director, Bishop Samponniaha, Bishop RT producing the highest number of CSI Synod, shared few thoughts Bhaskaran, Mr C. A. Samuel, Mr eggs in entire India. The institute focusing on the ‘Involvement of C. A. Joseph, Bishop Mahimai extended its services and began Young people in rebuilding the Rufus, Dr Jayakaran Issace, to set a branch where activities broken structures,’ by taking Dr Cornelieus Manoharan, Rev. like introducing the cultivation of biblical passages from the Isaiah Singaram Durai Raj, Bishop Y. vegetables, field crop, horticulture 58:12 and Amos 9:11, which William, Bishop Rajavelu, Dr and animal husbandry. elucidates the need for rebuilding Earnest Bhaskaran, Rev. J. D. the ancient ruins. He brought back Balasundaram, Mr James D Time to celebrate our strengths the memories of the CSI Synod Issace, Mr James William, Rev. and to rededicate ourselves to work Youth Festival which took place at M. Gembeeram, Rev. Gnana collectively for the betterment of Kasam in the year 2000 with the Sundramani, Governing board of this institute: We need to celebrate 2000 young people representing Kasam, Officers of the Diocese of our organizational strength and various dioceses of the CSI. Vellore, Presbyters, leaders and longevity. We should celebrate Programme executives from the others for their Sacrificial Service the American Arcot Mission and CSI SEVA; Mr Daniel Solomon and dedication for the Agri Farm. their legacies, and our life in the Raja, Mr Alexander Jason, Mr CSI. The fact that many leaders Praveen Daniel, Mr George Wesley, Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma who took part in the effort church Mrs Merlin and Mr Cruz made Nithiyanandham union resulted in the formation of their presentations regarding Bishop in Vellore the CSI were Church missionaries the further projects of rebuilding connected with the Agricultural Kasam Agricultural Institute. Institute should be celebrated. Special thanks to the Eastern Area www.csi1947.com December 2020 45 Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society

Invites Application for the Post of the Director

Responsibilities of the Director: • The Director is the Chief Functionary of the Institute shall have the responsibility for general administration of the Institute. • Director shall be responsible to the Council and Executive Committee to implement the policies and programmes and execute all such other duties as may be assigned by the Council of the institute. • The Director shall be responsible in mobilization of resources and control on ac- counts and programme expenditure.

Age: The applicant should be between 45 and 55 years of age.

Term of Appointment: The term of appointment is for 5 years and renewable for another term based on the appraisal.

Qualifications: • A Postgraduate in Social Sciences or Theology from recognised University. • Experience in Ecumenical Movements with a clear ecumenical vision, preferably having relationship with wider ecumenical organisations. • Experience in administrative and financial management. • Preference will be given to those who published their books and articles.

Salary: The existing salary scale is Rs. 28,000 – 840 - 32,200 -1120- 37,800 New fixation of salary is due in April 2021. The other permissible allowances will offered as per the rules. Semi furnished three bedroom flat will be provided in Bangalore.

The applicants should send their applications with credentials along with the relevant docu- ments including an endorsement from their churches and institutions of which he/she belongs.

Those who applied earlier need not apply.

The Last date to receive the application is 30th January 2021

The application should be addressed to:

The Most Rev. Dr. P.C. Singh President, Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, 73, Millers Road, Benson town, Bangalore 560046 [email protected]

Advt. www.csi1947.com 46 December 2020 www.csi1947.com Disclaimer : The Author of each article published in this magazine owns his or her own words. The opinions, believes and viewpoints expressed by the various authors on this magazine do not reflect the opinions, belief and view points of the official policies of the CSI SYNOD. December 2020 47 Date of Publication: First week of Every Month. CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/07245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH(C)/267/2018-2020 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2018-2020

Edited & Published by Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No. 5, Whites Road, Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 48 Managing Editor: Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, CSI Synod Communications. Printed by: N. Raja Singh at Mighty Rock Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Mob: 99622 02158. Phone: 2860 2158