Volume 04 | Issue 12

December 2024
From
Vicar's Desk
December, 2024

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus – to arrive, arrival; so, through Advent
until Christmas, we are waiting for Jesus’ arrival on the earth. Of course, Jesus didn’t really
arrive on Christmas Day, but on the feast of the Annunciation, nine months before, when
through the Power of the Holy Spirit, he was conceived in the Virgin’s womb. It is easy to be
filled with fear with the images of destruction in the world. Yet Advent is a time of joy,
anticipation, and a time to be ready and stand tall since our salvation is near. In the
Gospel according to St. Luke, Jesus recommends praying to have the strength to deal with
the tribulations and challenges of life.
How do we build our strength? It is by listening openly to the Scriptures, to mentors,
spiritual guides and friends, and acting justly with hope and determination. If you can trust
that God will always give you what you need when you need it, not what you want when
you want it, you will do well in this life.
It is not easy to be vigilant and to pray during rough times, but God assures us that we
should not be afraid. The phrase “do not be afraid” appears 365 times in the Bible. That is a
very hopeful message we can recall every day of the year! If anyone ask what the most
important message is the Christmas brings to me, beyond doubt I would quote angel
Gabriel’s words to Mary “For nothing will be impossible with God” – Luke 1:37.
Joint Vestry meeting
A joint Vestry meeting of both MCSI and St. Matthew’s held on 1st November to discuss on
various matters concerning the Spiritual and physical growth of both congregations in the
coming days. The meeting was fruitful and well attended by both congregations.
Watch Night Prayer
Watch Night Prayer held on 4th November evening 9:30 to 12:15 am was indeed a blessed
time. Thirty people including children attended this meeting and spend time praying for
various prayer concerns. Praying in small groups was found very effective.
Harvest Festival
This year we had a very successful Harvest Festival, celebrated on the 10th of November. I
appreciate every family who has contributed to make this event a success.
From
Vicar's Desk
continued....

Holy Baptism
Nerah Rachel Robin, daughter of Robin and Ancy was Baptized on 16th November. Let us
continue to uphold Nerah in our prayers.

Aged Care outreach

The vicar had his regular monthly ministry at Grand Cedar Aged Care, celebrating the
Holy Communion with the inmates.

Deanery meeting
Mount Waverly Deanery meeting was held on 21st November at St.Philip’s Church. Bishop
Paul Barker also attended this meeting, and it was a time of mutual sharing, learning and
praying.

Christmas 2024
We are entering into yet another Christmas season, the time of songs and celebrations.
MCSI’s Christmas celebrations will begin with the Carol Service on 7th Saturday under the
leadership of the Church Choir. In the following weekends we will have carol rounds in
each area. Christmas day worship will be at 7 am in the morning on 25th in Malayalam
and at 9 am in English. Watch Night Service will be on 31st 10:30 pm and followed by the
New Year Holy Communion.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Shalom

Revd. Bijumon Joseph (Vicar)

Service Schedule & Acolytes
 Organisation News

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth Fellowship meets fortnightly on Tuesdays through zoom platform and study the Bible.
Encourage all youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Ms. Nisha Varghese.

CHOIR
Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday after the Holy Communion Service at the church.
For further details please contact Mrs Gracelin Justin.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School classes are held every Sunday before the Holy Communion Service at the rear
hall of the church.
Contact: Mr Justin Israel for further details.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The women of our church meet last Sunday of every month after the service at the church.
Encourage all women in our parish to participate in the activities of the Women’s Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Mrs. Jessymole Justin.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Fellowship meets fourth Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Mr Renji Cherian.

YOUNG FAMILIES' FELLOWSHIP

The Young Familes' Fellowship meets second Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Mrs. Christy Abraham.

FASTING PRAYER MINISTRY

Our Vicar and some members meet every Fridays at 10:00am at the church for fasting prayer.

ONLINE BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY

Our Vicar leads a Bible Study every Wednesday at 08:00pm via Zoom platform.

COTTAGE PRAYER
Cottage prayers are held every month at the residence of a church member. Please see prayer
schedule for timings. Encourage all members to participate in the prayer meetings.
For further details, please contact Achen / Secretary.
 LET US HAVE A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS

PARISH OF ASHBURTON
ST. MATTHEWS ANGLICAN CHURCH
MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

07 December - 06:00PM Parish Carols

08 December - 09:30AM Communion Service in English

- 10:45AM CSI Communion Service in English

15 December - 09:30AM Communion Service in English

- 10:45AM Communion Service in Malayalam

22 December - 09:30AM Communion Service in English

- 10:45AM Communion Service in Malayalam

23 December - 06:30PM Carols at Vicarage

25 December - 07:00AM Christmas Day Service in Malayalam

- 09:00AM Christmas Day Service in English

29 December - 10:00AM Combined Service in English

31 December - 10:30PM Watch Night Service

01 January - 12:00AM New Year Service in Malayalam

MERRY
CHRISTMAS
May Christmas bring joy to
your heart and happiness
to your home

MELBOURNECSICHURCH.ORG.AU
BIRTHDAYS

1-Dec Neethu Andrews 15-Dec Rayana Stephen

3-Dec Adrian Britto 15-Dec Shontelle Laile

6-Dec Toney Mathew 18-Dec Thaju Mathew

9-Dec Jobin Benjamin 24-Dec Ethan Douglas

15-Dec Neil Douglas 28-Dec Roni P James

God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He
Blesses you with life, with love; And the joy of another year to know him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

17-Dec Ashok Varkey & Rinju Abraham

27-Dec Justin Selvaraj & Graceline Justin

29-Dec James Rajesh & Dhanya Rajesh

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family abundantly in the coming
years. May you be an inspiration and example for others in the days to come.
WISHING ALL CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
 MCSI LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

For more information, please contact

Rev Bijumon Joseph Mrs Dhanya Rajesh Mr James Rajesh
(Vicar) (Secretary) (Webmaster)
Mob: 0447 438 900
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Melbourne CSI Church Inc., 334 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147
MCSI GENERAL FUND MCSI BUILDING FUND MCSI MISSION FUND
ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS

A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church
BSB: 063-244 BSB: 063-103 BSB: 063-103
A/c No. 10662876 A/c No. 10450633 A/c No. 10450625

melbournecsichurch.org.au for private circulation only