Volume 03 | Issue 12

December 2023
From
Vicar's Desk
December, 2023

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We are almost at the end of a year. Often, I overhear people says ‘wow how fast the days have
gone, it’s unbelievable’ indeed its true, only few days left to say goodbye to 2023. I ask you to just
pause for a moment look back and try to recollect the whole events happened in your life this year.
Of course, some of them may be so bright and colourful and some may be dull and blurred. But
thank God for everything and always know that the bitter experiences you had was to make you
better. The Bible says, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:6,7).

Advent – the joyful awaiting for Christ’s coming.

Celebrating Advent involves spending time in spiritual preparation for the coming birth of Jesus
Christ at Christmas. In Western Christianity, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior
to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas
Eve, or December 24.
The word advent comes from the Latin term ‘adventus’ meaning "arrival" or "coming," particularly
the coming of something or someone having great importance. Advent is a period of spiritual
preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord,
Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance,
followed by anticipation, hope, and joy.
We should celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby,
but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and
anticipation of his final coming at the end of the age.

November events
The month of November was filled with many events which helped us to recall our commitment to
serve the Lord and His church and to strengthen our fellowship bonds with each other. I thank and
appreciate the Church committee for creatively organizing and leading the different events.
From
Vicar's Desk
continued....

MCSI 12th Anniversary

The 12th Anniversary of our church was celebrated on 5th of November, Sunday with a
thanksgiving Holy Communion service. I trust it was a time for all of us to thank God for his
unfailing love and mercy that has brought us thus far from a humble beginning back in 2011. I do
recognize and thank God for the priceless leadership and Pastoral care rendered through Rev.
Joby John, Rev. Vinod Victor and Rev. Kurian Peter in the previous years. It was an added blessing
to receive a message of appreciation and felicitation from the Rt. Revd. V. S Francis, Bishop in East
Kerala Diocese on this occasion. A short video comprising the brief history of MCSI played during
the worship made the celebration more colourful.

Harvest Festival
The annual harvest festival was a remarkable event of the month in where the people
participated with much enthusiasm and zeal. The preparations began week ahead through
selling the raffle coupons, receiving online orders for food items, traditional fish pickle preparation
by the Women’s Fellowship, making parsonage vine etc. a combined service with the St.
Matthew’s congregation also have made the event vibrant. Variety of live food stalls, other sale
counters and active auction process was yet another uniqueness of this celebration. I thank all
who have contributed, worked hard and actively participated to make this event a great blessing.

Deanery meeting
Monthly meeting of the Waverly deanery was held on 17th of November at Ascension Anglican
Church in Burwood. Rev. Anthony Frost led the Bible study session. Meeting was attended by
Bishop Paul Barker. Rev. Heather Scott, the newly transferred vicar to this deanery was warmly
welcomed, Rev. Heather was a priest in Halls gap for many years.

Episcopal visit
The Rt.Rev.Dr. Malayail Sabu Koshy Cherian, Bishop in the Madhya Kerala Diocese have made an
unofficial visit to MCSI on 19th November Sunday. Bishop’s visit was an unexpected blessing for
the congregation. I thank Thirumeni and Kochamma for sparing their time with us.
From
Vicar's Desk
continued....

Meeting with the Archbishop of ADOM

I was privileged to have a brief meeting with the Archbishop Dr. Philip Frier at his residence along
with Bishop Sabu Koshy Cherian and Bishop Paul Barker. It was happy to know that the
archbishop is very much impressed with the mission and ministry of MCSI.

Carol Service – 2023

MCSI Carol Service – 2023 was held on 25th of November, Saturday at 6:30 pm. This service was
remarkable with a huge crowd attending from different parts of Melbourne. The Revd. John
Carrick, the area dean graced the occasion with a powerful Christmas message. Melodious
singing of the Church Choir conducted by Mr.Ashok Varkey, and singers from the St. Matthew’s
congregation have filled the hearts with Christmas vibe.

House Carols -2023

House carols for this year have started from 26th Sunday afternoon onwards. This will continue
every Saturdays and Sundays till the closure of carol rounds on 23rd December with the carols at
vicarage. I request all of you to actively participate in carol rounds according to your
convenience.

EFTPOS Machine installed.

As part of making payments easier we have recently installed an EFTPOS machine in our church.
For make use of this facility, you may contact the treasurer Mr. Justin Selvaraj.

Holidays / Vacation
I have come to know that may of our families are going to India in coming months to catchup
with their dear ones. I wish them safe journey and pray that they will find wonderful days ahead.

I wish you all a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Shalom!

Revd. Bijumon Joseph.

Service Schedule & Acolytes
 LET US HAVE A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS

PARISH OF ASHBURTON
ST. MATTHEWS ANGLICAN CHURCH
MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

25 November - 06:30PM Parish Carols

23 December - 06:30PM Carols at Vicarage

24 December - 08:00AM Communion Service in Malayalam

- 10:00AM Communion Service in English

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

- 09:00AM Christmas Day Service in English

31 December - 10:00AM Communion service in English

- 10:30PM Watch Night Service

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

 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 third 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 Ms Aparna Anna.

FASTING PRAYER MINISTRY

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

COTTAGE PRAYER
Cottage prayers are held once every month at 07:00pm at the residence of a church member.
Encourage all members to participate in the prayer meetings.
For further details, please contact Mr Sunish Varghese.
 Melbourne CSI Church

LIST OF MEETINGS FOR THE MONTH

DECEMBER 2023

For detailed information: melbournecsichurch.org.au

Call Rev. Bijumon: 0447 438 900 or secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au
BIRTHDAYS

1-Dec Neethu Andrews 15-Dec Rayana Amy Stephen

3-Dec Adrian Britto 15-Dec Shontelle Laile

6-Dec Toney Varghese 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 John Varkey & Rinju Mary 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
vicar@melbournecsichurch.org.au secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au admin@melbournecsichurch.org.au

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