The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Torontocsichurchtoronto.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/December-2019.pdf · In Mathew 1:24-25, the Bible states that “When Joseph

The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Toronto

Volume 19 Issue 11

DECEMBER 2019

2019 Motto

Ephesians 5:14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

Achen’s message .... 3

Celebrations ............ 4

Bible Portions .......... 5

Church News ......... 7

Sunday School ........ 8

Carol Service .......... 9

Men’s Fellowship .... 10

Christmas Shoebox . 12

ഉറങ്ങുന്നവനേ, ഉണര്‍ന്നു മരിച്ചവരുടെ ഇെയില്‍േിന്ന് എഴുനന്നല്‍ക; എന്നാല്‍ ക്രിസ്തു േിന്‍റെ നമല്‍ പ്രകാശിക്കും.

2 http://csichurchtoronto.org

DECEMBER 2019

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chief Editor

Rev. Anish M. George

Editor

Samuel Anselm Samuel

Publication Team

Shini Samuel Suja Sarah Koshy

Chris George

Address

CSI Parsonage 1311 Kipling Avenue

Etobicoke M9B 3N7 ON (416) 231– 1717

Articles/ Feedback

May be sent to

[email protected]

Editorial

Have you made any plans for these forthcoming holidays? Do the hol-

idays have any special relevance? As we’re on the threshold of

Christmastide, there is exuberant rejoicing, abundant gifting and su-

perfluous greetings. Recently, one of my students asked me if I liked

presents during Christmas season. The student explained that Christ-

mas meant gifts. Another student corrected the former by saying that

Christmas is not on December 25th, and it is against the Bible to cele-

brate Christmas. Two extreme reflections indeed! What is your take

on Christmas?

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good

tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born

this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke

2:10-11)

Many people love to view Christmas as a time for giving and receiving

presents. It is a time of the make-believe world of Santa Claus who

loves his workshop and chimneys. The importance of this unique birth

has also been swept away by the belligerence of the foolish who take

His name in vain. The people who call themselves as followers of Je-

sus are divided in their beliefs, and the Bible truths are distorted to

satisfy the fancies of the public. Yet none can deny the fact about Je-

sus’ birth in the Bible. Rather than rejecting the birthday celebration of

the Saviour, why can’t we rejoice in the infinite love of God that came

down as a helpless babe on that silent night?

Let’s make room for Him to be born in our hearts this Christmastide.

Then the sweet little babe of Bethlehem will make our lives brighter in

order to reflect the love, peace and joy of Christmas.

Christmas blessings.

Samuel Anselm Samuel

Editor

The joy to the world...

http://csichurchtoronto.org 3

Achen’s Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In Mathew 1:24-25, the Bible states that “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of

the Lord had commanded him, and embraced Mary as his wife. But he had no union with her until she

gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.”

The Christians across the globe are waiting eagerly for the arrival of Christmas season. During this sea-

son, Christians are busy shopping, purchasing gifts, cakes and are also in preparation for carol singing

and so on. But do we as Christians realize the significance of this season? This celebration is in remem-

brance of happiness and fulfillment of the vision experienced by the world when God Almighty gave his

begotten Son Jesus Christ or Messiah to the world as a ransom for our sins and for our salvation.

Many people especially Israelis waited 2000 years for the birth of the Messiah. But only a few Israelis

could see this Messiah. Mary and Joseph also waited eagerly for this Messiah. Many scholars waited

patiently and passionately to see the birth of Jesus. Also, it is clear from the Biblical passage of Luke

2:16, the shepherds also waited to see the birth of the Savior and when they heard about His birth, they

hurried and found Him in the manger.

The Bible highlights the significance of waiting and preparation. These are the key elements for this fes-

tive celebration. Being prepared and waiting were the characteristics’ of those who saw Jesus in the

manger. And these people are portrayed in all Christmas cribs. The Bible also states that there were

others like Simeon and Anna who waited eagerly for the birth of Messiah.

The true Christmas celebration is possible when there is an intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of

God will help us and guide us to make this celebration grand and in accordance to God’s will. Every

Christmas celebration is accompanied by a vision to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And this vision will be

fulfilled in God’s time and for this reason we need to wait patiently. (Habakkuk 2:3)

The aforenamed persons who found Jesus in the manager waited patiently and were prepared for reali-

zation of their vision. Now the questions to ponder are: During this season of celebration are we expect-

ing something from God? What are you waiting for this Christmas?

Our church choir is hardworking for the Christmas carol service on December 7th. Please invite your

friends and relatives also for this special service. Rev. Mathew Thomas (Vicar Orthodox Church, Ajax)

will be the chief guest.

House to house Carol service started on November 2nd. Sanju Cherian and Shini Samuel are leading

the team with the help of area prayer leaders.

Sunday school Sunday worship was blessed. Teachers and students did the lay ministry. I appreciate all

those who worked behind this. Especially, I would like to thank Rejini Gajraj for her leadership.

November 17th, Rev Ninan Jacob, New Testament faculty of Kerala United Theological seminary, Kan-

nammoola, Trivandrum visited us. He led the communion service and sermon. On behalf of our church

family, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Achen.

Watch night service will start at 10 pm on December 31st . From 10.00 to 11.15, you can share your ex-

periences with others.

Please pray for our house to house Carol service, Carol service (December 7th 6.00 pm), Christmas

morning service (December 25th 10 am) and watch night service (December 31st 10.00 pm).

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rev. Anish M George Padickamannil

Cell:6479948238


Celebrations

BIRTHDAYS

01 Rebeccamma Thomas 12 Joshy Ani Mathew

01 Sajin Mathew Alexander 12 Navin Abraham

01 Ruby Mariam Mathew 13 David Thomas

02 Sanju Cherian 16 Tojan Joseph Abraham

04 Sheeba Levison Ghosh 20 Elizabeth Shirley Abraham

04 Rebeccamma Kuruvilla 20 Jisha Mary Alexander

04 Rachellamma Thomas 21 George Philip

05 Maria Gajraj 24 Rhea Grace Varguise

06 Anaya Sara Cherian 28 Daniel Koshy

06 Jefferson Sam 29 Rennie Philip Joseph

07 Daniel Thomas 30 Sandhra Elizabeth Eapen

08 Shalini Mary G. Enoch 31 P. Matthew Verghis

11 Vinu Jacob 31 Liz Varughese

12 Joana Grace Varguise

ANNIVERSARIES

14 Jiby Jacob & Jain Daniel

17 Abhilash Raj & Smitha Titus

18 Reji Johnston & Milly Johnston

29 Samuel Anselm Samuel & Shini Samuel

29 Balaji I. Kuruvilla & Rebecca Thomas

30 Alex Oommen & Susan Alex


Bible Portions

December 01

Advent Sunday

1st Sunday in

Advent

Celebrating the Promise of God

Old Testament 1 Samuel 2:1-10 English Service

Psalm 66 Read by

Epistle Hebrews 11:29-40 Nittu Jacob & Family

Gospel Luke 1:39-45

December 08

2nd

Sunday in

Advent

Word of God: Double Edged Sword

Old Testament Jeremiah 36:1-10 Malayalam Service

Psalm 118:89-96 Read by

Epistle Hebrews 4:11-13 Jijo Varghese & Family

Gospel Luke 1:5-17

December 15

3rd

Sunday in

Advent

Promise of Immanuel

Old Testament Isaiah 7:10-17 English Service

Psalm 98 Read by

Epistle 1 Peter 3:8-16 Joseph P & Family

Gospel Matthew 1:18-25

December 22

4th Sunday in

Advent

Preparation: The Lord is Coming

Old Testament Micah 4:1-5 English Service

Psalm 126 Read by

Epistle 1 John 4:7-21 Ajoy Lional & Family

Gospel John 4:21-30

December 25

Christmas

10 AM

Grace Upon Grace

Old Testament Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Malayalam Service

Psalm 20 Read by

Epistle Ephesians 2:4-9 Sunday School



Ecumenical

December 29

1st Sunday after Christmas

Family as Faith Forming Place

Old Testament Genesis 27:11-29 English Service

Psalm 127 Read by

Epistle 1 John 2:7-17 Youth Fellowship


December 31 & January 01

10 PM

Watch Night Service

God's Continuing Covenant With All

Old Testament Nehemiah 1:1-5 Malayalam Service

Psalm 34:1-10 Read by

Epistle Galatians 4:21-31 Church Committee

Gospel John 7:37-39


Church News

Intercessory Prayer Cell Fellowship

The Intercessory Prayer Cell Fellowship is held in the sanctuary every Wednesday from 10:00 am till

12:00 noon. Please come and join us for the fellowship.

Bible Study – “The Coming of Jesus Christ”

To accommodate all members, the Bible study is taking place on every

Wednesday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm and on every Sunday from 9:30 am to

10:15 am. The Bible Study provides an in-depth learning on the Second

Coming of Jesus Christ. It also provides an opportunity for members to con-

nect and learn with each other while continuing to grow their personal rela-

tionship with God. Anish Achen is leading the Bible studies. Please plan to

attend one of the Bible studies according to your schedule.

Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols – December 07, 2019

Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols, “LITTLE DROP OF HEAVEN”, will be

on December 07 at 6:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm. It’s a traditional service of Cho-

ral music, Scripture readings and Congregational hymns featuring the Church Choir,

the Youth Choir and the Sunday School. The service includes Advent prophecies of

the coming of the Messiah, the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus to Blessed Mary,

the Nativity of Our Lord, and the Journey of the Magi, concluding with the Prologue

from Philippians “Imitating Christ’s Humility”

Please invite your friends and relatives to come and be part of this special celebration

of our Saviour’s birth. Please plan to arrive early.

Board Meeting – December 12, 2019

A meeting of the board members will be held on December 12, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the board room.

Episcopal Visit – December 22, 2019

The Bishop of York-Credit Valley, The Right Reverend Jenny Andison will lead the divine worship service

on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Please invite your friends and relatives to this special celebration of Eu-

charist.

Christmas Day Service - December 25, 2019 (Family Sunday)

We will be having Holy Communion Service on Christmas Day at 10:00 am. We will be observing the

day as “Family Sunday”

Watchnight Service - December 31, 2019

Our watchnight service will start at 10:00 pm on December 31, 2019 with prayer and testimonies followed

by covenant service and holy eucharist. Please come and be blessed.

House to House Carol - December 2019 Schedule

December 08, 2019 (Sunday after the Divine Service) – Mississauga

December 14, 2019 (Saturday) – Brampton

December 15, 2019 (Sunday after the Divine Service) – Scarborough

December 21, 2019 (Saturday) – Scarborough

December 22, 2019 (Sunday after the Divine Service) – Parsonage

If you wish to be included in the parish e-mail list to receive special notices, please send an e-mail to the

Secretary at [email protected]


Sunday School


Carol Service


Men’s Fellowship

CHRISTIAN MEN’S RETREAT

Santhosh Cherian

Men’s Fellowship Director

After our last year’s men’s retreat, there was a burden in everybody’s heart to go bigger next time. By the

grace of the Lord, we did go bigger this year. On October 19th, 2019 the men of CSI Church Toronto laid

the foundation for the first ecumenical Christian Men’s Retreat. ‘Stay connected in the Kingdom of God’

was this year’s theme. The retreat was a wholesome and awesome experience for everyone.

As the morning brightened, the participants from different churches started arriving. With the assistance

of Women’s fellowship members, the registration was effortlessly completed. The morning coffee and

snacks gave the opportunity for everyone to get acquainted with each other. 45 participants attended the

retreat.

The retreat started with an amazing spirit moving praise and worship led by Hans Thomas. After the wel-

come and introduction by Rev. Anish M. George, the 1st session of the retreat commenced. Rev. Moncy

Varghese of St Matthews Mar Thoma Church conducted the 1st session. Keeping to our theme, his talk

was built around the story of Jesus healing the slave of the Roman Centurion mentioned in Luke 7:1-10.

It was an amazing session which was equally entertaining and enlightening. We are all connected to the

social media, similarly we need to stay connected to the Kingdom of God. We must stay connected with

the family, with the community and with our church. After the first session, everybody had a relaxing time

with a game organized by Abraham Varghese and Bobby Cherian followed by a wonderful Kerala lunch.

Prior to the start of the second session, Hans and team gave another round of spirit raising praise and

worship. Rev. Sunil Mathew from the Canadian Mar Thoma Church led the second session. With refer-

ence to Matthew 19:16-26, the session gave a better understanding of practical Christian living. Rev.

Sunil showed videos of people who scarified everything to live a simple life. The session gave deep in-

sight on living a Christian life that is sensible, responsible and responsive.

A group discussion was organized after the second session and all the four groups actively participated

in the discussions. As part of laying the foundation for the first ecumenical Christian Men’s Retreat, a

souvenir was given to all partici-

pants. A wonderful coffee mug

imprinted with the official Christian

Men’s Retreat logo. Men’s Fellow-

ship Director, Santhosh Cherian

gave the vote of thanks and an

amazing day ended with prayer

and benediction by Rev. Anish M.

George. My sincere thanks to all

the participants. I am sure that

this retreat has made everyone to

think about how important it is to

stay connected to the Kingdom of

God. I sincerely thanks to all who

supported me physically, mentally

and financially to make this retreat happen. May God continue to strengthen all of you to stay connected

in the Kingdom of God.


Men’s Fellowship


For Private Circulation Only

Published by CSI Church, Toronto, 1315 Kipling Avenue M9B 3N7, ON. All rights reserved

Committee

President Rev. Anish M. George Vice-President / Rector’s Warden

Mr. Zac Santhosh Koshy

Secretary / People’s Warden

Mr. Daniel Thomas Women’s Fellowship Director

Mrs. Preetha Philips

Joint Secretary / Trustee Mr. Abraham K. Varghese Men’s Fellowship Director

Mr. Santhosh Cherian

Treasurer Mr. Samuel Anselm Samuel Youth Fellowship Director

Mr. Joshua Moothedom

Joint Treasurer / Trustee Mrs. Elizabeth Verghis Mission Director Mrs. Elizabeth Mathai

Sunday School Director

Mrs. Rejini Gajraj Public Relations Director Mr. Varghese V. John

Choir Director Mr. Chris George Social & Entertainment Director

Mr. Jacob P. John

The Executive Committee Members of the CSI Church, Toronto

Documents

The Official Monthly Newsletter of CSI Church, Torontocsichurchtoronto.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/December-2019.pdf · In Mathew 1:24-25, the Bible states that “When Joseph