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My dear friends, We lift our hands unto our Lord God for guiding us according to His will in this world. As we are precious in His sight, He prepares for our present and future needs. November is an important month with special days: November 1 – All Saints’ day and November 2 – All Souls’ day.

All Saints’ day gives us an opportunity to praise God for all His saints and servants departed this life in faith and fear, and seek God’s guidance i.e. grace that we may follow their good example, and to help us become partakers along with them in God’s heavenly kingdom. All Souls’ day invites us to look back, look inside and to look up. Let us get some insights from this. Let us look back: Looking back on the life of our dear ones who departed, brings to remembrance fond memories. We remember our dear ones’ character, contribution, influence, conviction, faith, heritage, love and affection, and we feel the magnitude of our loss. Let us also appreciate and marvel at what God has done for us through them. In this way, we can thank God for the departed soul. Let us look inside: Let us look inward - Who are we? What are we? Where are we? Where are we from? Why are we here on this earth? How long can we be here? What are our dreams? If we introspect, we will come to the conclusion that we are weak, nothing and we too will leave this world one day. Nothing is there to take along with us. The Bible clearly says, we are created from the dust of this earth and we live, since God has given us life. We need to hold on to God - He has a blissful, blessed life in His presence for us. In My Father’s home are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2,3. Let us look up: God is our ultimate source of help. We always relish His goodness, His creation, His greatness and unchanging love. He never wants us to be destroyed in our sins, for the wages of sin is death. So He gave His only Son as a ransom, one and only sacrifice as to blot out all our sins through His Holy blood. Through His death and resurrection He is able to voice in victory - O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. November 13 – Children’s Sunday : Though 14 November is set apart as children’s day nationwide, as it was our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday, we observe children’s Sunday in our church on 13 Nov

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because our Lord Jesus loves us all – especially children. His concern over children is so great. Our children will take active part in the worship service on that day and after the worship service, a special program is being arranged for them until 1.00 pm, giving them an opportunity to grow more in the Lord. All parents are requested to send their children for this retreat. November 27 – Advent season begins: Advent means the coming of the Lord. As we get ready for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which is commonly known as the first coming of the Lord, the church lectionary calls us to get ourselves ready for the second coming. St. John the Evangelist, when he was in exile at the island called Patmos, desperately prayed to God amidst his tribulation, “Lord! Why are these things happening to us? When will it get over?” As an answer to his cry, tears and agony, God Almighty said, Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Let us prepare ourselves in these days, for our Lord’s coming. Church anniversary celebration: We are going to celebrate our Church’s 174th anniversary on 10 December 2016. We will also start the 175th year with year-long meaningful programs, and a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for His incredible grace. His promise, presence, protection and provision have been unfailing. I feel it is a great privilege for us to witness the anniversary in our days. Therefore it should be our commitment to join together and support the church in making this a most memorable year of events with our contribution and support. You would have got the appeal letter and the 12 special covers for this purpose. With a grateful heart and sincere prayer, let us offer our generous offering for this great unique purpose. Let us get ready to witness mighty acts in our church’s life. Let our mighty God be with us all, sustain us with His righteous right hand, meet all our needs and enable us to lead a meaningful, blessed life in His sight! Be assured of my prayers. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Yours in His joyful service, Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Jebakumar Presbyter-in-charge.

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TAKE A STAND!

You must have heard this funny story about a frog and a field mouse who were thick pals. They were so inseparable that one day, the frog suggested that they tie their legs to each other, so that they

could always be together. The field mouse thought this was an excellent idea, and he tied his leg with the frog’s using a strong piece of string, and they went around the field catching insects and gathering corn. Food was plenty and they never had to think about life beyond the field.

And then one day, the skies opened up and it started raining heavily. The frog was overjoyed and he croaked loudly. But the field mouse was not too happy with the wet weather. Yet he grinned and bore it as he did not want to offend his friend. It continued to rain so much that flood water entered the field and swept them both in its current.

The frog swam happily while the field mouse tried to free himself by gnawing at the string, but it was too late and the string was too wet and sticky. And before the field mouse could realize what was happening, he got swept into a large, deep well along with the frog and drowned in the deluge. What happened to the frog is anybody’s guess – he probably survived and or maybe drowned with his dead friend!

Today we live in a sea of influences that are moulding and shaping the way we even think. It is no longer cool to hold your own ground, profess what you believe in and point out right or wrong. But nevertheless, this stereotyping of thought is a dangerous pattern that can make us lose our individual traits, and progress the way God intended us to be.

As we find in Romans 12:2, we are called not to “…conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. And that includes taking a stand on issues that we face as Christians every day.

Every challenge that we face is an opportunity to profess our faith and fight God’s battle. And let us teach our children to take a stand too. As someone said, “if you do not stand up for something, you will fall for anything!”

Fabiola Jacob

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NEEDED… VINTAGE PICTURES OF STEC

Do you have old pictures taken in our church during the 1960s, 70s or 80s or even earlier? It could have been at a baptism, confirmation,

wedding or Sunday worship - whatever the occasion, with or without people, please do share it with us.

As our Church will soon be celebrating its 175th anniversary, the pictures will be used for the Calendar and Photo Exhibition that is being planned. So please do handover your old prints to Suresh Balasunder (they will be scanned and returned to you in a week). If you can scan them in hi-res, that would be great too! You can e-mail the old pictures to fabiolaj@gmail.com

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Featured on the cover this month is the Koramangala Methodist Church (KMC) in Bengaluru located at CA 30/A, XVI Main, IV block, Koramangala, photographed by Manoharan Gnanaolivu. About the Church: Prema and I have been worshipping in KMC on and off, whenever we go to Bengaluru to visit our son

Surender and his family. They are communicant members of KMC for the past decade and more. The historic background of KMC can be traced to the life of John Wesley, who was moved in 1738 by God’s design to touch lives across the ocean. In 1870, Bishop William Taylor (featured in Missionary Spotlight on page 21) came to India and through the work of the Holy Spirit, established Methodist congregations in many major cities including Bangalore. In 1980 a small group of people in Koramangala started to meet together and worship in houses. In 1987, the Koramangala Methodist Church pastorate was organized with a full-time Pastor Rev. Michael Peppin, and worshipped in the Bethany High School premises for the next nine years.

A plot in Koramangala was allotted for construction of the church by the Bangalore Development Authority in 1990. Liberal contribution from all the members of the congregation made it possible to construct the church – this was another step in God’s plan and mercy. The parish hall and parsonage were dedicated in 1996, and the church building was dedicated on 8 July 2001.

Mr. Davis M Moses (Davis Design Group) was the architect for KMC from the commencement of work. A regular member of KMC till date, this was not just another project for him, as he considered building a church as the greatest blessing and privilege. The church is in the first floor with two semi-circular staircases leading up to it and can accommodate 500 people. The ground floor is used for multipurpose church activities and with a parsonage at the rear. The church profile appears like “God’s house extends its arms - reaching out to care for the congregation” – The lift shaft, which forms the steeple, also elevates, “the old and tired congregation members up to the church”. From far off, in the sky, in the darkness, a neon cross can be seen, as a firefly. Some planted, others watered, but HE makes the church grow. Two pastors, one senior and other junior, are in charge of the parish. All the committees, fellowships and other groups function with maximum enthusiasm. For example, about 50 members assemble for the men’s fellowship meetings and organize multiple day retreats. Their monthly

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newsletter “In touch” is equivalent to our EanMe. In addition to the regular Church choir, a few Praise and Worship Teams also take part in the service, one at a time. On special occasions a band with drums is also assembled. It is a great joy and blessing to worship in this church.

Manoharan Gnanaolivu

Sunday attendance

I would like to bring to your notice, with a tinge of humour, the first 6 New Testament group of people who come to church each Sunday… They are:

THE MATTHEWS Those people who come to church with their mats so after

praising they start to doze off THE MARKS They are those who purposely come to mark the grammar/mistakes of the preacher THE LUKES These people just come to church to look at the outfits of others. THE JOHNS For these people they come to join the church to fill the sanctuary. THE ROMANS They are those who like roaming about and standing outside during church service. But beloved, there is a group of people called THE ACTS These brothers' faith is in action. They are participators, not spectators. They listen to the word of God and act on it. Which group are you in?

Contributed by Kavita Edward

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SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE

Swimming against the tide is a difficult task, As the waves that are strong will hit you fast. The force of the waves will slow you down, But perseverance will get you around. Joseph had to swim against the fury of his brothers, Who hated him and for his feelings never bothered. They made money, when they sold him as a slave, A life of desolation he had to brave. In prison his desires were completely drained, Till he was lifted up like a monarch to reign. His brothers sought after him for grains, But he made known to them that he is alive again. Mordecai was the unsaluting fellow, So Hamaan wanted to hang him on the gallows, His struggle to free the Jews was tedious, But in the end the Jews emerged victorious. Life is very fragile like a bubble, The Holy Spirit can help you to win the struggle. Wear the armour of God to fight the tide, When victorious you will become, the Holy Bride.

Prema Jayasundar

A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes

off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his

again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"

"Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago." "Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't He?"

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CHRISTIAN: ALWAYS ON DUTY

When a European airline was initially launched, an educated Christian gentleman was travelling in the first class. An air hostess approached him with a complimentary drink - this was an alcoholic drink - and the Christian politely refused. The air hostess returned but this time brought the drink on a platter, designed to appeal and impress. However, the Christian again politely refused, explaining he doesn’t drink alcohol.

The air hostess was concerned and informed the Manager. The Manager approached the Christian with another platter, now designed with flowers, and he questioned, “Is there something wrong with our service? Please enjoy the drink, it is a complimentary offer.” The man replied, “I am a Christian and do not drink alcohol.” The manager still insisted that the man take the drink. Then the Christian proposed that the manager should give the drink to the pilot first. The manager stated, “How can the pilot drink alcohol, he’s on duty? And if he drinks there are all chances for the plane to crash”. The Christian passenger with tears in his eyes replied, I am a Christian and I am always on duty in order to protect my faith. And if I drink alcohol I will crash my whole life here and hereafter. I am 100% on duty.

Meditation: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8.

Source: What does the Bible say?

(Trans–denominational monthly magazine) Contributed by D.I.A. Soundarapandian

Quick & Easy Quiz

1. According to the nursery rhyme, who was in the tub with the baker and the butcher?

2. Which mighty river has its source in Lake Itasa?

3. In which country is the river Kwai? 4. From which country did the US buy Alaska?

5. In which African country is most of the Kalahari desert? 6. Which is the second largest state in the US after Alaska?

D.I.A. Soundarapandian Answers to Quick & Easy quiz are found on page 13.

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ELDERS’ SUNDAY

It is one of my favourite events at STEC when elders are recognized and invited to participate in the worship service. 16 October 2016 was celebrated as Elders’ Sunday, and elders above 65 years of age were welcomed to the front. It was heartwarming to see the elders of our church walk up the aisle with smiles of love, joy and peace. They all sang a familiar song with new lyrics, giving a nice touch to the occasion. Then, they were all felicitated with a gift.

Here are the lyrics to the song: Jesus loves me, this I know, though my hair is white as snow Though my sight is growing dim, still He bids me trust in Him. Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so Though my steps are oh, so slow, with my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. When the nights are dark and long, in my heart He puts a song Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." When my work on earth is done, and life's vict’ries have been won. He will take me home above, then I'll understand His love. I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, that I love Him everyday. This song reminds us that though we grow old, becoming parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, our Lord Jesus Christ is still our Heavenly Father who draws us closer to Him each day. The sermon by Prof. Dr. Barnabas was enriching, quoting the Scripture from Titus 2: 2,3 “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” These are verses which I believe are words of wisdom, guiding us to age gracefully. Here is another promising verse which strengthens us as we age; Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.”

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May our Lord Jesus Christ bear us and carry us in His hand to age gracefully, as the days of our lives go swiftly by.

Katie Selvaraj

Scripture: “Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 7:19 NCV. Meditate: In the above Scripture is a warning that every Christian (disciples and true followers of Jesus Christ) must give heed to, as it involves their eternal destination. Every “Tree (Christian)” through whose life the “good fruit (fruit of the Holy Spirit – check out Galatians 5:22,23)” does not manifest will be “cut down” and cast into eternal “fire” of hell. Every tree produces fruit, and the fruit it produces is what defines it. Hence Jesus said elsewhere “a tree is known by its fruit.” We need to not only carefully check our own lives, but also of the people with whom we hang around the most. There are many who smile a lot, dripping with practised sincerity. Chances are, they are out to rip you off some way or the other. These diseased trees may be thinking they will be let off the hook scot-free, but they are sadly mistaken, for God has made it clear that they along with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned in the eternal flames of hell. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who people are, is more important, than what they say. A genuine Christian will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. Be on your guard against wolves who come in sheep’s clothing. You can easily tell them by their fruit. No sensible person will look for grapes to pick from a thorn-bush or from a clump of thistles, would you? A good tree is incapable of producing inedible fruit, and a bad tree is incapable of producing edible fruit. In short, the tree that fails to produce good fruit is cut down and burnt. And so you will know men by their fruit. What fruit does your life produce?

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A TRIP TO DELHI

A few members of our church went on a trip to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur recently. Here’s a report:

Day 1: We took off to Delhi from Chennai in two batches on 7 October 2016 and we met at Tamil Nadu guest house in New Delhi. The rooms at the guest house were very comfortable for resting and it was maintained at good standard with good food. Day 2: Historic monuments were first on our list of must-see places in Delhi, and we started with the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world and the second highest minar in India after Fateh Burj at Mohali. We continued our morning with shopping at the Rajasthan Complex in New Delhi. Then we visited the beautiful Lotus Temple which is known for its flower-like shape. In the afternoon, we visited the Nehru Memorial Museum located in Teen Murthi house complex, which is now a museum for the history of the Indian Independence movement. After that, we went to Indira Gandhi Memorial, the residence of the former Prime Minister of India and had a look at the rare photographs of the Nehru-Gandhi family, and the place where Mrs. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own security guards. Our next stop was Rajghat - Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and Humayun’s Tomb on the banks of the Yamuna river. We were invited to dinner at Brigadier Surender Pavamani’s residence in the Army quarters, and we thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality, with a wonderful time of prayer and worship. Day 3: On Sunday morning we attended the morning worship service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, a magnificent Cathedral beautifully designed by British engineers. After the blessed worship, we moved on to Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the official home of the President of India. Then we went shopping to Karol bagh and Sarojini Complex, after which we left by train to Agra and Jaipur. Day 4: In the morning we visited Manna Children home for orphanages and from there we went to the City Palace and then to Amer Fort which is located high in the hills. We experienced a good shower of rain in Jaipur and were grateful for the pleasant weather as we took in the sights and sounds of the city. We continued our day with shopping at Bapu Bazaar which was a wonderful shopping experience, after which we got back to the hotel for a good dinner and rested. Day 5: We left early in the morning by Shatabti Express to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. We reached the Taj in small rickshaws by mid-afternoon, with a

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very good guide and photographers. Built with pure white marble with artistic carvings and decorations, the Taj Mahal is indeed a pride of India, and we were so glad to see it! Our next stop was the Agra Fort which is a beautiful architectural blend of court rooms, prison cells etc., and it was much more beautiful at night. And then we left to New Delhi by train. Day 6: The last day of our trip was devoted to shopping at Karol Bagh. And then we left in two groups – one to Chennai by air and other by Rajdhani Express. It was a different experience for those of us who travelled by train, as we shared a lot of general information, bonding with each other, as we got back to Chennai with beautiful memories that would be treasured for years to come.

Vinodha Jayapalan

BIRTHDAY

Birthdays are an important milestone in one’s life. New clothes, delicious food and entertainment mark the day. We meet elders to bless us, but many forget one thing. We celebrate the day as we are alive. Who has given us life? First we must thank God for all the blessings we have received from Him. Many forget that the birthday tells us that we have reached a year closer to live with Jesus. This makes some happy became they are already children of God. Some get the warning they should prepare themselves to become citizens of the Kingdom of God. No worries. Our God is a loving God. If you repent and follow His words, He would gladly welcome you to be with Him. Thus birthdays remind us to:

Thank God for all the blessings we have received. Prepare ourselves to be members of the Kingdom of God.

G. Joseph

A monkey and a baboon were seated next to each other

during a service in church....the pastor said, `turn to your neighbour and say they are beautiful and adorably created by God’. Monkey looks at the baboon for a moment, then

laughs out loud and tells the pastor.....`tell him yourself, I don't want to lie in church’

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A VISIT TO AN ORPHANAGE Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another, to show love and to be good. Hebrews 10:24

On 1 October 2016, the members of the Women’s Fellowship of STEC visited an orphanage named ‘Jeevadhanam’ located at Gandhinagar, Adyar, Chennai. As the gate of the Home opened, we were greeted by the smiling faces of little girls who had already assembled, eagerly waiting to interact with us and to hear what we had to say. There were 22 girls in all, a few volunteers and two Catholic sisters who were in charge of the home. All the girls are studying in schools nearby, like the Rani Meyyammai and St. Michael’s Academy. We started off by asking the girls to introduce themselves, stating the names of the schools and classes they attended. Mrs. Iris Manoharan narrated the story of Jonah, showing flash cards. The children were very attentive and answered all the questions asked regarding the story. Most of them were really smart, while some were shy. After the storytelling we taught them a song. We then served the snacks we had taken for them. They were all fascinated by the fancy watches presented to them by Mrs. Prema Samuel. After that, it was time for games, and all the children participated with great enthusiasm. When it was time for us to leave, we gathered the children and closed with a prayer and bade farewell to them. The joy that radiated from the innocent faces of the children touched us deeply. All of us thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with the children. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever!

Nirmala Kumar

Answers to the ‘Quick & Easy Quiz’

1. Candlestick maker 2. River Mississippi 3. Thailand 4. From Russia 5. Botswana 6. Texas

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STEC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP - BIBLE STUDY THE BOOK OF PSALMS

(discussed during the meeting on 8.10.2016)

The Book of Psalms is the most loved and popular part of the Bible. It is no surprise that Christian

hymn–writers have drawn their inspiration from the Psalms. It is the longest book in the Bible, written originally in Hebrew and contains mostly prayers (tephillot) and praise (tehillin). It appears that this Psalter was written during the times of Moses (1300 BC), David (1000 BC) and the Exile (500BC) and used extensively. Though the Psalter is generally Davidic, others also have written – Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Ethan and Moses, whose names are superscribed in each psalm. Others which lack superscription are called “Orphan Psalms”. The author-wise tally of the 150 Psalms in the NIV Bible is – David wrote 82 Psalms, Asaph 12 and the sons of Korah 11. Further, Solomon wrote Psalm 72, Ethan Psalm 89 and Moses Psalm 90. The balance 42 are orphans! David, Solomon, Korah and Moses do not require any introduction. Asaph, son of Berechiah and Ethan (Jeduthun) were engaged by king David as prime musicians in the tabernacle in Jerusalem – “To sound the cymbals, play the lyres and harps and blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God” – (1 Chr 16:5,6) The Psalms are meant to be sung accompanied by stringed instruments such as harp, lyre or lute. The word “psalm” literally means “pluck” or “twang”. Significant arrangement of the Psalter in five books was possibly made like the five books of Moses (called the Pentateuch). However the Psalter was clearly thought of only as a whole book, with an introduction (Psalm 1 and 2) and a conclusion (Psalm 146-149), ending with a doxology at Psalm 150. The whole Psalter highlights – “the Word of God” – as introduced in psalm 1 – “Blessed is the man – whose delight is in the law of the Lord” – (v.1 and 2) – it also ends with a confession and prayer – “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands” – (Ps150:176). Some extracts from the Psalter, which are familiar to us, are brought out. In the Book of Acts, we read how the apostles quoted verses from Psalm 2 - Peter and John, after release from the jail by the Sanhedrin, prayed along with the believers – (Acts 4:25)

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“Why do the nation’s rage and the people plot in vain? – and the rulers gather together against the Lord” – (Psalm 2: 1 and 2).

The word “Selah” is found in 39 Psalms. There are abundant suggestions to its meaning - but honesty must confess ignorance. Most likely, it is liturgical notation or calls for a brief musical interlude.

After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Temple, Jesus healed the blind and lame. When the children shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David” – Jesus explained and quoted Psalm 8:2 – “from the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise”- by way of explaining to the chief priests, who were indignant and jealous (Mat 21:14-16).

Psalms 22, 23 and 24 are well known as a package indicating the three “C”s – (the cross, the crook and the crown “of Jesus Christ). The “cross” references to the N.T are interesting.

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – (Ps 22:1) is repeated by Jesus at the ninth hour on the “cross”, as “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” - In a mixture of Aramaic and Hebrew, translated by Mathew at 27:46 of his gospel, for our understanding.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” (Ps 23:1). The Lord Jesus Himself proclaims – “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11), as such we have a joyful trust in Him with a “crook” to lead and protect us.

“Who is He, this King of glory? – the Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory” – (Ps 24:10). This relates to Jesus Christ, the “crowned” King Almighty – the church uses this psalm to celebrate Jesus’ ascension into heaven as King.

The Psalmist presents a praise offering to the Lord – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be

pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” – (Ps19:14) – which is also recited before sermons.

“This is the day the Lord has made – we will rejoice and be glad in it” – (Ps118:24) – recited at start of church service.

Psalm 119 is the golden ABC of the Word of God. Almost every one of the 176 verses speak of the Lord’s word, commands, precepts, promises etc, brought out in 22 sections, with 8 verses in each section. The author (unknown), an Israelite of exemplary piety, has written this devotional psalm on the Word of God.

“Praise the Lord – Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. – His love endures forever” – A conventional liturgical call to praise is repeated, verbatim, in Ps106:1, 107:1, 118:1,29,136:1)

“By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept, when we remembered Zion……..” – These nine imprecatory verses of Psalm 137, is

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from one who has returned from Babylon with bitter memory of the cruel events during years of enforced stay there during their exile.

Psalm 139 praises God for His omnipotence (all powerful), omniscience (all knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere) nature.

“The Lord says to my Lord” – “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” – (Ps110:1) Paul applies this verse to Jesus Christ aptly – (Heb10:12-13, 1Co15:25, Eph1:22).

We use Psalms extensively in our worship services.

Psalm 95 is sung as – “Venite, Exultemus Domino” – Psalm 100 is sung as – “Jubilate Deo.

Other verses used are –

“For I know my transgressions: and my sin is always before me.”(51:3)

“Hide your face from my sin, and blot out all my iniquities”(51:9) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit – a broken and contrite

heart, O God, you will not despise.”(51:17) “ Do not bring your servant into judgment: For no one living is

righteous before you”- (143:2) “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”

(133:1) - this fits well with “MEN’S FELLOWSHIP”

These are only sample Psalms brought out for us to understand the book. There are plenty more to be read, to increase our faith and be blessed. There is great value in studying the psalms, as we derive the greatest benefits as we use them in our lives. The psalms lead us into a passionate praise and glorification of God, by singing (with stringed instruments).

“Do the psalms speak of Jesus Christ?” “Yes, in a variety of ways” Ref: Ps 2:7 – Mat 3:17, Ps 2:9 and Rev

2:27.

Read and be blessed. Let Jesus Christ be praised and glorified. Amen.

Manoharan Gnanaolivu

Convenor

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An excerpt ‘The Search for Grace: My father and My Father’ by Lee Stroble from his new book ‘The Case for Grace’ [God] waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain. — A. W. Tozer

It was the evening before my high school graduation, and my dad had caught me lying to him — big-time. Finally, he snapped his chair forward and shifted to look fully into my face, his eyes angry slits behind his glasses. He held up his left hand, waving his pinky like a taunt as he pounded each and every word: “I don’t have enough love for you to fill my little finger.” He paused as the words smoldered. He was probably expecting me to fight back, to defend myself, to blubber or apologize or give in — at least to react in some way. But all I could do was to glare at him, my face flushed. Then after a few tense moments he sighed deeply, reclined again in his chair, and resumed watching TV. That’s when I turned my back on my father and strode toward the door. I didn’t need him. I was brash, I was driven and ambitious — I would slice my way through the world without his help. After all, I was about to make almost a hundred dollars a week at a summer job as a reporter for a rural newspaper in Woodstock, Illinois, and live on my own at a boarding house. A plan formulated in my mind as I slammed the back door and began the trek toward the train station, lugging the duffel bag I had hurriedly packed. I would ask the newspaper to keep me on after the summer. Lots of reporters have succeeded without college, so why not me? Soon I’d make a name for myself. I’d impress the editors at the Chicago papers and eventually break into the big city. I’d ask my girlfriend to move in with me. I was determined to make it on my own — and never to go back home. Someday, there would be payback. The day would come when my father would unfold the Chicago Tribune and his eye would catch my byline on a front-page exclusive. That would show him. I was on a mission — and it was fueled by rage. But what I didn’t realize as I marched down the gravel shoulder of the highway on that sultry June evening was that I was actually launching a far different quest than what I had supposed. It was a journey that I couldn’t understand back then — and which would one day reshape my life in ways I never could have imagined. That day I embarked on a lifelong pursuit of grace.

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Grace withheld, grace extended See to it that no one misses the grace of God. — Hebrews 12:15 I always wondered: Would I cry when my father died? After the confrontation in which my dad declared he didn’t have enough love for me to fill his little finger, I stormed out of the house, determined never to return. I lived for two months in a small apartment nearly forty miles away as I worked as a reporter for a small daily newspaper. The publisher agreed to hire me beyond the summer. My future seemed set. I never heard from my father, but my mother kept urging me to return. She would call and write to tell me my dad certainly couldn’t have meant what he said. Finally, I did come home briefly, but my father and I never discussed the incident that prompted me to leave. I never broached it, and neither did he. We maintained a civil but distant relationship through the years. He paid for my college tuition, for which I never thanked him. He never wrote, visited, or came to my graduation. When I got married after my sophomore year at the University of Missouri, my parents hosted the reception, but my dad and I never had a heart-to-heart talk. Fresh from Missouri’s journalism school, I was hired as a general assignment reporter at the Chicago Tribune, later developing an interest in law. I took a leave of absence to study at Yale Law School, planning to return to the Tribune as legal editor. A few days before my graduation, I settled into a cubicle in the law school’s gothic library and unfolded the New York Times for a leisurely morning of reading. I was already prepared for my final exams and was getting excited about returning to Chicago. Then my friend Howard appeared. I folded the newspaper and greeted him; he stared at me as if he had something urgent to say but couldn’t find the right words. “What’s wrong?” I asked. He didn’t answer, but somehow I knew. “My father died, right?” He nodded, then led me to the privacy of a small alcove, where I sobbed inconsolably. Alone with my father Before my father’s wake began at the funeral parlor, I asked for the room to be cleared. I stood in front of the open casket for the longest time. A lifetime of thoughts tumbled through my mind. My emotions churned. There was nothing to say, and yet there was everything to say. So many times in my life, I had rationalized away my need to take responsibility for the role I had played in our relational breakdown. He’s the one who should be apologizing to me. Or pride got in my way. Why should I go crawling to him? Or sometimes I’d just put it off. I can always handle that later. Finally, after a long period of silence, I managed to whisper the words I desperately wished I had spoken so many years earlier: “I’m sorry, Dad.” Sorry for the ways I had rebelled against him, lied to him, and disrespected him over the years. Sorry for my ingratitude. Sorry for the

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bitterness and rancor I had allowed to poison my heart. For the first time, I admitted my own culpability in our relational strife. Then came my last words to my father: “I forgive you.” As best I could, I extended him grace — too late for our relationship, but in so many ways liberating and life-changing for me. Over time, I found that nothing heals like grace. Unexpected words Soon business associates, neighbors, golfing buddies, and others arrived at the wake to offer condolences to my mother and other family members. I sat by myself in a folding chair off to the side. I was dealing with deep and conflicted emotions and didn’t feel like interacting with anyone. One of my dad’s business associates walked over and sat down beside me. “Are you Lee?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” I said. We shook hands. “Well, it’s great to finally meet you after hearing so much about you,” he said. “Your dad could never stop talking about you. He was so proud of you and excited about what you’re doing. Every time you’d have an article in the Tribune, he’d clip it and show it to everyone. When you went off to Yale — well, he was bursting with pride. He was always showing us pictures of your kids. He couldn’t stop bragging about you. It’s good to finally put a face with the name because we heard your name a lot from your dad. ‘Lee’s doing this.’ ‘Lee’s doing that.’ ‘Did you see Lee’s article on the front page?’ But then, I suppose you knew all that.” My mind reeled as I tried to conceal my astonishment. I couldn’t help wondering what might have been different if those words had come to me directly from my dad. When I became a follower of Jesus several years later, I saw the stark contrast. Here, there was no concealing how my Father felt about me. In direct declarations, the Bible shouted over and over: God’s love for me is unrestrained and unconditional; His grace is lavish and unending. I am His workmanship and His pride, and He couldn’t stand the thought of spending eternity without me in His family. And as God’s grace utterly rocked my life — forgiving me, adopting me, and changing my life and my eternity — something else became clear: how tragic it would be to withhold the news of that grace from others. How could I revel in it myself but never pass it along to a world that is dying for it? As atheist Penn Jillette said, “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” As the apostle Paul asked, how can people believe in Christ if they have never heard about Him? “[God] dispenses His goodness not with an eyedropper but a fire hydrant. Your heart is a Dixie cup and His grace is the Mediterranean Sea. You simply can’t contain it all,” said Max Lucado. “So let it bubble over. Spill out. Pour forth. ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ ” Writing about my journey of grace in this book has only strengthened my resolve to emulate the apostle Paul. “What matters most to me,” Paul

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wrote, “is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” That is the joyful task of every follower of Jesus. Someday may it be written about me on my tombstone: He was so amazed by God’s grace that he couldn’t keep it to himself.

Courtesy: Zondervan

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BISHOP WILLIAM TAYLOR THE TRAVELLING MISSIONARY

Bishop William Taylor was an evangelist, author and missionary who served the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than half a century (1842-1896).

William Taylor was born on May 2, 1821 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Before William was ten, his Grandmother taught him the Lord's Prayer and explained that he could be a son of God. He longed for this relationship but did not know how to get it. Overhearing the story of a poor black man who had gotten salvation, he wondered why he could not himself. "But soon after, as I sat one night by the kitchen fire, the Spirit of the Lord came on me and I found myself suddenly weeping aloud and confessing my sins to God in detail, as I could recall them, and begged him for Jesus's sake to forgive them, with all I could not remember; and I found myself trusting in Jesus that it would all be so, and in a few minutes my heart was filled with peace and love, not the shadow of a doubt remaining" he wrote.

After his conversion, William backslid. Satan (as he later perceived) told him he was beyond forgiveness. For years he lived in dread and misery. But when, as a teen, he was restored to Christ, he was so joyful he had to tell others. It was the beginning of a long life of evangelization.

His greatest torment was to go up to perfect strangers and speak to them about their souls, but he did it until he learned better methods. One was to join the people at their work - log-rolling, maybe - win their confidence with his muscles and then invite the workers to hear him preach. Taylor was admitted to the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Church in 1843, and traveled for more than 50 years as a missionary evangelist. His first stops were in the American West, where he ministered in San Francisco and much of the rest of California to gold miners and frontiersmen. Reaching out far and wide… William rode circuits in Virginia and Maryland. In 1849 he accepted an appointment to California, with Annie Kimberlie, his wife, and their two children. For a fortnight they lived in the open air before taken in. William cut trees and built a home. He ministered to California's gamblers, gold-diggers and sick. Annie was four and a half years younger than her husband, but looked younger still. People mistook them for father and daughter. Although deeply in love, they were often separated for years while he led revival meetings and mission work around the world. He reasoned with himself that if whalers could leave their families for three years to gather blubber, should he be willing to do less for the greater treasure of souls?

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William Taylor's labors took him to every continent; he preached in Canada, Australia, Africa, India, Britain and South America. Wherever he went, hundreds turned to Christ.

He was the first American missionary bishop to Africa (1884-1896), a position for which he refused the accompanying $3,000 stipend.

William Taylor urged that missions be self-supporting. By his hard work, he showed how they might. Taylor died in Palo Alto, California, in 1902, after a lifetime dedicated to the Lord's work. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, California, overlooking San Francisco Bay.

Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, is named after him.

Source: The Internet

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I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY

Horatius Bonar (1808 – 1889) loved to doodle as he wrote his hymns. On the sheet where this hymn first took shape, the lines are abbreviated, edited and added to, and several doodles are scratched in the margins. Many of Bonar’s ideas came to him during long country walks in his native Scotland, and he often fleshed out his ideas while riding a train. All told,

Bonar wrote more than 600 hymns and became known as `the Prince of Scottish hymnwriters’. Bonar began writing hymns for the children in his church. As a student assistant in the church, he had become close with the Sunday school pupils and began writing hymns that they could sing to popular melodies. When Bonar wrote this hymn, he intended it for children, but adults soon appreciated its message as well. The invitation of Christ to `come’ is simple enough for a child and profound enough for an adult to respond to. But after we accept that invitation, it takes a lifetime to probe the depths of what it means to come to Him, to drink the living water, and to walk in the Light. I heard the voice of Jesus say `Come unto Me and rest Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast’ I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad I found in Him a resting place and He has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say `Behold I freely give The Living water, thirsty one, stoop down and drink and live’ I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream My thirst was quenched, my soul revived and now I live in Him. I heard the voice of Jesus say `I am this dark world’s light Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise and all thy day be bright’ I looked to Jesus and I found in Him, my Star, my Sun And in that light of life I’ll walk till travelling days are done.

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ROBERT RAIKES AND HOW WE GOT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Robert knelt beside his father's grave after the funeral. Where would he go now? What would he do with his life? He'd always worked beside

his father in the printing shop. But now those days were gone forever. He mopped his teary face with a handkerchief and stood to his feet. Leaving the graveyard, Robert walked toward the printing shop that now belonged to him. He and his father had spent the last several years there, working on Gloucester, England's newspaper, the Gloucester Journal. Robert opened the creaky front door of the shop and slowly walked inside. The familiar smell of ink and machinery greeted him. Robert picked up the last copy of the Gloucester Journal published by his father that year, in 1757. "I'll make you proud, Father," he said aloud. "With God's help, I'll keep your Gloucester Journal alive." The days passed and Robert worked hard. He made the newspaper larger, improved its layout, and hired new writers. Soon even more people wanted to read the Gloucester Journal! On his days off, Robert often visited prisoners in Gloucester. There he found the castoffs of society living in the most appalling circumstances. Most of them were sick or even dying from overwork. They lived in crowded, filthy spaces with almost no food. Even children were sometimes imprisoned along with the worst criminals. Robert felt sad to see these sick and starving prisoners. But what could one person do to ease the pain of so many? He decided to write about the terrible prisons in his newspaper. The white slaves of England One evening he walked down St. Catherine's Street to look for his gardener. Suddenly, he saw a group of ragged children. They looked just as poor and overworked as the prisoners he visited. A little boy in a tattered blue shirt swore as he tackled another boy half his size. "Git your hands offa me!" the little boy yelled as the two of them wrestled on the cobblestones. Soon a crowd of children gathered around, noisily cheering. "Hey, stop fighting!" Robert shouted at them as he pulled the two boys apart. "Go home, all of you." As the children walked away, Robert asked the gardener's wife, "Who are these children?" "Ah, pay no mind to them," she answered. "Everyone calls them the white slaves of England."

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"Slaves?" asked Robert. "They work 12 hours a day or longer in the mills and sweatshops," the woman answered. "Most of their parents are in prison or dead." Robert cringed. He knew that if his father had died when he was little, he could have been one of these poor children. "When do they go to school?" he asked. "School? They don't go to school. They have to work to live." she answered. And Sundays are the worst. It's their only day off and they run around like wild animals!" Sunday schools started Robert knew that the future was grim for these children who had to work all the time with no hope of an education. Worse yet, with no one to teach them the good news of the Gospel or how to live God's way, they were likely to end up cold, sick and starving in the dreadful prisons. An idea began to form in Robert's mind which he shared with his friend, Reverend Thomas Stock. "Let's start a Sunday school!" said Robert. "School on Sunday?" asked Thomas. "Yes, school on Sunday!" answered Robert. "We'll teach them to read and write part of the day and teach them the Bible for the rest of the day." "It's a great idea!" said Thomas. Robert waited expectantly the first Sunday for the children to come to the new school, but only a few came. "Marcy, why don't more of the children come to Sunday school?" he asked the little red-haired girl with freckles. Marcy looked down. "Cuz our clothes ain't no good," she answered. "Now I understand," answered Robert. "Well, you tell your friends that all they need is a clean face and combed hair, okay, Marcy?" Marcy smiled. "You're nice." Robert squatted down beside her. "I'll tell you what, Marcy, I think you're nice, too. Here's a penny for coming to class today. If you work very hard and learn your lessons, you'll get a special reward." "Really?" asked Marcy, her sparkling eyes fixed on the candy Robert held in his hand. "I'll do my very best!" Sunday schools stop crime It didn't take long until Robert Raikes and Reverend Thomas Stock had 100 children ages 6 to 14 attending their Sunday schools. Even though the children were taught only one day a week, their behavior began to improve. Now they had something to look forward to after working so hard every day. The policemen of the city told Robert that the children weren't stealing and fighting like before.

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Robert waited three years to see if his Sunday schools were a success. Then he printed a story about the new Sunday schools. Soon, about 4,000 new Sunday schools were started in towns all over England. Robert even used his printing press to publish reading books, spelling books, Bible study books, and copies of the Scriptures for the Sunday schools. The world marches on One Sunday, Thomas and Robert walked up the street to the Sunday school building. Thomas said, "Robert, your father would be proud of what you've done with his newspaper. He'd be proud of your Sunday schools, too, although you know--everyone is calling you 'Bobby Wild Goose and his ragged regiment.'" Robert laughed. "I've been called worse names than 'Wild Goose,' I think," he answered. Robert looked around at the hundreds of children now attending his Sunday school and his face grew quite serious. "Thomas, my father died and his father before him died. One day we will grow old and die, too. But the world won't die with us. The world marches forth on the feet of little children." Thomas patted his friend on the back. "So it does, Robert. So it does."

Courtesy: www.christianity.com

So he [Elisha] answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” II Kings 6:16 See the Lord and His army on your side

Imagine waking up one morning, going to the window and being greeted by the sight of a massive army. Hundreds of well-armed soldiers with their horses and chariots have surrounded you, and they’re there to take you down! What would you do? In the Old Testament, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was consumed by such a frightening vision one early morning. Naturally, he panicked...until the Lord opened his spiritual eyes to see that the Lord’s army was present with them—in far larger numbers than their physically visible enemies! My friend, never see yourself alone in your struggles or challenges. Don’t go by what you can only see, feel or hear with your natural senses. See with eyes of faith how the Lord and His angels, horses and chariots of fire are right with you to protect, provide for and deliver you! And if God is for you, how can you not emerge successful from every trial?

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BIBLE QUIZ FOR ALL The quiz is open to participants of all ages. Answers should be given by the 20th of every month. Late entries will not be considered. Answers should be mailed to sheebs@hotmail.com or given to Mrs. Sheeba Roshan in person. Names of participants with score will be mentioned in the next issue. Winners will be awarded at the end of the year. QUIZ 10 Portion: The book of Joshua

Mention the significance of these numbers: 1. 2000 – 2. 40 –

Who are these people:

3. Boer – 4. Piran – 5. Othniel –

What is the significance of these places:

6. Gilgal – 7. Hazor –

Who said to whom:

8. “Do not abandon your servants”. 9. “Do me a special favour”. 10. “Was not the sin of Peor enough for us”.

Answers to Quiz 10:

1. Witness (Deu 19:15) 2. Capital offense (Deu 21:22) 3. Moses climbed Mount Nebo from plains of Moab to the top of Pigsah, across from Jericho. (Deu 34:1) 4. Cloak (given as pledge) (Deu 24:13) 5. Parapet (Deu 22:8) 6. Stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother (Deu 21:18,19) 7. Must not cut down trees that bear fruit. (Deu 20:19) 8. Foreigner (Deu 23:20) 9. Poison (Deu 32:32) 10. Basket (containing first fruits of the produce from soil of land given by the Lord). (Deu 26:2-4)

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Points tally after Quiz 10:

Oct 2016 Aggregate

1 Adelene Mercy - 70

2 Andrew Melvin - 69

3 Aria Anna 10 78

4 Diya Rajiv 10 100

5 Felicia Williams 10 48

6 Jadon Dhyriam 10 99

7 Jason Travis Daniel 10 100

8 Jasweena Paul 10 100

9 Jeremy Roopsingh 10 99

10 Jessica Moses - 57

11 Latha Chittaranjan 10 89

12 Natasha Jacob - 20

13 Rachel J - 29

14 Santosh Dhyriam 10 99

15 Sharon J. - 28

16 Shreya Dhyriam 10 99

17 Sneha Rachel 10 100

18 Tasha Grace 10 99

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We welcome your original contributions to the EanMe in the form of articles, poems, Protestant church pictures for the cover, or information relevant to the season. Please send your entries by hard/soft copy to reach the STEC church office stthomasenglishchur@bsnl.in or fabiolaj@gmail.com by the 20th of every month.

You can read the current issue of EanMe online at http://www.santhomeenglishchurch.org/. A few earlier issues have been archived on `CSI St. Thomas English Church’ facebook page. Contributions are also invited for the Sunday bulletin. If you have any interesting information to share in the form of anecdotes, short stories etc. (around 100 words) relevant to the Sunday theme, please mail it to Kavita Edward: sandeekov@gmail.com We are on Social Media! ‘Like’ our Church page on Facebook to stay updated https://www.facebook.com/StThomasEnglishChurch ‘Follow’@CSI_STEC on Twitter Join our Church group on Facebook to connect with each other and share / view pictures of church events https://www.facebook.com/CSI St. Thomas English Church, Santhome

Travelling on work? Don’t forget to click a picture! If you happen to visit or see a beautiful, historic Protestant church that you think should be on our EanMe cover, please click a hi-res picture and e-mail it, along with a short note about the Church, to fabiolaj@gmail.com

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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMMES

Sunday School : English: Sunday – 8:15 am

Tamil: Sunday - 4 pm

Tweens Fellowship : Sunday - 4:30 pm

Medical Centre : Monday, Wednesday & Friday – 4.30 to 6 pm

Women’s Fellowship : I and III Saturday - 5:00 pm

Men’s Fellowship : II and IV Saturday - 6:30 pm

Adults’ Fellowship : Sunday - 5:00 pm

Hospital visit : II Sunday - 10:30 am

PASTORATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr. Bright Joseph Mr. Ajit Stanley Moses Mr. Daniel Manickam Inbaraj Mr. Ranjan Selvakumar Mr. Roshan Soundarapandian Mr. Gerald Joshua Divyaprabu Mrs. Caroline Roopsingh Mrs. Samantha Daniel Mrs. Ramona Crownie Deva Anand Mrs. Diana Prasathini Arjun

The Rt. Rev. Dr. J. George Stephen

Bishop in Madras

Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Jebakumar Presbyter-in-charge

Mr. Milton Sigamoney Mr. Ajit Stanley Moses

Lay Readers

Mr. Benjamin Hastings Secretary

Mrs. Gemina Martin Treasurer

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WORSHIP SERVICES – PLAN FOR NOVEMBER 2016 Date and

Time Day Services and Preacher Theme Stewards for Bible reading

and Offertory

6.11.2016 7:30 am

6:00 pm

Twenty fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Sung Eucharist: Celebrant: Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Evensong: Message: Mr. Milton Sigamoney

Life after death

Isaiah 25: 6 - 9 Psalm 118: 14, 15, 17 - 21 II Corinthians 5: 1 - 10 St. John 11: 21 - 27 Mr. & Mrs. Pradeep Kumar Daniel

13.11.2016 7:00 am

8:15 am

6:00 pm

Twenty sixth Sunday after Pentecost Children’s Sunday

Holy Eucharist: Celebrant: Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Matins: Mrs. Grace Rathnam Holy Eucharist: Celebrant: Mrs. Lilian Richard

Children in the church

I Samuel 3: 1 - 21 Psalm 119: 97 - 104 Ephesians 6: 1 - 4 St. Mark 10: 13 - 16 Sunday School children

20.11.2016 7:30 am

6:00 pm

Sunday before Advent Healing Sunday

Sung Eucharist: Celebrant: Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Evensong: Sermon: Mr. Ajit Stanley Moses

Healing

Ecclesiastes 8: 1 - 9 Psalm 45: 1 - 7 Colossians 4: 10 - 15 St. Luke 4: 38 - 44 Doctors

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27.11.2016 7:30 am

6:00 pm

Fourth Sunday before Christmas First Sunday in Advent

Sung Eucharist: Celebrant: Rev. D. Richard Ambrose Evensong: Sermon: Mr. Milton Sigamoney

The gospel of the kingdom

Isaiah 5: 8 - 12 Psalm 68: 11 - 20 Philippians 1: 12 - 26 St. Matthew 4: 12 - 17 Mr. & Mrs. Praveen Rajkumar