St. Andrew’s Church“EQUIPPING CONGREGATION IN GODS MISSION”

From the Presbyter’s Desk

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Christmas is a time to remember the love, sacrifice, and ultimate expression of God's love in the birth of Jesus. Birth of Christ here on earth was the revelation of God's love towards humankind inspite of the sinful nature of us humans; this was the expression of His mercy and faithfulness in sending His only Son to live among us.

Christmas is also a time we remember the coming together of the wise men and the shepherds, which indicates the breaking of the barriers of status. It is a time to celebrate the coming of Christ the Messiah, the Creator, yet, born on this earth for us as mere human, to share our pain and experience our suffering, and journey with us. This is a time of joy and celebration of the Lord with us - Emmanuel - God's continuous presence in our journey. This is also a reminder for us to think and relate to the underprivileged and the marginalised, the migrants, and the homeless.

Christmas is a time of home-coming, a time to break all barriers and build broken relationships, for Christ came down to bring in reconciliation between us and God. The birth of Christ is a point of reconciliation not only between us and God, but also between us humans.

So, may this Christmas be meaningful to each of us as we share our blessing with the lesser privileged and realise the presence of Christ in our faith and work, and while we with the strength of Christ, break down our ego and build relationships.

Wish you and your family a blessed Christ-centred Christmas.

Rev. Sanjay Samuel AyerPresbyter-in-charge

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Editorial

CELEBRATING GOD'S LOVE The year 2013 has been a very challenging one making us and every fellowship group very busy with the launch of the Sesquicentennary Celebration of our Church. Despite the challenges, we thank God for all His goodness to us. Friends, we lift our hearts in praise and gratitude for His abundant mercy and blessing bestowed upon us through the years gone by.

As we once again prepare ourselves to celebrate the season of Christmas, I would like to emphasize that we do not forget the basic message that it is a season that primarily conveys a message of LOVE and PEACE to the whole universe; that we share the message of togetherness, fellowship and goodwill among us; that we sustain and endure these qualities not only this festive season but throughout the years to come. Christmas time is the period during which we celebrate God's love revealed to the world through Christ. It is our sincere wish and appeal that during this season, while we proclaim the message of goodwill and hope, that we heed Jesus' call to love one another. Let us in a real and practical manner, live our lives as disciples of Jesus. Indeed, these are the lasting legacies of the birth of the Christ-child we cherish and follow. Let us not get too busy in our daily life and forget to give a word of encouragement to someone with a broken spirit, a neighbour in need, a relative or a friend going through a difficult time. Let us give up ourselves, not as an obligation, but as a desire and commitment to Jesus.

As we celebrate this Christmas Season, may our prayer be: 'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me', so that we can function as the fulcrum of peace to others wherever God has placed us.

'May God grant us the light of Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is Love;

the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;

the belief of Christmas, which is truth, the all of Christmas, which is Christ'.

May God grant us and our families Peace, Love, Happiness and Prosperity, to enjoy a Blessed Christmas this festive season.

Stanley R. ChellappaEditor

Sesquicentennary Celebrations started with the inauguration of the LOGO during St. Andrew’s Day Worship Service on the 24th of November 2013. Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer and Rev. Dr. David Joy unveiled the LOGO followed by a prayer seeking God’s blessings on the Church in its plans for the celebrations through the

EQUIPPING CONGREGATION IN GODS MISSION

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,For His steadfast love endures for ever.O give thanks to the God of gods For His steadfast love endures for ever.

Psalms 136: 1- 4

Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives immense joy to all of us, even as we are at the threshold of

celebrating 150 years of our Church: a singular honour and blessing to each and every member of St. Andrew's family, having been in the Church at various

occasions of one's life: in worshipping, in baptizing, in marrying, at the time of losing one's loved ones and at times of struggles and challenges.

We are fortunate to be worshipping during the Sesquicentennary year at St. Andrew's, founded 150 years ago by men and women from Scotland responding to the Call of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to bequeath us, this, our beautiful

St. Andrew's Church.

Beginning from this year's Andrew's Day, we will be celebrating our Sesquicentennary throughout the year with the theme: ‘Equipping Congregation

in God's Mission'

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150 years is a milestone in the history of St. Andrew's and celebrations should necessarily befit the occasion. Our Pastorate Committee has constituted Sesquicentennary Celebrations Committee and related sub-committees to facilitate the event. The approach to celebrations is two-fold: (1) Church Beautification: (Landscaping, Lighting), Church Planting (outreach initiative), Church Library...(2) Events involving all the wings of the Church reflecting the celebratory theme.

Calendar of projects & events (proposed):

Campus Beautification, Landscaping, Lighting

Logo & Theme

Church Planting Christmas Eve, Gala Night, Front Porch Concert

Church Library Revisiting history - Scottish Period music and formations

Young Mothers and Babies Corner Celebration of Marriages (A service of music and prayers for all

married couples)

Youth Fellowship Place Professional Meet and interaction/Medical Camps

Website Thanksgiving Service, Civil Service

150 yr Souvenir Concert - Invitee Choir

150 yr Coffee Table Book Parish Picnic

150 yr Church Cook Book Arpith with 150 yrs Theme

150 yr Anniversary Exhibition Flower festival with 150 yrs Theme

Connecting with Andrews Beyond

Border Invitation to various Churches and clubs to participate

150 yr Memorabilia Valedictory Thanksgiving

150 yr Stamp/ First Day Cover Awards, Prizes, Recognition and Valedictory Parade

Area-Wise Prayer Groups Dedication Week - Special Speaker

Participation and Resources:We earnestly appeal to all our members to participate in the events and share the joy and blessing. Success of events solely depend on your enthusiastic participation. Please remember the needs of the events and projects in your prayers.

Franklyn James and David Soans.Conveners, Sesquicentennary Celebrations Committee

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were those who dream.Then our mouth was filled with shouts joy; then they said among nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad"

Psalms 126: 1 - 3

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Sesquicentenary Celebrations Committee:

Chairperson: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer

Mr. Prathap Athma DassMr. G. E. Rupert SamuelMr. Egbert DevadattaMr. E. JaniferMr. Jervis DeuelMr. Godfrey AiyadoraiMr. Stephen Pradeep KotianMr. Petit KumarMr. R. Richardson AsirMr. M. Jeeva PeterMr. Reginald LazarusMr. Billy GrahamDr. J. Flemingson LazarusMr. Franklyn Edwin

Mr. L. A. Watsa (Secretary)Mr. Neil Anchan (Treasurer)Mr. Stanley R. Chellappa Mr. Eric Paul Mr. Erashmus SumithraMr. Heinzsten Raj Peter Mr. Joshi Mark PremnathMrs. Connie GilbertMrs. Rebecca M. RajeevaMiss. Alexandrina NamrathaMrs. Sushma SadanandaMr. Samuel I MacwanaMr. John Susheel

Mr. Sebastian JohnDr. R. M. O. GemsonMr. H .F. S. KnightDr. Helen P. SamuelMrs. Jessie ShiriMrs. Vandana MabenMr. B. D. SumitraMr. R. M. PalannaMr. S. J .WatsonMs. Vinisha HalliMr. Brian RajeevaCdr. James KumarMr. Andrew BhagyanathanDr. Paul SalinsMrs. Daisy RichardMr. Elish Nischal

Sub-Committees:

Church Beautification:David Soans, Henry F. S. Knight,Dr. R. M. O. Gemson, Richardson Asir, Egbert

Devadatta, S. J. Watson, M. Jeeva Peter, V. Meialagan, Erashmus Sumithra, Eric Paul, Vinisha Halli, A. C. Heri, Franklyn Edwin, L. A. Watsa, Neil Anchan, Joshi

Mark Premnath, Franklyn James, Dr. Helen P. Samuel

Church Planting:G. E. Rupert Samuel, L. A. Watsa, Franklyn Edwin, B. D. Sumitra, R. M. Palanna,

Joshua Williams Mathias, D. Jeevaraj Ebenezer, Neil Anchan, David Soans, Franklyn James

Prayer Group:Rupert Samuel,Leela Bangera, John Vasumithra, Prema Edward, Rose

Devadatta, Joyce Watson, Leah Rangayya, Vandana Maben, Asha Franklyn, Billy Graham, Robinson Rangayya, E. Janifer, Janet Abraham, Paul Abraham

Christmas Eve: Revisiting history - Scottish Period music and formations:

Cdr. James Kumar, Daisy Richard, Rebecca Sunder, Alexandrina Namratha, Elish Nischal, Jervis Deuel, Joshi Mark Premnath,

Franklyn James, L. A. Watsa

Communications:Stanley R. Chellappa, John Vincent, Stephen Pradeep Kotian, Joshi Mark

Premnath, Franklyn James, Neil Anchan

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150 year Fund Raising:David Soans, John Sebastian, B. Silver, S. R. Watson, J. K. Heri, Jessi Shiri, Premkumar, Dr. J. Flemingson Lazarus, L. A. Watsa, Neil Anchan, Franklyn

James, Paul David

150 year Memorabilia:Petit Kumar, Cdr. James Kumar, Joshi Mark Premnath, Rebecca Sunder, Rose

Walters, Alexandrina Namratha, Neil Anchan, Franklyn James

150 year Cook Book:Connie Gilbert, Lily Heri, Evelyn Sumana, Joyce Maben, Pramila Janifer, Daisy

Richard, Bala George, Dr. Kamala Gemson

150 year Music and Concerts:Andrew Bhagyanathan, Daya Soans, Prathap Aathma Dass, Ezekiel Kanavalli,

Heinzstein Peter, Samuel Anandakumar, Godfrey Aiyadorai, Connie Gilbert

150 year Coffee Table Book:John Vincent, Stanley Chellappa, Dr. Helen P. Samuel, Joshi Mark Premnath,

Franklyn James, Stephen Pradeep Kotian, Lemuel Herbert, Dr. Paul Salins, David Soans, Vinisha Halli, Cdr. James Kumar

150 year Souvenir:John Susheel, Vijay Palanna, Paul Abraham, Reginald Lazarus, Jessi Shiri, Daisy

Richard, Austin Jaya Kiran, Anand Panchikal, Brian Rajeeva, Richardson Asir, Jervis Deuel, Alexandrina Namratha, Elish Nischal, Stephen Pradeep Kotian, Sam

Macwana, Sushma Sadananda, Cdr. James Kumar, Neil Anchan, David Soans, Franklyn James

150 year Stamp/First day Cover/Church Library:John Vincent, Stanley Chellappa, Dr. J. Flemingson Lazarus, Joshi Mark

Premnath,Neil Anchan, Stephen Pradeep Kotian, David Soans, Franklyn James

K a n n a d a C h o i r o f t h e C h u r c h ‘Stuthi@StAndrews’ released their 3rd DVD ‘Devariga Meesalaada’ on St. Andrew’s Day during the Worship Service.

DVD’s would be available after the Sunday Worship Service.

For further details kindly contact: Tele. 9243422377, 9845239261Or the Church Office.

Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer and Rev. Dr. David Joy released the DVD to mark the beginning of the Sesquicentenial activities.

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Mr. E. JaniferMrs. Hana Rathnavathy Mrs. Jessie ShiriMrs. Lilly Chandra PaulMrs. Lilly E. ShuddhappaMrs. Maureen OjhaMr. Noel Heldt

On the occasion of St. Andrew’s day, Senior Members who celebrated their 70th Birthday this year were honored with a Shawl by the Presbyter.

Below are the names of the Honored Members.

Dr. R. Moses GemsonMr. S. Vijaya Kumar Mrs. Sarojini Manonmani NoronhaMrs. Sheila VincentMrs. Viola V. NoronhaMrs. Christabel Devadana Bangera

Photographs of members who were present during the event.

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Event conducted by the Youth fellowship for the Congregation

With festive fervour and sportive spirits, the congregation members of St. Andrew's Church gathered to witness and participate in Athrylith 2013. A host of people rose to the occasion showcasing their skills and putting their best efforts to emerge as champions regardless of whether they secured a reward. In the true name of Fellowship, all the 100 plus participants took part in events such as Golf, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Cooking without fire, Eat Your Heart Out, among other sports. Looking forward to more Athryliths to come…

ATHRYLITH 2013

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ADULT BAPTISM

Happenings during the month of November 2013

Sharon Joanna IsaacD/o Fredric Isaac Rajkumar & Mrs. Vinitha Isaac

on 10th Nov 2013

Priyanka Rachel ArthurD/o Arther F. M. Kumar & Mrs. Kavitha Arther K

on 10th Nov 2013

Miss. Roshna Sebastianon 17thNovember 2013

INFANT BAPTISM

NEW MEMBERSMr. Mithun George John

Miss. Roshna Sebastian

Miss. Sonali Ila Ekka

Mr. Abhishek Kumar

Mr. Ravindra Kumar Bantu & Fly

Mr. Stanley S Karodi & Fly

Mr. W. Suresh & Fly

Mr. Glen Souza & Fly

7th December 2013 4:30 PM

21st december 2013 4:30 PM

Every Sunday after theWorship Service

11:30 AM

Every Saturday 4:00 PM

Bible Study for the month:Theme: Characters of the Bible

Sunday School is conducted during Kannada and English Worship Services.

Kindly note: Women's Fellowship organises Breakfast Sale every 1st Sunday after the Worship Service. Your Donations / Sponsorship always welcome

Sunday School

Praise and Worship Practice

We would like to encourage Parents to send their Children to the Sunday School and the Youth Fellowship.

Other activities include, leading the "Praise and Worship" during the English Morning Worship Services.Conducting Sunday Evening Worship Service every 4th Sunday of the Month.

Youth Fellowship

Wings of the Church and their ActivitiesWomen's Fellowship

Bible Study(1st Saturday of every month)

House Visits and Visit to Old Age Homes(3rd Saturday of every month)

We invite Ladies of our Congregation to join the Fellowship.

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Preacher: Rev. Vincent Rajkumar Joint Worship Service

Old Testament Genesis 18: 01 - 15 Mrs. Connie Gilbert

Epistle Philippians 02: 05 – 11 Mr. Joshi Mark Premnath

Gospel St. Luke 02: 01 – 14 Mr. John Vincent (K)

Preacher: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer Joint Worship Service

Old Testament Isaiah 09: 01 - 07 Mr. Franklyn James

Epistle Hebrews 01: 01 – 12 Miss. Alexandrina Namrata

Gospel St. Luke 02: 15 – 20 Mr. Eric Paul (K)

Preacher: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer Kannada 8:15 AM

Preacher: Rev. Arun Andrews English

Old Testament Joshua 24: 01 - 17 Dr. Pauline Flemingson

Epistle I John 02: 07 – 17 Mrs. Hannah Dorairaj

Gospel St. Matthew 12: 46 – 50Mr. Samuel Anand Rao

Mrs. Chandrakanthi Bangera (K)

*Evening Service 6:15 PM

Preacher: Rev. Allan PallanaCelebrants: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer &

Rev. Allan Pallana

Joint Worship Service (Holy Communion Service)

Old Testament Numbers 06: 22 - 26 Ms. Risha Mathias

Epistle I Peter 05: 10 – 11 Mr. Jervis Deuel

Gospel St. Luke 24: 28 – 30 Mrs. Usha Somashekar (K)

Preacher: Rev. Allan PallanaCelebrants: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer &

Rev. Allan Pallana

Joint Worship Service

*(Holy Communion Service)11:15 PM

Preacher: Rev. Sanjay Samuel AyerCelebrants: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer &

Rev. Allan Pallana

Joint Worship Service

*(Holy Communion Service)

Old Testament Genesis 12: 01 - 09 Mr.Suhas Kumar

Epistle Colossians 02: 06 - 15 Mrs. Daisy Richards

Gospel St. Mathew 11: 25 - 30 Mrs. Vandana Maben (K)

Theme: Affection and Togetherness in the FamilyFirst Sunday after Christmas

Family Sunday

9:30 AM

Preacher: Mr. John Sudhir Wilson

25th December 2013

(Wednesday)

Christmas

Theme: Rejoice and Worship the Prince of Peace

Christmas

9:00 AM

*31st December 2013(Tuesday)

Year Ending Worship

Theme: The Lord is our Rock and Shelter

Year Ending Worship Service

6:15 PM

24th December 2013

(Tuesday)

Christmas Eve

Theme: Humility: Self - Emptying of Christ

Christmas Eve Front Porch Concert

6:30 PM

29th December 2013

5th Sunday

*1st January 2014(Wednesday)

New Year

Theme: A New Relationship: Day of the Covenant

9:00 AM

*31st December 2013(Tuesday)

Year Ending Worship

Watch Night Service

Calendar for the Month of December 2013

Readers note: Please keep the Church Office informed in advance about your inability to be present as scheduled.

Calendar is continued in the inner last page....

Preacher: Rev. Sanjay Samuel AyerCelebrant: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer

Joint Worship Service*(Holy Communion Service)

Old Testament Isaiah 05: 08 - 16 Mrs. Rebecca Monisha Sunder

Epistle Philippians 01: 12 - 26 Mr. Heinzsten Raj Peter

Gospel Matthew 04: 12 - 17 Mrs. Susan Leelavathi Bangera (K)

Evening Service 6:15 PM

Preacher: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer Kannada 8:15 AM

Preacher: Rev. Benjamin Solomon English

Old Testament Deuteronony 18: 09 – 22 Mr. Jeevaraj EbenezerEpistle I Peter 01: 10 – 12 Miss. Rashmi Ranjitha

Gospel St. John 01: 14 - 34Dr. Anitha Kanavalli

Mr. Chetan A. Kumar (K)

Evening Service 6:15 PM

Preacher: Rev. Solomon Paul& Celebrants: Rev. Sanjay Samuel Ayer

& Rev. Solomon Paul

Kannada*(Holy Communion Service)

8:15 AM

Preacher: Rev. Solomon Paul English

Old Testament Isaiah 11: 01 - 09 Mrs. Rosebel Prabhakar

Epistle Romans 01: 01 – 07 Mr. G. D. Mohanraj Aiyadurai

Gospel St. Matthew 15: 21 – 28Mrs. Doreen Soans

Mrs. Nirmala Pallat (K)

*Evening Service 5.00 PM

Preacher: Rev. Karnakaran Kannada 8:15 AM

Preacher: Rev. Christy Gnanadas English

Old Testament Micah 04: 01 - 05 Miss. Merline Rao

Epistle 1 John 04: 07 - 21 Mrs. Jessie Shiri

Gospel St. John 04: 21 - 37Mr. Timothy Franklyn

Mrs. Yvonne Kotian (K)

*Evening Service 6:15 PM

Preacher: Mr. John Vasumithra

9:30 AM

Preacher: Mr. B.S. Kumar

9:00 AM

Theme: The Gospel of the KingdomFourth Sunday before Christmas - First Sunday in Advent

Advent Sunday*1st December 2013

1st Sunday

Youth Worship Service

9:30 AM

Calendar for the Month of December 2013

Theme: The Lord among us: Realized KingdomSecond Sunday before Christmas - Third Sunday in Advent

Choir Sunday

Theme: The Word of God: Hope for the WorldThird Sunday before Christmas - Second Sunday in Advent

Bible Sunday08th December2013

2nd Sunday

22nd December 2013

4th Sunday

Theme: Joy of Christ’s comingFirst Sunday before Christmas - Fourth Sunday in Advent

Women's Christmas

Sunday School Christmas

9:30 AM

*15th December 2013

3rd Sunday