Pastoral Note Dated September 01, 2019

Title: Towards a Sustainable and holistic development of the Church

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Loving Greetings to you in the matchless Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Its indeed a great privilege to converse with you through this e-note. There have been definite signs of God’s continuing presence and guidance to our congregation as we move on to the new arena of experiencing pastoral care and ministry. At this juncture, I would like to look back and thank God for the graceful years that have conceded. Join you in acknowledging God’s manifold blessings that we experienced hitherto.

St. Mathews, Ashburton upholds a great legacy of being hospitable and adaptable to diverse Christian traditions and denominations. The present life of the Church is an integration of two different congregational entities. The Anglican Church of Australia and the Church of South India.  The try for amalgamation of these differences made St. Mathews to embrace the pastoral ministry, the  faith and practice of  the CSI While maintaining, their distinct traditional, cultural and spiritual and liturgical practices.

 As years pass by this coincided congregational and ministerial model remains successful and promising witness to the community around and perhaps the only and exceptional model in the Anglican Diocese Of Melbourne. The MoU between the two congregations served as an impetus to maintain this unity and integrity of this multi-cultural setting. This MoU is open to be revised and re designed according to the need of the hour. This model upholds the crux of Jesus’ high priestly prayer anticipating the unification of all believers in Jesus Christ.

As we move on, the church needs to prioritise the schematic outline for the coming year.

1. God consciousness, faith and piety to be reignited

The Postmodern generation seeks realities and strives to logically pursue things and beliefs that can be comprehended. Their cognisance generally trusts in the goodness of the people. Religious and spiritual things are seen archaic. There has been a total change in the concept of truth.  In the previous generation, we were trained to discover truth. But in post-modernism there is no objective truth. And truth is not to be discovered; truth is to be created. For our children today, whatever they think is real is the truth. Young people also exclaim, don’t impose your values on me; Let me determine what is right and wrong for me. Here the faith aspect is undermined.  In many of our spiritual gatherings, we give more emphasis to music, fun, and entertainment oriented approach leaving the Bible teaching aside. We have quite a good time for feasting. But how about worship? Worship is ‘worth-ship’ and that is to ascribe what is worthy and legitimate to the Almighty. This is the high time for us to go back to the roots of our faith and make it relevant for younger generation thus appreciate and appropriate the dogmas of Christian conviction. We need to teach truth, or we will be worshipping the figment of our imagination.

2. The worship services and prayers to be contemplative

Should we gather in the Sanctuary in order to worship God?  The Bible teaches that we should gather in the Lord’s Name and worship Him. Church is the assembly of believers. Christianity is not solitary religion but a corporate fellowship. The church services offer extended times of tranquillity, singing praising, confessing, Scripture readings, music, prayer, meditation of the word, Holy Communion and fellowship. Worship is quiet and reflective in nature. Worship will refresh and revitalise. Contemplative Worship is a setting in which we quiet ourselves in order to open our souls to the ministry of the Holy Spirit within. It is one way to hear the voice of God with our hearts. No worshipper should leave the church untouched. Everyone should be respected and felt accepted and relieved. Our worship services must maintain celestial standards. We look forward with a hope that our pews will be filled up and the work of the Holy Spirit revealed as we worship the Lord our Savior.

We will continue to hold the two traditional Eucharistic services every Sunday in English at 9.15 and Malayalam at 10.45, except on the last Sundays and special occasions where we all gather for a combined Service at 10:00 am. The members of the church in turn assist the preparation and conduct of the divine services. We welcome all those who desire to experience the serenity and the divine encounters.

3. The Sanctuary a signpost of hope to the disheartened

Christ invites everyone to come to him. Church and its building itself is a signpost to those who seek refuge and care. The very existence of the church building in itself communicates the welcoming of Christ. We find many people longing for acceptance and love. Several souls from different nationalities and ethnicities roam around the city and many crave for companionship and recognition.  Acceptance and reception elevates the self-esteem of the peace seeking soul and our church door is always opened to welcome the weary and the weak to find for themselves consolation and guidance. We plan to initiate a Food Bank to the needy who would approach us and are found on our search. We need dedicated volunteers and sponsors to cater to these disadvantaged people .The ministry of social engagement to be done by the assistance of both the congregations with much prayerful deliberations and resources put in.

4. Family Enrichment drives

A. Our family Altar

Church is the family of families. God designed our families to reflect the fellowship and communion within the godhead itself.  Each Family is encouraged to have their prayers said each morning and Evening together, though some may find it difficult because of their work/duties schedules.  Make sure that it is carried out without interruption and thus make a close bond among the couples and kids and all the members of our families. “Family that prays together stays together”

 Each family can volunteer to hold cottage prayers in turn or on special occasions of thanks giving. This will enrich our personal fellowship within the family and between the member families and friends.

We also plan to hold the family enrichment programs, young couple’s fellowship and Family camps, retreats Picnics, Bible Quiz and inter family visitations and so on in the days to come.

B. Family Bible Quizzes:   The Family Bible Quiz is being conducted bimonthly and it is found fruitful and encouraging to read and understand the biblical texts and insights. This year we will have the some Quiz questions circulated earlier in order to study at home and answer and to ensure maximum family participation. Also the one word answerable questions asked during the quiz program at church.

C. Family presentations: We may also introduce alternative chances for families to present their talents/witness/music and so on after the services. 

D. Family camps and retreats: To enrich the fellowship among the families, we host family camps and retreats for which the co-operation of every member families requested.

6. Organisational Renewal 

A. Sunday School

In Proverbs 22:6 The Bible says” Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it he Bible says. “Christian Education is one among the major priorities of our Mission. To introduce to our children Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord is a prerogative. To nurture them in Christian faith and to bring them up in the Kingdom values and making them participate in the life of the church is the joint responsibility of the Parents, elders and the Sunday School teachers. If God willing, we will be introducing a new curriculum for the next years classes.

Each child is specially loved and recognised and their place and dignity is upheld. We had already done the VBS this year which marked a great enrichment in our children’s spiritual growth.  Hopefully we will have follow up programs, camps during the school holidays. We do motivate children to attend the church and Sunday School classes by way of giving them Promptness and inspirational awards towards greater attentiveness and punctuality.

B. Youth Fellowship

The Young gets motivated by the new and endeavouring involvements in the various activities of the church. This year we plan to hold special worship and singing sessions for our youth to lead and all the church members are to attend and encourage their spiritual commitment and activities. Youth Bible Studies will continue where a keen and detailed thoughts and sharing is ensued.

C. The young Couples Fellowship

There will be young coupes’ fellowship, where the interpersonal and ministerial witnessing of young Christian families in the society be advocated. Many young couple seeks permanent residency in Australia and are striving hard to find a suitable employment and settlement. Some engage in study programs and training and need to spend a lot along with their daily sustenance and upbringing of their kids. They literally face a lot of challenges and this Couple’s fellowship soothes and encourages them when found assisted in prayers and fellowships that our congregation offers. They are motivated and are given directions from the Pastoral care and the elder’s counsel and support..

D. Men’s Fellowship

This year we plan to meet some evenings for special fellowship and sharing of experiences.  Men meet every Sunday before the worship service, for a time of prayer and once in a month they conduct some food article sale for raising funds for the mission. They continue to support the Nepal Missionary family through regular giving.

E. Women’s Fellowship

The Women will meet for their Bible Study and continue to engage in the life and witness of the church. They have also made incredible assistance to the various activities of the church and collected funds among themselves to support theological students and especially women’s empowerment programs. Their prayerful support and leadership in the various activities enrich the spiritual and material life of the congregation.

F. The Choir

Musical integration in worship has been an integral part of our spiritual life and the choir plays a vital role in leading the congregational singing. It lifts up the inner spiritual thrust and helps the worshippers to jubilate and praise. The choir members act on behalf of the heavenly hosts singing the songs of everlasting praise. The rhythmic progression of the liturgy elevates the joy and contentment for a worshipper. Prayerful and dedicated service of the Choir leader and the members are thanked and appreciated. Systematic training and practices makes the choir confident and be prepared for outstanding rendition of the music.

7. Sacramental Extension

One of the important outreach ministries of the church is to cater to the spiritual needs of the senior citizens who are unable to come to the church services. We serve to different Age Care centres like Regis, Grand Cedar, and Aveo Freedom, where old people enjoy the warmth of our fellowship and receive Holy Sacraments. Regularly we go, visit and lead the communion service at these homes.     Church members who wish to come and assist this service often accompany.

Regis East Malvern- Every Wednesday at 10:30 am. Grande Cedar High Street- Every alternate Thursday 11:00. Aveo Freedom- Every alternate Thursday at 12:00 pm. Possibilities of additional opportunities and invitations for this ministry are high as this is voluntary reaching out.

8. Mission overseas

Thank God that we though a small congregation does stretch out our hands of help to the various mission opportunities overseas.

A. Nepal Mission: We are supporting a missionary family in Nepal which is reviewed and renewed.

B. Mangalya: We continue to extend financial assistance to the marriage of poor girls through this project of CSI South Kerala Diocese

C. Theological Education Support: We have sent our assistance to theological students of the Diocese of Malabar and also some students in South Kerala Diocese last year. The support will continue as and when requests are made from different dioceses.

D. Pastoral Aid support: We continue to support the Dioceses who make their requests for pastoral aid to hold economic stability.

E. Self-Denial Provision:  We have supported from our self-denial funds various projects in the dioceses of Madhya Kerala, East Kerala and Kochi and Kollam Kottarakara Diocese. Will continue to extend this generous assistance to the concerned Diocese in need.

F. Catastrophic Havoc Relief: We have supported the people affected by various natural disasters including the floods/landslides in Kerala last year. This year also the people of Kerala was struck by heavy floods and landslides. We also are collecting funds to assist the affected houses in Malabar and Cochin area and this will be of timely and genuine help for the deprived.

G. Mission Fund: General: We as church have this year initiated a general mission fund and the worshippers are encouraged to put their mite willingly and voluntarily to support the needy. This has introduced to generate a habit of regular contribution to the missions. Anyone who wish to spare a portion of what they wish to spend on their happy occasions and celebrations are requested to consider a free will giving to the missions. This income will be utilised for the time to time mission requirements.

8. Pastoral and ministerial Care

The pastoral role in the life of the church is marked by the humility and readiness to serve the church. True leadership I believe is to engage people in ministry and to work together for the holistic development of the worshipping community and the society around. Special prayers are offered for the sick persons and those who confront physical and emotional challenges.  Pastoral service is made available to cater to the fellowship and spiritual needs of the congregants.  Efforts are regularly made to reach out during special days like birthdays and wedding anniversaries and during times of difficulties and crises. The members of the church may prayerfully assist the Pastoral role in the multifaceted ministry of the church. Pastoral service is well recognised and assisted by the laity, taking up the responsibility of promoting the vibrancy of the ministry.

9. Our ecumenical relations

We already have initiatives in ecumenical circle and it has been an impetus to the sister churches in Melbourne and a model to churches in Diaspora.

A. The STEFM: The St. Thomas Ecumenical Fellowship of Melbourne strive to unite the people from Kerala to join hands for a meaningful ecumenical ministry. Different denominations join hands together to fulfil the high priestly prayer of Jesus ”That they all may be one.” The episcopal churches from Kerala represented by their clergy and the lay meet often and discuss the unity in ministry and the witness in spite of the diversities.  We have been part of several events together. We look forward for the Inter Church Bible Quiz, Solo Competitions, the Cricket league, badminton and the Women’s Conference and the annual day celebrations each year.

B. The Box Hill Arch-deanery and the Waverley Deanery: The Deanery meets every month and we enjoy each other’s fellowship. There are several supplementary teaching ministry which enhances biblical and theological outlooks. The EPIC- Equipping Priest in Charge program is fruitful and beneficial. We continue to make a substantial contribution to the Diocesan Youth and Multi-Cultural ministry.

C. The All Australia CSI Family Fellowship:  The scattered members of CSI in All Australia are given privilege and opportunity to meet and renew the fellowship through the All Australian Family meet hosted by the alternative CSI congregations in Australia. This united conference strengthens the CSI Traditional bonds reiterated through coming together and spending a day or two.  The next conference will be held at CSI Sydney in the Year 2020.

10. Scope for owning a Property

We as the CSI Community plans to have and to hold a property of our own in Melbourne. We need to raise funds for this and try to purchase a property that would bring some returns. The members of the church are requested to prayerfully support the decision of the General Body and if God willing strive to actualise this dream within a couple of years, by magnanimous fiscal assistance and prayerful support of the congregants and well-wishers. We have planned to organize different fund raising programs for the same.

11. The Lent – Spiritual workshop

Lent is a time of self-evaluation and strengthening of our faith and we have drawn a meaningful Lenten plan. The Lenten season and Passion Week commencing from Ash Wednesday till Easter will be a time of self-evaluation and Spiritual renewal. Each family is encouraged to write a small section on Passion thoughts and shared among the congregations. Learning to be more rooted in God’s word and extending our ministry to the unreached. Special contributions through self- denial offering will be set apart for the missions.

12 The Multi-faceted dimension of the church life

Our church upholds the legacy of embracing different socio-cultural, linguistic and denominational plurality. Especially the St. Mathew’s Anglican

Church and the CSI serve their maximum to maintain the mutuality, rapport and fraternity towards this unity.

 Though the members of our congregation hail from different parts of Kerala, India, together with the Anglican tradition, belong to the same great Shepherd who taught us to pray “our Father”.  We respect every one and welcome all to this wonderful fellowship of the faithful. Each member is valued and promoted to cater to the different ministerial needs of the church and to dedicate their talents and potentials for the multi -faceted ministry of the church. Let this church be blessed and grown.  Let the Lord’s name be glorified.