The CSI Church, Sydney is the fruit of the fervent prayers of people from the Indian diaspora, particularly the state of Kerala who sought to offer rich praise to a God that is most deserving of our highest worship. The old patterns of traditional praise and worship and memories of Church involvement has for long been the subsistence of our faith.

The Church since its formation has been of great comfort and strength to one another. Its presence has been hailed from Church leaders and well-wishers of various denominations. True to its motto “that they all may be one” the Church has combined with other Churches to make a dynamic contribution in the forefront of ecumenical work. Members liaise with members from other Churches to expand the scope of the outreach mission and to chart out ways in which the Churches can work together as one body for the glory of God.

The CSI Sydney Church is a congregation recognized by the Church of South India Synod. The vision of this Church is to open avenues CSI members to congregate and worship God in the rich traditions and practices of the CSI. Presently, the Malayalee CSI community meets together and follows the CSI Order of Worship at its regular Worship Service. This congregation invites CSI members in Sydney to come and fellowship, we have a Service in English every third Sunday of the month. We are open to explore the possibility of CSI worship in the language that you find comfortable and meaningful.

It was Rev. Jobby John and few members who migrated from Kerala and settled in Sydney that worked hard in the emergence of the CSI congregation. The prayers and commitment of the people along with the earnest desire to worship God in the order familiar to them helped this congregation to grow to what it is today. The leadership and support of Rev. Vinod Victor (Vicar of the CSI & Anglican Parish of Ashburton, Melbourne) was very significant in the development of this congregation.

Rev Sujit David serves as the first full time Presbyter of this Parish since March 2018. The representation of members across various Dioceses of Kerala makes the worship vibrant. The different wings of the Church are functioning well under the leadership of committed people. We have regular meetings of the

various wings. For deeper fellowship and mission we have started Area Prayer Groups. For convenience we have formed three groups – Liverpool and South West, West and Parramatta, Hills and City.

The schedule of our church services comprise of three Malayalam communion services on the first, second and fourth Sunday of every month. The English communion service on the third Sunday is dedicated to the youth. Fifth Sunday is also English communion service. The CSI order of worship is followed at all the church services. Our dedicated Wings of the Church are the Choir, Women’s Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Youth and Sunday school.

The All- Australia Conference was held on September 29th to 31st at the Grampians, Victoria. The CSI Church was represented by a team from Sydney. Rev. Sujit David has been elected to preside over the All Australia conference. Rev Sujit David’s leadership in fostering regular meetings with Pastors of sister Churches has been one of great commitment in encouraging ecumenical liaison.Our VisionThe CSI Church, Sydney affirms that the purpose of our union is to fulfill the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church “That they all may be one, and that the world may believe that you have sent me”. And the CSI Church, Sydney would become an effective instrument of God’s mission so there will be greater peace, closer fellowship and fuller life in the Church and a renewed commitment for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed.Our Mission

Reaching out to wider community and encouraging them in the walk of faith Responding consciously to the needs of those who are in needRecognising our role as CSI Christians to foster and nurture future generationsEnabling one another to counteract the overpowering influences of the world

Responding to rehabilitation, relief and reconstruction of the Church world wideSubmitting to the discipline and leadership of the Church of South India Synod.

Events CalendarThe Pastorate Committee plans the event calendar for each year. The events are planned according to the financial year which is from July to June. The major events planned during the year 2019 – 2020 are below.Parish Day and Family SundayWe celebrated our Parish Day and Family Sunday on 1st of September 2019 with Communion Service at 4.00 pm followed by Parish Day celebrations. As part of our Family Sunday celebrations, all the Members sat with their family members in the Church and also participated in the Holy Communion as a family. All wings of the Church participated in the celebrations. A sumptuous fellowship meal was served after the function.

Family Camp

Our first Family Camp was held on 28th and 29th September 2019 at Sydney Missionary & Bible College, 140 Croydon Avenue, Croydon. Rev. Dr Jacob Thomas and his wife Elizabeth Jacob (Emily Kochamma) lead

the Camp.

Mrs. Asha Tom conducted special session for the children.The theme of the camp was “more than conquerors”. The Camp was a blessing for all who attended, with inspiring messages, group discussions, prayer, singing, games, group activities etc. There were separate sessions for children and youth. Group discussions were held focussing on the mission of the church. Following suggestions were made by various groups comprised of Sunday school, youths, choir, women and men.

Output from Family Camp Group Discussions:Common Themes:Following suggestions were considered beneficial for the church. These were captured in 3 sections:

Start: That we should start to doContinue: That we consider as doing well and should continue Stop: That we should Stop doing

Start to do:1. Monthly visits of Aged care, elderly2. Reaching to people in need/sick3. Get together of elderly/senior citizens- bi monthly4. Food Ministry: ability to provide food for people in need like: sick,

elderly, hospitalised5. Start an Outreach program (Mission)6. Start/Plan for Retreat by Sub-groups like Youth etc 7. Laity Sunday8. Start of Men’s fellowship9. Ushering: to welcome members and visitors-to be managed by area

prayer groups as part of their lay ministry10.Bring back overhead projector slides

Continue:1. Friends of CSI2. Family Camp, Picnic3. Sunday school participation on 3rd Sundays4. Carol visits to Aged care homes5. Continue to look for a place to have morning worship

Stop:1. Having two service on Friends of CSI weekend2. Sunday school children leaving midway for Sunday school – Children

to attend full service

Area convention

The Family Camp was followed by “Area Conventions”, these Conventions were held in the three Area Groups on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of October2019. Friends from other Churches attended the convention. Rev. Dr. Jacob Thomas was the main speaker. These Conventions were spiritually nourishing for all attended.

Tithe Sunday:13th of October 2019 was observed as "Tithe Sunday". Tithe Sunday is observed once a year. As a Church, we offer tithe twice a year, during Tithe Sunday and during the Harvest Festival. We encourage all earning members to set apart their tithe. Some members make regular tithe contributions to the Church. Women’s Sunday

A Holy Communion Service was celebrated in Malayalam on Sunday 27th October at 5.30pm.It was celebrated as Women’s Sunday. Mrs. Valsa George delivered the message. Members of the Women’s Fellowship took active part in leading the worship service. The leadership and contribution of the women in the ministry of the Church is very encouraging.World Sunday school Day Sunday 3rd November was celebrated as World Sunday School day and our Sunday School Anniversary soon after the Service. It was a short programme where the children shared what they learned through songs and skits. Dinner was provided. Prizes were distributed for Sunday school children after the service.

Movie Night: In the month of November, during the Area Prayer Meeting, we watched the movie "War Room". It was a very inspiring movie and it helped to build up our prayer life. Carol Service

Carol Service was held on 7th December (Saturday) at 6.30 pm. Rev. Kurien Peter; Vicar of Melbourne CSI Parish was the guest speaker. Members of West Epping Uniting Church and other sister churches attended the event. Cake sale after the Service was a big hit. The cakes were baked by the members of the Women's Fellowship.

Carol rounds14th, 21st Dec 2019Our Carol rounds were a true blessing to all of us. Sincere thanks to all families who hosted and participated in every area.

Christmas Outreach: 15th, 22nd Dec 2019-Carols at Aged Care HomesWe began our Christmas Outreach at Presbyterian Aged Care, Ashfield on 15th December, Australian unity Aged care and Fairlea, Penshurst on 22nd December 2019. It was truly a blessing to bring smiles in the lives of the aged and lonely. The Management and staff. Aged care Institutions conveyed their appreciation. They appreciated the time and dedication it took to sing carols to individual residents at their bed side. It truly brought out the child-hood memories in them. Family ChristmasThe Family Christmas was held on the 15th of December2019, soon after the Service. The Holy Communion Service started at 4.00 pm followed by the family Christmas celebration. After the celebration we had a fellowship meal.