"saviour's chimes" church newsletter - december 2016

St Saviour’s Tamil Church, Kolkata SAVIOUR’S CHIMES

| December 2016 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour’s Family |

4 December:

Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: Through Holy Scripture, God

gives us encouragement and hope.

Readings: OT: Isaiah 40:1-8; NT: Romans 15:4-13; Gospel: Luke 4:16-21

Songs: Hymns 22, 46, 49 Lyric 169 Communion Hymn 238

11 December: English Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: John the Baptist – A Model for Christian Ministers

Readings: OT: Isaiah 11:1-9; NT: I Corinthians 4:1-5; Gospel: Matthew 3:1-

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Songs: Hymns 75, 78, 186, 84 Communion Hymn 4

11 December: Special

Carol Service, 6 PM

18 December: Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: Mary’s Son is Emmanuel, “God with us”

Readings: OT: Isaiah 7:1-4; 10-16; NT: Galatians 4:1-7;

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

Songs: Hymns 2, 61, 73 Lyric 28 Communion Hymn 239

25 December: Christmas Festival Service, 8 AM

Theme: The Birth of the Saviour who is the Word made flesh

Readings: OT: Micah 5:2-4; NT: Titus 3:4-7; Gospel: Luke 2:1-16

Songs: Hymns 79, 81, 78, 82 Communion Hymn 242

31 December: New Year’s Eve Service 11 PM

Songs: Hymns 253, 80, 261 Lyric 70

ST. SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH

9, Haji Mohammed Mohsin Square, Kolkata – 700 016.

Phone: 033 2217 2636 E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.saviourskolkata.wordpress.com

Facebook: Look for Saviour’s Tamil Church Calcutta. Become a friend.

SAVIOUR’S CHIMES The Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour’s Family

CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA

ST. SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH KOLKATA. ESTD 1849

For Private Circulation Only

DECEMBER 2016

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Welcome

THE ANGEL said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring

you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.”

LUKE 2:10

DECEMBER 2016 – EDITION 2

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FROM THE PRESBYTER’S DESK

THE ADVENT

The Christmas season is here. Amidst the Celebration spirit, It is

important to revisit the true meaning of Christmas. This Message

explores this from 7 facets. May this be a blessing to you.

Advent means “To come to”, and we are happy that Jesus came as per

God’s promise to Balaam, “There shall be a star of Jacob and a scepter

shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17,18)

1. JESUS IS OUR EMMANUEL: It means “God with us”. We celebrate

Christmas with joy and merriment as Jesus came to rule our life. He

comes into our heart when we invite him and controls our life. He is also

the great Counsellor, Prince of Peace and Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6,7).

The Christmas message is that we should accept Jesus into our heart

and that we should also abide in Him. The real joy in our life is when He

is in charge of our life.

2. HE IS OUR SAVIOUR: The mighty God took upon Him the form and

likeness of man (Philippians 2:5-8). He humbled Himself to save us

from our sins and from the power of Satan. Jesus offered Himself on

the Cross to cleanse us by shedding His Blood. We cannot separate the

joy of Christmas from the Cross of Christ. Only when we are free from

our sins and Satan, we have the real joy in our life.

3. HE IS OUR TRUE LIGHT: Jesus came for the people living in darkness. He

is the true light. (John 8:12) He revealed the truth that we should

worship God in truth and spirit and

not through rituals. In His sermon

on the mount, Jesus appealed to

the people to transform their life

and have the right attitudes to the

Laws, to life, to the problems we

face and towards others including

enemies (Matthew chapters 5-7).

4. HE IS OUR SHEPHERD: He leads us in the right

path and never lets us down. He is our provider.

He is our comforter in times of danger and when

we face problems in life. He knows everyone of us

by our name. He gives us real life and that too in

abundance (John 10:10). He protects us from all

evil forces. He gives us His grace and will take us

to be with Him for our everlasting life.

5. HE IS OUR STANDARD SETTER: He wants us to be perfect as the Father in

Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The lifestyle suggested by Him is

entirely different from what the world is showing us. His teachings

revolve around 'love' and the basis of following all

commandments is only through love. He wants us

to go through the narrow gate of ideal Christian life

and not through the world's Broad gate that leads

to hell. We become children of God when we follow

his standards of holiness, meekness, love and

humility.

6. HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE: Jesus revealed to us the secrets of our future

through many parables. The secret is to believe and trust Him to have

the Eternal Life, but those who disobey will be punished in the end

(John 3:36). He has shown us that Heaven is our future home to be with

Him and the Father. He promised that He would come back again to

take us to be with Him forever (John 14:3).

7. HE IS THE GOD ALMIGHTY: All power is given to Him in heaven and earth

(Matthew 28:18). He is the creator of this world and all that is there and

the heaven, sun, moon and the stars. Nothing was created without Him

(John 1:3). He, the miracle-working God who turned water into wine,

healed the sick, drove away evil spirits, controlled nature and raised the

dead. His disciples accepted Him as the Lord and even the doubting

Thomas ultimately declared, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

REV. DR. SAMUEL RAJ

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A POEM TO PONDER

THE JOY of Christmas We remember our Lord Jesus on Christmas,

A sinless man who came to save us;

Christmas is a time of love and cheer,

To our family, friends, near and dear!

Christmas is a joyous occasion,

Full of fun and celebration;

Decorated Christmas trees, delicious food,

Santa giving gifts to kids who’re good!

Christmas is a time for triumph and peace,

A time to forgive our enemies;

It’s a time to share warmth and joy,

Make the poor also to enjoy!

Some remember only festivities of Christmas,

But very little of honouring our Lord Jesus;

He’s the one who has come to save.

Lest, we become the devil’s slave!

Why can’t we show that we care,

Visit the orphans or old peoples’ homes and share -

Sing carols, give sweets, shake hands, make them feel glad,

So that, they don’t feel gloomy, lonely or sad!

Let the Light of Jesus shine this Christmas,

As we glorify our Lord Jesus;

Let’ go the extra M I L E –

Making the sick, the old, the poor, the needy to smile.

The greatest present that we’ve ever received,

Is neither gold or silver or positions achieved;

The "Present” is His “PRESENCE” –

Peace on Earth, Goodwill, Love, Cheer, Hope – let’s spread this

Like the FRAGRANCE!

BY MRS. S. CYNTHIA MUKHERJEE, FROM THE UAE

HISTORY THAT INSPIRES

A Tribulation that

Opened a New Channel The amazing story behind a historic landmark.

In 1832, French Engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps was travelling on the

Mediterranean Sea.

At that time, a co-passenger was affected by an infectious disease. As it

could spread like wild fire, the Captain ordered all the passengers not to

come out of their rooms till they reached their destination.

Ferdinand could not enjoy life in the ship without freedom. He was left all

alone. He felt as if he was inside a prison. He did not know how to kill time.

During night time, Ferdinand went to the

library without anybody’s knowledge and

brought a few books to spend the time

usefully. One of them was the auto-biography

of Charles Fire.

Charles made a research on the possibility of

constructing a canal in between

Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea. He had

explained the entire research in his

autobiography. Ferdinand went through the book. All of a sudden, he got a

flash. He started planning for the project to construct that canal and

prepared a blue print of his project.

When Ferdinand came to his native place, he submitted his project to the

Government. The Government agreed to implement the plan and

appointed him as Chief Engineer for the task.

In 1869, Ferdinand completed the project despite various difficulties. That

canal is called the “Suez Canal”.

“We glory in tribulations also!” (Romans 5:3)

BY VENTRILOQUIST G. SHANTHAKUMAR

TESTIMONY OF A ST SAVIOUR’S SCHOOL ALUMNI, WHO IS NOW A DOCTOR: Due to space

constraints, the special feature planned for this month will be carried next month.

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https://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/lookandlearn-preview/B/B002/B002718.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lookandlearn.com/blog/29541/ferdinand-de-lesseps-failed-to-repeat-the-success-of-the-suez-canal/&docid=Hey4HToxPIKiQM&tbnid=4aTkJ1xD42G7oM:&w=512&h=492&ei=iME9U7P_Ior9rAeinoHoBQ&ved=0CAIQxiAwAA&iact=c







“God has always been the most

important in my Life” 32-year old prodigy Abraham Benjamin De Villiers holds incredible

records: including the fastest-ever 50, 100 and 150 in One-Day

International Cricket, among others. This testimonial piece delves

into his grounded faith; we pray that you find this a blessing.

Michael Atherton, respected former

English Captain calls him “the best

cricketer in the world”. Ex-Aussie

Cricketer Adam Gilchrist calls him

“the most valuable cricketer on the

planet”. ABD, as De Villiers is

fondly called, talks of his Walk with

Christ.

“I am a Christian, a child of God.

My story is the story of what God

has planned and realized through

me. I hope my story can be read

and understood as tales of His

achievements, certainly not my personal achievements, and I would really

like people to appreciate that whatever glory there may be needs to be

clearly recognized as His glory and not mine... My faith and my relationship

with God are incredibly important to me and, after long consideration, and

plenty of prayer… I am not afraid publicly to recognize God’s role in my life.

“This doesn’t mean I see myself as better than anyone else. I am not. This

doesn’t mean I see myself as morally superior to anyone else. I certainly

am not. What it does mean, however, is that I try very hard to be receptive

to the teachings of the Bible, that I am sincerely committed to the Word of

God and that I aspire to lead my life in that way.”

Could you tell us a bit of your testimony and how you came to know God?

I grew up in a religious family. God has always been the most important

thing in my life. I experienced a few close moments with Him, one where I

was lying in the back of our car heading back home from a day out with

family friends, I was about 11-years-old and I just felt a very close

connection with Him. Almost like He was trying to tell me to appreciate the

things I have in my life, family, friends, good health, a talent for sports and

so forth. It felt so intense that it drove me to tears. I just knew it was Him

urging me on to stay humble and to keep my eyes on Him for leadership.

Then again in 2012, in Australia, we were out in the deep sea. After about

6-8 hours of getting seasick and just lying at the top deck of the boat, the

same thing happened. I felt small and He connected with me again. Once

again, urging me to appreciate the little things in life, my parents, close

family and friends. Once again, telling me not to take my eyes off of Him. It

was such a humbling feeling that once again it drove me to tears.

Do you see playing cricket as a form of worship to God?

Absolutely. He is always in my mind when I play. I don’t see performance

like that, but there is no doubt in my mind that He wants me to follow my

passion, and in that way let His light be seen by whoever appreciates my

skill on the field.

How do you personally cope with lean spells with the bat or gloves, is it all

about mind-set?

It’s obviously not nice to struggle, but then again it is part of Cricket, part of

sport and part of life. You have ups and downs and I have always

connected well with God in those times. Jesus went through a lot of

hardship on earth and I see my hardship as an opportunity to relate and

stay close to Him.

Having Christian team-mates around you while you are away for months

touring must be really special?

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It is great to have other Christian team-mates around you. We feed off of

each other and connect whenever we can.

Do you have a favourite Bible Verse that encourages you?

Yes, I love 2 Corinthians 5:21, “Christ had no sin, but God made him

become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.”

As my life continues to unfold, I know how fortunate I am to experience

moments of glory, moments like the one-day international against the West

Indies at the Wanderers on Sunday, 18 January 2015 (when he hit the

fastest 50 and 100), moments when everything goes my way, moments

when I am being showered with praise and compliments.

These are great moments, I am grateful, but I never need

to be reminded that it’s never my glory. It’s all

His glory. I think I understand.

COURTESY: 1. Interview with “Cross the Line,”

www.xtheline.co.uk

2. Excerpts from

“AB The Autobiography”, AB de Villiers

JESUS – THE SURE

FOUNDATION He is the One who can

answer WHY. A Song

He is a sure foundation;

Put your hope In the Lord,

He is the One who can satisfy.

When you're in doubt and with questions in your mind,

When you're confused and none can understand.

Put your hope In the Lord

He is the One who can satisfy.

Yes, HE IS THE ONE WHO CAN ANSWER YOU WHY.

COMPOSED BY MR CYRIL MANI

LETTERS TO THE CHURCH

St Saviour’s Tamil Church

Calcutta

The Church Facebook Community is now

active. Do join; also ask your friends to join.

HAPPY TO CONNECT BACK: Hello everybody. I just stumbled on this FB page by

accident but it brings back so many memories. Someone talked about the

picnic, the carol singing and yes, what fun they were. I have such fond

memories of the harvest festival, our annual Christmas get together in St.

James, Santa Claus, etc. I live in Southern California, so anyone coming to

Los Angeles is really welcome. Excited to be part of this group.

MICHAEL SAMUEL

HARVEST: Hello Church Family, I saw the pictures of all of you having a very

happy and fun time at the Annual Harvest Festival! Took me down memory

lane when we used to also have an equally wonderful time during Rev.John

Siromoni's time. I was truly wishing I was there. Did you have Biryani for

lunch? That used to be on the menu during our days! What a buzz of

activities! The Church looks great with the altar laden with offerings. Now

for the Christmas events to come. Looking forward to seeing those

pictures! THELMA DAVID

THE NEWSLETTER: Thank you so much for the brilliant job you have done! I

always look forward and love reading the insightful messages by Rev.

Samuel Raj and the other contributions by members and alumni. I forward

it to some of my dear friends and relatives so they can enjoy it too and be

blessed. So keep up the good work and may Jesus be the center of

everything you do. May His Holy Spirit guide and lead you all so that many

may experience his love and Saving grace for all mankind. Our prayers for

you all to keep growing mightily and give God all the praise. Blessings and

the very best of wishes to all the members of our beloved Tamil church.

GLORY RENDALL

Thank you for the newsletter. I am blessed by it. All the best. CLADIO ISAAC

CHURCH SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHS: Thanks for the pictures of our Church. They

are SO nostalgic! God Bless you all! JOSHUA PRAKASH KADAKSHAM

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http://www.xtheline.co.uk/



THIS TIME, THAT AGE

1960s Calcutta was a different world: where trams, double decker

buses, hand carts and yellow taxis dotted the cityscape. This article

from the 60s youth exudes exuberance, as they paint a vivid,

nostalgic picture of Christmas then. Read this inspiring flash-back.

Greetings, Church Family, from Canada, the US, Australia and India. We,

the 60s Youth, wish you a merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Santa and the Zulu Warriors: This is the time we remember Christmas

activities in our beloved Tamil Church. What fun time it was: Christmas

Cantatas, Children's party – John Anna was always dressed as Santa and

would tell a Christmas story first, before he handed out Christmas gifts to

children. His entry would be heralded with bells and "Jingle Bells";

accompanied by a Zulu Warrior team – in costumes with spears. Santa

would say he had stopped in Africa en route, and picked them up there.

What story-telling! The warriors were usually, Victor Solomon, Arthur,

Fletcher and if I remember right, Amos Anna, Stan and Shekhar.

A Bus Full of Carol Singers: There were

also the Christmas concerts: who can

forget our famous Carol Singing! Those

days, we would eagerly look forward to

participating in every programme of the

Church. It is unimaginable to think of

Christmas time without remembering the 3 Nights of Carol Singing held in

the 3rd week of December. Carolers comprising the youth, choir members

and others, would happily gather together at the Church entrance, where

John Anna and Mani Anna would be waiting for us with a big school bus.

20-strong choir: Organized by John Anna and Emerald akka; John Anna

was such a great Leader; both he and Mani Annan had such tireless

energy! There were about 20 of us who boarded the bus – Boys would

bring their guitars and other instruments which would make some “music”;

we would joyfully start around 8 pm and pull off an all-nighter till 3 am!

We went to each member's home, sang their favorite Christmas carols till

our voices went hoarse with singing. Kudos to Emerald Akka, she kept on

going, sang every song, and valiantly kept us awake, often giving us a very

high pitch to start a song, making us end up squeaking till we would start

all over again.

From Sardine Sandwiches to Hot Chocolate Treats: I must say, our

favorite part of the evenings were being served with all the Christmas

treats prepared by families – out came hot chocolate, tea and coffee with

Christmas cakes, palagarams, sandwiches etc. We ate till we got sick. I

remember at our David household, the request was to make sardine

sandwiches. That was a huge favourite!

Each member's house was decorated with lights, red, white and green

streamers and balloons; many homes had a star of Bethlehem hanging;

some had elaborate decorations with Christmas trees; train-sets which

went round trees and a manger-scene at the entrance or foyers!

Christmas Warmth

amidst Winter Cold:

The weather would get

cold in the middle of the

night. We would bundle

ourselves, wrapped up

in colorful shawls and

coats and would

excitedly go in and out

of homes. We were the

merry jolly singers and

loved every minute of it

– the fun time we spent together, laughing, joking and just enjoying this

time of the year – the Yuletide season!

So folks, as the song goes, "Have yourselves a merry little Christmas, let

your hearts be light. From now on your troubles will be out of sight…” Merry

Christmas Everybody – God bless!

WORDS AND PHOTO COLLAGE BY MS THELMA TAI

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BIBLICAL PUZZLE

CORNER – 3

Test your Biblical Quotient. Send in your answers by 24

December to [email protected]. For Answers,

watch out next month.

1. Where did Joseph take Mary and the Baby to protect them from

Herod’s murderous intentions?

2. Jesus said “Get thee behind me, Satan” to which disciple?

3. Who recognised Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the

temple as a baby?

4. Who was the High Priest of Jerusalem who put Jesus on trial?

5. According to the Gospel of Matthew where does Jesus’s first sermon

take place?

6. What are the final words of Jesus recorded in the New Testament?

7. Who personally baptised more people, Jesus or John the Baptist?

8. What is the name of the sea where Jesus harnessed a raging storm?

9. Why was Jesus born in a manger?

10. Which two of the four Gospels make no mention of the Birth of Christ?

11. In whose new tomb was Jesus buried?

12. Name the baby born to a relative of Mary, 6 months before Jesus’ birth?

13. Who was the first person to see Jesus after resurrection?

14. Which Old Testament prophet predicted the miraculous virgin birth of

Jesus?

15. What was written on the Cross of Jesus?

FROM MS. CHRISTINA MUKHERJEE, VIA E-MAIL

THANKSGIVING HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016

The Harvest Festival of the Church was celebrated on November 13, with

great joy. Rev. K. E. Henry, Program Director, Compassion East India was

the Chief Guest, and shared the Word of God. Rev Dr Samuel Raj,

Presbyter of the Church led the congregation in Thanksgiving.

The Day began early with a Worship Service at 7.30 am, followed by a

delicious Breakfast, the Auctions at the Church Parish Hall, concluding with

a traditional Tamil Lunch in the St Saviour's School. It was a great blessing

to the Congregation and Friends of the Church.

We thank everyone who made it a great success: we specially thank Dr.

Edward Paul, our auctioneer; the Women's Fellowship and Sunday School

for organizing the sale; we thank everyone who offered articles for sale and

those who generously took part in auction. We thank Mr. Newton for

sponsoring the Harvest Breakfast and Mr. Gabriel and Mr Cyril Mani for

supervising lunch and breakfast arrangements. We thank Mr. Stanley

Roberts, Mr. Abraham and Mr. Allen Eric for maintaining the accounts.

VISIT THE CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS

BY REV. DR. SAMUEL RAJ

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"saviour's chimes" church newsletter - december 2016

Spiritual