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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

5 February: Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: Jesus calls His Disciples to work in God‟s Kingdom

Readings: OT: Amos 3:1-8; NT: I Thess 2:1-12; Gospel: Mark 1: 14-20

Songs: Hymns 15, 339 Lyric 133, 249 Communion Hymn 298

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER GATHERING: AFTER SERVICE

12 February: English Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: God creates and redeems all things through Christ.

Readings: OT: Gen. 1:1-5, 26-31; NT: Colssns 1:15-20; Gospel: John 1:1-13

Songs: Hymns 23, 136, 163, 220 Communion Hymn 156

19 February: Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: Our sins begin with refusing to hear God.

Readings: OT: Isaiah 1:1-9; NT: Romans 1:18-25; Gospel: Matt. 13:10-17

Songs: Hymns 24, 366 Lyric 187, 361 Communion Hymn 198

26 February: English Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: It is God‟s Will that all people should be saved.

Readings: OT: Isaiah 56:3-8; NT: I Timothy 2:1-7; Gospel: Matt. 8:5-13

Songs: Hymns 39, 140, 159, 235 Communion Hymn 177

SUNDAY SCHOOL: EVERY SUNDAY, 9.15 AM,

AFTER CHURCH SERMON

ST. SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH

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

Phone: 033 2217 2636 E-Mail: saviours.calcutta@gmail.com

Website: www.saviourskolkata.wordpress.com Like us on Facebook: St Saviour’s Tamil Church Calcutta

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

CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA DIOCESE OF CALCUTTA

ST. SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH KOLKATA. ESTD 1849

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Welcome

For Private Circulation Only

FEBRUARY 2017

MY GRACE is sufficient for you, for my

power is made perfect in weakness.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

FROM THE PRESBYTER’S DESK

"Serve” and “suffer" are not

happy words for many; but,

that’s exactly what God expects from us. This Message touches

upon 7 points in this call to action, serving Him.

1. SELECTION FOR SERVICE: In Old Testament days, God selected

a few ordinary people for His service. He called Abraham to establish

the nation Israel; God assigned Moses the task of bringing back the

Israelites from Egypt. He selected people like Samson, Gideon, Ruth

and Esther for various purposes. There was no universal call to serve

and suffer for Him. Only individuals were invited for God's special tasks.

2. GOD EQUIPS: When God calls anyone for a specific purpose, He

equips them for the service. God called Bezallel, Oholiab and other

craftsmen to construct the Tabernacle according to

His specifications and gave them the skill, ability

and understanding (Exodus 36:1). He gave special

power and confidence to Moses and Joshua and

wisdom and understanding to David and Solomon.

The Holy Spirit of God inspired all the prophets to

predict the future and warn the people of their sins. If God wants you to

do service for Him, He will definitely equip you with the talents and

resources. The initiative should be from you.

3. UNIVERSAL SELECTION: Today, every believer is expected to

serve and suffer. We are all elected and selected and equipped by the

Holy Spirit for the service of God. We are special people who are saved

and justified because of our faith in the grace of God. We are relieved

from our wavering sinful life and are lifted up to greater heights as the

children of God and inheritors of the eternal life, and for greater glory.

4. EXHORTED TO SERVE: Before leaving this world, Jesus assured

us all that we would all do the works that he did and do even greater

works (John 14:12). As we have opportunities we should do good to

people especially to God's people (Galatians 6:10). We are all equipped

with some talent and gifts and we are exhorted to love and serve our

neighbours, and even our enemies (Romans 12:6-21).

5. CHURCH NEEDS YOUR SERVICE: Jesus used variety of people

to build up His church: people like fishermen, tax collector and

financier, and blended them together to build up his future kingdom.

We need different talented people to serve, members for

administration, to pray and intercede, to give liberally, people to involve

in the Choir, Sunday School, Youth Group, to co-ordinate mission

activities and hospitality.

6. SUFFER AS GOD'S PEOPLE: We are also exhorted to suffer

because we are God's people. Since Christ suffered physically for us, we

should have the same thinking that He had. We should live a life

controlled by God's will and not only by our human desires. We may be

insulted for being Christians but we should be glad in sharing Christ's

sufferings so that we may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. If you

suffer as a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you

bear Christ's name (1 Peter 4:16).

Those who suffer because it is God's Will for them, should, by their good

actions, trust completely on their Creator, who always keeps His

promise (I Peter 4:19).

7. OFFER YOURSELVES: "Serve” and “suffer" are not happy words

for many. Yet God expects us exactly to do that. We are expected to

offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to serve and

suffer for Him. Let God transform you inwardly, by a complete change of

mind so that you will be able to know the will of God as in what way He

wants to use you to serve and suffer for Him (Romans 12:1,2). We will

have the courage on the Judgment Day because our life in the world is

the same as Christ Jesus (I John 4: 17). BY REV. DR. SAMUEL RAJ

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

A POEM TO PONDER

God‟s works are so great, they outnumber the grains of sand,

The fact that we are created is a marvel of His Hand!

In Christ, I am Alive (Eph.2:5)

From every obstacles I shall survive!

In Christ I am a New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17)

Old things have passed away; I‟ve now won!

He brought me from utter darkness to His Marvellous Light (1 Peter 2:9)

My life is now radiant and totally bright!

I am His workmanship, for doing His Good Works (Eph.2:10)

From now onwards I will foil Satan‟s networks!

God‟s Power works through me, (Phil.2:13)

I was once blind to this, but now I can see!

I am a believer and the Light of the Gospel shines in my mind (2 Cor.4:4)

Though Satan tried to prevent the Glory of Christ and keep me blind!

I can do all things through Jesus who Strengthens me (Phil.4:13)

I can face anything thru‟ His power and be care free!

In Christ, I am Healed by His stripes (1 Peter2:24)

He bore our sins on the Cross and paid the price.

It is not I who live but Christ who Lives in me (Gal.2:20)

He died for me so I live by faith trusting in Him completely!

Finally, I have the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding,(Phil.4:7)

He has filled my life now with joy and blessing! MRS. CYNTHIA MUKHERJEE

Mr Selvakumar and family from Coimbatore have joined us recently; we

thank Mr Johnson Rajasekhar for inviting them to Church.

Mrs and Mr Titus have recently joined us, after finding us on Google; from

Nazareth, Tirunelveli, they were in Mumbai and Chennai earlier.

AS WE LOOK AHEAD…

He is Coming Back That keeps us going…

Jesus is coming; you know it could be today,

It could be tomorrow, but certainly one day;

The hope of His coming is blessing to me,

I long for the day when His face I shall see.

When weary with things that perplex and annoy,

The many things that threaten my peace to destroy;

I recall His coming and soon they depart,

And peace once again reigns supreme in my heart.

I read of the mansions in heaven so fair,

And ponder the place He has gone to prepare;

And hope fills my soul as I go on my way,

Rejoicing to know that He may come today.

My hope for tomorrow sustains me today,

His Word like a lamp gives light on my way;

I know that the future is in His control,

This hope for tomorrow brings peace to my soul.

COMPOSED BY MR CYRIL MANI

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

CHIMES FORUM ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregations in Mission: Not as Spectators, but

as Equal Partners in God’s Mission

This piece muses on the current state of the Church; the Author

references history, and makes a clarion call to the 21st Century Church

to utilize the knowledge, skills, talent and potential of the congregation

in ministry. Read on, and do share your views.

In the job market today, young people are often

attracted to the best packages, attractive deals and

incentives as they choose their career path. This is

also true when we think about our Churches and

congregations today. People often flock to

Churches where they have the best packages and

attractive deals and incentives; like good music,

comforting sermon, powerful preachers, fellowship, probably good parking

space for their vehicle, comfortable seats in the Church and everything

comes down to the question “what do I get?” Entertainment has great

value in the market and often people flock to Churches where they are

greatly entertained. In other words, Congregations are often seen as

spectators or passive recipients of care offered by the Church and not as

active partners or participants in Mission and Ministry. This spectator

attitude can be traced back down the time to the early Church when “the

Church grew in political, economic and political power and the ordained

clergy gained a position of authority. The idea that there was a great

difference between clergy and congregation became very strong” (Harold

Taylor, 1983, pg. 22). This division between the clergy and congregation

and reducing the congregation to mere recipients of care has greatly

inhibited the Church in following Christ and fulfilling the great commission.

This distinction between clergy and congregation members was challenged

by different people, but was challenged more decisively during the time of

reformation. According to Martin Luther, “Every believer in the Gospel is a

priest, that is, one who mediates the Gospel to others. Every believer must

pass on the power of Christ which has come into his/her own life. Every

believer must express his/her faith in loving action, and in this way

communicate it to others. In this sense, Luther said, all Christians are

ministers” (Harold Taylor, 1983, pg. 22).

The Reformation re-emphasized the pastorhood or priesthood of all

believers. But the clergy and congregation distinction has greatly crippled

the Church in becoming an effective instrument in upholding the extending

of the Kingdom values in the world. This distinction is also un-Biblical

because it is against the greatest commandment of our Lord to love our

neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:38,39) and the call to bear one

another‟s burden (Galatians 6:2). Today, caring for others is reduced to

Ministry done predominantly by the Pastor towards the lay congregation

members. Many a time, the role of a congregation member in ministry is

reduced (often by tele-evangelists) to the role of an ATM (Automated Teller

Machine): a person who supplies funds for maintenance of the ministry.

Howard Clinebell, a pastoral theologian writes, “All Christians have a

ministry because they are Christians, whether or not they are ordained!”

(Howard Clinebell, 1984, pg. 412). Hence there is an urgent need to

revitalize the ministry of the Church through rekindling the importance of

congregations in mission both within and outside the Church. Today, many

Churches have not utilized the knowledge, skills and talents of the

congregation members in their Ministerial endeavors. Many Christians do

not know that they are partners in God‟s mission and Christian ministry is

not the sole responsibility of the ordained clergy but of the whole people of

God. Today the human resource within the church is neither managed well

nor used to its full potential. Taking steps to initiate congregational

participation in ministry is nothing but fulfilling the commandment of Christ

to love, a commandment given to all followers of Christ. By careful planning

and implementation of congregational involvement in mission and ministry

the church can really enhance its ability to reach out to many people and

share the love of Christ to many who are in need.

JAMES WESLY S, BISHOP’S COLLEGE, KOLKATA

WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? Do share your thoughts on this topic. Write in at

saviours.calcutta@gmail.com.

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

Good Bye, Aunty... “I am signing off”, said the beloved Reginald Aunty, a long-time

member, and alumnus of the Tamil Church. We celebrate the life

of Aunty with a tribute from the St Saviour’s Family.

Signing out on January 1, Reginald Aunty‟s Funeral was held on 4th

January at Kaialasapuram near Tuticorin.

VIJAY ARULDAS Reginald Aunty – always loving, much loved by the entire

St Saviour's Tamil Church Calcutta community. We carry treasured

memories of her embroidery, her simple and limitless affection, her

cooking, her calmness and patience, and so much more. You will always

remain in our hearts, Aunty.

PUNITHA WESTALL Always a smile on her face. She was so caring. I

remember the good old days when we were all together at St Saviour's.

JOSHUA PRAKASH KADAKSHAM Wonderful memories of Aunty, really

grateful for the wonderful times we had in Cal and on visits to Tuticorin !

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be ! RIP AUNTY,

SELVA KADAKSHAM Yes, Aunty was a very good friend of my mom and

they used to visit us regularly. I always admired her calm & smiling

conversations & Uncle‟s humour. Those were the best days of our lives. A

blessed life well lived; May the comforting presence of God envelop you at

this time of great grief.

VASANTHA JAYAKUMAR Aunty was do enterprising. May her rest in Peace.

NAVEEN SIROMONI We have such good memories of her in Tamil church.

The best childhood ever they gave us.

THELMA DAVID What a wonderful Aunty!

EDWARD SAMUEL Very sad to hear of Aunty's demise. We have fond

memories of her. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

ARUNA PATIBANDLA Deep condolences. Such Wonderful Memories.

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

St Saviour’s Tamil Church Calcutta

The Church Facebook Community and New

FB Page are now active. Join in; ask your

friends to join too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: I take this opportunity to wish all

the members of the Tamil Church a very Happy and Prosperous and God-

filled year ahead.

VASANTHA JAYAKUMAR

THE QUIZ: Thanks for making me think ! MRS. ARUNA PATIBANDLA

SPECIAL SONG BY THE YOUTH AT CHURCH: Reminds us of our time with

Emerald Akka always hitting the high notes! THELMA TAI

THE NEWSLETTER: I get all the news about the St Saviour's Tamil Church

Calcutta folk from that. It is invaluable. PUNITHA WESTALL

I look forward to reading the Chimes whenever published. You guys do

such a great job. Congratulations. MICHAEL SAMUEL

You guys have done it again! You are making Chimes into a very readable

read! Love it - keep at it- let your creative juices flow! God bless you all

abundantly! Absolutely awesome – just drew me closer to the Church –

cutting through the distance! Happy New Year 2017! THELMA TAI

Thank you so very much dear Editorial Team for the wonderful work you do

in sending us your monthly News Letter. I am so impressed and love to

read it and pass it on. It is so uplifting and encouraging and well-written. I

pray that our precious Lord Jesus may continue to bless each and every

one of you as you strive to work for our Lord Jesus so that not only those

who know Him and love Him, but all those who do not know Him and have

never experienced and accepted His saving grace, may, through you His

beloved servants be saved and redeemed. We wish this year be blessed

abundantly as you strive to follow Jesus and spread His Word.

GLORY RENDALL

Enjoyed all the articles, colourful, well laid out, informative and really helps

us stay connected. ARUNA PATIBANDLA

1. U T R H 2. H M O L I P E N

3. U S A J H O 4. B U P E R R S V

5. L I N E D A 6. G E J D S U

7. T W A M H E T 8. W R E S H B E

9. M O R A S N 10. S U B N E M R

11. S T R E E H 12. E J S A M

13. S E E S I N G 14. H A R M E E J I

15. S H E E P I S A N 16. C L A I M H A

17. A G H A I G 18. S N A G I L A T A

19. A A S H I I 20. H I A O D A B

Correct Answers to Last Month’s Puzzle were received from:

1. Aruna Patibandla 2. Glory Rendall 3. Johana Joshua

FROM MS. CHRISTINA MUKHERJEE, VIA E-MAIL FROM THE UAE

ANNUAL IMS SALE: ST SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH STALL Every year, IMS conducts a sale in Kolkata. The Tamil Church Stall, was

managed by Mr. Packianathan and family, on behalf of the Church. The

South Indian food stall was greatly appreciated. A few glimpses.

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saviour’s Chimes is 15 years young. We introduce this New Section on

Chimes Classics that goes back to the Archives to bring you pieces that

have timeless relevance. We pray that this section be a blessing to you.

From Saviour’s Chimes, February 2009

“He makes the plans of the people of no effect, the counsel of the

Lord stands forever.” Psalm 33:10, 11

For people of faith, planning is a paradox, because we know that

ultimately the future is in God‟s hands. Our plans may or may not fit

with His plans, and ultimately His will and purposes will only be

accomplished.

1. God knows our future: He not

only knows our future but also

makes our future by choosing

what should happen in our life. He

warns us not to decide out future

plans, but leave it to His will.

(James 4:13-15)

2. He encourages us to plan:

Though He doesn‟t want us to decide our future, He has given us the

consciousness of time and desire to know our future. (Ecclesiastes

3:11) We are aware of the connection between the past and the

future and how causes shape effects. Hence, we can make goals

and priorities, joining means and ends, linking the past with the

future and joining „what is‟ with „what ought to be‟.

3. Planning involves God: No one

except God has all wisdom. Therefore

consultation in the formation of our

plans through prayers is important.

After all, the more good advice you get

from God, the more likely you are to

win. (Proverbs 24:6)

4. Subject to weakness: Planning is

also subject to weakness of people if

there is a wrong motive, and it fails. For example, the Tower of Babel

was a well-planned project; nevertheless, it was condemned by God

because of pride and boasting (Genesis 11:1-9).

5. Based on faith: When we plan, we exhibit certain beliefs and

assumptions. For example, we have faith in the capacity to bring our

plans in to reality. All planning involves commitment to things hoped

for the future, based on the evidence of things visible in the present.

(Hebrews 11:1).

6. Motivates Life: Planning can shift our

attention from problems to solutions, from

our limitations to possibilities and from our

despair to hope. Intuition about our future is

important, as well as our analytical ability to

plan and shift our attention to the future.

7. Linked with Prayer: God takes charge of our life when we pray for

our future. When we pray, our plans are expanded with God‟s

wisdom, enrobed by God‟s holiness and empowered by God‟s

providence. It is planning with prayers that honours God and it is

based on a prayerful recognition of God‟s grace, sovereignty and

resources.

REV. DR. A. SAMUEL RAJ

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

| February 2017 Monthly Newsletter of St Saviour‟s Family |

SAVIOUR’S CHIMES CLASSICS ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From Saviour’s Chimes, February 2007

5-Finger Prayer: a simple piece that guides us whom we should

pray for, using our palm – it is as relevant today as it was in 2007.

It is surely worth making the 5-finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those

closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved

ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty”.

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,

instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They

need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep

them in your Prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest

finger. It reminds us of our

leaders. Pray for the president,

leaders in business and industry,

and administrators. These people

shape our nation and guide public

opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that

this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind

us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your

prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all which is

where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the

Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." It should remind

you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four

groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be

able to pray for yourself more effectively.

From Saviour’s Chimes, February

2007

Another enduring piece; while it continues its relevance today as

much as in 2007, the TV may currently be replaced with the Internet

or the Mobile phone, to reflect the changing times and media.

1. The TV is shepherd. I shall not want.

2. It makes me lie down on the sofa; it leads me away from the scriptures;

It will destroy my soul.

3. It leads me in the path of violence, and scandal for the sponsor‟s sake

4. Yea, though I walk in the shadow of my Christian responsibilities, there

will be no interruption, for the TV is with me.

5. It prepares a commercial before me in the presence of worldliness; it

anoints my head with Humanism, consumerism, and my coveting

runneth over.

6. Surely laziness and ignorance shall follow me all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house watching TV forever.

AUTHOR: 2007 TV ADDICT

From The Chimes, February 2006

There is the story of a preacher who got up one

Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad

news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new

building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

A Sunday school teacher asked the children just before

she dismissed them to go to church, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in

church?" Annie replied, "Because people are sleeping."

So far today, God, I've done all right. I haven't

gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty,

selfish, or over-indulgent. I'm really glad about that. But in a few minutes,

God, I'm going to get out of bed and from then on I'm probably going to

need a lot more help. In Jesus‟ name. Amen

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