st saviour's tamil church kolkata newsletter - april 2017

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

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

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

CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA DIOCESE OF CALCUTTA

ST. SAVIOUR’S TAMIL CHURCH KOLKATA. ESTABLISHED 1849

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Welcome

APRIL 2017

DIGITAL EDITION

HE WAS WOUNDED for our transgressions; He was crushed

for our iniquities; on Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and by His stripes we are healed.

ISAIAH 53:5

2 April: Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: The meaning of the death of Christ

Readings:OT: Isaiah 50:4-10; NT: 2 Corinth 5:11-19; Gospel: John 11:45-53

Songs: Hymns 262, 302, 385 Lyric 83 Communion Hymn 333

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER GATHERING: AFTER SERVICE

9 April: PALM SUNDAY: English Eucharist, 8.30 AM

Theme: Christ enters Jerusalem to offer His Life for salvation of the World

Readings: OT: Zechariah 9:9-12; NT: Phill. 2:5-11; Gospel: Matt. 26:1-26,66

Songs: Hymns 40, 101, 103, 175 Communion Hymn 182

13 April: MAUNDY THURSDAY: Tamil Eucharist, 7.30 PM

14 April: GOOD FRIDAY: Tamil Service, 12 NOON

16 April: EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICE: Tamil Eucharist, 7.30 AM

Theme: The Lord is risen, He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Readings: OT: Exodus 15:1-2,19-21; NT: Colos 3:1-4; Gospel: John 20:1-18


23 April: English Eucharist, WITNESSING SUNDAY, 8.30 AM

Theme: Joy & Peace, power & new life are given through the Resurrection

Readings: 1st: Acts 2:41-47; NT: I Peter 1:3-9; Gospel: John 20:19-31

Songs: Hymns 22, 208, 195, 223 Communion Hymn 261

30 April: Tamil Eucharist, PRAISE AND WORSHIP SUNDAY, 8.30 AM

Theme: Witnesses to Christ‟s Resurrection

Readings: 1st: Acts 2: 22-32; NT: I Peter 3:13-18; Gospel: Luke 24:13-35


AG Church Junior School, Royd

Street. SPEAKER: SIS. SUNITHA SUKUMAR. Details are on page 15.

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.com/stsaviourscalcutta Twitter.com/saviours_tamil

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

mailto:[email protected]

http://www./

http://www./



FROM THE PRESBYTER’S DESK

Joy and peace and New Life

are gains for us through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. THE POWER OF FELLOWSHIP: The Christians of the first century

lived as a resurrected community and enjoyed life, sharing everything

they had with the fellow Christians. They prayed together with one

accord when they faced persecution (Acts: 4-24-31). We have the same

power to stand firm and pray when evil forces attack fellow Christians.

We can face the hardship of our life as the resurrected Lord promised,

"I will be with you always", (Matthew: 28:20).

2. THE POWER TO LIVE IN PEACE: In the ever conflicting present

world Jesus is our peace who lives within us, and people around us may

not understand this secret power the resurrected Lord has given us.

The peace of Jesus is the guard of our heart, soul and mind protecting

us from the conflicts around us. "You will have peace by being united to

me" (John:16:33), Jesus has assured us.

3. THE POWER OF RENEWED LIFE: The message of resurrection

begins within us giving us the joy of a renewed life. It is the spiritual

resurrection of giving us the freedom from our old nature because it is

no longer that we live but Christ Jesus who lives in us (Galatians:

2:20).We now have new attitudes and new nature and new identity. The

fishermen disciples had this new life and power to proclaim the gospel

without fear and to become great writers and miracle workers. With the

power of resurrection we too can gain new ideas, new interests and new

ways of living successful Christian life.

4. THE POWER TO WITNESS: Jesus wants us to be the light and

salt of the world and has given us the strength to do good works and to

witness to the world around us and to give glory to God (Matthew: 5:16).

We gain the confidence because of the victory of the cross and the

power of resurrection of Jesus. With the availability of modern means of

communication we too can reach out to many in the world. Our renewed

personal life too should be a witness to the community around us.

5. THE POWER OF THE ETERNAL LIFE: We live with the hope of

our own Resurrection and life in eternity. When Christ comes again, we

will have a God-given body to live in Heaven for ever in the presence of

God. It is no longer then our deformed or weak body, but a body in the

image of spotless Jesus, perfect in every respect; an incorruptible body,

incapable of decay anymore and a glorious body in the eternal world (I

Corinthians 15:35-49).

6. THE POWER TO WORK OUT GOD'S PLAN: God gave powers

to Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Esther and David and all the prophets and

His power was also

manifested in the ministry and

miracles of the Apostles.

When we have the desire to

serve God, He gives us also

the power to build up His

kingdom by our good works.

The kingdom of God is present

not in talk, but in power and in

our good works. We will be judged and rewarded for our good works

when the Lord comes again (I Corinthians: 3:11-15).

7. THE POWER FOR OUR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: God did not

give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and

self-control (II Timothy: 1:7). We get this power of spiritual renewal when

we have the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Because

the resurrected Lord is alive in us, we have received the power of the

Holy Spirit that Jesus promised before he left this world. The Spirit of

God helps us to live a clean and victorious spiritual life.

BY REV DR SAMUEL RAJ

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A POEM TO PONDER

Good Friday is a day of mourning –

A day of fasting and prayer from morning;

Remembering Jesus who was crucified,

A sinless man so dignified.

A righteous man who was condemned -

Tormented and tortured till the end;

Nailed to the Cross at Calvary,

Hung on the old rugged tree.

A humble man, who obeyed His Father, ready to die -

“Into your Hands I commit my spirit” was His cry; (Luke 23:46)

He kept His promise – “To Rise Again”,

Won the Victory, Washed our sins and took our pain.

What‟s “Good” about „Good Friday‟ to us?

Well, God demonstrates His Love through Jesus; (Romans 5:8)

While we were sinners Christ died once for all, (1 Peter 3:18)

That We May Always Heed To God‟s Call!

Our Precious Lord, “Rose Again”,

Fulfilled God‟s Promise and took our pain

He is full of Grace, Truth and Love,

Ready to save and forgive us from above.

Jesus took our sins and gave us new life -

Protects us from struggle and strife;

Our old life is ov‟r, has made all things new, (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A clean and steadfast spirit in us, He can renew.

Life, without Jesus is dim,

But this is the confidence we‟ve in Him –

If we ask anything according to His will;

He‟ll hear our request and fulfil. (1 John 5:14-15)

“Christ has Risen” but we too can “Arise”

Bury all our sins and now be wise;

For, the Devil, Darkness and Death (Sin) are no more –

If only, we let Jesus to knock at our door!

MRS CYNTHIA MUKHERJEE

Why did He bear the Cross? For

whom did He bear the Cross?

They nailed the hands of Jesus to

the cross

And pierced His feet to hold Him to the tree

My heart cries out, "Why would the Son of God stay hanging there and

die disgraced in pain and agony?"

Soldiers scoffed, "Come down if you're Christ, do it if you are the Lord.

If you be God, then prove your word is true."

Though tempted thus, He stayed upon that cruel Cross and prayed,

"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

It was His love for you and me, and not the nails,

That held the Saviour on that awful, cruel tree.

It was His love and not the nails that kept Him there,

Though challenged too by jeering crowds,

He stayed and won the victory!

Indeed He came down,

Triumphantly, victoriously

For He is LORD. COMPOSED BY MR CYRIL MANI

Our Regular Feature, FROM THE MISSION FIELDS will return

Next Month. Watch out for the May issue of the Chimes.

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CHIMES BONUS POEM

Why so cast down O my soul He is there even when we disbelieve

Why so low within me He is there in prayers of disgust

Arise and make joy

See who watches over His love is for you,

And makes all my troubles flee His love is for me

It's only when we connect to him

He's my Jesus His glory and love we can see

He's my Lord

He's my Savior Let no morning be without him

With whom I trod No noon unfold

No evening without his presence

I sing to my heart Give your nights to him to hold

I say to my soul

Be patient, Be glad In life my friend, Though big or small

His hand, always hold Surrender your lives to Jesus

He will guide you through it all.

He is there when we need him

He is there when we distrust BY MRS SHANTA AGUSTUS

A METAPHORICAL TESTIMONY

Rambhau was a diver at Mumbai and Morse was the

American Missionary. Both were friends and Rambhau

used to teach about diving into the sea, bringing the

best oyster, etc.

One day, as usual, Morse was explaining about the free salvation. “God

offers salvation to all who simply believe and accept His free offer. Can‟t

you see that, my friend?”

“No, Sahib. As I have told you many times, it‟s too easy. That is where your

good religion breaks down. I cannot accept that. Perhaps I am too proud. I

must work for my place in heaven or else, I‟d always be uncomfortable.”

“Oh, Rambhau!” Behind the missionary‟s words were years of prayer for

this man. “You are getting older now. Perhaps this is your last season of

diving for pearls. If you ever want to see Heaven‟s gates, you must accept

the new life God offers you in His Son.”

“My last season! Yes, you are right. Today was my last day of diving. I have

preparations to make. The first day of the New Year, I begin my pilgrimage.

I shall make sure of heaven this time. I am going to Delhi on my knees.”

“No! Never! It is nine hundred miles to Delhi! The skin will break on your

knees and you‟ll have blood poisoning,” Morse explained. “Rambhau, My

friend, you can‟t! How can I let you do this when Jesus Christ has died to

purchase Heaven for you?” But the old man could not be moved.

On the afternoon of Christmas Day, Rambhau invited the Missionary to his

house and the latter obliged. As soon as Morse went to his house,

Rambhau brought a beautiful box. “I have had this box for years,” he said.

“I keep only one thing in it. Sahib Morse, I tell you, I once had a son.” “A

son! Why, Rambhau, you have never said a word about him?!”

“No, Sahib, I couldn‟t.” Even as he spoke, the diver‟s eyes

moistened. “Now I must tell you, for soon I will leave and

who knows whether I shall ever return? My son was a

diver too. He was the best pearl diver on the coasts of

India. He always dreamed of finding the best pearl. One

day he found it. But when he saw it, he had already been

underwater too long. He lost his life soon.” The old diver bowed his head.

“All these years, I have kept the pearl,” he continued, “But now, I am going;

not to return. I know that this is a day among Christians for giving gifts and

to you, my best friend, I am giving my pearl.”

The old man opened the box to pick up a mammoth pearl and placed it in

the Missionary‟s hand. It glowed with a luster and brilliance never seen in

cultured pearls. It would have brought a fabulous sum in any market. For a

moment, he was speechless and gazed with awe.

“Rambhau! What a pearl!” he said, “This is amazing! Let me buy it. I

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would give you $10,000 for it or even more; I will work for it.”

“Sahib,” said Rambhau, stiffening his whole body, “This pearl is beyond all

price. No man can buy it. I‟ll not sell it to you. You may have it only as my

gift.” “No, Rambhau, I cannot accept that. I must pay or work for it.”

The old pearl diver was stunned. “You don‟t understand, Sahib. Don‟t you

see? My only son gave his life to get this pearl and I wouldn‟t sell it for

money. It‟s worth is in the lifeblood of my son. I cannot sell this, but I can

give it to you. Just accept it as a token of my love.”

The missionary choked and for a moment could not speak. Then he

gripped the hands of the old man. “Rambhau,” he said in a low voice,

“Don‟t you see? That is just what I have been explaining to you so long.

God is offering you everlasting life as a free gift. It is so great and priceless

that no man on earth could buy it. It costs God the life blood of His only

Son. Won‟t you accept it my friend?”

The diver looked long and searchingly at the missionary and slowly, he

began to understand. “Sahib, I see it now. I have believed in the doctrine of

Jesus for two years but I could not believe that His salvation was free. Now

I understand. Some things are too priceless to be bought or earned. Sahib,

I do accept His salvation!”

COMPILED BY VENTRILOQUIST SHANTHAKUMAR

Test your Biblical Quotient. This month’s Puzzle

challenges your knowledge. Send in your answers

by 29 April to [email protected].

1. Where was Jesus mainly raised as a child?

2. According to which prophet did John prepare the way of the Lord?

3. Where did John the Baptist preach?

4. What was John the Baptist‟s main message?

5. What did Jesus say the sacramental bread symbolizes?

6. What did John the Baptist call the Pharisees and Sadducees who came

to watch him baptize people?

7. Where did Jesus go to perform the Atonement?

8. What did Peter, James & John do while Jesus suffered the Atonement?

9. What was Jesus doing when His parents found him?

10. What did Pilate do to show he wasn‟t responsible for Jesus‟ death?

11. Why was John confused when Jesus came to Him to be baptized?

12. What is one of the primary purposes of baptism?

13. To whom did Jesus explain that he was “about (His) father‟s business”?

14. Who rolled away the stone in front of Jesus‟ tomb?

15. What form did the Holy Ghost take following Jesus‟ baptism?

16. What natural disaster occurred following Jesus‟ death?

17. Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

18. How was John the Baptist related to Jesus?

19. Which Apostle led Christ‟s Church after Jesus was killed?

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

Friends, thank you for the amazing response to the Puzzle, one of the

most popular sections in the Chimes. We get answers on painstakingly-

written hard copies, the classical way; on e-mail and on Whatsapp.

EDITORIAL TEAM

The Kolkata Tamil Christian Community cordially invites you for the

Special Convention to Revive and Purify. Do Attend the Meet prayerfully.

THUTHI MINISTRIES, MADURAI

Venue: AG Church Junior School,

Royd Street, Kolkata

Dates and Time: 14, 15 April – 6 pm; 16 April – 6.30 pm

SIS. SUNITHA SUKUMAR WILL ALSO SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

AT OUR CHURCH ON MAUNDY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND

EASTER SERVICES.

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mailto:[email protected]



St Saviour’s Tamil Church Calcutta

Join our FB Community. This month saw

the highest response, leading to an expanded Letters section.

QUIZ: Hi, I am G Reginald‟s daughter; we were members of Tamil Church till

the mid-80s. Enjoyed doing the quiz. SHIRIN JEYAKAR, BANGALORE

FAF DU PLESSIS INTERVIEW: Very good testimony of cricketer Faf du Plessis in

Chimes, March 2017. Other articles were also good. VANAJA, CHENNAI

NEWSLETTER: Chimes is full of useful information and caters to the needs of

all the ages of the congregation. I‟m glad to note that our passport to

heaven is free, but with conditions. It should be the endeavor of all of us to

fulfill the conditions to take the free flight to heaven. Interview and

testimony were touching; From “How much for God?” I learnt that we

should easily use 3 more years for God instead of gossip! On the whole, the

Chimes produced a touching music which won‟t be easily forgotten by the

readers! VENTRILOQUIST SHANTHAKUMAR, CHENNAI

The Team is doing an amazing job. SHANTA AGUSTUS, CHENNAI

Wonderful effort. CYRIL MANI, KOLKATA

Great. Superb. Blessings on the way. GABRIEL VASANTH, KOLKATA

Enjoyed reading. SUNIL ARULDAS, CHENNAI

Great effort. LEENA JAISANKAR, KOLKATA

FOND RECOLLECTIONS OF ST SAVIOUR’S: Dear Rev. Samuel Raj and beloved

members, I thank and praise our Lord for the extraordinary way He is

leading each one of you in your ministry. I also thank Him for the amazing

talents he has bestowed upon members of the congregation, giving them

the ability to use them well for His purpose. I was brought up in this

beautiful Church, which was my second home along with my dear parents

Mr. Ernest Victor John, Mrs. Gladys Emily John and younger brother Stanley

Charles John. My father was the Treasurer for many years without one flaw

in his accounts. My dear mother was a very active member in the Mother‟s

Union and partook in many activities especially in serving the poor. My

brother and I grew up in the church and learnt to serve our Lord as they did

but never came up to their standard. But God has always blessed us and

still does, unworthy as we are.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BISHOP’S COLLEGE GRADUATES: Congratulations to the

3 young men, Gifton, Joel and Paul who recently graduated and now are on

their way to do God‟s work in various parts of India. May our Lord continue

to bless them, give them the boldness to preach the Gospel wherever they

are stationed; may they be lights shining in the darkness of this world and

may many come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour

and Lord through them. I pray for them to be filled with His Holy Spirit so

that they can withstand the wiles of the devil and to stand strong against

the forces of evil. Quoting from 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my

beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work

of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” And now

may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the

Communion of the Holy Spirit be with each one of you now and always.

GLORY E. RENDALL

I was speaking some time ago with a faculty from Bishop‟s College who

was wondering about the effectiveness of the system of posting their

students to congregations. I said that, as young children and youth, these

students were special, and made a big difference in our lives. I am sure

this was true for these students as well. We often forget how crucial their

ministry can be to children and youth who look up to them for guidance

laced with fun and enjoyment and without the trappings of solemnity and

cynicism. VIJAY ARULDAS, NEW DELHI

Compiled by Mr Titus

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https://www.facebook.com/vijay.aruldas?fref=ufi



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Chimes Classics prayerfully goes back to the 15 year Archives of Saviour’s Chimes to bring you pieces of timeless relevance.

An Easter Special Message From Saviour’s Chimes, April 2010

“All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of His

resurrection” – Philippians 3:10

God delegated His power to the people and

carried out His plans through them. He gave power to Moses to bring

back the Israelites from Egypt. He gave power to Joshua to conquer

Canaan with the assurance “not to be afraid or discouraged because

I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). He

gave His power to Gideon, Samson and other Judges not only to

conquer the rest of the land in Israel but also to overcome the

enemies around.

The power of resurrection is available to us when we

have the same relation with God as Jesus had; when we believe that

Jesus died for our sins; when we do not yield to the ways of Satan

and the world; when we pray, seek the power for a successful living.

“I have given all authority in heaven and earth.

Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples”

(Matthew 28: 18, 19). The poor fisherman obeyed this command

and moved people with the power of resurrection. From one dozen,

the number increased to 3000; then to 5000 and then many more in

different parts of the world. The same power is given to us too.

In the ever-conflicting situations of the

world, we have the peace of God which passeth all understanding.

The Resurrection power brought the peace, courage, Joy and

happiness to the early Christians to face severe persecution. They

had the joy of living together, sharing everything and living as the

resurrected community. It is a real joy when we share our secret of

peace and happiness and to show to the people around us how God

has blessed us with this peace, joy and happiness.

The message of the

Cross does not end at the Cross, but

it begins in us with a new resurrected

life. It is spiritual resurrection, free

from our old nature and attitudes.

The fisherman had this new life and

became preachers, writers and

miracle workers. With the power of resurrection, we too can gain the

new life, new interests, new desires and new ways of living being

witness of successful Christian living.

We live with the hope of our own resurrection and

eternal life with Jesus. We will rise again and then have a new

spiritual body, not just a sprit without body; and it will be a God-given

body, not deformed in any way; a body in the image of Jesus, perfect

in every respect, an incorruptible body, incapable of decay free from

death; a glorious body. (I Corinthians 15:35-49)

God wants us to enjoy this power of resurrection.

“The Kingdom of God is present not in talk but in power” (I

Corinthians 4:20) Power is from God and if we reject it, we reject His

will. God seeks to do a work in people‟s heart and change their life to

do His work. This delegated power of God is offered to us to witness

God‟s love to others without fear. “God did not give us a spirit that

makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self control” (II

Timothy 1:7)

We who choose to bear His cross should ask why we are in this

planet and why we are not utilizing the delegated power to witness.

REV DR A SAMUEL RAJ

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SAVIOUR’S CHIMES CLASSICS ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From Saviour’s Chimes, March 2004

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell

It goes beyond the highest star

And reaches to the lowest hell

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled

And pardoned from his Son.

Chorus: O love of God, how rich and pure

How measureless and strong

It shall evermore endure

The saints‟ and angels‟ song.

Could we with the ink the ocean fill

And were the skies of parchment made

Where every stalk on earth a quill

And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry,

Nor could the scroll contain the whole

The stretched from sky to sky.

“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving

kindness have I drawn thee” Jeremiah 31:3.

This beloved Gospel song has its roots in a Jewish poem, written in

Germany in the eleventh century. Frederick M. Lehman, the twentieth

century author and composer, wrote a pamphlet in 1948, entitled “History

of the song, the love of God”. He wrote as under: While in a camp meeting

in the mid-western state, an evangelist climaxed his message by quoting

the last stanza of this song. The profound depths of the lines moved to

preserve the words for future generations.

Not until he had come to California did this urge find fulfillment, and that at

a time when circumstances forced us to hard manual labour. One day,

during short intervals of inattention to our work, we picked up a scrap of

paper and, seated upon an empty lemon box pushed against the wall, with

a stub pencil, added the first two stanzas and chorus of the song.

Since the lines (the third stanza quoted above) from the Jewish had been

found penciled on the wall of a patient‟s room in an insane asylum after he

had been carried to his grave, the general opinion was that this inmate had

written the epic in moments of sanity.

The key stanza, the third verse (quoted above), under question as to its

authorship, was written nearly 1000 years ago by a Jewish songwriter, and

put on the score page by F.M.Lehman, a gentle songwriter, in 1917.

MRS THANGAM SAMUEL RAJ

From Saviour’s Chimes, March 2008

A tax inspector came to a Christian to

determine the amount of tax he would have

to pay. The following conversation took place.

Tax-man: List your possessions please.

Christian: First, I have everlasting life (John

3:16)

Second, I have a mansion in heaven (John

14:2)

Third, I have Peace that passeth all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Fourth, I have Joy unspeakable (1 Peter 4:18)

Fifth, I have divine love which never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Sixth, I have a faithful, pious wife (Proverbs 31:10)

Seventh, I have healthy, obedient children (Exodus 20:12)

Eighth, I have true loyal friends (Proverbs 18:24)

Ninth, I have songs in the night

Tenth, I have a crown of life. (James 1:12)

We pray that all of us have such a tax free wealth.

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st saviour's tamil church kolkata newsletter - april 2017

Spiritual