Volume 03 | Issue 02

THE
CLEANSING
CHRIST
February 2023
Service Schedule & Acolytes
 St.Matthew’s &
January Melbourne CSI
2023 Vicar’s Report
“Is not this the kind of
fasting I have
chosen: to loose the
chains of injustice
and untie the cords of
the yoke, to set the
oppressed free and
break every yoke?”
Isa 58:6

Another season of Lent is at hand. Christians around the globe observe Lent
in different ways. The eastern churches, orthodox and traditional
denominations, follow strict religious observations than the protestant
denominations do. Beginning with the wearing of ashes on foreheads on Ash
Wednesday, many choose to observe some kind of abstinence from the usual
things and habits. Some prefer to self-deny elaborate meals, meat, fish, eggs,
and fats, and some abstain from social media and entertainments until Easter
Sunday. Christians partake in different ceremonial obligations and practice
penance and personal spiritual discipline. Some others preferer to give up
luxuries, chocolate, alcohol, private vehicles and other comforts.

Many Christians believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to have a
sense of belongingness to God and attain God’s pardon and blessing. People
prefer to give alms and involve in charity acts. Jesus taught his disciples three
major spiritual patterns such as Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, and in these
spiritual exercises, we are to observe it unnoticeably. It is not a public
showcasing. Jesus said, ‘When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites
do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the
truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on
your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you
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are fasting, but only to your father, who is unseen.’ [Matthew 6:16-18]. Search
our hearts and see how many times we were tempted to make others see and
appreciate our deeds of benevolences and generosity? Even insignificant
things we publicize. We need to observe lent and do good things for others not
to get popularity and fame, but to get reward from heavenly father who
watches us in secret. These verses reveal the real virtue of prayer and fasting
as a perfect communion with God to discipline your own personal and
physical inclinations and to concentrate more on the will of God in our lives.

Lent should lead us to Easter. The observation of passion and death of Jesus
Christ leads us to the celebration of Christ’s Victory over the powers of
darkness. All our Lenten observation must result in the reignition of the
resurrection life and renewed life in Christ. As Christ resisted the temptations
in the wilderness throughout forty days, we gain the power and guidance of
the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to fight against the powers and
principalities of the fallen world that helps us lead a victorious Christian
living. The Resurrection Day is the Victory Day that reminds us of the
inherent power of a Christian to win over every temptation and sin. Let us
observe the lent with truth and sincere heart in order to cleanse our inner
carnality by the incursion and indwelling of the Holy Spirit and to lose the
chains of injustice by the Cleansing power of the Word.

Church Life.

Many of our Church members were gone to India to be with their parents and
family members back home. Many have undertaken extensive travels and
visiting different places. The attendance during this month was comparatively
low but with adequate participation. All the services were held with Holy
Eucharist and the combined service of the month saw a very good gathering.
Many have started returning to Melbourne after their holiday trips. We
welcome you back to our forthcoming worship services and fellowships.

The Sunday School will recommence on the first week of February and there
was a gathering of Sunday School teachers after the service on 29th January.
There will be solo competitions for the Sunday School children on Sunday the
12th of February at our church.

Youth members will continue to meet for their regular Bible Studies from
February onwards.

Men’s and Women’s Fellowship continue to help in the weekly gatherings and
the Sunday service arrangements.

MCSI Picnic

This year’s Australia Day and Indian Republic Day was marked by a picnic on
26th January 2023 at Mornington Park. More than fifty people participated and
 3

the day was filled with jubilant gathering, fun filled games, friendly Cricket
match, Tug of War, Swimming at a nearby beach, games and activities. BBQ,
and lunch were arranged and it was a great day of enriched friendship and
fellowship for our community.
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Thank God for His guidance and grace. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Special thanks to Toney, Jelin, Anju, and Nisha for the amazing leadership
and coordination. Thanks to those who brought food and snacks. Thanks to the
Pastorate committee for the support.

St.Matthew’s Vestry

The member of St. Matthew’s Vestry met on Thursday the 12th of January and
discussed and deliberated on things of Kebab Van License Renewal and Site
Development Plans at Ashburton. There was a consultation with the Architect
and their group on 30th of January in regard to the Parish specific needs to be
considered during the planning and sketching of the proposed multi-purpose
church complex.

House Dedication

The House dedication of Mr.Ron Jacob was held on Saturday the 28th of
January and some of our church members attended.
 7

We congratulate Ron, his parents and family members for this new gift and
pray that God will continue to bless them.

STEFM

STEFM Cricket match was held at Bon Thomas Reserve, 57A Quinn St,
Deer Park VIC 3023. Rev.Sebastian Mandapathil, President STEFM
inaugurated the games. The Cricket trophy winner for this year is Syro
Malabar church. Runners up was Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church, followed
by Indian Orthodox Church and MarThoma Church.

Unfortunately, MCSI Couldn’t make it this time due to the lack of required
numbers of team members.
 8

Solo and Bible Quiz competition will be held on the 18th Feb at MCSI church
Ashburton. Mr. Renji Cherian of our church will coordinate the Solo
Competitions.

Lent 2023.

The Lenten season will

begin on Ash Wednesday
the 22nd of February with
a special service. There
will be separate and also
combined services during
the season and
Rt.Rev.Dr.Oommen
George, Bishop in CSI

Kollam Kottarakkara Diocese will join us on

Maundy Thursday (Combined) and Good
Friday(CSI) Services. Please pray for the blessing
of all the ministries during lent this year.

St. Matthew’s congregation will be having special

Lenten Bible Studies led by its members after
Sunday Services. MCSI Will be having special
cottage prayers during the Lent.
 Organisation News

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth Fellowship meets fortnightly on Tuesdays through zoom platform and study the Bible.
Encourage all youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Mr. Geo Peter.

CHOIR
Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday after the Holy Communion Service at the church.
For further details please contact Mrs Gracelin Justin.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School classes are held every Sunday before the Holy Communion Service at the rear
hall of the church.
Contact: Mr Justin Israel for further details.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The women of our church meet third Sunday of every month after the service at the church.
Encourage all women in our parish to participate in the activities of the Women’s Fellowship.
For further details, please contact Mrs. Jessymole Justin.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Fellowship meets fourth Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Mr Renji Cherian.

YOUNG FAMILIES' FELLOWSHIP

The Young Familes' Fellowship meets second Sundays of every month after the service at the church.
For further details, please contact Ms Aparna Anna.

FASTING PRAYER MINISTRY

Our Vicar and some members meet every Fridays at 10:30am at the church for fasting prayer.

COTTAGE PRAYER
Cottage prayers are held once every month at 07:00pm at the residence of a church member.
Encourage all members to participate in the prayer meetings.
For further details, please contact Mrs Dhanya Rajesh.
 Melbourne CSI Church

LIST OF MEETINGS FOR THE MONTH

FEBRUARY 2023

For detailed information: www.melbournecsichurch.org.au

Call Rev. Kurian: 0447 438 900 or secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au
BIRTHDAYS

God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He
Blesses you with life, with love; And the joy of another year to know him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family abundantly in the coming
years. May you be an inspiration and example for others in the days to come.
WISHING ALL CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
 MCSI LIFE
NEWSLETTER OF THE MELBOURNE CSI CHURCH

For more information, please contact

Rev Kurian Peter Mr Manoj David Mr James Rajesh
(Vicar) (Secretary) (Webmaster)
Mob: 0447 438 900

vicar@melbournecsichurch.org.au secretary@melbournecsichurch.org.au admin@melbournecsichurch.org.au

Melbourne CSI Church Inc., 334 High St, Ashburton Vic 3147
MCSI GENERAL FUND MCSI BUILDING FUND MCSI MISSION FUND
ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS ACCOUNT DETAILS

A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church A/c Name: Melbourne CSI Church
BSB: 063-244 BSB: 063-103 BSB: 063-103
A/c No. 10662876 A/c No. 10450633 A/c No. 10450625

melbournecsichurch.org.au for private circulation only