The Diocese of Madhya Kerala, Church of South India
In 2004-2005 the companion diocese committee began developing a relationship with the Diocese of Madhya Kerala, Church of South India. Bishop Itty’s charge to the committee was to fulfill the Diocese of Oregon’s goals of mission, evangelism, and discipleship through personal relationships, education, and learning opportunities, as well as building local and global consciousness while striving for understanding and sensitivity.
Here is a news abstract from the CSI MKD
November 2006
North India CSI MKD Family Conference.
The people of CSI MKD in diaspora met at Bombay from 19th to 22nd October 2006. The people hailing from of Madhya Kerala, from different CSI Churches in North India and from different mission fields, more than 300, parents, youth and children gathered at the St. Pious Seminary, Bombay. The program was conducted under the auspicious of CSI Parel Church, Bombay
“Spirituality for the broken world” was the theme for discussion. Bishop Thomas Samuel was the main leader for the retreat. Rev Dr. T. M. John, one of our retired pastors led the adult group. Rev. Shaji M. Johnson was the main leader for the youth group. There wee a number of kids and they were taken care by Rev. Dn. Robin Ipe Mathew. There were many lay leaders also to set the programs in order.
Keralites, wherever they are, hold on their culture and traditions. But the second generation Keralites, as in US, forgets many of their family roots. Apart from the spiritual nurturing, the gathering gave an ample opportunity to join-up the broken knots. It was an exiting experience when people who are estranged after their school days met at the campsite and it also helped the younger generation to have a sense of belonging.
Pastors of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese were on retreat.
All pastors of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese assembled at The Bishop Selvamony Retreat Center at Kanyakumari from 25th to 27th October 2006 for three days for devotion and study. Bishop Thomas Samuel and Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla were the main leaders. Dr Joe Joseph Kuruvilla presented the theme ‘Empowering the Local Congregation.’ It was an exiting experience for all the pastors. Few of our retired clergy also attended the program.
Fifth Anniversary of Consecration Celebrated.
Fifth anniversary of consecration of bishop Thomas Samuel is celebrated on 27th October 2006 during our annual retreat at The Selvomony Retreat Center Chapel, Kanyakumari after the Holy Communion Service. All the participants of the retreat attended the celebration. The Rev Jacob P. Samuel, the Treasurer of the Diocese thanked God and felicitated the bishop for his fruitful ministry.
Church Worker’s Retreat.
The church workers of the MKD will meet at Mysore for their retreat from November 4 to 6, 2006. This will endow with good time for them for tour and spiritual nourishment. Bishop Thomas Samuel and other senior clergy will lead the retreat.
Blessing and Handing over of houses for Tsunami victims
The blessing and handing over of 29 houses built by the MKD will be handed over to to the beneficiaries on the 16th of November 2006 at Kayamkulam. The project is located in 1.5 acres of land close to the Kayamkulam Lake and on completion, the project consists of 30 houses and a community hall. Mrs. Pauline Satyamoorthi, secretary to the CSI Synod will be the chief guest of the occasion. Other dignatories of the church and the state will attend the meeting.
Temperance Movement.
The temperance movement of Kerala is organizing protest movements against the government policy to open more outlets since the sale of alcohol brings a lot of revenue to the government. The meeting to be held at the Central Junction Kottayam on the 10th of November 2006 will attract a lot of people from all sectors.
Pre-Cana Course.
The Bishop Mani Theological institute conducted a pre marital course titled Pre- Cana to unmarried ladies and gentlemen for 3 days starting from 4th of November 2006. It is the first in this kind organized by the diocese and will conducted in future at regular intervals as divorce cases in the community are increasing in the alarming rate.
Contact:
The Very Rev. William Lupfer, Co-convener
billl@trinity-episcopal.org
Ms. Anne McCollom, Co-convener
annabell@mind.net
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