CARE Groups - A Proposal
The main aim or goal of the Care Group would be 'Growing and Working
Together'. This should involve Caring, Acknowledging, Renewing, and
Empowering (CARE).
The Biblical World and Biblical Texts essentially revolve around 'Groups' based
on family, social identity and spiritual identity. Spiritual formation, ministry and
nurturing, needs more than a 'Sunday Morning Assembly' approach as
individuals and families, and must happen in groups.
Understanding "Groups" is an approach in Social Sciences, which believes that
individuals are to some extent interdependent and share a common identity to
'Care' for each other, where each one is 'Acknowledged' and thereby
'Renewed', and being 'Renewed' is a sign of 'Empowerment'. In other words,
we can grow together effectively when we meet in smaller groups, and work
together towards a goal.
What we require today is not simply a 'spiritual' understanding of the Church, but
a 'social' understanding as well. By Social understanding we mean the way
people relate to each other and derive their identity and belonging.
This has Challenges! The 3G Challenges we face at St. Andrew's are:
- Growth: Membership, Transfers, New Disciples, Migration, Marriage…
- Geography: The distance in the city of Bangalore and challenge to
connect
- Grouping: People from diverse cultural, social and denominational groups are members and are becoming members to worship with us.
Providing spaces for interaction is very important for growth.
But there are Opportunities …
They are:
- To meet people where there are, at 'homes'
- To meet in "Small Groups" and in homes depending on geographical
distance (with the same idea of Areas that we have now).
- To enrich Fellowship and develop Friendships.
- To Study the Bible deeply, regularly and systematically.
- Prayer and Prayer Networking.
- To Care and Support the Sick, the Elderly, and the Bereaved.
- To take care of Counseling needs.
- To discover common interests and develop opportunities for people
with diverse interests and enable to meet in smaller groups - Think of
Acts 2:42-47
- To enable networking with other Ministries of the Church, like Elderly
Care, Marital Counselling…
Foundational Text for our guidance: I Corinthians 3: 5 - 9
The Apostle Paul provides us the key in presenting us with several ideas
and one of them is "Growth" in the early Christian Community at Corinth.
In Ch. 3: 5 - 6, he emphasizes that it is God who 'gives the growth',
although each one is assigned different roles and responsibilities (v.5). We
need each other.
He illustrates through the metaphors of Servant, Field, and Building, the
Goal is that we "Work Together" (v.9).
Paul emphasizes that…
"We can grow together, when we work together." "We can work together,
when we grow together."
Growing together and Working Together in Groups: Biblical Models
The Bible is filled with models that highlight God's intervention and direction
to grow in groups.
1. Jethro Model -Exodus 18:13-27
The Jethro Model is a model that illustrates that we need people to grow
and work together. It indicates that people can grow better in small groups.
Jethro was able to convince Moses that it is difficult to carry out the task
alone and one will 'wear oneself out' (Exodus 18:18), and that care can be
provided only in small groups.
Social interaction and the Social responsibility can be developed effectively
in a group with effective local leadership who are empowered. People need
attention and care, and this can happen when we can connect as smaller
groups.
2. The Jesus Model(Mark 3:13-14; Matthew 28:18-20)
The Jesus Model was a "Care Group Model"
It is a model of discipleship, where 12 of them were taught by Jesus to
Care for each other, acknowledge each other, be renewed and were
gradually empowered to share the Good News to the whole world.
Agroup of 12 met, grew together, and worked together. Jesus invested in a
small group, that later yielded rich dividends to reach set goals.
With the above reflection in mind, here is the the Proposal:
- It is time to shift the emphasis from 'Area Leaders' to 'CARE
Groups.' The shift in emphasis is to focus on the needs of the
people.
- The Leaders will therefore have greater and effective roles.
- Area Leaders can now be called 'CARE Group Leaders'
- A systematic way of growing and working together all through
the year and in all seasons
The Proposal was presented at the Area Leaders Meeting held on the
15th of January 2020, and the same was accepted. This was presented to
the Pastorate Committee at its meeting on the 17th of January 2020, and
was approved.
This is now presented to you for your response, feedback and more
ideas. Please get back to us by the end of March.
Your Presbyter
Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben
St. Andrew's School, Siddapura
Best Student Award for the year 2019 - 20
by the Karnataka Aided School Association, Bengalore South
Ms. Sudha S, joined our School for
Nursery in the year 2011-12, and is in
the 7th Standard now. Coming from a
poor family background, she always
stands first in all monthly tests and
exams, and actively participates in
cultural and extra curricular activities.
She also has good leadership skills.
Both her older brothers who have
been students of our School have
received this award too. Sudha has
received this award among 30
students in the South Range.
We Congratulate her, the teachers
and the headmistress for their effort
and encouragement.
Confirmation Service
- Sunday, January 5th, 2020
The first Sunday in our church this year began with the Confirmation Service.
Our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Samuel, confirmed 13 candidates (6
girls and 7 boys). The Bishop met the candidates before the Worship Service
and addressed them on the significance of Confirmation, and posted questions
on topics that the candidates have been learning through the classes conducted
by our Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben. The classes had started in August,
2019. The students also worked on various projects which was overseen by
senior members, and were presented to the congregation. The Bishop's sermon
on this special Sunday was based on the theme 'Promise of being a disciple'
chosen from 2 Chronicles 20: 10 - 20. The confirmed candidates were blessed
by the Bishop and were welcomed into the congregation. The solemn Breaking
of the Bread part of the Worship Service followed. The confirmants came to the
Alter along with their families for their first communion. They walked down the
center aisle as the Organ Postlude was played, and stood at the entrance of the
church, where the congregation members and their families wished them on
their new spiritual journey.
Republic Day Flag Hoisting
26th January 2020
The 71st Republic Day Flag Hoisting was special this year, as it was on a Sunday!
The National Tri-colour was hoisted just after the Kannada Worship Service and
before the English Worship Service could begin. Congregation members who
have served or presently serving in the Defense Services were invited to come
forward along with the police personnel who were stationed inside the church on
that day. The Chief Guest was Major Sooraj, a multifaceted gentleman with
accolades in Academics, Sports and Arts. He has served in counter-terrorist
operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in the Siachen Glacier for 50 days. Major
Sooraj hoisted the National Flag and the National Anthem was sung by all the
members and children gathered in front of the Flag Post. Sweets were distributed
after the Flag Hoisting.
This set the tone for the English Worship Service. The preacher was our own
Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben, whose message was based on the
Preamble of our Constitution - Justice, Liberty, and Equality to all citizens, and
promote Fraternity to maintain Unity and Integrity of our Nation.
The Congregation sang the Hymn 'Abide with me' specially chosen for that
day as the Closing Hymn, followed by the National Anthem in full gusto
accompanied on our Pipe Organ by Mr. Andrew Bhagyanathan.
Republic Day Concert
The 71st Republic Day Celebrations witnessed an enthralling evening of Patriotic
Songs and music in Kannada, Tulu, Hindi and English, at our church during the
Evening Worship Service.
With the able support of our Presbyter Rev. Dr. Dexter Maben, and our Choir
Director Mr. Andrew Bhagyanathan, the Guest Choirs from CSI Electronics City
Church, CSI Hindustani Church, along with our own Church Choir,
Stuthi@Andrew's with the newly stared Young Stuthi Children in their maiden
Public Performance, and St. Andrew's Chamber Orchestra, performed for the
evening.
The Concert started with St. Andrew's Church Orchestra with the Choir and the
Congregation singing the Patriotic Songs, 'We shall overcome' and 'Saare
Jahaan se Achcha', in various languages. The Guest Choirs, our own Church
Choir and Stuthi@standrew's, did their part in rendering their numbers with
fervour and excellence.
Our Presbyter Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben gave a very inspiring message from the
text, I Peter 2: 13 - 17.
Mr. Andrew Bhagyanathan delivered the vote of thanks.
The Closing Hymn "Abide with me" was specially sung on this occasion. After the
Closing Prayer and Benediction, the National Anthem was played on the Pipe
Organ by Mr. Andrew Bhagyanathan, with all of us joining in reverently.
May our Lord continue to use our voices to glorify and honour Him!
Report – Sunday School
According to the Word of God, all of life is a Stewardship - a stewardship of our
time, talents, treasures and God's truth. There are so many stewards who silently
work for our Sunday School. We are so blessed to have a wonderful Pastorate
Committee led by our Pastor, our teachers and volunteers who continually strive
to do something special for the kids, our children who take great responsibility
and our congregation who support us in all our visions.
th After a short break, Sunday School reopened on January 12 , 2020. Children,
teachers and volunteers participated in the regular activities of our Sunday
School.
In addition to our regular activities, by God's grace, we were able to organize Pep
Talks for our teens. These are interactive sessions loved by our children, which
was started last year. It touches on 2 important aspects related to our speaker:
i. His/her personal walk with Christ
ii. Career counselling in detail in his/ her field of expertise.
We are so thankful to Mr. Maxwell Sumithra, a Marine Engineer, for accepting
our invitation and sharing his testimony, and encouraging our children by taking
away many myths related to travelling on ships, and explaining in detail every
challenge, and how to overcome it. Children thoroughly enjoyed all the tales he
shared about nature's beauty, pirates, icebergs, routines in the ship, the joy of
showing God's love through rescue missions and various other interesting
events.
We are so grateful to the directors of Stuthi@Andrews for starting Chinara
Stuthi, which encourages our Sunday School children to praise God along with
Stuthi@Andrews. Those interested are requested to please reach out to us.
We are thankful to the Youth Team for having a session with our young adults in
helping them integrate with the youth gradually.
We have built a framework under the guidance of Mrs. Rani Reginald for kids
with special needs. Parents are welcome to approach us irrespective of the need
of their child.
VBS is planned in the month of April. The date and time will be decided in due
course. Kindly pray for this big event, for an able Director, for committed teachers
and volunteers, for all the training sessions, books and other materials needed to
reach on time, for organizing food, funds/sponsors. Those interested in teaching,
kindly give your names to the Sunday School Superintendent.
We have observed a lot of children missing out on this wonderful walk with
Christ. We urge parents to diligently send their children to Sunday School as
Jesus said in Mathew 19:14 – 'Let the children come to me …. '.
We also welcome members who are willing to help us in this mission for Christ.
Young Couples Fellowship
Sunday, January 26th 2020
The first meeting of the Young Couples Fellowship (YCF) was held on Sunday,
January 26, 2020 after the Republic Day English Worship Service, in the Stewart
Wright Hall. It was attended by 8 couples, and the Fellowship Session was
conducted by experienced facilitators and councillors, led by our Presbyter Rev.
Dr. Dexter S. Maben.
The Youth Fellowship led the Praise and Worship, and an Ice-breaker game was
conducted by the facilitators, and Mrs. Anupama Caroline and Mr. Winfred
Joshua. This was followed an address by Mr. Biju K. Thomas and Mrs. Sheeba
Thomas about the importance of the Church, the Word of God, and Marriage,
and how the Young Couples Fellowship will play a role by supporting the young
couples. Thereafter, Rev. Samuel Sujay Kumar and Mrs. Mary Kumuda Sujay did
a role-play on Mary and Joseph.
An open discussion was led by Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben and activities were
planned as follows:
- YCF will meet for Fellowship once a month;
- The next meeting would be on the 9th of February, and thereafter will be
on the1st Sunday of every month;
- Timings would be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm;
- Bible Study based on Home Builder Series; Building your Marriage.
Each member picked up a book-mark, which was designed especially for this
Session. The afternoon concluded with Fellowship Lunch.
We request the congregation to specially keep this Fellowship in your prayers.
Wings of the Church and their Activities
Sunday School |
During Kannada & English Worship Services, except the 1st Sunday of the Month |
Youth Fellowship |
Every Sunday after the English Worship Service
Every 2nd Sunday, conducts Evening Worship Service
Every Saturday, Praise & Worship Practice
|
Young Couple's
Fellowship |
9th February 2020, after the English Worship Service
Thereafter from the month of March, 1st Sunday of every Month
|
Women's Fellowship |
Every 1st Sunday - Breakfast Sale
1st Saturday of every Month - Bible Study
3rd Saturday of every month - House Visits & Craft Classes (Alternate)
|
Men's Fellowship |
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month, at 5 PM
|
Care For the Elderly |
Every 1st Thursday of the Month, at 10.30 AM
|
Music Ministry |
Choir Practice, every Friday at 6.30 PM
Stuthi@Andrew's Practice, every Saturday at 6.30 PM
SAME Practice, every Tuesday at 6.30 PM, and every Saturday at 9.30 AM
Voice Training Classes, every Saturday starting at 3 PM
|
Care Groups
(Area Leaders)
|
Database Review Meeting on Saturday, February 8th at 9:00 AM
(breakfast meeting) |
