St.Andrew's Church

Christmas 2020 - Mission Field, Tubegere

Our Mission Field Christmas was celebrated at Tubegere village on Sunday, 13th December 2020. To be part of the celebration, a small group from our Mission & Evangelism Team consisting of Mr. S J Watson, Mr. Gladson Maben, Mr. Sam Macwana, Mr. Clement Reginald, Mrs. Asha Franklyn, Mr. Suhas Kumar, Mr. Franklyn Edwin, along with our Presbyter Rev. Dr. Dexter Maben, visited Tubegere.

Worship Service started at 10:30 am with Praise and Worship was led by the Youths of Tubegere Church, followed by the Sermon by our Presbyter. Children presented choreographed Christmas Carols, followed by the Youths and Elders of the church joining in.

After the Worship Service, we interacted with the Tubegere congregation. Christmas Goodies were distributed to all who attended the program. Christmas Gifts for 34 children was distributed, sponsored by our Sunday School, and Sarees for 16 widows, sponsored by one of our church members.

Fellowship Lunch followed. One of the members of Tubegere church donated 2 goats towards the Christmas Lunch, and another family contributed 15 kgs. chicken for the kebabs.

It was a wonderful and joyous occasion for all of us, a time of worship, sharing and celebration.

I thank all the members for your contribution in kind, and for your prayers towards our church's Mission Activities. Please do continue to uphold the members of Tubegere Church and our Mission Activities in your prayers.

Mr. Franklyn Edwin
Convener
Mission & Evangelism Sub-Committee

MUSIC MINISTRY - DECEMBER 2020

6th December, during the Combined Worship Service, Stuthi@StAndrew's, presented LIVE the Kannada Song, "NinnaVaakyavu Nanna Balige", under the guidance of Wg Com. I. D. Soans, Mr. Pratap Atmadas and Mr. Ezekiel.

13th December, being Choir Sunday, the Church Choir, presented Anthems and Hymns, under the direction of our Choir Director and Organist, Mr. Andrew Bhagyanathan.

20th December, both during the Kannada and English Worship Services, the Youth, under the leadership of Ms. Neha Soans, presented Carols in Kannada and English respectively. SAME under the guidance of Mr. Godfrey Aiyadorai, during the English Worship Service, presented virtually a medley, "Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel and God bless you merry gentlemen".

20th Evening Service was our Carol Service, organized and led by our Youth, on the theme, "Do Not Be Afraid". After a brief introduction and welcome by Ms. Neha Soans, the Youth led the congregation with Carols. The Candles at the Altar were lit, followed by their presentation of an excellent Skit on the Birth of Christ, by a very talented Cast.

Every Wing of the church and every age group were involved. Special Songs were rendered in-between by the Church Choir, Stuthi@StAndrew's, Women's Fellowship; Sunday School children (both English and Kannada), Tubagere Mission Field (virtual presentation), and the Youth Fellowship, in praise of our Lord's Birth. The Birth of Christ was also presented virtually through the Indian classical dance by a little girl Ms. Iha Charitha Jathanna. The Nativity Play was presented virtually by the Sunday School Children. Master Judah played a Hymn on the Piano.

24th December, during the Christmas Eve Service, Stuthi@standrew's presented a Kannada Song "HAAENTHAADBHUTHAVE(Christmas version)".

25th December, during the Christmas Day Worship Service, Stuthi@standrew'spresented "UDAYADASOORYANANTHE ".

27th December was celebrated as Family Sunday and during the morning Kannada Service, Stuthi@St.Andrews presented a Kannada Song titled "SATIPATIGALAADANIMAGE".

31st December, during the Year Ending Worship Service, Stuthi@St.Andrews presented a Kannada Song titled "NIN BHOOYAATREYA".

The Church Choir sang the following Special Numbers during this Christmas Season - Choir Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

1. Amaiden most gentle: arr. by Andrew Carter.
2. Sans Day Carol: arr. by John Rutter.
3. All bells in Paradise: arr. by John Rutter.
4. Angle Tidings: arr. by John Rutter.
5. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: arr. by John Gardner.
6. On Christmas night all Christians sing: arr. by David Willcocks.
7. Candlelight Carol: arr. by John Rutter.
8. For Unto Us a Child is born: Handel's Messiah.

Mrs. Connie Gilbert
Convener, Music Ministry

YOUNG COUPLES FELLOWSHIP

Family Sunday was celebrated on the 27th of December 2020, led by the Young Couples Fellowship (YCF) of St. Andrews Church. The entire Service was very beautifully intricated in a manner that was never done before in a Service. The Bible Readings and Responsive Readings were done by couples together as symbolism of unity and togetherness. We had Rev. Samuel Sujay Kumar and Mrs. Kumuda Sujay Kumar, who are one of the resource members for YCF, and their message was about the importance of having a Christ Centred Family, practicing attributes of having gratitude, investing time, and having faith and trust in each other. The whole Service was an overwhelming experience for most of the congregation members as they saw the young couples participate in the Service along with their spouses with enthusiasm.

A brief report about the Young Couples Fellowship was worded in a video with couples sharing their experiences for the past eleven months, and urging other couples to join this fellowship.

We thank God for helping us serve the church through this fellowship and also our Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben for his relentless efforts and support throughout. We also thank the Pastorate Committee for encouraging us; last but not the least, we thank each and every member of the congregation for your love and prayers. Continue to uphold the Young Couples Fellowship and its ministry in your prayers.

Mrs. Alexandrina Namrata Kotian
Convener, Young Couples Fellowship (YCF)

Women's Fellowship

On the 11th of December, the Women's Fellowship decided to celebrate Christmas with the Elders at CSI Wesley Senior Citizens Home, Millers Road.

Keeping the current situation in mind, the visit to the Home was made by the Committee Members.

The Opening Prayer was by Rev. Florence Deenadayal. The members of the Women's Fellowship sang a few Carols and shared the message of Christmas. They conducted games for the inmates,followed by distribution of snacks. The Closing Prayer and benediction was by Rev. Elina Abraham.

Blankets and essential food items were contributed by the members of the Women's Fellowship.

The Committee also visited the house of Mrs. Jessie Shiri, our former Vice President, on the same day, to bid her farewell as she is relocating to Mangalore.

The members of the Women's Fellowship were invited to participate in the church Carol Service held on 20th December at 6 pm, and sang a special number "Mary did you know".

We would like to thank the members for their generous contributions, support and prayers.

Mrs. Mirium L. S. Sadhu
Secretary, Women's Fellowship

Sunday School Report

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

1. Our Sunday School celebrated Christmas virtually through a Christmas programme on Sunday the 20th of December 2020. The true meaning of Christmas is beautifully depicted by the active participation of the children. The teachers have seen that every child conveyed the message of Christmas using their talents. In case you have missed it you can still watch it here: https://youtu.be/6iuB-B5amx0

2. The Sunday School Christmas gifts were distributed on 13th of December 2020 (maintaining protocol). It was a joy to see the happiness in the eyes of all their masked faces!
During this difficult times we as a team were able to share our joy with our own Tubagere Mission field children and the St. Andrews school children, by sponsoring their Christmas gifts. Thanks to all the sponsors for your overwhelming support for this noble cause.

3. The children participated with great enthusiasm during the Carol service, which was held on 20th of December 2020. A Kannada and an English song were presented in person on the theme "Manger". A presentation by the Kannada Sunday school was also projected.

4. Thanking:

- Almighty God for His guidance and wisdom to each of the Sunday school team members!
- Presbyter Rev. Dr. Dexter Maben and the Pastorate committee members for their guidance and continued support.
- The teachers for all the efforts put up for the beautiful programme and the online classes.
- Children and parents, it motivates us to continue to reach out to you when you show a lot of enthusiasm to learn more about the Bible.
- Congregation members, we thank you for your prayers and encouragement for every small step taken by our team.
- The office staff, the support staff and the editorial team for all the help provided to our team during this year.

5. Kindly remember our team in your prayers as we head into the New Year and plan new things for our children that they may grow with the Hope that they received during this special season. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New year!

Rashmi S. Mohanraj
SundaySchool Superintendent

St. Andrew's School, Siddapura
"What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9

The Annual Christmas Program at St. Andrew's School, was a double celebration this year. Led by our Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dexter S Maben, the members of St. Andrew's Church Pastorate Committee, Staff of St. Andrew's School, our partners from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Team, and St. Andrew's School Sub-committee, got together on the 18th of December 2020, at St. Andrew's School Siddapura, for the inauguration of the renovated School buildings.

Rev. Dr. Dexter S Maben, along with St. Andrew's School Head Mistress, Mrs Saraswati, inaugurated the building and reviewed the renovation work done at the old school building and the new building. This was followed by the Christmas th Program put up by the Teaching Staff and children from class 7th.

Our Secretary, Mr. Joshi Mark, gave the Welcome Address, emphasising on the active involvement of St. Andrew's Church congregation in supporting the School at Siddapura.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Team then gave a detailed report on the renovation work and the challenges they faced to complete the project on time due to Lock down, and Siddapura being a Covid Containment Zone.

The Head Mistress Mrs. Saraswati, shared her experiences in running the online classes, and thanked St. Andrew's Church Team and the Corporate Social Responsibility Partners, for the infrastructure development work done at the School.

The teachers and students presented Christmas Songs and a Skit on Nativity. This was followed by students reciting Bible verses. Astudent dressed as Santa Claus distributed sweets to all present.

As a Christmas Gift, the children were presented with a School Bag sponsored by the Corporate Social Responsibility Partners, and a Face Mask, Camlin Drawing Kit and cake from St. Andrew's Church. The children were very happy to receive these gifts.

We are immensely blessed to have been led towards providing quality education in a holistic environment for these underprivileged children. This would have not been possible without St. Andrew's Church congregation members and the Corporate Social Responsibility Partners. We are immensely grateful for all the financial support, guidance and voluntary involvement of our church members at St. Andrew's School.

There is still a long way to go and we look forward to the continued collaboration between St. Andrew's Church Congregation, our Corporate Social Responsibility Partners, the Head Mistress and the Staff at St. Andrew's School. Please keep our ministry in your prayers.

Thank you and May God Bless you all abundantly.

Mr. Eric Paul
Convener, St. Andrew's School