Upcoming events in January

Young Couples Fellowship: To start the much needed "Young Couples Fellowship", was discussed and decided by the Pastorate Committee. The first meeting will be held on January 26, 2020 after the English Morning Worship Service and will conclude with Lunch.

For Registration, the Contact Persons are: Mrs. Alexandrina Namratha Kotian (+91 9591765455), Mr. Abhishek Kotian or the Church Office

Women's Fellowship Christmas Get-together
Saturday, November 30th 2019

This year, our Women's Fellowship planned to celebrate Christmas with the destitute girl-children from Refugee Home, Kothanur.

The celebrations began with a Puppet Show directed by Mrs. Sushma Sadananda. Our Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben led us with the Opening Prayer, followed by Praise and Worship.

Mrs. Sofia Christabel was our Guest Speaker; the Message was about "Sharing with the Right Attitude" and "Love of God to the Poor".

The members sang a special song 'Bethlehemina puradalli', and the children of Refugee Home presented a Song and a Choreography. Games were conducted for the Children and members of the Women's Fellowship. The members and children had a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration.

The Women's Fellowship Committee would like to place on record their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the members of the Women's Fellowship and the Congregation for the gracious contribution towards the gifts for the children of Refugee Home, our Presbyter for his constant support and guidance, the Pastorate Committee for their encouragement, and the Office and Support Staff for all their help.

Care for the Elderly Happy Hours titled "Jingle & Mingle"
- Saturday, December 14th 2019

After the customary meet and greet, and a welcome note by the convenor David Soans, Chetan Abhinendra Kumar started the meeting with a word of prayer. Pratap led the gathering with a time of Carol singing.

Rev. Dr. Dexter S. Maben our Presbyter shared briefly a thought from the Word. He acknowledged the contributions and leadership of the elders in the church, and appreciated them for their words of encouragement, ideas and thoughts given during the Retreat. Pastor shared from Luke 2: 29-32, a nourishing message through the life of Simeon, an elderly man from Jerusalem. He shared about the most beautiful expression in the Bible by Simeon in v30 "For my eyes have seen your salvation", which should encourage us all. Most of us experience the gift of salvation but here it was unique, for Simeon was only living to see Jesus and God fulfilled that and his prayers were answered; hence the beautiful expression, "seeing the salvation".

Then, all the 40 participants were divided into 2 groups and Renita Wilson conducted a "Pictionary". The game was to 'draw' a carol song for their group to guess. At the end of 6 rounds, both teams secured equal points.

The meeting ended with fellowship over a cup of coffee and Christmas goodies. The church gifted all participants with "Daily Bread" to encourage their personal walk with God.

What 40 church elders do when they meet together? of course they "Jingle & Mingle"

Sunday School Christmas - A Christmas Blessing
Sunday, December 15th 2019

Though December is a tightly packed month with less sleep and more excitement, our children gave their best and tried to do justice in every activity of our church.

1. Who doesn't like Carolling? Jingling the egg-shakers and thumping the Djembe our children along with the Carollers, went to every home spreading the joy they have received through Jesus.

2. Thanks to Ms. Beverly, Ms. Veena and Ms. Rachael, along with our children represented us at the White Christmas Event organised by Rice Memorial Church at Bishop Cotton Girls' School.

3. Our gratitude goes to the Women's Fellowship for helping us mingle and experience the joy they shared with the children from Destitute Home, Kothanur. Special thanks to Mrs. Santa Claus (Mrs. Geetha Graham) for the lovely popcorn and yummy cotton candy that brought joy to all our kids.

4. We are thankful that we could coordinate the Christmas gifts (Thermosteel Flasks) for St. Andrew's School children at Siddapura, who were thrilled to showcase their talents with their Christmas stories. Not to forget their amazing Kolatta.

5. What is December without the Christmas Programme from our Sunday School! The true story of Christmas "It's about the Cross," was beautifully brought out by song, skits and choreography. The entire programme was done by our children (both English and Kannada Sunday School) with able assistance from the teachers. It was a joy to see our children compering, leading with musical instruments and orating their dialogues. The children were provided with the same gifts given to St. Andrew's School children at Siddapura.

We acknowledge that all this would not have been possible without the grace from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our gratitude to our Presbyter, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Pastorate Committee, for the support provided. Thanks to you parents, for supporting your children, for sending them for practices regularly and encouraging the teachers with your kind words. Thanks to the teachers and their families for their sacrifices. Thanks to the congregation for encouraging us in whatever little we do even though we fail at times!! Continue to pray for us as we enter the New Year.

Men's Fellowship

Christmas at St. Andrew's School Siddapura
Saturday, December 21st 2019

Christmas Celebrations at St. Andrew's School Siddapura was grand as usual. School children and the staff welcomed our Pastor Rev. Dexter S. Maben, Convener Mr. Eric Paul, Pastorate Committee members and our Congregation members with carols, dance and Christmas play. All the children were given a chance to showcase their talents. Local leaders from the area also joined the function. Pastor shared the good news of Christmas and distributed gifts to all the children. The children thanked the church in one voice at the end of the program, which can be seen in the YouTube link provided below.

Year Ending Thanksgiving Concert

A special Thanksgiving Concert was organized on the 29 of December 2019 during our Evening Worship Service, to thank God for all His mercies through the past year.

Participating Choirs: The Advent Brass Band, The Bangalore Men's Ensemble, and our own Church Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Youth Fellowship and the Children's Choir. All the Choristers, the Brass Band, and the Instrumentalists excelled in their renderings.

Soloists: Mrs. Doreen Soans and Mrs. Michelle Cherian. Daniella Robello, a lovely fourteen year old, enthralled us with her beautiful voice.

It was a beautiful evening well spent in offering our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all that He has done for us during the past year. To Him be all the glory!

May our Lord continue to use our voices to glorify and honour Him!