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Triennial Report
from Sample
Triennial Report 2019-2022 Immanuel CSI Malayalam Church, Hyderabad - Secunderabad
Dear Members,
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By God’s grace, we have been able to move ahead in our Pastorate journey for another triennium, since 2019. It is with immense pleasure that the triennial report is being shared to all of us. When we look back, God has miraculously led us through the past three years. This period was the one in which we have seen tremendous challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even having worship services was a doubtful scenario when our Almighty God gave us opportunities to overcome this period. It was also a happy and memorable one, despite the tough times, when our more than six decades’ old dream of having an own Church building in the twin cities was realized.
As a Church, we have gone through the most unique time in world history when normal life was on halt due to the pandemic period. On March 15th, 2020, we had the last in-Church worship service before the onset of the pandemic. Despite the lockdown situation the online worship services continued since then, till October 4th, 2020. The in-Church worship services resumed from October 11th, 2020. The pandemic period gave a lesson and learning w.r.t. the importance of maintaining communication with everyone and the possibilities to use technology for the same. It also gave an insight into understanding the significance of praying and being closer to God for His intervention.
Irrespective of the tough times, the congregation has come out of the difficulties, and we have been able to witness God’s work through our own Church building being constructed in the land at Yapral. The signing of contract with builder Zion constructions was on 15th November 2020 followed by beginning of construction the next day. The construction journey was through a period of trials and tribulations due to the pandemic, multiple lockdowns, challenge to raise finances and much more. Let us thank God for His blessings and hearing our prayers. Prayers are the key to resolving any tough situations and circumstances.
The pandemic period opened up the possibilities of using technology for cottage prayer meetings and worship services. During the onset of the pandemic our Presbyter-in-charge Rev. T.T. Santhosh and his son Master Aaron Lesty Santhosh have done an excellent work towards ensuring the recorded worship services are uploaded every Saturday evening, so that we could attend the same on next day morning. During the second wave in 2021, we were able to have worship services via the Zoom platform. Our worship services in Church were conducted following the Covid protocol norms and Facebook Live streaming was done till 3rd April 2022 i.e., before moving to the new Church building.
Having an own Church building in the twin cities is a dream come true considering the struggles over the decades to reach this milestone. Our Church is a place where we should be able to feel the presence of God and a place which will lead us to serve His mission. We should be able to find it as a place of sacrifice, to humble ourselves, to dedicate ourselves and to receive healing. Let us give all thanks and praise and give glory to our God Almighty.
Membership: -
There are around 90 families and 280 members. We would like to welcome the new members into our Church. May the Church be a blessing and a place of fellowship with one another.
New Members:
1. Mr. Mathew Vipin and Family 2. Mr. Skariah Thomas and Family 3. Mr. Lexey Tharian Oommen and Family 4. Mr. Suresh Kumar and Family 5. Ms. Rincy Mathew 6. Ms. Mary George 7. Mr. P. Venkat 8. Ms. Linsa Annie Sam 9. Ms. Delcy Leya Philipose 10. Mr. Nishanth KV
Church Committee: -
ter-in-Charge. A total number of 119 members had voted in secret ballot. The following four members were elected out of ten candidates: -
1. Mr. Rijith Edwin – 80 votes (Pas-
torate Treasurer)
2. Mr. Koshy P. Thomas – 69 votes (Pas-
torate Steward)
3. Mr. Mino P. Mathew – 60 votes (Pas-
torate Secretary)
4. Mrs. C. Regy Joseph – 58 votes
Nomination of four members were approved by the Bishop in CSI Medak Diocese:
5. Mr. Joy Mathew 6. Mr. Shajimon Thomas 7. Brig. E. J. George 8. Mr. Babu Mathew
Nomination of four members were approved by the Bishop in CSI Medak Diocese:
9. Mr. Joy Mathew 10. Mr. Shajimon Thomas 11. Brig. E. J. George 12. Mr. Babu Mathew
Auxiliary Wing Representatives:
13. Mr. Babu P. John (Building Committee Secretary) 14. Mrs. Saramma Mohan (Women’s Fellowship
Secretary) 15. Mrs. Lullu John (Sunday School Superintendent) 16. Mr. Ebin Paulose (Youth Fellowship Secretary)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rev. T.T. Santhosh for the efforts in being able complete the pre-requisites to start our construction and help in realizing the completion of the Church building, despite multiple challenges including the pandemic period. Achen was firm in his focus towards achieving the goal and led the tough situations with a prayerful approach. Achen has played a pivotal role in raising the required finances to progress the construction smoothly and has been focused on a democratic approach with the committee decisions. Leena Kochamma was active in Women’s Fellowship activities and supportive along with Aaron to Achen’s initiatives. Achen has been transferred to Pennsylvania, US and left us in May 2022. Our prayers are with Achen, Kochamma and Aaron for their future endeavors.
Let me take this opportunity to welcome our new Presbyter-in-Charge, Rev. Jerin Thomas George, Reenu Kochamma and Eva who took over in June 2022. We pray that the divine blessings be on Jerin Achen and family to lead us in the new Church for the next triennium.
Worship Services: -
Holy Communion services were held on all Sundays at 9 AM and on special days. The Sunday summer timings were 8:30 AM. During the Covid-19 pandemic first wave in 2020, pre-recorded online Worship services were held on Sundays. During the second wave in 2022, online Worship services were held on Sundays via the Zoom platform. Since the resumption of offline services in Church, in October 2020, Facebook livestreaming of the Worship services were also done on Sundays. Our members have been actively attending the online and offline Worship services regularly. The viewership details of Facebook livestreaming was published in our monthly digital newsletters.
During the triennium 2019 – 2022, the following speakers assisted us in our Worship service:-
1. Mr. M. S. Venkitakrishnan 2. Rev. Shalu T. Mathew 3. Rev. Thomas Paikad 4. Rev. Maxcin John 5. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu 6. Mr. Naveen 7. Mr. Dinesh Sailan 8. Rev. Jacob Chacko 9. Rt. Rev. Dr. K.G. Daniel, Bishop Emeritus, CSI
East Kerala Diocese 10. Rev. Dr. C. I. David Joy 11. Rev. Fr. John Ansil Vellara 12. Dr. Mathew Tharian 13. Rev. Abraham Kuruvilla K. 14. Rev. John K. Mathew 15. Rev. Prince George 16. Rev. D. Bijumon 17. Rev. Shiju Samuel 18. Rev. Tibin Joseph Mathew 19. Rev. Sam Raju 20. Mr. K. P. Andrews 21. Rev. Sooraj Paulose Thomas
22. Rev. Sam N. Joshua 23. Rev. Robin Lawrence 24. Rt. Rev. Dr. A.C. Solomon Raj, Bishop, CSI
Medak Diocese 25. Rev. Ninan Jacob 26. Rev. Sonu Dany Thomas 27. Rev. Jess Mathew 28. Rev. Aneesh P. J. 29. Mr. Mijin Mathew Jose 30. Rev. Pretheesh Babu Kurian M 31. Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, Bishop, CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese
The following members of our Church assisted in the conduct of the Worship services: -
1. Mr. Mino P. Mathew 2. Ms. Jeena Rachel Cherian 3. Mr. Koshy P. Thomas 4. Master Jaison Jacob 5. Mr. Ashish P. Joseph 6. Mrs. Jyothi Sara Koshy 7. Mrs. Leena Santhosh 8. Mrs. C. Regy Joseph 9. Master Nathaniel Saibal 10. Mrs. Neethu Elsa Varghese 11. Mrs. Premeela Suresh
We express our gratitude to them all for their service to our Pastorate. Let us pray to God Almighty to bless them in their endeavors.
Holy Baptism: -
The following children were baptized during the period 2019 – 2022 :-
1. Ms. Anaaya Jacob 2. Master Tristan Thomas Mani 3. Master Araan Muthuthottathil Cherian
Holy Matrimony: -
1. Mr. Rony Mathew and Ms. Rincy Mathew were married on 28th November 2019 2. Mr. P. Venkat and Ms. Jessy Thomas were married on 27th August 2020 3. Mr. George T. Cherian and Ms. Mary George were married on 3rd October 2020 4. Mr. Thomas Modayil Jacob and Ms. Jocelin
Peter were married on 17th October 2020 5. Mr. Jerome Varghese and Ms. Alenna Ann
Thomas were married on 3rd May 2021 6. Mr. Subin V.S. & Ms. Linsa Sam Annie were married on 12th July 2021
Obituary: -
1. Mrs. Mariamma Thomas had left us to heavenly abode on 27th January 2020.
Funeral was held on 31st January. 2. Mrs. Saramma Babu had left us to heavenly abode on 21st July 2020.
Funeral was held on the same day. 3. Mr. T.V. Varghese had left us to heavenly abode on 28th December 2020.
Funeral was held on the same day. 4. Mr. Johannan P.M. had left us to heavenly abode on 2nd February 2022.
Funeral was held on the same day.
We thank God Almighty for all their services to our Church in the past. We remember them with gratitude.
Vidhyarambham: -
First Sunday of June every year was observed as ‘Students Sunday’/ Vidhyarambham Sunday. In 2020 and 2021, we had online Worship services where there was special prayer for the children by Achen, while we had offline service in 2019 where Achen had blessed our children. Let us pray for our children to grow in faith and to excel in their student lives. We believe that our next generations will carry forward the rich values of our ancestors and be able to grow stronger in wisdom for His glory.
Choir: -
Choir Sunday was observed on 1st September 2019. The Choir rendered a special song on the occasion. The participation of our Choir for the Worship Services in 2019 is appreciable. Despite the pandemic situation in 2020, the Choir had done a Virtual song rendition on 20th December. We appreciate the Choir for the services to the Church and thank God for resuming their participation, post the pandemic situation from April 2022.
Youth Fellowship: -
Sunday of October every year. Mr. Ashish P. Joseph had delivered the sermon on 3rd October 2021. Our Youth have taken the leadership of conducting the National Youth Conference in October 2019, with support of our Church members. Prior to the same, there was an auction conducted on 25th August 2019 as a fund raising initiative for the conference. During the pandemic situation, our Youth conducted online Bible study and games. We thank Mr. Mino P. Mathew for conducting online Bible studies for youth. We appreciate the Youth Fellowship for all the services to our Church.
Sunday School: -
Every year, the first Sunday of November was celebrated as World Sunday School Sunday i.e., on 3rd November 2019, 1st November 2020(online mode) and 7th November 2021, respectively. Our children participated in Worship services and rendered beautiful songs. In 2020 and 2021 from the month of July, the Sunday School classes were conducted in online mode via Zoom platform (due to the pandemic situation). We praise God for our wonderful children. May God bless them.
Women’s Fellowship: -
Women’s Fellowship Retreat was conducted on 2nd October every year. In 2020 and 2021, the Retreat was conducted in online mode via Zoom platform. Rev. Zachariah Alexander, Rev. Jose Abraham T. and Mr. Ajay Ratnasagar were the guest speakers in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Fellowship lunch was served after the retreat in 2019. Women’s Fellowship annual sale was conducted on 8th September 2019, 7th March 2021 and 12th September 2021, respectively. The Church members actively participated for the sale and auction.
From July 2020, online Bible study was conducted by Rev. T.T. Santhosh Achen for the Women’s Fellowship members which was a time of learning the word of God. We appreciate and thank the Women’s Fellowship members for the wholehearted support and efforts during the triennium.
Senior Citizen’s Sunday: -
In 2019, we had our Senior Citizen’s Sunday on 29th September. We thank God Almighty for our Senior citizens. They were felicitated with a rose flower and a small memento on the same day. Their prayers and support have been a source of blessing for us.
Onam Celebrations: -
We had Onam celebrations on 22nd September 2019 after the Church service. Games and programs were followed by a special Kerala feast. In 2021, we had Onam Payasam served after the Worship service on 22nd August.
Vacation Bible School: -
In 2019, VBS was conducted from 3rd October to 6th October. Mr. Dinesh Sailan was the director. Our children had a wonderful time learning the Bible, enjoying the vacation with songs, and participating in different activities. We thank all the members who generously contributed towards the refreshments and lunch on all days and to meet the expenditures.
National Youth Conference – 2019: -
The second National Youth Conference was hosted by our Youth Fellowship from 25th to 27th October 2019 at CHAI training centre at Kompally. The members of Youth Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship and Church Committee have put in tremendous efforts to make it a success. The event was conducted with participation of youths from CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese churches outside Kerala.
Harvest Festival: -
We had our Harvest Festivals on 10th November 2019, 7th February 2021, and 7th November 2021 during the triennium. The Harvest Festival planned for 2020 was moved to early 2021 due to the pandemic situation. A thanksgiving service was held on the respective Sundays. In 2019, we had Rt. Rev. Dr. K.G. Daniel, Bishop Emeritus, CSI East Kerala Diocese as our guest speaker. Our Women’s Fellowship and Youth Fellowship members conducted stalls on the occasion. The pandemic period opened up the possibility for online auction mode as well in 2021 apart from the regular offline auction. There was a good participation in the online mode as well via Zoom platform. Our Church members actively participated in the Harvest Festival auction and cover collection. The amount raised through the same has been helpful for the Church con-
struction phase. I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Cherian T. George for the excellent efforts to conduct the bidding. We pray to God for His blessings on him. The following amount was raised during the following years (which includes auction proceedings, cover offerings and excluding the expenses): -
1. 2019-’20 – Rs. 5,71,857/2. 2020-’21 – Rs. 5,12,170/- 3. 2021-’22 – Rs. 6,16,258/-
Family Sunday and Retreat: -
We had our Family Sunday on 1st December 2019 followed by a Retreat which was led by our guest speaker Rev. C.I. David Joy, Principal, Kerala United Theological Seminary at Kannammoola, Thiruvananthapuram. Fellowship lunch was served after the same which was sponsored by the Church Committee members. On 27th December 2020 and 19th December 2021 also, we had observed Family Sundays in Church despite the pandemic challenges. The Family Sunday was a time to come together as family partaking in the Holy Communion and listening to the word of God. May God bless all our families.
Sunday School Children’s Christmas Program: -
Sunday School Christmas program was held on 15th December 2019 in Church, 20th December 2020(online mode) and 19th December 2021(online mode and in Church) after the Worship Services. Skits and Carols presented by the children were commendable. We thank the Sunday school teachers and students for the efforts in presenting the talents for God’s glory despite the pandemic situation.
Christmas and New Year Service: -
Carol Service: -
Christmas Carol service was held on 14th December 2019 at 6:30 PM. We had Rev. Fr. John Ansil Vellara as guest speaker on the occasion. The Choir members have put in lot of efforts and weeks of practices to present melodious songs on the day. May we take the opportunity to appreciate and thank each one of them and the leadership for their commendable services. We could not have Carol services in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic situation. Our Choir participated in the offline Ecumenical Carol Service held on 5th January 2020 and in the online Ecumenical Carol Service held on 3rd January 2021.
Carol Rounds: -
In 2019, we had a blessed Carol Rounds with wholehearted participation of our Church members on 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th December. We used our own conveyances to visit every house to share the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined the Carol Rounds for singing and contributed for the collection. We also thank the families for providing snacks and arranging In 2020 and 2021 from 17th December onwards, we had Virtual Carol Rounds due to the ongoing pandemic situation, for six alternate days and three alternate days, respectively. We thank all the Church members who had joined for the practices and for the recordings. The online Carol rounds were held via Zoom platform and all our families joined on-time for the same on respective days. We thank all the families for attending the same and for the contributions for the collection.
The Christmas Day Service was held on 25th December at 7:30 AM every year. This was very well attended by our members. Christmas gifts were given to our children towards end of the Worship Service by Santa Claus. Christmas cake and tea was served after the service.
The Watch Night Service was held on 31st December 2019 and 2021 at 11:15 PM, where we waited in prayer for the New Year and took a new covenant with Lord. We had New Year Services on 1st January every year at 9 AM also. Cakes were distributed after all the services.
Church Retreat: -
The Annual Parish Retreat was held on 19th January 2020 after the Sunday Worship Service. Rev. Abraham Kuruvilla K. was the guest speaker. There was a large presence of our members who had a good opportunity to gain experience from the sessions. We had a fellowship lunch after the Retreat. We thank Mr. Aroop M. Cherian who had conducted the Bible Quiz program following the Retreat.
The Ash Wednesday Worship Services were held in Church with Holy Communion at 7 PM on 26th February 2020, 17th February 2021 and 2nd March 2022, respectively. Cottage prayers were held in the following weeks in 2019. In the Passion week, there was daily evening prayers in Church, except in 2020(due to the pandemic situation). In 2019, we had Mr. M.S. Venkitakrishnan as the guest speaker for the Passion week. All these services were well attended. Maundy Thursday Worship Services were held on 9th April 2020(online mode), 1st April 2021 and 14th April 2022 respectively at 7 PM. Good Friday services were held on 10th April 2020(online mode), 2nd April 2021(online mode) and 15th April 2022 respectively at 9 AM. Kanji was served after Good Friday services in 2021 and 2022.
Women’s Fellowship Sunday: -
Women’s Fellowship Sunday was held on 1st March 2020, 7th March, 2021 and 6th March, 2022 during the triennium. We had games organized by our Youth after the Worship service on 1st March 2020 for the Women’s Fellowship. Our Church members Mrs. Jyothi Sara Koshy, Mrs. C. Regy Joseph and Mrs. Premeela Suresh were the speakers for the respective Sundays.
BHEL-Miyapur Satellite Worship: -
Considering the need for a second Worship Service in BHEL-Hitech city area, former CSI Moderator Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, and CSI Medak Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. A.C. Solomon Raj approved the Church Committee’s proposal for the same. The first Satellite Worship was held on 26th January 2020, followed by 16th February and 15th March 2020. Post the pandemic period in 2022 the services are being held in evening on the last Sundays of every month. May the extension Worship centre become an opportunity for growth for the CSI Malayalam community in Hyderabad.
Purchase of ‘Order of Worship’ Books: -
As most of the existing books of Order of Worship were in torn condition, 30 new books were purchased (20 Malayalam and 10 transliterated) in 2019. All the books were sponsored. We express our gratitude to the members and well-wishers who had sponsored the purchase. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. Cottage prayer meetings are a source of strength for our congregation. Prayer meetings were held in different houses as per their request. Members of those areas attended those meetings. During the pandemic period, online cottage prayer meetings were held via the Zoom platform. We encourage all the members to hold prayer meetings in their houses at least once in a year as it will be a blessing and time of fellowship.
Tithes: -
Tithe offerings were done by our members on 2nd Sunday of every month. Families prayerfully contribute their tithes which has been a blessing. Especially during this triennium, considering our Church construction, families have put extra efforts towards the same. Tithes were considered for the Church building fund. Appreciate the families for the participation and pray that God reward them abundantly according to the riches in Glory.
Social Work: -
We have supported for medical assistance for needy ones based on requests received and as per suggestions by Achen. Thanks to all the members who have contributed towards the same. May God bless them abundantly.
Lucky Draw: -
As a source of fund raising in conjunction with Church construction, there was a lucky draw initiative which was launched on 25th March 2021. Our Bishop prayed for the initiative on the same day, remembering the construction journey we had ahead. Despite the pandemic period and strict lockdown, the initiative was able to raise around 19 lakhs out of the targeted 30 lakhs. Since there was no capital expenditure due to the generous contribution of Church members who had sponsored the printing and the prizes, the amount raised could be used solely for the construction. We thank all the members for the participation via generous contributions, sponsorship of the initiatives and above all commitment to achieve the goal.
Our decades’ old dream of an own Church building could be realized when the construction started on 16th November 2020 at Yapral. It is with God’s grace; we were able to complete the construction of the Church floor to start worship in a timeframe of 16 months. Though there were multiple challenges during the initial phases right from getting the building permission from GHMC, area issues, financial difficulties, lockdowns, pandemic period and much more, it is God’s miracle to achieve this dream of decades. The Church floor was completed in all respects. We take this opportunity to thank our congregation members, their relatives and friends, our well-wishers for the generous support and contributions financially to achieve this goal. Our members have sponsored majority of the Church items and furniture. May God bless the efforts and contributions. Flooring work of the Parish Hall and plastering of the Cellar needs to be completed. Details on the construction will be available in the building committee report. We take this opportunity to thank the efforts of our leaders’, Church members, committees in the past and the efforts of the Church and building committees in the triennium. It is not on our merits, but due to His grace, that such a milestone is reached despite the difficulties on the road ahead. May we thank God for His blessings on us to be witnesses for Him in the twin cities.
New Church Building Dedication: -
The new Church Building dedication was held on 9th April 2022 by Rt. Rev. Dr. A.C. Solomon Raj, Bishop in CSI Medak Diocese and by Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, Bishop in Madhya Kerala Diocese in the presence of Bishopammas, Diocesan officers from both Dioceses. The Parish Hall was inaugurated by Bishopammas in the presence of Bishops on the same day. The dedication day worship service followed by public meeting was attended in large numbers by our congregation members, friends and well-wishers from the twin cities. The program was also livestreamed for viewers across the globe. We take this opportunity to thank all the Church and Building committee members, congregation members and well-wishers who have toiled hard for the dedication day service arrangements. We praise God for His blessings on our Parish and being able to witness a milestone event in our faith journey. The monthly accounts of the Pastorate were published as part of the Parish newsletters. From the start of the pandemic period, Parish newsletters were published digitally, and it had included the cumulative monthon-month receipts and payments for the financial year. It was also an initiative to announce the receipts during the week on every Sundays to ensure regular communication on the same. I would like to thank Mr. Aroop M. Cherian who had helped to do an internal audit for the Church accounts for the triennium 2019-2022. The receipts and payments accounts for the last three years’ have been attached to this report.
We take this opportunity to thank all our congregation members for the wholehearted co-operation despite the difficult time in our history. We convey our gratitude to the Women’s fellowship, Youth Fellowship, Choir, Sunday School and the Building committee for the hard work and efforts during this triennium. It is our fellowship, efforts and prayers that we could witness God’s work during the unique period in history. May God bless them all abundantly. The Covid-19 period services required extra precautions and care to follow the protocols, thanks to all who put efforts especially the committee members in the tough times. Let us pray to God for protecting us and keeping us safe for His glory.
Conclusion: -
Let the name of God be glorified, when we were able to achieve our dream of decades despite the toughest times in history. We have learnt how to be resilient and how to adapt to the situations. It was a time where we have learnt to see His protection and guidance, since we have limitations as humans in this world. May we grow together spiritually, witnessing for Christ and living in fellowship. Our prayers were answered by the God Almighty which gives us hope to strive for expanding His kingdom. May God bless all our families and all our members. May the years ahead be more fruitful to serve our Lord’s mission in the twin cities.
