Young Womens' Meeting 21-8-2011

      On August 21^st, Sunday  soon after the Malayalam service the Cathedral Youth fellowship conducted a meeting especially for the young women. The meeting was led by Smt. Santha Ebenezer .The talk was about the role of spirituality in a woman’s life in today’s world of science and technology. The meeting began with a prayer. Around 20 girls attended the meeting.

        Kochamma began the meeting quoting a Bible Verse from ‘I Peter 2:9’. She explained to us the meaning of the word Spirituality. Spirituality simply means being close to God. Spirituality is not something that changes with time. Even if it is the first century or the 21st century, spirituality, its meaning and its need remains the same. We usually think that, as the lifestyle changes we may have to make some changes in the essence of spirituality in life. But that’s not what the Word of God teaches us. To have spirituality in life we should know what spirituality actually is. 'Spirituality' implies being with God. So whatever be the world around us, as a Christian, we should lead a life together with God.

       As Christian women we have certain responsibilities to church and to the society that we should be aware of while leading a spiritual life. We may regularly attend church, prayers and the so called meetings. But that need not always be an expression of true spirituality. Jesus referred to the Pharisees as fake believers. They were leading a life, obeying all the rules of church but they missed the real essence of spirituality in their heart. This is not the kind of spirituality that we should have in our life.

      Women have always faced problems and challenges in life. Earlier Jewish women were compared to dogs. Muslim women were denied entry to mosques. Today, it’s a world where women are being exploited  a lot. In today’s age of globalization and women empowerment, misuse of technology and drug addiction play the villains role. One should be able to identify evil and stand against it. Young Christian women should show the boldness to react against the wrong. The common trend seen among women is that they remain silent whatever happens to them. This is not what Jesus wants us to do. We should react against these exploitations. This is where strong spiritual life becomes relevant.

       Once, girls enter into a married life, reacting against atrocities is bound to many other factors like husband, family, friends etc. So now, when we are so active and free, we should carry out our responsibilities as a true Christian. During the Old testament days men used to thank God through prayers for not being born as a woman. But when we come to the New testament we have a Lord who gave us equality in spirituality. So, as young Christian women, through regular prayer and bible study we should try our best to be with God and thus enrich our spirituality.

        Thus, Kochamma encouraged us to start laying a foundation for spiritual life by spending more time reading the Bible and having a personal conversation with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The meeting concluded at 12:30 pm.

Report by: Ms. Shima Williams & Ms. Christina Arnold

P.S.: Sorry about the pictures. The girls were so indulged that we decided not to disturb them with the camera!!

Independence Day Celebrations

"Daiva nirmithangal okke..."

       Independence day was celebrated auspiciously by the Cathedral Youth Fellowship. The national Flag was hoisted at 8:30 am by our Chairman, Rev. P. S. Ebenezer. A small gathering comprising mainly of youth members and representatives from the various auxiliary organizations were present on the occasion. Rev. Joy Masilamani and Evangelist M. P. Bernet also were present. The Independence Day message was delivered by Ebenezer achan. Laddoos were distributed to all who had gathered, after the ceremony.

He lokame nin nottam engotte.......

Special Song sung by Ruthin Thej, Randolf Vincent, Suneeth Pulikkal and Binal Sathyadasan.

Song composed and tuned by Ebenezer Prefin, CSI Church, Puthiyara.

ഹേ ലോകമേ നിന്‍ ഓട്ടമെങ്ങോട്ട്‌
ഹേ കാലമേ നിന്‍ ലക്ഷ്യമെന്താണ്‌
ഈ ജീവിതേ എന്നാശയൊന്നതേ
എന്നേശുവിന്റെ സാക്ഷിയായീടാന്‍

യേശു മാത്രം നായകന്‍
യേശു മാത്രം രക്ഷകന്‍
വാനത്തിന്‍ കീഴ്‌ ഭൂമി മീതെ
രക്ഷക്കായ്‌ ഏക നാമമേ
യേശു നാമമേ

ഈ ജീവിതേ പ്രതികൂലമേറുമ്പോള്‍
എന്‍ രക്ഷക്കായി യേശു വന്നീടും
എന്‍ ദുഃഖമെല്ലാം തീര്‍ത്തുതന്നീടും
തന്‍ സാന്ത്വനമെന്‍ ഉള്ളിലേകിടും

ഉറ്റവര്‍ എന്നെ തള്ളിയെന്നാലും
കൂട്ടുകാര്‍ എന്നെ വിട്ടുപോയാലും
എന്‍ യേശു എന്നെ കൈവെടിയില്ല
എന്‍ കൂട്ടിനായ്‌ താന്‍ കൂടെയുണ്ടെന്നും

എന്‍ യേശുവേ ഞാന്‍ നിത്യം വാഴ്‌ത്തീടും
തന്‍ സ്‌നേഹമെന്നെ വീണ്ടതോര്‍ക്കുമ്പോള്‍
തന്‍ പൈതലായ്‌ ഞാന്‍ നിത്യം ജീവിക്കും
ഈ ജീവിതം എന്നേശുവിന്നായി

Diocesan Youth Sunday 14-8-2011

      The 14^th of August was celebrated as the Diocesan Youth Sunday all over the North Kerala Diocese. Our Youth Fellowship also actively participated in the Divine services and made the worship lively. 

English Service

The day began with the Divine English service at 7:30 am. The youth members led some portion of the service with backing from Rev. P. S. Ebenezer, Rev. Joy Masilamani, Rev. Dr. Vincent Moses and Evangelist M. P. Bernet. A special number was performed in the service by the youth. The famous song “Blessing and Honour” was performed as a group with Mr. Ruthin Thej on the Rhythm pad and Mr. Binal Sathyadasan on the guitar. It felt great joy to praise and glorify our Almighty Lord among fellow believers.

Group Song : Blessing and Honor

 

Dr. George Cherian

Dr. George Cherian, from Missions India Navajeevodayam gave a beautiful message on the occasion from Mark 10: 17-31 which was the Gospel portion for the day. It was about the rich young man who obeyed all the commandments, but couldn’t follow Jesus as he could not separate himself from his earthly possessions. Are you ready to let go of your earthly possessions to take up the cross and follow Jesus? Where lies your heart? Some people meet Jesus and leave happily, rejoicing. But some others like this young man, go away sorrowful. What is your condition after meeting Jesus? These were the questions raised by Dr. George Cherian. The service concluded around 8:40 am.

Malayalam service

The Malayalam service began at 9:00 am as usual. Our secretary, Mr. Suneeth Pulikkal led the young bunch from the special ‘Order of Service’ sent from the diocese. Around 10 members involved themselves in the service while some 30 members were present totally. It was a packed church.

The congregation : Boys

The congregation : Girls

A special song was sung by Mr. Randolf Vincent, Mr. Suneeth Pulikkal, Mr. Ruthin Thej and by Mr. Binal Sathyadasan called ‘He lokame nin nottam engotte’ after the Old testament scripture reading. It is a beautiful song composed and tuned by Mr. Ebenezer Prefin from the C.S.I. Puthiyara Church. Some light choreography by these foursome surprised the congregation who thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Special Song : He lokame nin nottam engotte

Dr. George Cherian addressing the congretation

The message was delivered by Dr. George Cherian, this time in Malayalam. Not to mention! God really spoke to us through his message. The sight of the young ‘guys and gals’, taking notes from his message was exciting. The theme for the day was, “Spirituality in the age of Technology”. Dr. George Cherian advised us to choose and use the present day electronic gadgets like mobile phones and computers wisely and not to misuse the God given freedom to live as we like.

Group Song : Lokathe dinavum roopantharamakkan

Another song called “Lokathe dinavum roopantharamakkan” was performed by the youth members before the message. It was arranged and sung beautifully. The lively singing really thrilled the audience.

Thattukada

The Thattukada

A ‘Tea and Snacks’ stall; “Thattukada” was opened in front of the youth room as a fund raising and promotional activity by the youth fellowship after the Malayalam Service. Tea and ‘Unni appam’, was kept for sale in the stall. The Unni appam was made on the spot with the help of some experts in the cooking department! The hot and tasty ‘unni appams’ attracted the congregation and a crowd was seen in front of the ‘thattukada’ as soon as the service ended.

Some happy customers!!

Team Thattukada!

Debate

Class by Dr. Sailas Benjamin

A special discussion on our main topic, “Spirituality in the age of technology” was arranged in the youth hall after the sales. Dr. Sailas Benjamin (Associate Professor, Department of Botany, University of Calicut) who is the Senior Friend of the fellowship gave a beautiful class on the topic citing examples from his own life. After that, we split into two groups and started a debate on whether ‘spirituality and technology’ will co-exist or not. The pros and cons of mixing technology with spirituality was discussed. All the members actively participated in the debate with some strong arguments from both sides. Dr. Sailas Benjamin moderated the debate. The discussion was concluded around 1:00 pm.

Some fierce arguments! : The war continues....

Lighter moments!

God Bless You all!

Missions India Youth Meeting 13-8-11

          A special meeting for the young men and women was organized by Missions India Navajeevodayam as a part of their convention itinerary in Calicut.  Missions India ‘Youth for Mission’ team member, Mr. Anoop Thomas Varkey, addressed the gathering and talked about the Christian way of living, a young man/woman should pursue. Beautiful songs were taught by Mr. K. J. Sam with the assistance of the Missions India team. It was a beautiful experience, praising and worshiping our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through songs. Youth from other churches in the Calicut area also attended this meeting. We concluded with a prayer to submit ourselves completely to Jesus’ will.

Mr. Anoop Thomas Varkey addressing the youth

Mid week service 10-8-2011

10-8-2011 ന്‌ നടന്ന മദ്ധ്യവാര ആരാധനയ്‌ക്ക്‌ യുവജനസഖ്യാംഗങ്ങള്‍ നേതൃത്വം നല്‌കി. ക്ഷണപ്രബോധനം, പാപസ്വീകരം, സ്‌തോത്രപ്രാര്‍ത്ഥന, വേദപാഠ പാരായണം, മദ്ധ്യസ്ഥപ്രാര്‍ത്ഥന, പ്രസംഗം എന്നീ ആരാധനാ ഭാഗങ്ങള്‍ യുവജനങ്ങള്‍ ചെയ്‌തു. ആരാധനാ മദ്ധ്യേ മനോഹരമായ ഒരു സംഘഗാനം ആലപിച്ചു. ആരാധനയില്‍ കടന്നു വരികയും പങ്കാളിത്തം വഹിക്കുകയും ചെയ്‌ത എല്ലാ സഖ്യാംഗങ്ങള്‍ക്കും അനുമോദനങ്ങള്‍. 

സംഘഗാനം : എത്ര നല്ലവന്‍ എന്‍ യേശുനായകന്‍

Future Plans

        The General body of the CYF met on Sunday, the 7th after the Malayalam divine service to plan the various activities to be conducted in the month of August. It was a nice get together after a year of silence. Around 40 members showed up in the meeting which was presided over by the President, Rev. P. S. Ebenezer. Rev. Joy Masilamani, Evangelist Bernet M. P. and our senior friend Dr. Sailas Benjamin also attended the meeting. Mr. Suneeth, the youth secretary, led the meeting. The various activities in this month has been posted in the 'Upcoming Events' page.

     The 14th of August is celebrated all over the North Kerala Diocese as 'Youth Sunday'. Special offertory covers have been sent from Shoranur and the English as well as the Malayalam services will be led by the young men and women in the fellowship. All are requested to attend the service and actively participate in the service.

         A special meeting for the 'young women' has been arranged on the 21st. We came to know that a lot of the young women in our church are not interested to join or get involved in the youth fellowship activities. We intend to gather all such people and give them a class to encourage them to spare a portion of their pre-marital time for our Lord and savior Jesus. Smt. Santha Ebenezer will be leading this special gathering.

        Please uphold our fellowship in your daily prayers. May God bless you all.

P.S.: Please visit ‘upcoming events’ page to get a complete list of this month’s activities.