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SAVIOURS CHIMES

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

4 December:
Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM
Theme: Through Holy Scripture, God
gives us encouragement and hope.
Readings: OT: Isaiah 40:1-8; NT: Romans 15:4-13; Gospel: Luke 4:16-21
Songs: Hymns 22, 46, 49 Lyric 169 Communion Hymn 238
11 December: English Eucharist, 8.30 AM
Theme: John the Baptist A Model for Christian Ministers
Readings: OT: Isaiah 11:1-9; NT: I Corinthians 4:1-5; Gospel: Matthew 3:112
Songs: Hymns 75, 78, 186, 84 Communion Hymn 4

The Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family

DECEMBER 2016

THE ANGEL said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring
you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.
LUKE 2:10

11 December: Special
Carol Service, 6 PM
18 December: Tamil Eucharist, 8.30 AM
Theme: Marys Son is Emmanuel, God with us
Readings: OT: Isaiah 7:1-4; 10-16; NT: Galatians 4:1-7;
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
Songs: Hymns 2, 61, 73 Lyric 28 Communion Hymn 239
25 December: Christmas Festival Service, 8 AM
Theme: The Birth of the Saviour who is the Word made flesh
Readings: OT: Micah 5:2-4; NT: Titus 3:4-7; Gospel: Luke 2:1-16
Songs: Hymns 79, 81, 78, 82 Communion Hymn 242
31 December: New Years Eve Service 11 PM
Songs: Hymns 253, 80, 261 Lyric 70

ST. SAVIOURS TAMIL CHURCH

9, Haji Mohammed Mohsin Square, Kolkata 700 016.
Phone: 033 2217 2636
E-Mail: saviours.calcutta@gmail.com
Website: www.saviourskolkata.wordpress.com
Facebook: Look for Saviours Tamil Church Calcutta. Become a friend.
14 | December 2016

DECEMBER 2016 EDITION 2

CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA

ST. SAVIOURS TAMIL CHURCH

ESTD
1849
Monthly Newsletter KOLKATA.
of St Saviours
Family
|

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

FROM THE PRESBYTERS DESK

THE ADVENT
The Christmas season is here. Amidst the Celebration spirit, It is
important to revisit the true meaning of Christmas. This Message
explores this from 7 facets. May this be a blessing to you.
Advent means To come to, and we are happy that Jesus came as per
Gods promise to Balaam, There shall be a star of Jacob and a scepter
shall rise out of Israel. (Numbers 24:17,18)
1. JESUS IS OUR EMMANUEL: It means God with us. We celebrate
Christmas with joy and merriment as Jesus came to rule our life. He
comes into our heart when we invite him and controls our life. He is also
the great Counsellor, Prince of Peace and Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6,7).
The Christmas message is that we should accept Jesus into our heart
and that we should also abide in Him. The real joy in our life is when He
is in charge of our life.
2. HE IS OUR SAVIOUR: The mighty God took upon Him the form and
likeness of man (Philippians 2:5-8). He humbled Himself to save us
from our sins and from the power of Satan. Jesus offered Himself on
the Cross to cleanse us by shedding His Blood. We cannot separate the
joy of Christmas from the Cross of Christ. Only when we are free from
our sins and Satan, we have the real joy in our life.
3. HE IS OUR TRUE LIGHT: Jesus came for the people living in darkness. He
is the true light. (John 8:12) He revealed the truth that we should
worship God in truth and spirit and
not through rituals. In His sermon
on the mount, Jesus appealed to
the people to transform their life
and have the right attitudes to the
Laws, to life, to the problems we
face and towards others including
2 | December 2016

enemies (Matthew chapters 5-7).

4. HE IS OUR SHEPHERD: He leads us in the right
path and never lets us down. He is our provider.
He is our comforter in times of danger and when
we face problems in life. He knows everyone of us
by our name. He gives us real life and that too in
abundance (John 10:10). He protects us from all
evil forces. He gives us His grace and will take us
to be with Him for our everlasting life.
5. HE IS OUR STANDARD SETTER: He wants us to be perfect as the Father in
Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The lifestyle suggested by Him is
entirely different from what the world is showing us. His teachings
revolve around 'love' and the basis of following all
commandments is only through love. He wants us
to go through the narrow gate of ideal Christian life
and not through the world's Broad gate that leads
to hell. We become children of God when we follow
his standards of holiness, meekness, love and
humility.
6. HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE: Jesus revealed to us the secrets of our future
through many parables. The secret is to believe and trust Him to have
the Eternal Life, but those who disobey will be punished in the end
(John 3:36). He has shown us that Heaven is our future home to be with
Him and the Father. He promised that He would come back again to
take us to be with Him forever (John 14:3).
7. HE IS THE GOD ALMIGHTY: All power is given to Him in heaven and earth
(Matthew 28:18). He is the creator of this world and all that is there and
the heaven, sun, moon and the stars. Nothing was created without Him
(John 1:3). He, the miracle-working God who turned water into wine,
healed the sick, drove away evil spirits, controlled nature and raised the
dead. His disciples accepted Him as the Lord and even the doubting
Thomas ultimately declared, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).
REV. DR. SAMUEL RAJ
Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family | 3

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

A POEM TO PONDER

THE JOY of Christmas

We remember our Lord Jesus on Christmas,
A sinless man who came to save us;
Christmas is a time of love and cheer,
To our family, friends, near and dear!
Christmas is a joyous occasion,
Full of fun and celebration;
Decorated Christmas trees, delicious food,
Santa giving gifts to kids whore good!
Christmas is a time for triumph and peace,
A time to forgive our enemies;
Its a time to share warmth and joy,
Make the poor also to enjoy!
Some remember only festivities of Christmas,
But very little of honouring our Lord Jesus;
Hes the one who has come to save.
Lest, we become the devils slave!
Why cant we show that we care,
Visit the orphans or old peoples homes and share Sing carols, give sweets, shake hands, make them feel glad,
So that, they dont feel gloomy, lonely or sad!
Let the Light of Jesus shine this Christmas,
As we glorify our Lord Jesus;
Let go the extra M I L E
Making the sick, the old, the poor, the needy to smile.
The greatest present that weve ever received,
Is neither gold or silver or positions achieved;
The "Present is His PRESENCE
Peace on Earth, Goodwill, Love, Cheer, Hope lets spread this
Like the FRAGRANCE!
BY MRS. S. CYNTHIA MUKHERJEE, FROM THE UAE
4 | December 2016

SAVIOURS CHIMES

HISTORY THAT INSPIRES

A Tribulation that
Opened a New Channel
The amazing story behind a historic landmark.
In 1832, French Engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps was travelling on the
Mediterranean Sea.
At that time, a co-passenger was affected by an infectious disease. As it
could spread like wild fire, the Captain ordered all the passengers not to
come out of their rooms till they reached their destination.
Ferdinand could not enjoy life in the ship without freedom. He was left all
alone. He felt as if he was inside a prison. He did not know how to kill time.
During night time, Ferdinand went to the
library without anybodys knowledge and
brought a few books to spend the time
usefully. One of them was the auto-biography
of Charles Fire.
Charles made a research on the possibility of
constructing
a
canal
in
between
Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea. He had
explained the entire research in his
autobiography. Ferdinand went through the book. All of a sudden, he got a
flash. He started planning for the project to construct that canal and
prepared a blue print of his project.
When Ferdinand came to his native place, he submitted his project to the
Government. The Government agreed to implement the plan and
appointed him as Chief Engineer for the task.
In 1869, Ferdinand completed the project despite various difficulties. That
canal is called the Suez Canal.
We glory in tribulations also! (Romans 5:3)
BY VENTRILOQUIST G. SHANTHAKUMAR
TESTIMONY OF A ST SAVIOURS SCHOOL ALUMNI, WHO IS NOW A DOCTOR: Due to space
constraints, the special feature planned for this month will be carried next month.
Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family | 5

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

God has always been the most

important in my Life
32-year old prodigy Abraham Benjamin De Villiers holds incredible
records: including the fastest-ever 50, 100 and 150 in One-Day
International Cricket, among others. This testimonial piece delves
into his grounded faith; we pray that you find this a blessing.
Michael Atherton, respected former
English Captain calls him the best
cricketer in the world. Ex-Aussie
Cricketer Adam Gilchrist calls him
the most valuable cricketer on the
planet. ABD, as De Villiers is
fondly called, talks of his Walk with
Christ.
I am a Christian, a child of God.
My story is the story of what God
has planned and realized through
me. I hope my story can be read
and understood as tales of His
achievements, certainly not my personal achievements, and I would really
like people to appreciate that whatever glory there may be needs to be
clearly recognized as His glory and not mine... My faith and my relationship
with God are incredibly important to me and, after long consideration, and
plenty of prayer I am not afraid publicly to recognize Gods role in my life.
This doesnt mean I see myself as better than anyone else. I am not. This
doesnt mean I see myself as morally superior to anyone else. I certainly
am not. What it does mean, however, is that I try very hard to be receptive
to the teachings of the Bible, that I am sincerely committed to the Word of
God and that I aspire to lead my life in that way.
Could you tell us a bit of your testimony and how you came to know God?

6 | December 2016

I grew up in a religious family. God has always been the most important
thing in my life. I experienced a few close moments with Him, one where I
was lying in the back of our car heading back home from a day out with
family friends, I was about 11-years-old and I just felt a very close
connection with Him. Almost like He was trying to tell me to appreciate the
things I have in my life, family, friends, good health, a talent for sports and
so forth. It felt so intense that it drove me to tears. I just knew it was Him
urging me on to stay humble and to keep my eyes on Him for leadership.
Then again in 2012, in Australia, we were out in the deep sea. After about
6-8 hours of getting seasick and just lying at the top deck of the boat, the
same thing happened. I felt small and He connected with me again. Once
again, urging me to appreciate the little things in life, my parents, close
family and friends. Once again, telling me not to take my eyes off of Him. It
was such a humbling feeling that once again it drove me to tears.
Do you see playing cricket as a form of worship to God?
Absolutely. He is always in my mind when I play. I dont see performance
like that, but there is no doubt in my mind that He wants me to follow my
passion, and in that way let His light be seen by whoever appreciates my
skill on the field.

How do you personally cope with lean spells with the bat or gloves, is it all
about mind-set?
Its obviously not nice to struggle, but then again it is part of Cricket, part of
sport and part of life. You have ups and downs and I have always
connected well with God in those times. Jesus went through a lot of
hardship on earth and I see my hardship as an opportunity to relate and
stay close to Him.
Having Christian team-mates around you while you are away for months
touring must be really special?
Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family | 7

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

It is great to have other Christian team-mates around you. We feed off of

each other and connect whenever we can.

LETTERS TO THE CHURCH

Do you have a favourite Bible Verse that encourages you?

Yes, I love 2 Corinthians 5:21, Christ had no sin, but God made him
become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.

Calcutta

As my life continues to unfold, I know how fortunate I am to experience

moments of glory, moments like the one-day international against the West
Indies at the Wanderers on Sunday, 18 January 2015 (when he hit the
fastest 50 and 100), moments when everything goes my way, moments
when I am being showered with praise and compliments.
These are great moments, I am grateful, but I never need
to be reminded that its never my glory. Its all
His glory. I think I understand.
COURTESY: 1. Interview with Cross the Line,
www.xtheline.co.uk
2. Excerpts from
AB The Autobiography, AB de Villiers

JESUS THE SURE

FOUNDATION
He is the One who can
answer WHY. A Song
He is a sure foundation;
Put your hope In the Lord,
He is the One who can satisfy.
When you're in doubt and with questions in your mind,
When you're confused and none can understand.
Put your hope In the Lord
He is the One who can satisfy.
Yes, HE IS THE ONE WHO CAN ANSWER YOU WHY.

COMPOSED BY MR CYRIL MANI

8 | December 2016

St Saviours Tamil Church

The Church Facebook Community is now

active. Do join; also ask your friends to join.
HAPPY TO CONNECT BACK: Hello everybody. I just stumbled on this FB page by
accident but it brings back so many memories. Someone talked about the
picnic, the carol singing and yes, what fun they were. I have such fond
memories of the harvest festival, our annual Christmas get together in St.
James, Santa Claus, etc. I live in Southern California, so anyone coming to
Los Angeles is really welcome. Excited to be part of this group.
MICHAEL SAMUEL
HARVEST: Hello Church Family, I saw the pictures of all of you having a very
happy and fun time at the Annual Harvest Festival! Took me down memory
lane when we used to also have an equally wonderful time during Rev.John
Siromoni's time. I was truly wishing I was there. Did you have Biryani for
lunch? That used to be on the menu during our days! What a buzz of
activities! The Church looks great with the altar laden with offerings. Now
for the Christmas events to come. Looking forward to seeing those
pictures!
THELMA DAVID
THE NEWSLETTER: Thank you so much for the brilliant job you have done! I
always look forward and love reading the insightful messages by Rev.
Samuel Raj and the other contributions by members and alumni. I forward
it to some of my dear friends and relatives so they can enjoy it too and be
blessed. So keep up the good work and may Jesus be the center of
everything you do. May His Holy Spirit guide and lead you all so that many
may experience his love and Saving grace for all mankind. Our prayers for
you all to keep growing mightily and give God all the praise. Blessings and
the very best of wishes to all the members of our beloved Tamil church.
GLORY RENDALL
Thank you for the newsletter. I am blessed by it. All the best. CLADIO ISAAC
CHURCH SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHS: Thanks for the pictures of our Church. They
are SO nostalgic! God Bless you all!
JOSHUA PRAKASH KADAKSHAM
Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family | 9

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

THIS TIME, THAT AGE

1960s Calcutta was a different world: where trams, double decker

buses, hand carts and yellow taxis dotted the cityscape. This article
from the 60s youth exudes exuberance, as they paint a vivid,
nostalgic picture of Christmas then. Read this inspiring flash-back.
Greetings, Church Family, from Canada, the US, Australia and India. We,
the 60s Youth, wish you a merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Santa and the Zulu Warriors: This is the time we remember Christmas
activities in our beloved Tamil Church. What fun time it was: Christmas
Cantatas, Children's party John Anna was always dressed as Santa and
would tell a Christmas story first, before he handed out Christmas gifts to
children. His entry would be heralded with bells and "Jingle Bells";
accompanied by a Zulu Warrior team in costumes with spears. Santa
would say he had stopped in Africa en route, and picked them up there.
What story-telling! The warriors were usually, Victor Solomon, Arthur,
Fletcher and if I remember right, Amos Anna, Stan and Shekhar.
A Bus Full of Carol Singers: There were
also the Christmas concerts: who can
forget our famous Carol Singing! Those
days, we would eagerly look forward to
participating in every programme of the
Church. It is unimaginable to think of
Christmas time without remembering the 3 Nights of Carol Singing held in
the 3rd week of December. Carolers comprising the youth, choir members
and others, would happily gather together at the Church entrance, where
John Anna and Mani Anna would be waiting for us with a big school bus.
20-strong choir: Organized by John Anna and Emerald akka; John Anna
was such a great Leader; both he and Mani Annan had such tireless
energy! There were about 20 of us who boarded the bus Boys would
bring their guitars and other instruments which would make some music;
10 | December 2016

we would joyfully start around 8 pm and pull off an all-nighter till 3 am!
We went to each member's home, sang their favorite Christmas carols till
our voices went hoarse with singing. Kudos to Emerald Akka, she kept on
going, sang every song, and valiantly kept us awake, often giving us a very
high pitch to start a song, making us end up squeaking till we would start
all over again.
From Sardine Sandwiches to Hot Chocolate Treats: I must say, our
favorite part of the evenings were being served with all the Christmas
treats prepared by families out came hot chocolate, tea and coffee with
Christmas cakes, palagarams, sandwiches etc. We ate till we got sick. I
remember at our David household, the request was to make sardine
sandwiches. That was a huge favourite!
Each member's house was decorated with lights, red, white and green
streamers and balloons; many homes had a star of Bethlehem hanging;
some had elaborate decorations with Christmas trees; train-sets which
went round trees and a manger-scene at the entrance or foyers!
Christmas Warmth
amidst Winter Cold:
The weather would get
cold in the middle of the
night. We would bundle
ourselves, wrapped up
in colorful shawls and
coats
and
would
excitedly go in and out
of homes. We were the
merry jolly singers and
loved every minute of it
the fun time we spent together, laughing, joking and just enjoying this
time of the year the Yuletide season!
So folks, as the song goes, "Have yourselves a merry little Christmas, let
your hearts be light. From now on your troubles will be out of sight Merry
Christmas Everybody God bless!
WORDS AND PHOTO COLLAGE BY MS THELMA TAI
Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family | 11

St Saviours Tamil Church, Kolkata

SAVIOURS CHIMES

THANKSGIVING HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016

BIBLICAL PUZZLE
CORNER 3
Test your Biblical Quotient. Send in your answers by 24
December to saviours.calcutta@gmail.com. For Answers,
watch out next month.
1. Where did Joseph take Mary and the Baby to protect them from
Herods murderous intentions?
2. Jesus said Get thee behind me, Satan to which disciple?
3. Who recognised Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the
temple as a baby?
4. Who was the High Priest of Jerusalem who put Jesus on trial?
5. According to the Gospel of Matthew where does Jesuss first sermon

The Harvest Festival of the Church was celebrated on November 13, with
great joy. Rev. K. E. Henry, Program Director, Compassion East India was
the Chief Guest, and shared the Word of God. Rev Dr Samuel Raj,
Presbyter of the Church led the congregation in Thanksgiving.
The Day began early with a Worship Service at 7.30 am, followed by a
delicious Breakfast, the Auctions at the Church Parish Hall, concluding with
a traditional Tamil Lunch in the St Saviour's School. It was a great blessing
to the Congregation and Friends of the Church.
We thank everyone who made it a great success: we specially thank Dr.
Edward Paul, our auctioneer; the Women's Fellowship and Sunday School
for organizing the sale; we thank everyone who offered articles for sale and
those who generously took part in auction. We thank Mr. Newton for
sponsoring the Harvest Breakfast and Mr. Gabriel and Mr Cyril Mani for
supervising lunch and breakfast arrangements. We thank Mr. Stanley
Roberts, Mr. Abraham and Mr. Allen Eric for maintaining the accounts.
VISIT THE CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
BY REV. DR. SAMUEL RAJ

take place?
6. What are the final words of Jesus recorded in the New Testament?
7. Who personally baptised more people, Jesus or John the Baptist?
8. What is the name of the sea where Jesus harnessed a raging storm?
9. Why was Jesus born in a manger?
10. Which two of the four Gospels make no mention of the Birth of Christ?
11. In whose new tomb was Jesus buried?
12. Name the baby born to a relative of Mary, 6 months before Jesus birth?
13. Who was the first person to see Jesus after resurrection?
14. Which Old Testament prophet predicted the miraculous virgin birth of
Jesus?
15. What was written on the Cross of Jesus?
FROM MS. CHRISTINA MUKHERJEE, VIA E-MAIL
12 | December 2016

Monthly Newsletter of St Saviours Family |