Living out the Joy of God’s Love

Sally Lacy :- In the Gospels, Jesus calls for his name to be known to the ends of the earth. Such a command sounds daunting, and somewhat out of the realm of possibility in terms of our individual capabilities. How can each of us, though we have been forever marked by Christ, ignore our personal responsibilities at home and attempt to make Christ known to a socially and politically divided world? 

Clearly, overt evangelism is a confusing and complex subject to understand, much less to act on. Despite the lack of clear instructions we may desire, however, the Bible provides another means of understanding Jesus’ command to make disciples of the world. Numerous authors in the New Testament and through Psalms devote significant space to praising the goodness and love exuded through God. 

For example, Psalm 103: 1, 3-4 exclaims “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” Psalm 34: 8 additionally reads “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” God speaks of his righteous nature in the Old Testament as well, stating in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

God affirms over and over throughout the Bible that his intentions for his people are good, and that his will for us stems from the deep love he feels for us. How could truly trusting and believing in this truth transform us as individuals? When we truly believe that ultimate goodness results from God’s intense love for us, joy and contentment inevitably becomes apparent in our personality, in the way we interact with others, and in the perspective we have on life itself. Romans 5: 1-2 states that “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” 

As Paul writes, when we have found peace with God, we can then exist in the living presence of Christ. We are testaments to his complete goodness simply by living out, in our daily lives, the praise we have for such a giving and loving God. In doing so, we learn to put God above all else, making our hope in the Lord obvious to everyone around us. People in our lives who are ready to hear God’s call will be naturally attracted to the hope and peace we display without even trying. “Making fishers of men,” as Jesus calls his disciples to do, is therefore not as confusing and difficult of a task as it initially appears.  Therefore, first and foremost in all that we do, let us strive to answer the call in Philippians 2: 15-16 to “shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.”

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT S.C.D.C

Sanket Das :- Vacation Bible School(VBS) was conducted on 6th and 7th May, 2011 for the children of the Sarenga Child Development Centre. The day started with an Awareness Rally marking World Environment Day. Children carried placards, posters and banners with ecology promoting slogans and rallied through Sarenga Bazaar to spread the message to plant more and more trees to control environmental degradation. After the rally, the children were told stories from the Bible and other activities such as music, crafts, drawing, quiz, group discussion, drama and action songs were also conducted. ‘Telephone Khuda Ka Telephone’ turned out to be the favourite song of the children. The children were divided into three teams: Luke, Peter and John. The programme turned out to be a success with the joint effort of Rev. Swapan Dorman, Rev. S. M. Soren and the Pastorate Committee members who were present and actively participated in it.                                                                                                                                                                  VBS is indeed, one of the greatest opportunities we have, to reach to children during the summer months. It continues to be one of the most productive special events in leading children to the Lord.

Recognition of Achievements in Sewing

Raja Moses:- On  31st May, 2011, six students from St. Mary’s Sewing Centre, Diocese of Durgapur, received a Diploma Certificates in recognition of completing a six month course in sewing. The certificates were presented by the Rt. Rev. Dr. P. K. Dutta, Bishop, Diocese of Durgapur. 

One of the girls, Rekha Mahato has been employed in this field area by the help of Usha International Ltd. of Lion’s Club Raniganj. 

We are very proud of the achievements of Rekha and the other five girls. We hope this will be the start of a good journey in providing young girls with skills to be used for their future through which they will be able to earn their livelihood 

A Pillar of Christianity

Bikash Chandra Sen :-  On Saturday, 11th June, 2011, the Diocese of Durgapur organized the Diocesan Sunday School Rally. Near about 85 Sunday School Students from Durgapur, Burdwan and Bankura Churches/Pastorates attended the Rally. The Theme was “Strengthening of the Sunday School”. 

The day started with children rallying around the neighbourhood spreading the need to “Save the Earth”. The children carried posters, banners with slogans highlighting the problems of global warming, and the dire consequences it can have for the earth. Thus, conveying the message to keep the Earth clean and green. Announcements was alternately made by Rev. Samiran Sinha, upholding the importance of reviving the planet and curbing activities that harm the earth, by planting more and more trees followed by Christian Devotional songs. 

Singing, Drawing, Quiz Competition were some of the other activities that were included in the programme. Sunday school teachers conducted the various classes. The programme ended with a prize distribution and thanking God for his blessings to conduct the programme smoothly. The programme was a great achievement to strengthen the Sunday School community. 

Joshme Marry Nag :- It had been a wonderful opportunity for the youths of different pastorates under the Diocese of Durgapur to attend the Diocesan Youth Council held in the Diocesan Bhawan from 20th to 22nd May 2011. The Programme started at 06.00 pm with a word of prayer by Rev. Dn. Pankaj Pande, which was followed by the introduction of the Chief Guest and a warm and hearty welcome to all our youths. Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta, Rev. Dr. Pratap Ch. Gyne, Vice Principal, Serampur Theological College, Mrs. Rita Dutta, President, DWFCS, Mrs. Madhumita Singh, Principal, St. Michael’s School and foreign friends Ms. Emma Delby, Mr. Austin Spry, Ms. Sally Lacy and Ms. Akino Ogawa were some of the guests who graced the occasion. Our Bishop welcomed all the youths on behalf of the Diocese. Rev. Dr. Pratap Ch. Gyne gave an inspirational teaching based on the theme of the Youth Council – “CAN VIOLENCE OVERSHADOW PEACE?”  . Rev. Amiya Das, Vice President of the Diocese of Durgapur took the floor and gave out the rules and regulations for the procedure to be undertaken for the formation of the New Youth Committee. 

On 21st May, the programme started with the morning devotion at 07.00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Pratap Ch. Gyne conducted the following session and led the youths into the depth of the theme. Dr. Subikash Chowdhury, Professor of Bankura Christian College, wonderfully presented the theme with the help of slide shows in the next session. Ms. Akino Ogawa from Australia took the craft class teaching the youths to make a peace – bird. The youths were divided into groups representing different districts, were positive and negative views as well as, draw-backs were discussed. The Youth Report of every pastorate was read out and the future planning was noted down. On the following day, 22nd May, the programme started at 10.15 a.m. and election of youths for the new Youth Committee was held. All the 16 members were elected with Rev. Dn. Pankaj Pande as the Chairperson. Rev Amiya Das guided the proceedings and the new Youth Committee was hence formed and future planning of the Youth Committee was finally read. With the blessings of the Almighty God, the Youth Council ended with hopes and desires instilled in the hearts of the youths to implement the activities and progarmmes designed in the Youth Council.

ELECTION OF THE NEW OFFICE BEARERS

Rev. Pankaj Pande :- The Election of the Diocesan Youth Council was held on 5th June, 2011 at the Diocesan Bhavan. Rev. Amiya Das, the Vice President was authorized by the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta to chair the proceedings of the Election. The following Office Bearers have been elected for a tenure of 2 years:

Diocesan Youth Fellowship

    Chair Person -Revd.Dn.Pankaj Pande

President-Mr.Anup Besra

Vice President-Mr.Ashish Das

Secretary-Ms.Pinky Ghosh

  Asst. Secretary-Ms.Joshme Marry Nag

Treasurer-Ms.Priyanka Ghosh

We wish the above team a successful period of their opportunity to fulfill the responsibilities and duties bestowed on them and to provide the leadership to equip the youths to grow in Jesus Christ through the foundations of Witness, Worship, Study and Service.

Visit to Bankura

Emma Dalby :- This weekend myself (Diocese of Derby, UK), Austin (Diocese of British Columbia), Akino (United World, Australia) and Sally (Eastern and Western North Carolina Episcopal)  were hosted by Reverend Amiya Das and Mrs.Santa Das at the Bankura Interfaith Community Study Centre, Central Church Compound, Bankura. The day started with a tour of the Diocese’s campus where we were interested to see the fantastic educational centres established there. The Diocese, provides education to students of all ages from primary school right through to college and has both boys and girls campuses.

This was followed by a tour of the Bankura Christian College, getting a closer insight into the facilities and courses offered to students. We were introduced to several members of staff and given a copy of their Appropriations to take away with us, showing a real insight into the quality of education provided at the college. In the evening we were treated to a lovely programme by the children currently studying at the IFCS centre. They performed dances, sang and demonstrated their Tae kwon do skills, continuing inside, despite the rain! The talents of these children really showed through,and their joy in performing their skills to ourselves and their families was evident in all of them. 

Sunday morning began with a service at the Christian Danga village church. All of us were really touched by the reception given to us by the congregation, who welcomed us through Kirtan with playing many Indian musical instruments; it was a really joyous way to start our worship together. The service itself was uplifting, the dedication and commitment of the community showing throughout. Austin Spry had been invited to deliver the sermon at the service and spoke to us all on our calling not to judge one another too quickly, rather to support one another through love. 

After the service we were treated to performances from the children from the Sunday school, the youth choir and the woman’s fellowship who all performed a wide and celebratory range of song and dance.  On returning to the Reverend’s home, he took us to visit the homes of the children and families supported by the Interfaith Community Study Centre. The children live within a slum area just behind the centre, with few, if no amenities, cramped living conditions and lack of access to any services. However, my overwhelming feelings when visiting this area, where life is a daily struggle, were that of a loving, welcoming and joyous community. Everyone we met was pleased to see us and readily invited us into their homes to share in their family life. Coming from a country where a sense of community and openness to others is fast diminishing, it was very touching to be part of a community very much alive.  

Inauguration of ‘UDAAN’ & Felicitation of ICSE & ISC Toppers

Deolinda.V.Johns:- Under the able leadership of our beloved Bishop, Rt. Rev. Probal Kanto Dutta, with his guidance and inspiration to reach out to the under privileged children, St. Michael’s School, Durgapur  inaugurated  its Dream Project ‘Udaan’ on Saturday, 18th June 2011 which is a school for the underprivileged children in and around Bidhannagar  where the school is situated. The school will be steered by the students of Class XII and Teachers who will act as advisors. ‘Udaan’ symbolizes the flight of a bird. It is the humble endeavour of the school to provide ‘wings ‘ to these ‘flightless’ children so that  they can experience the joys of learning, of giving expression to their creativity and talents. The inaugural function was held in the school Auditorium in the presence of Dr. Nikhil Bandopadhyay, M.L.A, who was the Guest of Honour , Vice President of the Diocese of Durgapur, Rev.  Amiya Das , Mrs Rita Dutta, President DWFCS, Rev. Samiran Sinha, Bishop’s Commissary and Rev. Swagata Das. The Principal, Mrs. Madhumita Singh welcomed the guests and dignitaries and the ISC and ICSE Toppers 2011 were also felicitated in the function. Subham Sinha has topped the ICSE 2011 and Rakhi Khandelwal is the topper from the ISC 2011  in the Commerce stream and Nishat Afroz in the Science stream. The programme was attended by the proud parents of these children and the children who will attend ‘Udaan’. Udaan will have classes to teach art and craft and singing, along with English and Mathematics.

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ON CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

Ms.Roma Prodhan :- A one day Orientation programme  of the Pastorate Office Bearers, Youth, Women and Clergy was held in the Durgapur Diocesan Bhawan. Mr. Thomas Pechak led the gathering with the Bible Study challenging all present to make a difference where it seemed impossible to do. He called all gathered to hear God’s Call in their life and follow the footsteps of Christ. After the interaction between Pastorates, a group discussion resulted in what was expected i) increase in giving,  ii) a regular work shop on property management, iii) raising interest in Church activities, iv) regular communication with the Diocese through the priests, v) promoting lay leadership, to mention a few. The Bishop Rt. Revd. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta flagged off the 40 year celebration campaign of the Diocese by enlightening all on his views and expectations of the forthcoming celebrations. Motorcycle Rally, Tribal Utsav, Children’s Festival, Women’s Convention, Cultural Evening by Projects are a few of the programmes lined up. The workshop ended with lunch and all leaving on a very positive note.

Foundation Day Celebrated at St. Barnabas Church

Bikash Chandra Sen : - St. Barnabas Church, of Uffmanpur, Purulia Day celebrated its Foundation Day on 11th June, 2011 Before the service there was a candlelight procession around the church. After the procession,  the candles were  placed in front of the altar of the church. The programme was led by Mr. Pranab Kr. Kashyap in the presence of the Presbyter in-charge Rev. Samuel Halder and Deacon Rev. Pankaj Pandey. There were a few pastors, namely, Rev. Ashish Biswas, Rev. Subrata Sarkar, Rev. P.N. Darman and Rev. Acharya.  present on this auspicious day.  The Pastorate Committee of St. Barnabas Church decided to award the eighteen  students  who  passed the Madhyami and the Higher Secondary Examinations and it has been a proud moment for the entire congregation to award these meritorious students as this will encourage and inspire the other children of the Pastorate to work hard for the fruits of their labour.

We are thankful to God because our daily prayers for our children have been answered.

Mother’s Day Celebration

Nina Nancy Murmu :- Mother’s Day is the time of commemoration and celebration for ‘mothers’ and a time of family gathering. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. Mother’s Day was celebrated in St. Peter’s Church, Chittaranjan on 9th May 2011 at 5.30 in the evening. This is the first time that St. Peter’s Church celebrated Mother’s Day. The worship service was conducted by Mrs. Bela Murmu and the sermon was delivered by the Church Secretary, Mrs. Ranjana Kashyap. In her message, she mentioned that Mother’s Day was started in United States, 150 years ago by an Appalachian homemaker, Anna Jaries who organized this day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers and called it as Mother’s Work Day. 15 years later Julia  Ward Howe, organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace. In 1905, when Anna Jarvies died, her daughter also named Anna, began to campaign to memoralize the life work of her mother as Mother’s Day. Mrs. Ranjana Kashyap also emphasized on the role and vital responsibilities of a mother in the church and family. It was a joyous and a memorable occasion for all the ‘mothers’ present, as they were honoured with a rose. The congregation, especially the mothers were very encouraged and motivated to participate  in  the Church activities. A special song was presented by Miss Nina Nancy Murmu. The ceremony ended with a prayer by Rev. Sudhir Hembrom, the Presbyter In-Charge.

Recipe of the Month :- SHAMI KABAB

Ingredients
500 gms minced Mutton
2 Eggs
1meduim sized chopped Onion (Pyaj)
5 Green Chilly (Hari Mirch) chopped
100 gms Bengal Gram (Chana) soaked overnight
10 pods Garlic (Lasan / Lahsun)
1 tsp Cumin Seed (Jeera)
4 Cardamoms
1 " long piece Cinnamon (Tuj /Dalchini)
1 " long piece Ginger (Adrak)
6 Pepper corns (Kalimirchi / Golmorich)
4 Red Chillies
Clarified Butter (Ghee)

Procedure

Boil minced meat in 3 cups of water and a teaspoonful of salt till water is absorbed and meat is tender.  Grind meat into a fine paste.  Take garlic, cumin seeds, cardamoms, cinnamon, ginger, peppercorns, red chillies and soaked gram dal and grind into a fine paste.  Mix both the pastes well.  Now mix well beaten eggs and prepare a uniform dough.  Add finely chopped green chillies and onion to dough and mix well. 

Shape the dough into small round flattened balls or kababs.  Heat ghee and  fry kababs over low- flame till golden brown and serve hot with sauce or chutney.

                                                                                                                 

By :- ARCHANA DEY