The CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai celebrated its 49th Parish day with a Thanksgiving worship service on Saturday, 13th April, at the Holy Trinity Church.
Mr. Libini Eason George (Vice president) gave the welcome speech. He recollected how the Dubai CSI Parish has grown over the years, from its humble beginning in Dubai as a small prayer group. He reminded that it is an opportunity to be grateful to God for our glorious past, while facing the future with hope, at the same time acknowledging the sacrifices of our founders, with gratitude. Our parish has indeed been on a journey of faith, fellowship and service ever since it was founded officially as a parish on 13th April 1975. Our worship is an affirmation of these principles, as we commit ourselves into God's hands to continue to be a blessing in this land.
Rev. Lalji M. Philip delivered the sermon, based on the declaration of Simon Peter in Matthew 16:16 “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This declaration is in response to the question of Jesus in Verse 13 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”. Achen mentioned that, in the same context of Peter's declaration, as the Dubai parish embarks on its Golden Jubilee year, we need to examine, what the church is to us ? We are a community (mentioned as Qahal in Hebrew and Ecclesia in Greek), called to do the will of God. The church is a pilgrimage experience with God. The 50th year requires faith like a rock (Matt: 16:18). The Dubai parish has been instrumental in sharing this pilgrimage experience since 49 years, being a light to many who are distressed and broken. It is a time to rededicate ourselves in the service of others, by sharing the love of Jesus.
The Church warden, Mr. Thomas Cherian, in his role as the convenor of the 49th Parish Day Service, coordinated the arrangements with the support of the Church committee members. In his brief message, Mr. Thomas Cherian mentioned about the history of the parish and the roles played by the founding members since inception. Rev. Raju Jacob honoured Mr. Mathew Varghese and Mr. P. V. Koshy, by presenting them with a Ponnada.
Rev. Lalji M. Philip (Abu Dhabi), Rev. Sunilraj Philip (Sharjah) and Rev. Charles M. Jeril (Jebel Ali) along with our Vicar Rev. Raju Jacob led the special worship service and Holy Communion.
The photos of the worship service are available here : https://www.csidubai.com/gallery/66/49th-parish-day-service
The order of service can be downloaded here : https://www.csidubai.com/liturgy-and-symbols