Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas, the outgoing Vicar of CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai and family, were given an official farewell by our parish on 14th May, during the Sunday Holy Communion Service. Rev. Shaji had served as our 15th Vicar during the period 2020-23 and is going back to India to take charge as the Vicar of St. Stephen's CSI Church, Puthuval.
The farewell meeting started with the congregation joining in singing Hymn 209 (O God our help in ages past). Mr. Mathew Jacob led the Opening Prayer. Mr. Sachin Saji Mathew (Committee Member) gave the welcome speech. Mr. Libini Eason George (Vice President) presided over the meeting and delivered the presidential address.
The felicitations were delivered by Mr. Aby John (Church Secretary), Mr. Melwin T.W. (Church representative), Mr. Amrith Koshy Eapen, (Secretary – Sunday School), Mr. Juby K. Abraham (Choir Master), Mrs. Mariamma Thomas (Secretary - Women’s Fellowship), Ms. Christina Cherian, (Committee member - Youth Movement) and Mr. Solomon David (Secretary – Laity Fellowship).
The Choir rendered a special Tribute song "May the good Lord bless and keep you", accompanied by Mr. Pratish Alex Pothen (Organist) on the Organ.
Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas and Mercy Kochamma, in their reply speech, expressed their gratitude for the love and care of the congregation and requested prayers for their future ministry, while wishing success and God's blessings for the future endeavors of the Dubai Parish.
Mr. Thomas Cherian (Church Warden) presented the Memento to Shaji Achen and Mr. Kurian P. Thomas (Church Treasurer) presented the gift of the congregation.
The farewell meeting ended with the congregation joining in singing the popular farewell Hymn 362 (God be with you till we meet again).
Prior to the farewell meeting, Shaji Achen had delivered the sermon and led the Holy Communion Service. In his sermon, Achen spoke based on the passage Phil. 4:8-9. In conclusion, Achen mentioned that, though we may have different views, we should be able to link and unite all the differences for the good of the Church as Paul taught in Phil. 2:2 "...being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
Photo Gallery : http://www.csidubai.com/gallery/45/farewell-rev-shaji-jacob-thomas
Video of Sermon : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACyoqv6ylEo