Activity Report : 2008 - 2010
With the revival of the Anglican congregation in July 2008, after a lapse of many years, today our services run regularly each day. We began with a very small congregation, but with God's grace this is slowly growing in number. We began with Rev. Stefan C. Joel as an acting vicar.
We began looking around for an Out Reach Programme. With Mrs. Johnson's suggestion, we looked into taking on the Cottolengo Convent. We followed it up with them and found they were very receptive to the idea. They then became the main beneficiaries of our out reach programme. It was agreed, by the handful of faithfulls that our outreach programmes come under the banner "Be The Miracle".
Cottolengo Convent runs an orphanage and school for destitute, challenged children. We were able to provide them with a back up power system in May 2009, so now the school work, especially, can go on unhindered. We have also provided them with a biogas plant, which has greatly reduced their monthly expenses.
'Be The Miracle' has also supported other causes:
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In summer of 2008 we were able to support the VBS conducted by the CSI congregation in this church. This attracts children from all walks of life who benefit from learning the scriptures.
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Namely the wife of Mr. Paul Ramachandra in February 2009. Mr. Ramachandra works with tribals, and his wife was in need of a kidney transplant. Today with God's grace and power, she is back in good health.
Divya Hasta Charitable Trust, a school for the blind in Whitefield, needed help for their sustenance.
The Spastic Society in Bangalore, is in dire need of a bathroom with special requirements. This project will be completed shortly.
The Christmas Midnight Service was revived in 2008. Members of Christ Church, Basavangudi, were invited to attend as were our fellow worshippers of the CSI congregation.
The first Spring Festival was held on 22nd. February 2008, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Bishop Ponnaiah, Bishop of Madras, was the celebrant of the service. The CSI congregation was invited to the service as well as the Thanksgiving lunch that followed. The first cheque for Cottolengo Convent was presented to Sr. Superior that day by the Bishop.
The first ever ordination of 2 priests and 7 deacons in this church was conducted on 30th. June 2008 with the bishops of Nandyal and Madras officiating. After this Rev. Darryl Taylor, who had been assiting in worship us since April, was officially appointed Vicar of this congregation. At the same time Rev. John Paul was appointed our deacon.
In July last year Matins and Vespers were revived at 8 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. respectively on Mondays through Fridays.
On 4th. October 2009, we hosted a concert performed by the Saxony Jazz Band on our premises. The turnout for this was very good and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. This was followed by a dinner, mainly for the musicians, at the Whitefield Club next door. As foreigners, they thoroughly enjoyed the local flavours laid out for them that night.
As Christmas came along, some of our ladies got busy buying clothes for the children of Cottolengo Convent. These were presented to them after much carolling which was accompanied by the Frank Anthony Public School Brass Band on December 21st. This turned out to be an extremely enjoyable and successful day for the challenged children began to clap hands sway with the music. The reaction of these unfortunate children had its impact on the children of the Band. They realised how much more fortunate they were… as one of them said "today I know the real meaning of Christmas" thank you.
In November 2009, we were able to open Two Trust Funds, namely
'The Memorial Church, Anglican, Whitefield', covering the General and the Endowment Accounts with the State Bank of Mysore in Whitefield.
'The Traditional Anglican Trust, Whitefield', which will in times to come fund "Be The Miracle" (our out reach and charitable works), also with the State Bank of Mysore, Whitefield.
Before concluding I must state that we owe our heartfelt and grateful thanks to our Lord God Almighty for leading and guiding us all along the way. For nothing is possible without faith and trust in Him. We would like to thank our Vicar Rev. Darryl Taylor for his spiritual guidance and for his work in the parish, and the support we have enjoyed from our Deacon Rev. John Paul. We acknowledge their dedication to all services without fail and their Pastoral home visits.
Mrs Sydney Smith
Honorary Treasurer