And we are off
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” When the going gets tough, the tough getste going ”, this is the award winning caption that was once used by a leading tire manufacturing company during the launch of one of their newer tires. Today, kindly permit us to borrow this winning caption to summarize our past as well as our future. This caption in our first Annual Report not only captures our struggles of the past but also reminds us of what we are capable of when the odds are stacked against us. It reflects our firm resolve to create a new beginning for ourselves, the beginning of a long journey
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Having extricated ourselves from an abyss, a small group encompassing 27 families came together to lay the foundation for the first Madhya Kerala Diocese affiliated CSI Church in the Chicagoland area. As the rest of the world stood partly frozen on Sunday the 1st of February 2004, several pairs of feet shuffled across the snow in the parking lot of the Booth Tarkington School in Wheeling, Illinois to begin our very first worship service in the school gymnasium. Rev. Alex P Oommen of the CSI Congregation of Dallas led us in worship. An year has passed since then. Today, with a very thankful heart, the 2004 Ad-Hoc Committee is pleased to present the first Annual Report of St. Mark’s CSI Church.
Change of worship facility
As we were about to complete our first month at Booth Tarkington School, the Lord led us to a more convenient worship facility and with His blessings, we moved to our current location in Palatine effective 07th March 2004. Our sincere thanks to Pastor David Hakes and the management of the Forest Glen SDA Church for allowing us the use of their church.
Pastoral care
While we awaited the arrival of our own Vicar from India, pastoral care was provided to St. Mark’s CSI Church by Vicar’s from other CSI churches in America. Our sincere thanks to Rev Alex P Oommen (Dallas), Rev John Philipose (Detroit), Rev Cherian Thomas (Seaford, New York), Rev Johnny Joseph (Atlanta) and Rev Harshakumar Kotian (Chicago)
Passion Week
Maundy Thursday was observed with Holy Communion service at 7.30 pm. Good Friday service was conducted from 6 9 pm and Easter was celebrated with Holy Communion service at 10.30 am. Our grateful thanks to Rev Johnny Joseph for leading us during the Holy week.
Sunday School Easter program
On the occasion of Easter, a short program put together by the students of our Sunday School was presented in the fellowship hall following the worship service. Our thanks to the teaches and students for their lively presentation
Easter Recital
The agony of the cross and the estacy of His resurrection were captured by our Choir during a two hour Easter recital on Saturday 17th April. Rt. Rev. Victor Scantelbury, Assistant Bishop of the Chicago Episcopal Diocese was our honored guest of the evening. We place on record, our thanks to Choir Director Babu Philip for a very beautiful presentation.
Mother’s Day
As a token of appreciation for everything they do, the mother’s of our congregation were recognized and honored with a sumptuous open-air lunch at the forest preserve across the street from our church on Sunday 9th May..
Parsonage
A suitable parsonage for our Vicar and family was located. The residence was furnished and stocked by our own members, all of whom opened their hearts as well as their wallets for this purpose. The majority of our members chipped in with something or the other in a spirit of camaraderie never witnessed before. Our sincere thanks to all those who toiled relentlessly to complete all arrangements and have the parsonage ready for its new occupants. We are grateful to Mr. P C Philip for agreeing to lease the parsonage at a reduced rate.
Arrival of our Vicar and family
Our first Vicar, Rev Shaji Jacob Thomas and family arrived in Chicago on 13th May. Thanks to impeccable arrangements made at the parsonage in advance, the Vicar and family were able to complete a very smooth transition to their new residence on the very same day of their arrival. Rev Shaji Thomas took charge of our congregation on Sunday 17th May.
Parish Picnic
Ideal weather conditions set the stage for our parish picnic conducted at Harms Woods on Saturday 12th June. A total of 63 people attended. The highlight of the day was a soccer match between the adults and the youth. Our sincere thanks to all those who volunteered their time for completing all the necessary arrangements.
Father’s Day
In a fine reciprocal gesture, the father’s of our congregation were feted with a gala lunch hosted by the womenfolk of our congregation on Sunday the 20th of June. The initiative and hard work by Anna Devid and her team is highly appreciated. The luncheon was hosted at one of the Deer Park groves across the street from the church.
Basketball Tournament
In an effort to provide a forum to display their skill and talents, St Mark’s CSI Church hosted a basketball tournament at the Booth Tarkington School on Saturday 26th June. Close to 100 youngsters representing different teams spread across the Chicagoland area participated in the day-long event. Team The Outsiders walked away as champions. We laud the sterling efforts of Jiju John Mathew who was instrumental in organizing the event. He was aptly assisted by John Joseph, Ajith Philip, Joel Joseph, Jaime John and Sonia Philip.
Ecumenical Council
Our application for membership in the Ecumenical Council of Kerala Churches in Chicago was approved during a regular meeting on 28th June. St Mark’s was represented by Abraham Joseph, Aby Joseph and Sheela Joseph.
Family Conference
The 18th Family Conference, hosted by the CSI Congregation of Dallas, was held from 1st July thru 4th July. Our hearty congratulations to Rev Alex P Oommen, Jacob Varghese and their team of highly motivated parishioners for putting up a very enjoyable conference. Our congregation was represented by a total of 33 persons representing 11 families.
The Bishop’s visit to Chicago
The Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, accompanied by Mrs Lily Thomas were our guests from 7th July thru 11th July. Our sincere thanks to John Mathew & Family as well as Devid Gorge and family for hosting our honored guests.
Dedication of St. Mark’s CSI Church
The dedication of St. Mark’s CSI Church was conducted on Saturday 10th July led by the Bishop in the presence of several distinguished guests including Cor Episcopa Kuriakose Thottupuram, U.C.C. Minister Lynn Simcox, Rev Fr. Saji Mukoot and Rev. Harshakumar Kotian.
Vacation Bible School
The 2004 Vacation Bible School was conducted at the Booth Tarkington School on the 5th and 6th of August. We commend the efforts of Mr and Mrs Devid George who put their heart and soul to ensure the success of the program. Our thanks to Rev Shaji Thomas and Mercymol Shaji for their leadership. We would also like to place on record, our sincere appreciation of the hard work by all teaching and non-teaching staff. Our thanks to all those who donated refreshments.
Back-to-School prayer
A special service and prayer on 22nd August, for all students returning back to school netted a sum of $ 590.00 which was remitted to meeting some of the needs of the handicapped children at Asha Bhavan, Kottayam, India.
Fall Retreat
A total of 67 members participated in our Fall Retreat, organized at the Spiritual Life Center in Hammond, Indiana from the 17th through the 19th of September. Cor Episcopa Kuriakose Moolayil was the resource person and he was ably assisted by Rev Shaji Thomas. We recognize and laud the efforts of Mr & Mrs John Joseph and Mr and Mrs Tony Philip, joint-conveners of the project.
Sunday School Competitions
Students from our Sunday School took part in the annual competition organized at the Booth Tarkington School on Saturday 25th September. It was a pleasure to watch stiff competition from the participating student in all the four categories. Our thanks to the Sunday School Superintendent and her team for their organizational brilliance. We also thank all those who officiated as judges.
Rev T M John’s visit
Bishop Commissary, the Very Rev T M John spent ten days with us during the month of November. During his stay, Rev T M John was able to interact with members of the congregation, with the Ad-Hoc Committee as well as with the youth. Prior to his departure, Rev T M John conducted a class on CSI Liturgy and its relevance to all our worship services. Our sincere thanks to Rev Shaji Thomas & family as well as to John and Mathew & family for hosting the Very Rev T M John.
Harvest Festival
In an effort to showcase ourselves to the local community, one of our members came up with a novel idea to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Harvest Festival. With whole-hearted support from a very enthusiastic congregation, Johns T Mathew and his team transformed the gymnasium at Booth Tarkington School into a carnival on Sunday the 28th of November. An early afternoon Holy Communion worship service was followed by fun and games and culminated with a variety entertainment show featuring artists from our own congregation as well from outside. The Kitchen Kacheri, staged by the mercurial Annie Mathew and her team was one of the most enjoyed events of the program. Rev Oommen George was the chief guest. The Convener of this event, Johns T Mathew, was ably assisted by Abraham Joseph, Annie Mathew, Philip Mathew and Shibu Kurian. At this time, we would also like to place on record, our sincere thanks to Jayan Mulangadu and members of the Kairali T.V. USA for providing us with a very entertaining evening, to Shanti Jason for her melodious songs, to Ruth Varghese and her team for some enchanting dance numbers as well as to all our very own members who displayed their talent and versatility during the course of the evening.
Christmas Serenading
The joy and spirit of Christmas was carried to the homes of our members, friends and well wishers on December 3rd, 4th, 5th and the 10th. Each home received a gift from Santaclaus.
Ecumenical Christmas Celebrations
Our congregation was represented by a melodious song during the annual Christmas celebrations of the Ecumenical Council of Kerala Churches in Chicago conducted at the Taft High School on Saturday 11th December. Our sincere thanks to Babu Philip for putting together this song at very short notice.
General Body Meeting and Elections
The General Body meeting convened on Sunday 12th December elected the following members to serve the church for periods as listed below:
FOR ONE YEAR
John Mathew Vice President
Shibu Kurian Associate Secretary
Shaji Kurian Accountant
Aby Joseph Choir Secretary
Sheela Thomas Women’s Group Leader
FOR TWO YEARS
Tony Philip Secretary
Abraham Joseph Treasurer
John Joseph Sunday School Superintendent
Babu Philip Men’s Group Leader
Soumy Kuriakose Youth Leader
The following appointments, for a period of one year, were also made
AUDITORS
Joe Likose
John Thomas
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
Rev Shaji Thomas
Abraham Joseph
Aby Joseph
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE U.C.M.C
Rev Shaji Thomas
John Mathew
Shibu Kurian
The Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese has confirmed his acceptance of the above named individuals
New Year Watchnight service
Parishioners ushered in the New Year with testimony, prayers and a Holy Communion service on beginning at 9.30 pm on Friday 31st December.
In General
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The Choir
Under the able direction of Babu Philip, the St. Mark’s CSI Church Choir continued to function and grow. . New robes, partly donated by Devid George and family, were
purchased for all choir members. The choir led the Passion / Easter Recital on 17th April and made its presence felt at the Family Conference in Dallas and also during the Christmas celebrations of the Ecumenical Council of Kerala Churches in Chicago. We place on record, our sincere thanks to Babu Philip for his dedication, time and effort.
Men’s Group
Sunday morning Bible Study, under the auspices of the Men’s Group, became a regular feature before worship service. Bible study, conducted by Rev Shaji Thomas, focused on the Acts of the Apostles and a total of 17 chapters were covered. We take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to Rev Shaji Thomas and also to Joe and Soma Lukose who, with visual presentation, conducted the Bible Study prior to the arrival of the Vicar. We also take this opportunity to thank the Men’s Group initiating Saturday afternoon Badminton, for Sunday Soccer which proved to be a big hit and for hosting the Mother’s Day luncheon.
Women’s Group
Members of the Women’s Group hosted a sumptuous meal to honor the Dad’s on Father’s Day. They also played a very active role in raising funds for the poor and needy and also in support of missions and charitable projects. Our sincere thanks to the Women’s Group for their Kitchen Kacheri as well as for their food preparation arrangements which played a pivotal role in the success of our Harvest Festival.poor and needy and also
Youth Group
Members of our Youth Group met eleven times during the course of the year including a very useful meeting with the Very Rev T M John. They carved out a name for themselves by staging a very successful basketball tournament during the month of June.
It was the Youth Band that kicked off the Harvest Festival. Messrs Jiju John and Jason Joseph were offered the opportunity to deliver message during two Youth Sundays.
Last but not the least, it is a matter of great pride and joy for the whole congregation that Jiju John Mathew is currently in India preparing for God’s ministry. We wish him every success.
Cottage Prayers
A total of 23 cottage prayers were conducted during the course of the past eleven months.
We express our gratitude to all host members.
Fasting & Prayer
Under the initiative of T A Joseph, Fasting & Prayer was conducted on most Saturday mornings at the homes of Shaji Kurian, Aby Joseph, Johns T Mathew, T A Joseph,
Thomas Koshy, Babu Philip, Rev Oommen George and at the parsonage. St. Mark’s CSI Church places on record, its sincere thanks to T A Joseph for his leadership and consistency.
Constitution
The constitution of St. Mark’s CSI Church was officially approved by the General Body over two meetings on 22nd August and 12th September.
Preachers
Our congregation was blessed by the visit of several clergy and other distinguished speakers and thank the following individuals for sharing the word of God with us:
Rt. Rev Thomas Samuel The Very Rev T M John
Rev Alex P Oommen Rev John Philipose
Rev Harshakumar Kotian Rev Cherian Thomas
Rev Johnny Joseph Rt Rev Victor Scantelbury
Rev M P Joseph Mr. Babu Paul
M G Wesley Pamela Oommen
Preachers In-house
St Mark’s CSI Church acknowledges and appreciates the time and effort of the following members who came forward to share the word of God with us:
Jiju John Mathew Johns T Mathew
T A Joseph Abraham Joseph
Annie Mathew Rev Oommen George
Jason Joseph Babu Philip
New Member
St. Mark’s CSI Church welcomed John Cherian (Canada) to our congregation
Wedding
John Cherian and Cini Palamalayil were joined together in Holy Matrimony on 29th May. We continue to extend to them our very best wishes for a long and happy married life.
Newborns
St. Mark’s is proud to welcome the following new members:
Shaun Devid
Luke Mathew
Micah Varghese
Baptism
Luke Mathew, son of Philip and Wincy Mathew was baptized on 6th November.
Shaun Devid was baptized in Bangalore on 19th December.
Obituary
Mr. Ipe Idiculla, father of Roy K Cherian, was called to eternal rest on 22nd May. May God continue to provide the grieving family with the necessary strength.
New Homeowners
We congratulate the following members who were blessed with new homes during 2004
Jobby & Sherry Jacob
Samu & Bindu Thomas
Sanjay & Renu Varghese
Missions & Charities
Owing to the compassion and generosity of our members, we were able to lend financial support to needy individuals, missions and charitable institutions. A detailed report is presented in the accompanying Accounts for 2004.
Website
Thanks to the time and effort by Shibu Kurian, Abraham Joseph and Soma Lukose, we were able to maintain and update our own website during the course of the year. For information, please feel free to log on to chicago.csichurch.com
Acknowledgement
Last, but not the least, our grateful thanks to:-
(1) Abraham Joseph for publishing the monthly Parish Messenger in color and designed in a new format.
(2) Thomas Koshy and Devid George for their kindness and generosity in meeting a substantial part of our printing and stationery requirements.
(3) Babu Philip for regular printing of the Sunday service format and for compiling and service booklets for special occasions.
in closing
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As mentioned in the beginning, we have embarked on a long journey. God has been our guide and source of strength until this very moment and we acknowledge his blessings with a very grateful heart. Let us continue to seek his guidance and blessings for 2005 and the years that lie ahead.
Our sincere thanks to Bishop Thomas Samuel for his inspiration, guidance, prayers and support. We thank our President & Vicar, Rev Shaji Thomas for his leadership and also place on record, our sincere thanks to Rev Oommen George for his invaluable services whenever required.
Last, but not the least, your Ad-Hoc Committee takes this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to each and every member of this congregation for your understanding, encouragement and support. We appreciate your working with us and we sign off with our best wishes to all of you. We also take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to the first elected church committee.
God Bless !
REV SHAJI THOMAS ABRAHAM JOSEPH SHIBU KURIAN
DEVID GEORGE JOHN JOSEPH TONY PHILIP
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