AMC Elders' Fellowship
Elders’ Sunday Service
And They were Absolutely Radiant!!!
RADIANCE was the theme of the Elders’ Sunday Service at 9 am on July 14th at the Annanagr Methodist Church. The elders came decked up, filling the church with the resplendent beauty of their graceful age. Their exuberant voices in song lifted the church with joy, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence.
The congregation honoured and celebrated the dedication of their elders, who have faithfully served and guided our church community.
Special thanks to Mrs. Irene Abel for coordinating the solemn service and to the Committee for Social Concerns, which supported her in this meaningful event.
Mr. Valentine Davidar, a celebrated speaker and devotional broadcaster, spoke on Radiance. He was previously at the Haggai Institute as Executive Director, India as well as Asia, and later was also the Director of Church Relations at World Vision India. He authored the book, Being Made Whole. He mentors Christian leaders. A summary of his sermon is given below:
Are we Radiant?
Mr. Valentine Davidar challenged the church to deeply reflect on the lives we are leading. The questions he posed were profound.
Are we radiant Christians or merely ceremonial Christians? Do we live our daily lives trusting in Facts or Truth? Do we walk by Faith or by Sight? Are we aware that living by sight defines sin? What will you say at the time of judgment? How do you assess your prayer life? Is it transactional, seeking personal favors? Is the Lord truly among us, enabling a victorious life? Does our church care about the hurting world outside? How can we move beyond the comfort of our church’s four walls?
Here are a few important takeaways:
Radiance is our legacy. Radiance is not optional for a Christian. Radiance comes from a life of absolute faith, and it may cost you dearly. God is our habitat. Christ is the image of the invisible God, and in Him, all things consist. Is God with us or not? You are the message, not just the messenger. Living by sight drains our lives. Ceremonial Christians are empty inside.
Biblical References:
What is Radiance:
Psalm 34:5 – Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Facts or Truth?
John 17:16-17 – They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
What is Faith?
Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Colossians 2:18 – Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
What is Sin?
Genesis 3:6 – When the woman SAW that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
By Faith or by Sight?
2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we live by faith, not by sight.
Ready to Face the Judgment?
1 Corinthians 4:5 – Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will reveal what is hidden in darkness and expose the heart’s motives. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
John 12:48 – There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.
Assess Ourselves
Exodus 17:7 – “Is the Lord among us or not?”
1 Corinthians 10:5 – Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
1 Corinthians 10:11 – These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
The ___ING Factor of Life
AMC Elders’ Workshop
How can I be fruitful at this age for the glory of God?
“Is this all in this life?” “My health is not good” or “I am weary and tired.” Thus go the excuses when you cross the legal senior citizen category. That is when an engaging workshop on Saturday, February 17th, became a booster shot for the Elders at Annanagar Methodist Church.
The workshop delved into the lives of revered Biblical figures such as Abraham, Anna, Rahab, and Zachariah—individuals who, despite being in the twilight of their lives, experienced a divine touch that transformed their existence. These examples served as a source of inspiration, emphasising the power of a gracious Father’s benevolence. The overarching theme revolved around cultivating a renewed spirit, an essential component for navigating the challenges of life.
Ms. Rebecca Swamikkan, an adept resource person, skillfully guided participants through group exercises, shedding light on the essence of being actively engaged in life—the crucial “ING” Factor. As participants left with newfound inspiration, the workshop served as a beacon, guiding them towards a purposeful and actively engaged life in alignment with divine principles.
The Social Concerns Committee, under the leadership of Ms Evelyn Mercilyn, organised the programme. The committee members helped at the venue. Attendees were treated to breakfast and lunch, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual nourishment.
AMC Elders Present a Lively Sunday Service on October 22, 2023
Methodist Men conduct this month's Elders' Fellowship
Mr. Dushyant Thomas delivering the message.
On Saturday September 16, 2023, the regular Elders’ Fellowship conducted the meeting with a difference. This time, instead of the normal involvement of Social Concerns Committee, the sprightly Methodist Men’s Fellowship took care of the proceedings.
The meeting commenced with singing praises to the Almighty by Mr Prince Edwin and team (Mr Titus Koilpillai and Mr D.K. Vedanayagam). This was followed by fun-filled games organised by Mr Samuel Jeyakaran which entertained the seniors.
Mr. Dushyant Thomas, the dynamic Secretary of the MMF, engaged the group with a thought-provoking and interactive message on “FINDING THE PURPOSE”. One of the critical ways to do it was to “Understand the love of God”. Hence he touched upon Romans 5:12-20 which was the focus of this interaction highlighting the key verse: “Death through Adam, Life through Christ”.
The message went about how sin is inherited by man whereas righteousness was a gift given by the unmerited favour of God. The justification of man happens through faith and not by the works of the law, hence having a mere knowledge of what Christ has done on the cross is insufficient, whereas understanding the extent of God’s love is also very important for man which in turn gives oneself a true sense of purpose.
Thanking the MMF, the chairperson of the Social Concerns Committee Mrs. Evelyn Mercylin said that all of them are truly blessed by the men’s fellowship’s presence and participation. In spite of the threatening heavy rains, there was a good turnout of elders.
Volunteers for the Special Concerns Committee may contact Evelyn at 98402 98193
email: evelynmercylin85@gmail.co
Mr Prince Edwin, Mr Titus Koilpillai (left) and Mr D K Vedanayagam (right) singing praise songs.
