Special Sunday by the Committee on Education and Christian Nurture
Set Your Church on Fire
Set your church on fire, Win this nation back, Change the atmosphere, Build your Kingdom here, Oh, we pray…
This soul-stirring line from a special song sung by the Committee on Education and Christian Nurture (ECN) on March 17th, 2024, called for igniting a revival in the church.
The Education and Christian Nurture Committee
Though the Sunday Service at AMC exceeded the normal span of worship, it was a medley of spiritually enriching praise and worship songs, a skit by the Sunday School kids, and a thought-provoking message by Mr. Jeshurun. The audience cheered as the winners of the quiz, and memory verse competitions received their trophies from Pastor Rev. Dr. Andrew B. Natarajan.
Dr. Sujatha Luther, the chairperson, presented the ECN Committee Report, shedding light on the committee’s various activities. Its routine activities included Annual Quiz, Monthly Quiz, and this year’s newly introduced memory verse competitions. The committee oversees the Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School (VBS). This Conference Year, they extended their activities to the outreach ministries at Chidambaram and Vaitheeswaran Koil churches.
THEME: Maturing in Christ
“Maturing in Christ” emerged as the central theme of ECN Sunday, drawing inspiration from Paul’s epistle to the Colossians (Col. 2:6-7). A normal Christian’s spiritual journey begins after accepting Jesus Christ as his/her personal saviour. Mr. Jeshurun Sunil Rajan, the speaker for the day, delivered a poignant message, echoing Paul’s aspiration to mould disciples in the likeness of Christ. Jeshurun is a fellow member and the AMC’s Youth Advisor.
After awarding the prizes for the regular competitions, the Sunday school children also received their certificates and awards. Every part of this Sunday was a blessing to many who attended. The service was conducted solemnly by Dr Sujatha Luther (Chairperson) and Mrs Anila Jacob. Congratulations to all involved in orchestrating such a profoundly impactful event.
For ECN Sunday Pictures, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6M91TgzdEN4dRjak6
For Skit photos, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/U4ttaoChFMGKWWBc6
For Quiz prize awards pictures, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nMMfcwoUDgmqepnt5
For Sunday School Awards pictures, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MABz21pt9NjunxR7
Meaningful Participation in Missions
The recent Mission Sunday celebration, held during the Sunday morning service on November 26 at 9 a.m., shed light on the church’s remarkable endeavours. Dr. Philip Anbarasan, Chairperson of the Committee for Mission and Evangelism, presented a comprehensive report detailing the church’s achievements and ongoing activities.
Dr Philip Anbarasan, Chairperson of the Committee on Mission and Evangelism reading the Report
“Minstrels”, the first visiting choral group for this Advent Season.
Methodist Men Fellowship doing Praise and Worship
Joanna Paulsingh and team singing a special number
Among the notable accomplishments are the establishment of six churches in Tamil Nadu, support for 11 para-church organizations, and the provision of salaries for missionaries in different locations. Internally, the church maintains regular activities such as Prayer Station, Prayer Walk, and neighborhood evangelism efforts. A new initiative, Youth Sunday (every first Sunday of the month), is now focusing on civil service examination aspirants in Anna Nagar.
Monthly visits to the suburban village of Perumbakkam near Sholinganallur (OMR) allow the church to preach the gospel and engage with the local community. Future plans include the establishment of an English church in Oragadam, a satellite town of Chennai.
During the Mission Sunday Service, the Methodist Men Fellowship led the Praise and Worship, while the choir group Minstrels marked the Advent Season’s inauguration with two beautiful numbers. Additionally, the youth team, led by Ms. Joanna Paulsingh, contributed a melodious worship song.
In the span of just one hour, attendees were treated to a display of pure bliss—a harmonious symphony of songs, engaging skits, meticulously choreographed dances, and the recitation of memory verses by the tiny tots. The entire presentation exuded a level of professionalism and calibre that left an indelible mark on the hearts of those in attendance.
If you were to inquire within the community about what sets Annanagar Methodist Church apart, the unanimous response would undoubtedly be its Sunday school. It’s not uncommon to witness parents from other congregations entrusting their children to the care of AMC on a Sunday morning, only to take them back once the regular church service concludes.
Mr. Andrew George, the superintendent of the Sunday school, and his dedicated team deserve commendation for their exemplary efforts over the past six months. The overarching theme for the year “Wise Up” provided a guiding principle for their endeavours.
Furthermore, during the service, Mr. Charles from Vellore, the guest speaker, eloquently elucidated three pivotal points—”Wise Up, Rise Up, and Spice Up”—as essential pillars for leading a purposeful Christian life, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 5:15–17. The verses emphasize the importance of living wisely, seizing every opportunity, and understanding the Lord’s will in a world fraught with challenges.
A MEMORABLE CAMP AT OMR
For the first time in the history of AMC, the annual camp (off-site retreat) was clubbed with the Sunday service on October 1, 2023. Mr. Shyam Winston, a senior financial consultant and theologian, presented the Good Samaritan story as his sermon. This was taken as the first session.
After the Sunday service, more than 100 participants in the camp made their journey to the Coastal Grand Resort on OMR Road. We reached the venue right on time for lunch. Post lunch was rest and games The swimming pool beckoned those who wanted to chill under the scorching sun. A few youngsters got on to play games, and there were quite a few who had a nice siesta, snuggling under the quilt in their cozy rooms.
The session at the venue started at 6 p.m. Joanna Paulsingh and friends sang three songs that warmed up the hearts of the participants. The second session by Shyam Winston was on studying the Word of God, citing the example of Daniel’s story. He also smoothly transitioned the session to an in-depth study of Psalm 1 to drive home the importance of meditating on the scriptures day in and day out.
After dinner, at the lawn, there was a witnessing session led by the senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Andrew B. Natarajan, on “How AMC has been a blessing for the members over the years.” Many elders narrated their memories and how a close-knit family church fellowship evolved. Unlike many other churches, AMC doesn’t have ego clashes, politics, or negative undercurrents. Each member complemented the other with their available talents. Every brick was laid with much prayer by the founders of the church. We fondly remembered those who toiled for the church in the initial days with a lofty vision.
On October 2, the day started before sunrise with a lawn gathering singing praises and special prayers. The senior pastor led the morning meditation, quoting various passages from the New Testament on how our Master Jesus spent his day. He underlined the need for finding sufficient time for meditation and prayer during a busy life and ways to find time to read the Bible during travel and waiting time at various places.
The third session was fun-filled with the enactment of the drama at Mary and Martha’s house. A few spirited members readily donned the characters in the Bethany story. This was also a soul-searching session on how we could play the roles of a distraught Martha and a silent Mary while the Master defused a trying tension in their house.
Following this, the senior pastor, in a concluding session, initiated and moderated a debate on the pros and cons of using the digital Bible in our church. The members were in three categories – 1) gadgets, 2) physical, and 3) both/neutral. It was resolved that one may use gadgets or a physical Bible as long as their mind is free from distractions.
In anticipation of the heavy traffic on the Old Madras Road, we advanced the closure of the camp after lunch. It was a lovely time, and we thanked the main spring, Mrs. Irene Abel, for her tireless work. She was assisted by Amaresh, Rajesh, Kavitha, Luther Dhanasingh, and the office staff Sumitha and Lipok. Irene and her team had the herculean task of accommodating 100+ participants in 27 rooms. Kudos to all the members of the team, pastors, and the pastorate committee for this memorable experience for AMC members.
Regular Ministry Activities
Bible Study
Every Thursday at 7 pm (on Zoom) the Bible Study is conducted by one of the Pastors. One of the Books of the Bible is selected and study is carried out verse by verse. Currently we are studying the Book of Jude. (Click here for Bible Study notes)
It’s a deeper study time for the benefit of the Church members to grow.
Wesley Cell Groups
Cell group Bible study has been an important characteristic of the Methodist Church since its beginning. We cannot live as if we are alone on an island and be a Christian, since faith is always shared. One aspect of our faith formation is participating in spiritual accountability groups. John Wesley believed that there is ‘no personal holiness without social holiness.’ Join any one of the existing groups. Read more on Cell Groups
Cottage Prayer Meeting
This is a prayer conducted from house to house on alternate Thursday as per the request of the congregation. This meeting helps the church members to know one another residence. It creates an opportunity for the neighbours, friends and relatives to thank God for praising Him. Through this ministry, the name of Jesus is being lifted up and his love is extended to all. Time slot: 6.30 pm to 8.30pm
Extended Time of Prayer
Church members are given an opportunity to come together every first Friday from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. in the church for an extended time of prayer. In this prayer, we begin the session by singing a few choruses and then spend time in prayer. The first hour will be for praying for the burning issues and emergency situations of the Church and Country. Then the rest of the time is spent praying for all the Church members by name.
Hour of Power
This is a very unique spiritual exercise for the AMC Church. Every day, the Church is kept open from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. for prayer. Members and visitors come for early morning prayer from 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. We begin the prayer by singing one or two choruses, then a Bible portion is read from Our Daily Bread, followed by a meditation written in Our Daily Bread. Then the names of those who are celebrating their birthdays and wedding anniversaries are read. Then prayers are offered in twos.
Elders' Fellowship
Elders’ Fellowship meets every 3rd Saturday at 5:00 PM for a time of sharing God’s Love in each other’s life. It is an evening filled with fun and games. This meeting is organized by the Social Concerns Committee. Normally, there will be a guest speaker and a happy social interaction by the seniors of the Church.’ Click here for Elders’ Fellowship Page
Empowering Civil Service Aspirants with Motivation and Support
On the evening of November 5, 2023, Mr. Vivek Harinarayan, a retired IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer with a celebrated career spanning both the Tamil Nadu and Central governments, delivered an inspiring lecture to a gathering of aspiring civil service candidates at the Annanagar Methodist Church. The event marked a significant step in the church’s ongoing initiative, ‘Aspire,’ aimed at providing English language coaching to IAS aspirants in Annanagar. This effort, with the prayers and blessings of AMC Pastors Rev Dr Andrew B Natarajan and Rev R J Christopher, led by Col. Jason Peter VSM, and his team of Mrs Pearl Vincent, Mr Pramod Wilson, Mr Jacob Varghese and Mr Dinakaran, has gained momentum over the past few months, with a Spoken English Workshop being held every Sunday at our Church before the evening service.
As the Civil Services Prelims exam date of May 26, 2024, looms on the horizon, aspirants face a challenging journey ahead. Mr. Harinarayan shared invaluable advice, emphasising the importance of strategic preparation. With exactly 174 days remaining until the crucial examination, he stressed the necessity of dedicating a minimum of eight focused hours per day to study effectively
Mr. Harinarayan’s rich experience, having joined the IAS cadre in 1980, made his motivational lecture particularly compelling. Today, he serves as a national consultant trainer for IAS finalists and holds a senior consultant position at the Kingmakers Academy, a prestigious institution in Chennai that trains IAS aspirants.The significance of the gathering extended beyond Mr. Harinarayan’s insightful talk. It marked the inception of a new chapter for Annanagar Methodist Church, which is planning to dedicate every first Sunday evening service as ‘Youth Sunday.’ This initiative aims to engage the short-stay youth population in Annanagar, a significant demographic, with more than 50,000 young aspirants from various regions temporarily residing in the area to prepare for the IAS examination, owing to the numerous IAS coaching centres in Anna Nagar.
‘Aspire’ intends to further boost its commitment to these young students by inviting senior government officers from the city to motivate and guide them. This innovative approach, duly approved by the pastorate committee, has garnered widespread support from the church’s enthusiastic members, many of whom are volunteering their services to enhance ‘Aspire’s’ impact.
Outreach Ministries
Medical Camp at Vaitheeswaran Koil
Christ’s Methodist Church at Vaitheeswaran Koil
“It was in obedience to God’s call that Evangelist Obed Prabhakar moved to serve the Lord in Vaitheeswaran Koil in 2007. Faithfully he persisted in proclaiming the good news to the people in nearby villages. His prayers brought deliverance to many people and they started meeting regularly for fellowship is small huts.”
What started as a small prayer fellowship in 2018 gradually this meetings became Sunday worship gatherings and a small place was rented for worship. It was a small hut with no electricity and facility. But the Church continued to grow. It had to move to four different location to accommodate the growth. Being thatched roof, it would always lead even for little rain and the floor would be soaked wet. Prayer was initiated for a better and permanent place of worship.
In April 2016, AMC stepped in to adopt this fellowship and bought a land in the outskirts. Built a beautiful church, dedicated by Bishop ED Yesuratnam in February 2018. Today nearly 70 people attend the Sunday worship service coming from surrounding 8 villages and the church conducts Sunday school, Saturday fasting & Prayers, Tuesdays village visits for follow up, Thursdays Home Prayer Cells, monthly once chain prayer from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm and VBS every year.
It is the vision of the church to serve the poor communities by starting Tuition Centres, Tailoring Training, helping senior citizens, and adding more and more people to the church continuously.
In October 2018, the Pastors and Engineers from AMC visited the congregation to encourage them and to assess the church building one year after construction. The Engineers have given a clean certificate for the quality of construction..
Please pray for Evangelist Obed and the congregation as they all work as agriculture labourers and find it difficult to make ends meet.
Living Word Methodist Church at Chidambaram
In June 2014, Evangelist Samuel moved into a new mission field in Chidambaram. He began the work by systematically visiting the villages in radius of 6 kms, praying for those in need. Experiencing God’s healing touch and miraculous answers to prayers people started coming to the fellowship meeting.
Thus, began the LIVING WORD METHODIST CHURCH. What started with 9 people in 2014 has now grown to 60 to 70 people regularly attending the Sunday worship service. As the need arose, several ministries sprang up with in the church –Sunday School catering to 20+ children, Women’s fellowship meeting regularly, Friday fasting & prayer, Wednesday Home visits, VBS every year for 60 to 70 children – and the ministry is expanding.
Addressing the needs of women, the Church also started a Tailoring Tutorial. The first batch saw 20 ladies complete the course and many now earning a sisal income for the family. The second batch started in October 2018 and has 15 Students coming regularly.
The church continues to impact the lives of its people and is transforming their lives gradually. Currently the church meets in a rented premise with thatched roof. AMC plans to build a good building for the Church and has bought a piece of land for this purpose.
We covet your prayers for the people of this church, for Evangelist Samuel as he enthusiastically shepherds this congregation and for AMC to complete the church building project at the earliest.