1Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Internal Circulation December 2013 14th Edition

Bishops Christmas Message

Bishops Christmas MessageShall we celebrate True Christmas? (Tamil)Editorial Brief Report On 50th Diocesan AssemblyPhoto Gallery

1 - 456 - 78 - 910 - 14

ELCM Diakonia MinistriesELCM Events / News Updates & Our CondolencesBishops Main Programme for 2014Bishops Address at the 50th Diocesan Assembly ELCM Outreach Ministries & IYLC ReportELCM Programme for 2014

wishes and our loneliness. There is really no escape from all these. A family that celebrates joyfully does not mean that there is no distress; it is just that these are Christians who have lifted up their difficulties and placed themselves in the arms of our Lord.

Family is so important for Christmas, that even God saw it fit that Jesus, the baby, should have a mother and a father, and brothers and sisters to grow up with. This year, I wish to draw your attention to the one man who played such an important role for Jesus, such a blessed person he was, I call Joseph, a great soul among men. Yet his existence is denied among other Abrahamic religions. The gospels tell us a different story.

We are all familiar with the gospel of Matthew about the story of how Joseph was told by the angel of the Lord in a dream that he should not set aside Mary but marry her. The angel dramatically announces to Joseph that the conception of the child is from the Holy Spirit, not from Joseph (which Joseph knew personally). Here at the beginning of the New Testament age, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role. Jesus as the Messiah is God incarnate, whose miraculous conception and origin are only explained through the work of God the Holy Spirit.

Matthew also tells us that the angel specifically directs Joseph to name the baby Jesus. The name Jesus was popular in Judaism of the first century, given to sons as a symbolic hope for Gods anticipated sending of salvation. A widely held expression of this hope was the expectation

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a

dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home

as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1: 20-21). Dearly beloved in Christ, we will soon be celebrating

Christmas, the birth of our Lord. In many homes, Christmas trees will be set up. Many of us will get busy buying new clothes, preparing special food and wrapping gifts. Some of us will prepare special mobile text messages and some of us will be getting ready for feasts and parties. It is a time that puts a twinkle in our eyes. I consider this privilege a blessing. For those who make Christmas an opportunity to share joy, you will realise that this particular joy, this Christmas joy is really a celebration of family and filial relationships. Without family, the joy of Christmas becomes something else.

On the other side of the spectrum, we cannot hide from the fact that Christmas can be a time of painful recollections, of brokenness and broken-heartedness. It is also a reminder of our increasing frailty, our unfulfilled

August 2012 10th Edition August 2012 10th Edition

1516 - 1718 - 1920 - 222324

2 3

of a Messiah who would save Israel from Roman oppression and purify his people. But the angel draws on a less accepted although, perhaps, more important theme: salvation from sin as the basic need of Israel. Dreams were also commonly believed in the ancient world not only to be of natural origin but also to be a medium of divine communication. From the words of the angel, Joseph understood and believed that the central purpose of Jesus birth is to save his people from their sins by giving his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20: 28).

Apart from caring for and loving Mary, Joseph did many things that may in our modern terms be called deeds of paternal rights he chose the place where Jesus grew up first fleeing to Egypt (Matthew 2:14), then settling down in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). Very little is told to us directly about Josephs godliness except that in the Galilean region, his name is honoured as the father of Jesus (John 6:42). That honour is an important one. It is an honour that God himself saw it so fitting for his Son so much so that I want to draw your attention to it this Christmas.

We would like to assume that to father a child is to make a biological contribution to the conception of a child. Obviously, to God this is an essential way of procreation but not as important as the role of honour that a father plays in the life of a person. We sometimes call this, duties and rights, as if it is something that is conferred by human society. The Scripture teaches us that it is something more. In modern societies, mothers may demand a share in such rights and duties or in some unfortunate circumstances demand of it exclusively. That does not in any way diminish the traditional or natural order of a father and mother.

I will spell out these rights and duties here as the Scripture tells us as what Joseph did. A fathers first right is to name the child. Fathers decide the nation where the child resides. Fathers determine and guide the faith of the child. Fathers decide the native language of the child. Finally, fathers decide the school for the child. What the Bible does not tell us is that Joseph as the father also decided the medical treatment for the child and also the travels that the child undertook. These are not just biblical norms but these are recognised in many nations as the natural rights of a father protected by law.

2

As such, it is expected that fathers fulfil these duties. But by human standards, these rights should be earned. How does the father earn it?

Very simply, the father does five things: The father feeds the child; clothes the child; provides shelter for the child; teaches the child right from wrong; and, not in the least way, protects the child. I am sure you will agree with me that these are precisely what Joseph did; and it would have been an impossible task if Joseph had not loved Jesus dearly as his very own.

ConclusionIn Gods eyes, being a father in a spiritual sense is more important than being a biological father. God also helps us to understand that his Son, Jesus Christ, needed a father with a loving heart to help him grow. This is why when I look at all our daikonia work in the ELCM, I am deeply weighed down by the great failure of this generation. Children of broken marriages, single mothers, widows and orphans are all deeply hurt because they have not tasted the goodness of a father. Let us pray this Christmas that we will be mindful of all those children and adults who are suffering and have suffered the loss of fathers for one reason or another.

Let us pray for fathers who are struggling with themselves and particularly seeking ways to bring some Christmas joy to those we can. We lend a hand to fathers not to replace them, but so that they can be empowered to be better fathers.

Let us thank God for our own fathers who stood by us as we grew up. May this Christmas be a blessed one for forgiveness, reconciliation and the joy that comes with the hope that is in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you all this Christmas with hope!

Together with my family, I wish all pastors, members and well-wishers of the ELCM, A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon RajahBishopEvangelical Lutheran Church in MalaysiaDecember 2013

We lend a hand to fathers not to replace them, but so that they can be empowered to be

better fathers

2 3

Nguhaupd; fpwp];J gpwg;gpd; nra;jp

,NaRtpd; gpwg;gpy;

mtd; ,g;gbr; rpe;jpj;Jf;nfhz;bUf;ifapy;> fh;j;jUila Jhjd; nrhg;gdj;jpy; mtDf;Ff; fhzg;gl;L: jhtPjpd; Fkhudhfpa NahNrg;Ng> cd; kidtpahfpa khpahisr; Nrh;j;Jf;nfhs;s Iag;glhNj> mtsplj;jpy; cw;gj;jpahapUf;fpwJ ghpRj;j Mtpapdhy; cz;lhdJ. mts; xU Fkhuidg; ngWths;. mtUf;F ,NaR vd;W NghpLthahf> Vnddpy; mth; jkJ [dq;fspd; ghtq;fis ePf;fp mth;fis ,ul;rpg;ghh; vd;whd; (kj;NjA 1:20-21).

fpwp];JTf;Fs; md;ghu;e;jtu;fNs> ehk; tpiutpy; ek;Kila fu;j;juhfpa fpwp];Jtpd; gpwg;ig epid -g;G+l;Lk; fpwp];Jk]; gz;bifia nfhz;lh l-NghfpNwhk;. gytPLfspy;> fpwp];Jk]; kuq;fs; itf;f-g;gLk;. ek;kpy; gyu; Gjpa cilfis thq;FtjpYk;> rpwg;G czit jahhpg;gjpYk;> gupR nghUl;fis Rw;wpf;fhl;LtjpYk; KO rpyu; nfhz;lhl;lj;Jf;Fk; tpUe;Jgrhuj;Jf;Fk; Maj;jk; nra;tjpYk; ,e;j kfpo;r;rp cz;ikapy; FLk;gj;JlDk;; ey;y mikg;ghd cwtpYk; cs;s nfhz;lhl;lj;jpy; ,Uf;fpwJ vd;gij czu;e;Jf;nfhs;thu;fs;.

mNj rkaj;jpy; fpwp];k];MdJ ekJ rpije;JNghd epiyiaAk; kdg;gz;fisAk; ekf;F epidg;G+l;Lk; fhykhfTk; ,Uf;fyhk; vd;w cz;ikia ehk; kwf;f KbahJ. NkYk; mJ njhlu;e;J ngUfptUk; ekJ ngytPdj;ijAk;> ek;Kila epiwNtwhj MirfisAk;> ekJ jdpikiaAk; ekf;F epid-g ;G+l;LfpwJ. ,tw;wpypUe;J cz;ikahf jg;gpf;f KbahJ. xU FLk;gk; kfpo;r;rpAld; nfhz;lhLfpwJ vd;why; mf;FLk;gj;jpy; vt;tpj Jd;gKk; ,y;iy vd;W mu;j;jkhfhJ. me;j fpwp];jtu;fs; jq;fs; rpukq;fisAk;> jq;fisAk; flTspd; fuq;fspy; itj;J tpl;ljpdhNyNa ,J rhj;jpakhfpwJ.

fpw];k];f;F FLk;gk; mjpf Kf;fpakhdjhf ,U f;fpwJ. mjdhNyNa Foe;ij ,NaR tsu;e;JtUk; rkak;> xU jhAk;> xU je;ijAk; NkYk; rNfhju rNfhjupfSk; ,Ug;gJ jFjpahdJ vd flTs; mij mikj;jhu;. ,e;j Mz;L> ,NaRtpd; tho; f ;ifapy; xU Kf;fpa gq;if nfhz;bUe;j

xU egiu cq;fs; ftdj;Jf;F nfhz;Ltu ehd; tpUk; GfpNwd;. mtu;jhd; mjpf MrPu;tjpf;fg;gl;l NahNrg;G. Mz;fSf;Fs; Xu; rpwe;j Mj;Jkh vd ehd; mtiu miof;fpNwd;. ,Ue;jNghjpYk; MgpufhKf;F Kf;fpaj;Jtk; nfhLj;j kjq;fs;> mtu; ,Ue;jhu; vd;gij kWf;fpwJ. Mdhy; RtpNr\q;fs; ekf;F NtW tpjkhd fijia nrhy;Yfpd;wd;.

NahNrg;gpd; fztpy; flTspd; Jhjd; Njhd;wp mtd; kupahis js;spitj;Jtplhky; mtisNa jpUkzk; nra;J nfhs;Sk;gb nrhy;Yk; nra;jpia> gupRj;j kj;NjA RtpNr\fdpd; %yk; ehk; ed;whf mwpe;jpUf;fpNwhk;. me;j NjtJhjd;> kupahs; gupRj;j Mtpapd;%yk; fu;g;gk; jupj;jhs;; vd NahNrg;gplk; mwptpj;jhd;. ,jpypUe;J> Gjpa Vw;ghl;bd; Muk;g fhyj;jpy;> gupRj;j Mtpapd; gq;Nfw;G Kf;fpakhdjhf ,Ue;jJ vd;gij ehk; ghu;f;fpNwhk;. Nkrpahthfpa ,NaR flTspd; mtjhuNk. mtupd; mjpra fUj;jupj;jiyAk; Jtf;fj;ijAk; gupRj;j Mtpahfpa flTspd; nray;ghl;bd; %yk; kl;LNk tptupj;Jf;$w KbAk;. NjtJhjd; NahNrg;gplk; Foe;ijf;F ,NaR vdg; ngaupLk;gb $wpajhf gupRj;j kj;NjA NkYk; ekf;F nrhy;Yfpwhu;. ,NaR vd;w ngau; Kjy; Ehw;whz;L A+ju;fs; kj;jpapy; kpf gpugykhdjhf ,Ue;jJ. me;j ngau;> flTs; ekf;F ,ul;rpg;ig mDg;Gthu; vd;w ek;gpf;ifapd; vjpu;ghu;g;gpd; milahskhf Mz;gps;isfSf;Ff; nfhLf;fg;gl;lJ.

,e;j ek;gpf;ifapy; nghJthf ntspg;gLj;jg;gl;l vjpu;ghu;g;G: xU Nkrpah te;J ,];uNtiy Nuhkupd; mlf;F KiwapypUe;J fhg;ghw;wp mtu;fis Rj;jpfupg;ghu; vd;gNj. Mdhy; NjtJhjd; gpugykpy;yhj> ,Ug;gpDk mjpf Kf;fpakhd> ,];uNtypd; mbg;gilj; Njit ghtj;jpypUe;J ,ul;rpg;giltNj vd;w fhupaj;ij mtu;fs; ftdj;Jf;F nfhz;Lte;jhd;. gz;ila fhy cyfpy; fdTfs;> nghJthf flTs; kdpjUld; njhlu;Gnfhs;Sk; top vd ek;gg;gl;lJ. ,NaRtpdJ gpwg;gpd; Kf;fpa fhuzk;> mtu; jkJ [Ptid mNefUf;fhf kPl;Gg; gzkhf nfhLj;J jkJ kf;fis mtu;fspd; ghtj;jpypUe;J tpLtpg;gNj vd;gij NahNrg;G Njt Jhjdpd; thu;j;ijfs; %yk; Gupe;Jnfhz;L ek;gpdhu; (kj;NjA 20:28).

NahNrg;G kupahis Nerpj;J mtis ftdpj;J te;jJkl;Lky;y> mtu; ngw;NwhUf;Fupa gy flikfisAk; nra;fpwhu;. mtu; Kjypy; vfpg;Jf;F jg;gp Xbdhu;(2:14) gpd;du;; ,NaR tsu ehrNuj;ij Nju;e;njLj;jhu; (kj;NjA 2:14). fypNyah gFjpapy;> NahNrg;G ,NaRtpd; jfg;gdhu; vd;W nfsutpf;fg;gl;lhu; (Nahthd; 6:42) vd;gij jtpu NahNrg;gpd; nja;t

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 3

NahNrg;gpd; gq;F

4 54

gf;jpiag;gw;wpa NtW fhupaq;fs; Neubahf ekf;F kpf nfhQ;rNk nrhy;yg;gLfpwJ. me;j nfsutk; mjpf Kf;fpakhd xd;whFk;. ,e;j nfsutk; jdJ kfDf;F mjpf nghUj;jkhdJ vd flTNs epidj;jhu;. ,e;j fpwp];Jk];> ehd; ,ij cq;fSila ftdj;Jf;F nfhz;Ltu tpUk;GfpNwd;.

xU gps;isf;F jfg;gdhtJ me;j gps;is cUthf capupay; rhu;gpy; jd; gq;if nfhLg;gJkl;LNk vd ehk; epidf;f tpUk;GfpNwhk;. cz;ikapy; flTspd; ghu;itapy; ,J ,dg; ngUf;fj;Jf;fhd ,d;wpaikahj topahf ,Uf;fpwJ vd;whYk;> mijtpl Kf;fpakhdjhf ,Ug;gJ> xU je;ij jd; nfsutj;Jf;Fupa gq;if xU egupd; tho;f;ifapy; ruptu nra;tNjahFk;. rpy rkaq;fspy; ehk; ,ij kdpj rKjhaj;jpypUe;J ekf;F toq;fg;gLk; flikfSk; cupikfSkhf ,Uf;fpwJ vd nrhy;YfpNwhk;. Mdhy; Ntjhfkk;> ,jpy; ,d;Dk; kw;wfhupaq;fSk; mlq;fp ,Uf;fpd;wd vd;gij ekf;F Nghjpf;fpwJ. etPd r%fj;jpy; jha;khu;fSk; ,e;j cupikfspYk; flikfspYk; gq;F Nfl;fpd;wdu; my;yJ rpy Jujp\;lkhd #o;epiyfspy; me;j cupikfis mtu;fSf;F kl;LNk nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk; vd mjpfhuj;Jld; Nfl;fpd;wdu;. mJ ghuk;gupak; my;yJ ,aw;ifapd;gbAs;s jha; je;ijfspd; xOq;if ve;j tifapYk; FiwTgLj;jhJ.

NahNrg;G vd;d nra;jhu; vd;W Ntjhfkk; nrhy;Yk; fhupaq;fspypUe;J ,e;j cupikfs;> flikfs; vd;d vd;gij ehd; ,q;Nf Fwpg;gpl;L nrhy;YfpNwd;. je;ijfspd; Kjy; cupik jd; gps;isf;F ngau; nfhLg;gJ. gpd;dh; me;j gps;is ve;j Njrj;jpy; trpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gij je;ijau; KbT nra;-fpd;wdu;. je;ijau; gps;isapd; ek;gpf;ifia jPu;-kh dpj;J mjpy; top elj;Jfpd;wdu;. je;ijau; gps;isapd; nrhe;j nkhopia KbT nra;fpd;wdu;. ,Wjpahf je;ijau; gps;isapd; ghlrhiyia jPu;khdpf;fpd;wdu;. NahNrg;gpd; %yk; Ntjhfkk; vij nrhy;ytpy;iy vd;why;> je;ijNa gps;isfSf;fhd kUj;Jt rpfpr;iriaAk; KbT nra;fpwhu;fs;. NkYk; me;j gps;is Nkw;nfhs;sNtz;ba gazq;fisAk; jPu;khdpf;fpwhu;fs;. ,it Ntjhfkj;jpw;;Fupa epakk; kl;Lky;y> nghJthf ,it gy Njrq;fspy; jfg;gdpd; ,ay;ghd cupikfs; vd mq;fPfupf;fg;gl;L rl;lj;jpd; %yk; ghJfhf;fg;gLfpwJ. MfNt je;ijau;> ,e;j jq;fsJ flikfis epiwNtw;Wthu;fs; vd vjpu;ghu;f;fg;gLfpwJ.

Mdhy; kdpj rKjha epajpapd;gb> ,e;j cupikfs;

rk;ghjpf;fg;gl Ntz;bajha; ,Uf;fpwJ. vg;gb je;ij mij rk;ghjpf;f KbAk;? kpf vspjhdtifapy; je;ij Ie;J fhupaq;fis nra;fpwhu;. je;ij gps;isf;F czT mspf;fpwhu;> gps;isf;F cilia jUfpwhu;> jq;Fk; ,lj;ij jUfpwhu;> vJ rup vJ jtW vd;gij fw;Wf;nfhLf;fpwhu;> NkYk; gps;isf;F ghJfhg;G jUfpwhu;. ,it ahtw;iwAk; NahNrg;G ruptu nra;jhu; vd;gij ePq;fs; vd;Dld; xg;Gf;nfhs;tPu;fs; vd ehd; ek;GfpNwd;. NahNrg;G ,NaRit jdJ nrhe;j gps;isahf Vw;Wf;nfhz;L mtuplk; cz;ikahd md;G nfhz;buhtpl;lhy; ,tw;iw nra;tJ rhj;jpakpy;yhj gzpahfNt ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;.

KbTiuruPu gpufhukhf kl;LNk je;ijahf ,Ug;gijtpl Mtpf;Fpa gpufhuj;jpy; je;ijahf ,Ug;gNj flTspd; ghu;itapy; mjpf Kf;fpakhdjhf ,Uf;fpwJ. flTspd; Fkhudhfpa ,NaR tsu;tjw;F cjtp nra;a md;Gs;sk; cs;s xU je;ij Njitg;gl;lJ vd;gij ehk; Gupe;Jf;nfhs;s> flTs; ekf;F cjtpnra;fpwhu;.

MfNt ehd; k.R.Y. jpUr;rigapd; jpahf;Nfhdpa Copaj;ij ghu;f;Fk;NghJ ,e;j re;jjpapdupd; ngupa Njhy;tpiaf;fz;L mjpf kdrQ;ryk; milfpNwd;. epiyFiye;j jpUkzq;fspd; gps;is fs;> jdpj;jha;khu;fs;> tpjitfs; kw;Wk; mdhij gps;isfs;> Mfpa ahtUk; xU je;ijapd; rpwg;ig Ritj;J ghu;f;fhjjpdhy; kpfTk; ghjp-f; fg;gl;Ls;sdu;. ,e;j fpwp];k]; rkak; ehk; ,g;gb gl;l gps;isfSf;fhfTk; ghjpf;fg;gl;l ngupatu;fSf;fhfTk;> NkYk; rpy fhuzq;fspdhy; je;ijia ,oe;J ghjpg;gile;j ahtiuAk; ekJ ftdj;jpy; itj;jpUf;f> n[gpg;Nghkhf.

jq;fSf;Fs;NsNa Nghuhbf;nfhz;bUf;Fk; je;ij-au;fSf;fhfTk; ehk; n[gpg;Nghk;. Fwpg;ghf> ekf;F Kbe;jtiu mg;gbg;gl;ltu;fSf;F fpwp];Jk]; kfpo;r;rpia nfhz;LtUk; topfis fz;lwpa n[gpg;Nghk;. mtu;fs; ey;y je;ijahf ,Uf;f mtu;fSf;F ehk; if nfhLj;J cjTNthk;.

ehk; tsUk;NghJ ek;Kld; epd;w ekJ nrhe;j je;ijau;fSf;fhf flTSf;F ed;wp nrhy;YNthk;. ,e;j fpwp];Jk]; ekf;F kd;dpg;G> rkurk;> kw;Wk; ek;Kila fu;j;juhfpa ,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; gpwg;gpd; %yk; tUk; re;Njh\k; Mfpa MrPu;thjq;fisj;jUk; xd;whf ,Uf;fl;Lk;. flTs; cq;fs; ahtUf;Fk; ek;gpf;ifapd; MrPu;thjj;ij ,e;j fpwp];k]; ehspy; nfhLf;fl;Lk;.

kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig cWg;gpdu;fSf;Fk; ekJ jpUr;rigapd; eyid tpUk;Gk; ahtUf;Fk; vdJ fpwp];Jk]; kw;Wk; MrPu;thjk; cs;s Gj;jhz;L tho;j;Jf;fs;.

khkiwj;jpU. Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[hNguhau;kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig

NahNrg;gpd; %yk; Ntjhfkk; vij nrhy;ytpy;iy vd;why;> je;ijNa

gps;isfSf;fhd kUj;Jt rpfpr;iriaAk; KbT nra;fpwhu;fs;. NkYk; me;j gps;is

Nkw;nfhs;sNtz;ba gazq;fisAk; jPu;khdpf;fpwhu;fs;.

NahNrg;gpd; %yk; Ntjhfkk; vij nrhy;ytpy;iy vd;why;> je;ijNa

gps;isfSf;fhd kUj;Jt rpfpr;iriaAk; KbT nra;fpwhu;fs;. NkYk; me;j gps;is

Nkw;nfhs;sNtz;ba gazq;fisAk; jPu;khdpf;fpwhu;fs;

4 5ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 5

fpwp];jt cyfpy; kpfTk; mjpfkhNdhuhy;

nfhz;lhlg;gLk; kfpo;r;rpahd gz;bifjhd;

fpwp];Jk];. fpwp];jtu;fs; kl;Lky;yhJ

cyfpy; mNefu; fpwp];Jk]; gz;bifia

kpfTk; Mu;tKld; nfhz;lhLfpd;wdu;.

ehd;fhk; Ehw;whz;L njhlq;fp ,g;gz;bif

kpfTk; rpwg;ghf mDrupf;fg;gl;L tUfpd;wJ.

Kjyhk; Ehw;whz;by; fpwp];J gpwe;j jpdj;jpy;

Nka;g;gu;fs; kj;jpapy; kpfg; ngupa re;Njh\k;

fhzg;gl;lJ. mjw;F fhuzk; mtu;fs; ePz;l

ehl;fshf vjpu;ghu;j;J fhj;jpUe;j ,ul;rfuhfpa

Nkrpahtpd; tuTjhd;. mtu;fspd; kfpo;r;rpf;F

fhuzk; fpwp];J mtu;fs; kj;jpapy; cjpj;jJ

jhd;. Mdhy; ,d;iwa fpwp];Jk];

kfpo;r;rpapy; fpwp];J ,Uf;fpd;whuh?

nghJthf fpwp];Jk]; vd;whNy Gjpa Milfs;> tpNr\ czT> ez;gu;fs; my;yJ cwtpdu;fSld; nfhz;lhl;lk;> kdjpw;F gpbj;j ed;gu;fSf;F gupR nghUl;fs; toq;Fjy;> fpwp];J gpwg;ig rpj;jupf;Fk; Fby;fis myq;fupj;J tPLfspYk;> nghJ ,lq; f spYk; itj;jy;> Myaq;fis tz;zikahd tpsf;FfshYk;> Mlk;gug; nghUl;fshYk; moF gLj;Jjy; vd xNu mku;fsk;jhd;. fpwp];k]; tho;j;J ml;ilfspy; el;rj;jpuKk;> fpwp];Jk]; jhj;jhTk; epiwe;J fhzg;gLfpd;wd. vdNt fpwp];Jk]; vd;gJ ehDk;> vd;id neUq;fpatu;fSk; kfpo;r;rpahf ,Uf;Fk; Neuk; vd;whfptpl;lJ. gy ehLfspy; fpwp];k]; md;W jhd; mjpfkhf kJghdk; tpw;gidahfpd;wJ. ekJ fpwp];Jk]; kfpo;r;rpf;Fk; Ntjj;jpw;Fk; njhlu;G ,Uf;fpd;wjh?

fpwp];Jk]; nfhz;lhLtJ rupah my;yJ jtwh vd ,q;F NgrNghtjpy;iy khwhf fpwp];Jk]; ehis vt; thW mu;j;jKs;sjhf khw;w KbAk; vd Ngr tpUk;GfpNwd;. fpwp];J gpwg;gpw;Fg;gpd; xU kpfg; ngupa jpahfk; kiwe;J ,Uf;fpd;wJ. NahNrg;G> kupahs; vd;w ,sk; jk;gjpapdu; jq;fisNa NjtdJ rpj;jjpw;F mu;gzpj;j khngUk; jpahfkJ. kupahs;> fd;dpahfpa jd; tapw;wpy; xU gps;is gpwf;Fk; mJ cyfpd; ,ul;rfu;

vd;gjpid NjJhjdpd; nrhw;Nfl;L mwpe;jhs;> mjid mwpe;jTld; mjw;fhf jhd; mDgtpf;fg;NghFk; mtkhdj;ijAk; ghLfisAk; nghUl;lhf vz;zhky; jd;id NjtDf;F mbik vd;W nrhy;yp KOkdNjhL mu;gzpj;jhs;. jdf;F epr;rapf;fg;gl;l ngz; fu;g;gtjpahf ,Uf;fpd;whs; vd;gij Nfl;L Fok;gpa NahNrg;G NjtJhjdpd; nrhy;iy tpRthrpj;J vt;tpj jaf;fKkpd;wp kupahis kfpo;r;rpahf Vw;Wf;nfhz;L jd; tpUg;gq;fspd;gb elthky; Njt rpj;jjpw;F jd;id KOtJkhf mu;gzpj;jhd;. nka; fpwp];kJ]; vd;gJ xUtd; jd; nrhe;j tpUg;gq;fspd;gb thohky;> NjtDf;fhf jd;idNa gypahf nfhLg;gJ. cz;ikahd fpwp];Jk]; nfhz;lhLNthkh. ek; cs;sj;ijNa fhzpf;ifaha; je;jpLNthkh> vd;w ghly; tupfs; vt;tsT mu;j;Ks;sit. xUtd; jd;id NjtDf;F mu;gzpahj fpwp];Jk]; cz;ikahd fpwp];Jk]; MfhJ.

mJ kl;Lkpd;wp fpwp];Jk]; vd;gJ mfpy cyfpidAk; rpU\;bj;j xd;whd nka; Njt Fkhudhfpa fpwp]; J-thdtu;. mtu; jdJ guNyhf kfpikia Jwe;jtuhf ght cyfpd; ,ul;rpg;gpw;fhf ,g;G+kpapy; kdpjdhf Njhd;wpaJ. mtu; ekJ ghtq;fis jPu;f;Fk; gupfhu gypahf G+kpf;F te;J> ekf;fhf kupj;J> mlf;fk; nra;a-g;gl;L %d;whk; ehs; capNuhL vOe;j Njtd;> mjp rPf;fp uj;jpy; ek;ik mtUld; Nru;j;Jf;nfhs;s tug; Nghfpd;whu;. mtuhNyad;wp xUtUk; ,ulrpf;fg;gl KbahJ (mg;Ngh];jyu; 4:12). Kjy; fpwp];Jk]; md;W mtiu fz;l Nka;g;gu;fs; midtUf;Fk; mtuJ gpwg;gpd; ew;nra;jpia mwptpj;jdu;.

jhq;fs; fz;Lnfhz;l ,ul;rfiu vy;NyhUk; mwpa Ntz; L nkd tpUk;Gfpd;wdu;;. fpwp];JTk; jdJ gps;isfs; midtUk; jd;idFwpj;J cyfpy; cs;s ahtUk; mwptpf;fNtz;Lnkd tUk;Gfpd;whu; (kj;NjA 28:18-20) fpwp];Jtpd; nra;jp njspthf mwptpf;fg;gl;L xUtu; cs;sj;jpy; fpwp];J gpwf;Fk; ehNs nka;ahd fpwp];Jk];> vdNt fpwp];Jk]; ehspy; fpwp];Jit mwpahjtu;fSf;F gupRfs; kl;Lky;y fpwp];JitNa guprhf mwptpg;gNj cd;ikahd fpwp];Jk];.

NkYk; fpwp];J kpfTk; vspatuhd Nka;g;gu;fis jdJ gpwg;gpd; ehspy; epidT $u;e;jhu;. mtu;fs; kfpor; nra;jhu;. ,d;W fpwp];jtu;fs; fpwp];Jk]; md;W jq;fSf;Fk; jq;fis rhu;e;jtu;fSf;Fk; mjpf gzj;-ij nrytpLfpd;wdu;. Mdhy; xUNtis cztpd;wp> cLj;j ey;y Milapd;wp> jq;f xU tPL ,y;yhky; jtpf; Fk; kdpju; mNefu; ,t;Tyfpy; cz;L. ekJ jpUr;rigfspy; tWikahy; thLk; gy FLk;gq;fs; cz;L. Njtd; mg;gbg;gl;ltu;fs; kPJ fuprid cs;s-tu;. mt;thW tho;tpy; kpFe;j Jauj;jpy; jtpf;Fk; Vio vspNahUf;F cjtp mtu;fSk; fpwp];Jtpd; nka;ahd md;ig mDgtpf;f nra;tNj cz;ikahd fpwp];Jk];.

,itfis ehk; nra;jhy; brk;gu;; 25 kl;Lky;y xt;nthU ehSk; fpwp];Jk]; jhd;. cz;ikahd fpwp];Jk]; nfhz;lhl ePq;fs; Maj;jkh?

kiwjpU. N[hrg; ngu;zhd;l];; Mth.nkU Yj;jud; jpUr;rig.

cz;ikahd

nfhz;lhlyhkh?fpwp];k];

6 7

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-2274 1033 / 03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750Email: admin@elcm.org.myWebsite: www.elcm.org.my

The Lutheran Herald welcomes articles, including news on deaths, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and any other congregational activities. Please email your contributions to admin@elcm.org.my

All contributions are subject to editing as and when deemed necessary by the Editorial Committee. Please visit our website as above for further information on the ELCM.

Designed & Printed bySiva Desktop Design

The Lutheran Herald is the official publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). For further information, please contact the ELCM as follows:

CommitteeJoseph...

the Epitome of IntegrityEditor-in-Chief

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon RajahBishop, ELCM

EditorRev. Albert P. Abishegam

Assistant EditorRev. Eliezer Peter

TranslatorsRev. Paul K.

Rev. Moses Muthusamy

Proof ReadersMrs. Rani David (Tamil)

Mrs. Cecilia Gabrial (English)

The Lutheran Herald Says

Integrity seems to be the key to Josephs

sane, strong and stable life

6

xUikg;ghl;bd; RUf;fk;and (Joseph) did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called his name JESUS Matthew 1:25Christmas 2013 is just round the corner ... its amazing how time has slipped by so very quickly. It is equally amazing to note that there would be millions of Christians all around the world, including Malaysia, who would be celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ without realising the erosion of the biblical values of purity, integrity and inward holiness in their local communities.

The Lutheran Herald says that the world, including our nation, needs holy, clean and morally upright men, women and youths in positions of leadership. Hence, the Heralds Christmas 2013 editorial is all about Joseph, the epitome of integrity.

Joseph trusted the Word of God and the virgin purity of Mary in the face of every conceivable fear and slander. He was ready to give Mary all the protection and love that she required at that very sensitive time of her life and yet a holy awe at what was going to happen kept him from consummating his marriage. The magnitude of the wonder gripped him. And his own privileged part in Gods great plan apparently thrilled him.

Integrity seems to be the key to Josephs sane, strong and stable life. Without integrity, Joseph could never have become the earthly father of our Saviour. The Herald is of the opinion that all of us can learn the vital lesson of integrity this Christmas by meditating on the life of Joseph.

May God guide and strengthen us this festive season to live according to the high standard of integrity set by Joseph.

The Lutheran Herald Editorial Committee takes this opportunity to wish all our readers A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!.

Rev. Albert P. AbishegamEditorDecember 2013

6 7ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 7

gjpg;ghrpupaupd; nra;jp ...

.....mts; jd; Kjw;Ngwhd Fkhuidg; ngWksTk; mtis mwpahjpUe;J (NahNrg;G) mtUf;F ,NaR vd;W Nghpl;lhd; kj;NjA 1:25

2013k; Mz;bd; fpwp];Jk]; tpiutpy;; tutpUf;fpwJ. fhyk; ,t;tsT rPf;fpuj;jpy; eOtpg; Ngha;tpl;lJ ekf;F tpag;ig nfhLg;gjhf ,Uf;fpwJ. NkYk;> Ntjhfkj;jpYs;s Jha;ik> xUikghL> cl;Gw Gdpj jd;ik Mfpa gz;Gfspd; kjpg;Gfs; cs;Su; r%fq;fspy; gbgbahf mope;JtUtij njspthf mwpahky; cyfnkq;FKs;s Nfhbf;fzf;fhd fpwp];Jth;fNshL kNyrpahtpYs;sth;fSk; ,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; gpwg;gpd; gz;bifia nfhz;lhLtJk; mJNghyNt tpag;ig nfhLg;gjhf ,Uf;fpwJ.

MfNt Yj;jud; Jhjdpd; 2013k; Mz;bd; fpwp];Jk];; gjpg;gpd; nra;jpAk; NahNrg;gpd; xUikg;ghl;bd; RUf;fj;ij rhh;e;jjhf ,Uf;fpwJ.

jhd; vjph;nfhz;l vy;yhtpj gaj;jpYk; mtJ}wpYk; NahNrg;G flTspd; thu;j;ijiaAk;> kupahs; J}a;ikahd fd;dpif vd;gijAk; ek;gpdhu;. kupahspd; tho;f;ifapy;> me;j Kf;fpakhd Neuj;jpy; Njitg;gl;l vy;yh ghJfhg;igAk; md;igAk; mtSf;F mspj;J mtis Vw;Wf;nfhs;s NahNrg;G Maj;jkhdhu;. ,Ug;gpDk; vd;d elf;f NghfpwJ vd;gjpdhy; cz;lhd xU Gdpjkhd gagf;jp mtiu ,y;yw cwtpy; flTspd; ngupa jpl;lj;jpy; nfhLf;fg;gl; nrhe;j rYifkpf;f gq;F ntspg;gilahf mtuJ czh;tiyfis fpsh;r;rpAw nra;jJ.

ey;ywpTila> cWjpahd> NkYk; epiyahd tho;f;ifia NahNrg;G elj;j mtuJ xUikg;ghNl Kf;fpakhdjhf ,Ue;jJ. xUikg;ghL ,y;yhky; NahNrg;G ekJ ,ul;rfupd; kz;Zyf je;ijahfpapUf;f KbahJ.

NahNrg;gpd; tho;f;ifia jpah dpg;gjpd; %yk; ehk; vy;yhUk; ,e;j fpwp];Jk]; xUikg;ghl;bd; Kf;fpakhd gbg;gpidia fw;Wf;nfhs;s KbAk; vd;W J}Jtd; fU J-fpwJ.

NahNrg;G ekf;F nfhLj;Js;s cau; jukhd xUikg;ghl;bd;gb ehk; tho flTs; ,e;j fpwp];Jk]; fhyj;jpy; ekf;F topfhl;b ek;ik gyg;gLj;Jthuhf.

Yj;jud; J}Jtdpd; gjpg;Gf;FO cq;fs; mid-tUf;Fk; fpwp];Jk]; kw;Wk; MrPu;thjk; epiwe;j Gj;jhz;L tho;Jf;fis njuptpf;fpwJ.

Gjpg;ghrpupah;kiwjpU My;gu;l; gp. mgpN\fk;brk;gh; 2013

xUikg;ghl;bd; RUf;fk;NahNrg;G ...

NahNrg;G ekf;F nfhLj;Js;s

cau; jukhd xUikg;ghl;bd;gb

ehk; tho flTs; ,e;j fpwp];Jk];

fhyj;jpy; ekf;F topfhl;b ek;ik

gyg;gLj;Jthuhf

8 98

to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods. Bishops address touched on the following salient points:

What Jesus seeks to build transcends national boundaries;

The political motto of the Church is to love God and ones neighbor;

We are to live in society to reflect the divine purpose, but though we are made of the same material as society, we must also transcend the local and short-sighted nature of society.

We need to strengthen ourselves by

a) nurturing spiritual growth by understanding Godsloveforus;

b) build self-reliant projects as a way to become anintegralpartofthecommunityinwhichwesubsist;

c) trainourclergyandlaityaggressivelysothattheywillprovidetheskillsandleadershipforouronwardandforwardmovement;

d) buildingclosetieswithanypara-churchorganisationorindependentcongregationwecanreachoutto;and

e) buildourcapacityforgrowthandchangeourwaystoedifyGodsmission.

5 areas for the expansion of the Church are namely

a) buildingnewmembership;b) targetandopennewareasofministry;c) streamlining and coordinating existing auxiliary

bodies;d) increasingourdiakoniaministrywithduerecognition

andfocusonwomeninministry;ande) onourfinancialfaithfulness.

Brief Report On 50th Diocesan Assembly

Friday 13th of September 2013 will go down in the

annals of the ELCM as an historic and significant day. This was the day the 50th Diocesan Assembly

commenced at Sutera Hotel, Seremban. The historic Assembly concluded business at 11.20am the next day, Saturday the 14th of September 2013 with lunch.

The 50th edition of the Diocesan Assembly, ably chaired by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah and conducted in a calm atmosphere proved to be a very fruitful and productive event. 64 delegates, including 20 members of the clergy and 44 laity, plus several observers attended the Assembly.

The DA commenced on the first day with Opening Service led by Rev. Balraj Maniam and Rev. John Kalaimuthu. The offertory taken was donated to Rumah Harmoni Trinity, a ministry of Holy Trinity Congregation, Teluk Intan.

All in all, there were 7 sessions 4 on the first day and 3 on the second day. Session 1 began at 3.00pm with Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah welcoming all the delegates and, in particular, the first-time delegates and the newly-ordained pastors.

The Diocesan Secretary, Mr. Peter Khar, then proceeded to conduct the roll-call. It was announced that there was a quorum. Following the roll-call, Bishop officially declared the commencement of the 50th Diocesan Assembly. He then presented list of the names of the members of the Arbitration Panel which was unanimously approved. The Assembly then approved the minutes of the 49th DA held in 2012.

Session 2 commenced at 4.45pm with the Bishops address. Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah began his address by reflecting on the following words of our Lord Jesus Christ: Render

8 9ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 9

To render unto God, we change from old to new; We do not want to be dead seeds we want to live!; Our children must be encouraged for mission and we

must set aside Sundays just to pray and uphold our pastors and people in mission;

Our mission is to the Indians in Malaysia; The fight for the hearts and minds of the Indian

community begins with each individual member, his congregation and his family.

Session 3 began at 5.45pm. This session saw the Diocesan Secretary, Mr. Peter Khar, presenting the Annual Report of the Diocesan Council 2012. The Diocesan Secretary mentioned the following main points:-

The Diocesan Councils main focus for 2012 continued to be the strengthening and expanding of the ELCM.

The year 2012 saw the launching of the Diocesan Campaign 2012, YearofOutreach by the Bishop at the at the Pastors Conference held on 14th February 2012 in the Lutheran Hall.

The year also saw the expansion of our ministry to cater for various language groups including Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia, Telugu and Urdu.

We have to change and set directions for the future. The Church has a vision and mission to carry the torch

of the gospel, share the love of Jesus and touch others in our daily lives.

Session 4, the last session of the first day, saw the Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Silas Das, tabling the Audited Annual Accounts 2012. Church Fund for the year 2012 had increased to RM1,408,758.00. The Diocesan Treasurer also tabled the budget for year 2014. The Assembly, after some discussions, unanimously approved both the Audited Annual Accounts 2012 and Budget 2014.

The Diocesan Treasurer also tabled the following resolution which was unanimously approved by the DA:

That congregations who send their elected delegates to the Diocesan Assembly in the future are required to pay the full registration fee for their delegates irrespective of whether they attend the Assembly or not. As delegates, it is their responsibility to attend the Diocesan Assembly and represent their congregations

The Assembly adjourned for the first day at 6.50 pm with prayer.

The second day (14th September 2013) began with an inspiring devotion led by Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham. The devotion was based on Exodus chapter 17 verses 8 to 13.

Session 5 began with a roll-call. The Bishop announced that the second days agenda and programme could proceed as there was a quorum 66 delegates (22 clergy and 44 laity).

Immediately after the roll-call, the Diocesan Treasurer briefed the Assembly on the reporting of Local Council Accounts to the Diocesan Council. Among other things, the Diocesan Treasurer mentioned that the monthly Local Council Accounts, including the minutes, need to be submitted to the Diocesan Council every month without fail. He also stressed on the importance of bank reconciliations, role of the internal auditors and checks and balances through financial regulations to prevent discrepancies.

The ELCM Census as at December 2012 was then presented by Rev. Eliezer Peter. He proposed that every church member should take ownership of the Each One Reach One Each Year (EOROEY) campaign and implement, it so as to surpass ELCMs 5000 member target by the end of year 2014.

Session 6 commenced at 10.30am. During this session, leaders of the following ELCM diakonia ministries briefly presented their reports:

a) Bethany Homeb) Rumah Hope c) Rumah Chrestusd) Rumah Harmoni Trinitye) ELCM Womens Care & Counselling Centref) ELCM Womens Skill Training Centreg) Rumah Luther Ria

Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah proposed a vote of thanks to the Director of Bethany Home, Mr. Jayasingh Rajiah, for his invaluable contributions to the home. Mr. Jayasingh Rajiah would be retiring at the end of year 2013. The Business Committee Report was then presented by the Convener of the Business Committee, Rev. Steven Lawrence.

The final session of the 50th Diocesan Assembly, Session 7, began at 11.05am. The Bishop, in his closing remarks, conveyed his special appreciation to the Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer for their support and hard work. The Diocesan Assembly was brought to a close at 11.20 am with a vote of thanks to the Chair. Prayers and benediction was led by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah. Rev. Joseph Sinnapan led the prayers for the food.

10 1110

Kuala Lumpur, 31.05.2013 Members of Wangsa Maju Lutheran Congregation during their family Retreat

Ipoh, 12.06.2013 Diocesan Golden Circle committee members with Immanuel Lutheran Congregation members during their visit

Kluang, 29.06.2013 Eric Saravanan and Priscilla after solemnisation of their marriage at Kluang Lutheran Congregation

Teluk Intan,3.07.2013 Virgena Ranji was baptised at Bethany Lutheran Congregation

Meru, 27.07.2013 Members of Meru Lutheran Congregation after their Family Day programme

Port Klang, 28.07.2013 Jayshawn Khar Wei Meng was baptised at Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation

Port Klang, 28.07.2013 Bishop with confirmands during church rededication and confirmation service at Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 03.08.2013 Joshua Zuriel Abishegam was baptised at Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation

10 11ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 11

Kuala Lumpur, 10.08.2013 Bishop with Pastor Alwin Thomas during launch of Yahweh album by Cheras Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 12.08.2013 Children from various ELCM Congregations with Bishop during Diocesan Vacation Bible School

Penang, 16.08.2013 Children and Sunday School Teachers of Victory Lutheran Congregation during VBS programme

Pulau Tioman, 16.08.2013 The Southern District Youth Consultation was attended by 17 participants including pastors

Subang, 25.08.2013 Junior Work members of Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation during the scarf handover ceremony on JW Sunday

Subang, 30.08.2013 Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation members during their Merdeka All Night Prayer programme

Ipoh, 31.08.2013 Pastor and members of Immanuel Lutheran Congregation after their Merdeka worship service.

Port Dickson, 31.08.2013 About 25 youths attended a BBQ Nite fellowship organised by Resurrection Lutheran Congregation Youth Fellowship

12 1312

Penang, 01.09.2013 New pulpit being dedicated to the glory of God during Victory Lutheran Congregation Divine Service

Kluang, 08.09.2013 Dr. Na Wei Lun and Dr. Kareen Chong Ngit Ling after their wedding ceremony at Kluang Lutheran Congregation

Kluang, 08.09.2013 Andrew and Sarah after their wedding ceremony at Kluang Lutheran Congregation

Cheras, 16.09.2013 Cheras Lutheran Congregation members after their Blood Donation Campaign

Kuala Lumpur, Labis, 16.09.2013 - 40 members and pastors from Southern District attended Southern District Malaysia Day Celebration

Kuala Lumpur, 21.09.2013 Zion Cathedral youths after their health-related programme

Kuala Lumpur, 29.09.2013 Zion Cathedral members during their bible quiz on the Book of Ruth

Kuantan, 05.10.2013 Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation during their family Retreat.

12 13ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 13

Subang, 06.10.2013 Harish Jebaraj was baptised at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Petaling Jaya, 06.10.2013 Bishop at Confirmation Service of Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation

Cameron Highlands, 6.10.2013 Members of Puchong Lutheran Congregation during their family retreat

Petaling Jaya, 12.10.2013 Pastors with members of Diocesan Youth Committee during ELCM Futsal Tournament 2013

Penang, 12.10.2013 BM Lutheran Congregation youths and children during their Praise Kids Club Sports Day event

Labis, 15.10.2013 Youths from Kluang and Labis Lutheran Congregations during their Youth for Christ meeting held at Labis Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 27.10.2013 Daniel Abishegam and Irene Kam of Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation after their wedding ceremony at Zion Cathedral

Seremban, 19.10.2013 Rev. Paul Mei Alagan together with Bishop at his Graduation Ceremony at STM

14 1514

Klang, 27.10.2013 Frederick Thoma and Adlina after their wedding ceremony at St. Barnabas Anglican Church

Kerling, 27.10.2013 Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation launching its new mission work

Kluang, 9.11.2013 Southern District Pastors and members after their seminar on Martin Luther and Reformation 2013

Kuala Lumpur, 10.11.2013 Edwin Paul of ELCM Archives after his graduation from the School of Acts

Cheras, 10.11.2013 Bishop with confirmands during Confirmation Service at Cheras Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 15.11.2013 - Bishop and DC members with the Exco members of Arcot Lutheran Church, India

Malacca, 06.08.2013 - Members of Cheras Lutheran Congregation during their family Retreat.

Malacca, 06.10.2013 Members of Sentosa Lutheran Outreach after their family Retreat.

14 15ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 15

ELCM Diakonia MinistriesRumah Hope, Petaling JayaHSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd has selected Rumah Hope as the beneficiary for its HSBC Charity Partner of the Year Campaign. The purpose is to create awareness and funds for the Rumah Hope Education Fund to support

education resources and tuition for the children. The campaign commenced on 25th September 2013 and ended on 30th September 2014. HSBC has launched the campaign in Rumah Hope by sponsoring the Resource Centre.

Bethany Home, Teluk IntanBethany Home celebrated its 47th anniversary on the 12th of October 2013. A special thanksgiving service was held at its main hall and many witnessed the work of God especially in the lives of people with special needs in the regions of Simpang Empat, Teluk Intan, Sabak Bernam, Sg. Besar, Bagan Datoh and Hutan Melintang. Our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah, graced the

occasion and delivered Gods special message during the service themed Love Makes the Difference. Friends and well-wishers of Bethany Home came from far and near and all had a great evening enjoying a fellowship dinner at the end of the day.

Rumah Chrestus, SelangorOn the 27th of October 2013, the Rumah Chrestus children joined the We Care, We Share event organized by a group of caring individuals. The children joined in the games and received many gifts as well as food items.

Family Counselling Centre, Kuala LumpurThe Zion Cathedral Congregation is currently in the process of putting up a Family Counselling Centre in the

Zion Cathedral compound to meet the urgent need for Christian counselling in todays society. The estimated budget for this project is RM400,000.00. The Zion Cathedral Congregation organised a dinner on the 16th of November 2013 to raise funds for this project.

Rumah Luther Ria, Port Dickson8th - 14th August 2013 - Ms. Nandakumari, the homes administrator visited and represented Rumah Luther Ria at a Tapas Fund Raising Dinner at Warn bro campus organised by Living Waters Lutheran College, Perth.

24th August 2013 - Rumah Luther Ria Charity & Food Fun Fair organised at the church grounds to raise funds was officiated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah together with the Management Committee of Rumah Luther Ria. There were about 30 stalls and about 350 people attended the open day. It was a blessed event.

Rumah Harmoni Trinity, Teluk Intan03rd October 2013 - A group of visitors from Kezia Home (learning center) Bandung, Indonesia visited Rumah Harmoni and conducted a programme for the homes children and also gave refreshments for the children.

Womens Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC), SelangorThe WCCC is in the process of purchasing a new building to conduct its various activities. WCCCs ministry to the troubled women in society, including unwed mothers, sick women and other unfortunate women, is ongoing. Please contact Mrs. Elizabeth at 016 649 4635 for more information on the centre.

16 1716

Church of Sweden Elects New Archbishop

The Church of Sweden has elected Lund Bishop Dr. Antje Jackelen as its next Archbishop of the Church of Sweden. Dr. Jackelen received 55.9% of the vote in the election held on 15th October 2013 to become the first woman to head the Swedish Church and will be installed in June 2014. The ELCM congratulates Dr. Jackelen upon her election as Archbishop of the Church of Sweden.

Seminar on Introduction to Lutheran Ethics held at CCM Ecumenical Centre, Petaling Jaya from 7th to 9th October 2013

15 Pastors from the ELCM participated in the above seminar. Topics deliberated upon included the 10 commandments in the life of a Christian, the law as gift, the relationship between justification and sanctification, why Lutherans care for growth in faith and works, the church as a moral community in the Lutheran tradition as well as church and economy with emphasis on greed and Luthers writings on usury. The seminar also included 2 nightly public lectures, one at the CCM Ecumenical Centre, Petaling Jaya and the other at the Lutheran Hall ELCM, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

ELCM Events / News Updates

Ordination Service 2013Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah conducted a colourful ordination service on 6th September 2013 commencing 6.00pm at Zion Cathedral, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. During this service the following candidates to the Holy Ministry were ordained: Candidate Francis Loh Candidate Arasilankumaran Maruthamuthu Candidate Somraj Englu Candidate Vijayan Thanaraju Candidate Joseph Sinnapan Candidate Easupillay

Mr Darren Xavier has been appointed as the new Office Administrator of the Diocesan Office w.e.f. 1st August 2013. He had worked for 20 years in the Human Resource Department of Chunghwa Picture Tubes (M) Sdn. Bhd. at Shah Alam, Selangor and is married with a child.

DC Office Administrator

16 17ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 17

Elijah Sunderaj Stephen of Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation was born on 7.4.1989 and entered into eternal rest on 29th October 2013 at the age of 24. The funeral service was held on 31st October 2013 at Zion Cathedral. We thank God for his life and express our heartfelt condolences to his parents, sisters, uncles, aunties and cousins.

ELCM Events / News Updates

Seminar on Lutheran Ecclesiology held at Hotel Armada, Petaling Jaya from 3rd to 6th of November 2013Rev. John Kalaimuthu presented a paper on The Impact of the Charismatic Movement on the Churchmanship of the Lutheran Church at the above seminar. The purpose of the seminar was to allow critical theological reflection on the post-charismatic impact on theology, practice and worship of Asian Lutheran Churches and strategising for discipleship, mission and diakonia in Global-Asia.

LWF Asia Desk Conference on Asian Lutheranism & Lutheran Identity held at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya from 5th to 8th

November 2013

Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah presented the keynote address at the above LWF Conference. Several other delegates from all over Asia also participated in the Conference which proved to be a beneficial event. In his address, Bishop Dr Solomon stressed the importance of a theological formulation for a Lutheran identity in the Asian context .

District Pastors for 2014

The following pastors have been appointed as District Pastors for the year 2014.

Rev. Steven LawrenceSouthern District

H/P: 017-375 9317

Rev. Albert Vijay Joseph Northern District

H/P: 012-373 4204

Rev. G. SritharanCentral District

H/P: 014-301 7216

May God bless the above - mentioned pastors in their ministries

Our Condolences...

18 1918

MAIN PROGRAMME FOR 2014

MAIN SERVICES

BISHOPS

21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Telephone : +603-2274 0204, +603-2274 1033,

Fax: +603-2274 1750 Direct Fax: +603-2274 5714Email: elcm@streamyx.com Website: www.elcm.com.my

RT. REV. DR. SOLOMON RAJAH BD, MTH, DTHEOLBISHOP

Mobile: 6 019-254 6766Email: elcmbishop@yahoo.com

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIAGereja Evangelical Lutheran, Malaysia

21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Telephone : +603-2274 0204, +603-2274 1033,

Fax: +603-2274 1750 Direct Fax: +603-2274 5714Email: elcm@streamyx.com Website: www.elcm.com.my

RT. REV. DR. SOLOMON RAJAH BD, MTH, DTHEOLBISHOP

Mobile: 6 019-254 6766Email: elcmbishop@yahoo.com

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIAGereja Evangelical Lutheran, Malaysia

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIAGereja Evangelical Lutheran, Malaysia

Design A Design B

5th January 2014 Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur 9.00 am

18th January 2014 Wedding, Kuala Lumpur 5.00 pm

9th February 2014 Kluang Lutheran Congregation, Kluang Confirmation 9.00 am

2nd March 2014 Victory Lutheran Congregation, Penang Confirmation 9.00 am

15th March 2014 Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation, Johor Dedication 5.00 pm

23rd March 2014 Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation, Selangor Confirmation 9.00 am

17th April 2014 Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation, KL Maundy Thursday 8.00 pm

18th April 2014 Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur Good Friday 12.00 Noon

20th April 2014 Puchong Lutheran Congregation, Selangor Easter Sunday 9.00 am

4th May 2014 Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach, Klang Confirmation / AGM 5.00 pm

10th May 2014 Wedding, Kuala Lumpur 11.00 am

22nd June 2014 Rasah Lutheran Outreach, Seremban AGM 5.00 pm

6th July 2014 Meru Lutheran Congregation, Meru Confirmation 9.00 am

27th September 2014 Wedding, Kuala Lumpur 5.00 pm

11th October 2014 Bethany Home, Teluk Intan Thanksgiving Service 6.00 pm

18th October 2014 STM Graduation Service, Seremban 3.00 pm

26th October 2014 Labis Lutheran Congregation, Labis 9.00 am

2nd November 2014 Cheras Lutheran Congregation, KL Confirmation 9.00 am

12th December 2014 Bethany Lutheran Congregation, 50th Anniversary 6.00 pm Teluk Intan

24th December 2014 Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur Christmas Eve Service 7.00 pm

31st December 2014 Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur Bishops Service 11.30 pm

18 19ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 19

25th January 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

22nd February 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

8th March 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

12th April 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

17th May 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

14th June 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

12th July 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

9th August 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

6th September 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

9th October 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 7.30 pm

15th November 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

6th December 2014 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room 10.30 am

5th 9th January 2014 CCM Heads of Churches Retreat Kuching

22nd January 2014 STM Council Meeting CCM Ecumenical 3.00 pm Centre

4th February 2014 Pastors Conference Lutheran Hall, 9.00 am (Reporting 2013) Kuala Lumpur

11th February 2014 FIDC, EXCO Meeting Melaka 11.00 am

4th March 2014 CCM Board of Management Petaling Jaya 9.30 am Meeting

11th March 2014 CCM Indian Work Committee, Kuala Lumpur 11.00 am Diocesan Conference Room

29th March 2014 Joint Committee Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 10.30 am Diocesan Conference Room

7th May 2014 STM Council Meeting & AGM STM, Seremban 3.00 pm

17th June 2014 Pastors Conference Lutheran Hall, 9.00 am (Planning 2015) Kuala Lumpur

19th 20th July 2014 Lectures on Pastoral Ipoh Leadership & Ministry

26th July 2014 Diocesan Auxiliary Commitees Kuala Lumpur 10.30 am Meeting (Planning 2015)

12th 14th September 51st Diocesan Assembly 2014 (Triennium Year)

4th October 2014 Joint Committee Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 10.30 am Diocesan Conference Room

8th October 2014 STM Council Meeting CCM Ecumenical 3.00 pm Centre

16th October 2014 CCM Board of Management Petaling Jaya 9.30 am Meeting

30th November 2014 Central District Candle Light Lutheran Hall 7.00 pm Fellowship Kuala Lumpur

DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETINGS

OTHER MEETINGS

20 2120

1. INTRODUCTION (1) Dear delegates, and fellow workers, I welcome all of you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I am personally happy to meet all of you, once again, at this 50th Diocesan Assembly.

2. REFLECTION (2) In this address, I want to recall the words of Luke 20: 25 Jesus said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are Gods.

(3) This text is the closest to a political statement that Jesus ever made. It is not a comprehensive one, but it does reveal much about how he dealt with issues of state. In many ways, Jesus handling of this issue shows that he is not interested in the political agenda of Rome. He is more interested that Israel be a people who honour the God they claim to know than being concerned with their relationship with Rome. Jesus is after something far more fundamental than dealing with a specific government. He desires to call out a people from Israel (even after his death, from the nations) who will walk with God and witness to him before a world across national boundaries. Jesus will not issue an attack on Rome. What he seeks to build transcends national boundaries.

(4) How should the Church view Government? What does the statement of Jesus imply about political activity? Does God desire a Christian nation? God holds nations, even those who are not in covenant relationship with him, are accountable for how they treat people. Today, in the place where God is especially at work, the Church transcends all national boundaries (Philippians 3:20-21). The Church today risks looking for Gods Christian nation in the wrong place. That Christian nation is not in a political capital like Washington, London or Kuala Lumpur! That Christian nation is the community Jesus had formed to be the worlds light, a citizenship whose roots are in heaven (Philippians 3: 20-21) and whose call is to reach

50th Diocesan Assembly (DA)

Bishops Address at the

out to people in every nation to be part of it. To render to God what is Gods is to give to God faithful service on behalf of his kingdom in the midst of the nations. The Bible does not call the Church to side with any particular nation or particular political ideology but to conduct its mission before all people, since every nation needs God. Hence, one should be able to point to the Church and say, Here is a place where healthy relationships and a genuine, even multi-ethnic, community can be found. In other words, the political motto of the Church is to love God and ones neighbour. The Church has much work and reflection to do in this area.

3. WHAT WE RENDER UNTO CAESAR(5) Surely, in the beginning of this year, we went through a crucial General Election in our nation, and I certainly believe that all Christians voted with their conscience, as is the right thing to do. More than ever, I also think Christians made their mark, hopefully not as a politically-meddling crowd but as people who believe in justice and compassion.

(6) Nonetheless, we should not lose sight of the truth that the Church is not just an organisation registered with the Registrar of Societies. That bureaucratic convenience should not distract us from the theological fact that the Church is not subservient to state or superior to it. It is simply a separate entity! The Church represents God and to do the will of God as we understand it. What many Christians fail to realise is that the Government in many ways also does the work of God for it brings order into a lawless world it creates a social stability that makes prosperity and fulfillment of the basic needs possible; it delivers justice; protects the weak, cares for the poor and marginalised; it builds hospitals and schools, and so forth. Most importantly, it is the state that upholds the rights of the citizens to live and worship. It is for this reason, we pray for our leaders, immaterial of their religion or race.

(7) On the other hand, sometimes the efficiency of the Government is categorically challenged by corruption no Government in the world is immune to it. It always boils down to how corrupt it is. As a result, the poor suffer, the administration becomes dysfunctional, and in a dreadful-case scenario it leads to upheavals and even to bloodshed. It is for this reason, the Church holds the Government accountable to its task, and prays that evil does not overtake the good. It is not only our civic duty to do so, but theologically a divine mandate.

(8) When we participate in our political duties, we must not lose sight about who we are as Christians and who, as a Church, we represent. I hear many disparaging remarks about other races made by Christians. This is wrong. As Christians we are called to love all our fellow human beings, be they Malays, Chinese or others; or, for that matter, if they live in marginalised communities such as the migrant workers; or if they are in jail or fallen out with society. God loves them all and this knowledge must be in our hearts and in our speech at all times.

20 21ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 21

(9) The Church, as an institution, is set apart to preach the gospel; and separated from the state in order to work with it to uphold justice and compassion. This is not a simple, moral or symbolic nature of the ELCM but it is real; otherwise, we are not Church.

(10) Dearly beloved in Christ, we must stand firm in our conviction to live the Christian life. We must render unto Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is Gods. We cannot take lightly our commitment to worship, to preach the gospel, to baptise the nations, to uphold the poor, and to heal and comfort the broken hearted. We are to live in society to reflect the divine purpose, but though we are made of the same material as society, we must also transcend the local and short-sighted nature of society.

4. WHAT WE RENDER UNTO GOD (11) Now, let us turn our attention to our 5-year plan called STRENGTHENING and EXPANDING. Let us be reminded that we need to be STRENGTHENING ourselves by (a) nurturing spiritual growth by understanding Gods love for us; (b) build self-reliant projects as a way to become an integral part of the community in which we subsist; (c) train our clergy and laity aggressively so that they will provide the skills and leadership for our onward

and forward movement; (d) building close ties with any para-church organisation or independent congregation we can reach out to; and (e) build our capacity for growth and change our ways to edify Gods Mission.

(12) I also set out five areas that we should pay serious attention and monitor closely for the EXPANSION of the Church. They are namely, (a) building new membership; (b) target and open new areas of ministry; (c) streamlining and coordinating existing auxiliary bodies; (d) increasing our daikonia ministry with due recognition and focus on women in ministry; and (e) on our financial faithfulness.(13) In order to concretise and focus our ministry at the congregational level, last year we declared as the Year of Outreach. Many of our congregations took it seriously and, of course were benefitted by it. We had, as a result, two new congregations last year, namely, Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation and Puchong Lutheran Congregation and have another two new congregations this year, namely, Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation and Kulai Lutheran Congregation. Our daikonia ministry saw the founding of Rumah Harmoni Trinity in Teluk Intan.

(14) I know many of you have worked hard, and this has been very encouraging for me. All my pastors have been largely co-operative and the new candidates have begun to take steps to understand Lutheran polity in a constructive way. Last year, there was a degree of concern about our Lutheran identity and our liturgy. Let me assure you that our liturgy is unique and has features that are dear to all. However, liturgy is not the only thing that gives identity. We have a clear Lutheran Theology, a Lutheran way of doing mission, and most importantly, a Lutheran history of which we are all part of it. We will, therefore, continue to train our pastors and laity in Lutheranism, and let us uphold one another as we learn to be Lutherans.

5. TO RENDER UNTO GOD WE CHANGE FROM OLD TO NEW (15) We must strive towards an ELCM that is no more a pastoral-minded Church that is good at taking care of its flock. We must move towards an ELCM that others must say is a strong mission-minded Church. To be a mission-minded Church, we also have to be good and competent in pastoral care. Furthermore, without a deep emphasis on mission, a congregation is incomplete! For the congregation to be spiritually-vibrant, it must love mission to STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND!

(16) We already know that in our call for mission, there is (a) personal responsibility; (b) congregational responsibility; and (c) Diocesan responsibility. I am satisfied with the progress accomplished by those who have engaged themselves to our Diocesan goals and objectives. A number of projects have been set in motion, a number of outreaches have been started and are on the way to becoming congregations. But not all of us are fully engaged. Some of the congregations are in the stage of changing their mind-sets; some are experimenting; some are getting their inter-personal problems sorted out but all our congregations are beginning to change their respective mind-sets towards a mission paradigm. None of the congregations have rejected our Diocesan goals. Change takes time, but I fear a seed refusing to sprout may actually be a dead seed. We do not want to be dead seeds - we want to live!

6. STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING (17) One of the most beautiful things about our commitment to mission, STRENGTHENING and EXPANDING is that it will bring out hidden gifts and

22 2322

blessings out of people from whom we never expected anything. Suddenly, individuals realise that they have many talents with which they can serve God. And last year has seen the beginning of a small harvest and, I hope, in the coming years the harvest will be plentiful. We want all our members, Local Council members, Diocesan Council members and Diocesan Assembly Delegates to come forward and speak to their pastors or to their leaders. It is the responsibility of the local congregations to find out how best they can train, equip and mobilise such men and women who volunteer themselves. Bear in mind, you need to build an army of volunteers who will go out and conquer the hearts and minds of the nation that, God has already put into our hands. I call these men and women, warriors for Christ because only a warrior will give his life for his nation and his master. So, a missionary is no less a warrior than one who defends his nation at the borders.

(18) We raise our children to succeed in life and we think that if they can earn a lot of money in their adult life, they are successful. It is not wrong. In fact, it is commendable but somehow we forget to teach our children to honour God; that our tithes belong to God; that our children are Gods gifts in the first place; that we have to put God first in our lives; that God is the final guarantor of happiness in lifeand that money for all its glamour, first choice in life and respectability that it can purchase, can also do us wrong in deep and tragic ways. This is the disease of the world, of both the rich and the poor and that is why people in mission, people who support mission, people who believe in mission are in short supply. You all know the saying, charity begins at home but I tell you ministry begins at home too. Let us encourage our children for mission; and let us set aside Sundays just to pray and uphold our pastors and people in mission. I want to proclaim that we observe certain Sundays exclusively to pray for Mission and Ministry, and to encourage ourselves to offer our spirit and body for Jesus.

7. THE NEAR FUTURE (19) A fellow bishop once asked my opinion about a young Indian lady who felt a call to serve among the Mons in Chiangmai, Thailand. I told him that if such a woman came to me, I would refer her back to my colleague because his Church has the expertise, experience and facilities up in Chiangmai to support such a ministry. But in my heart, I was thinking, We cannot even evangelise and grow among the Indians in Malaysia about whom the ELCM is most familiar with, how is it that we want to go

to Chiangmai and work among the Mons? While I do not deny the young ladys calling, clearly ELCM is not the right Church for a mission to the Mons. Our mission is to the Indians in Malaysia. This is why it is a grave issue.

(20) Our national census is taken once every ten years. The year 2000 national census shows that our Indian Christians in Malaysia number merely 128,000 or 7.7% of the total Indian population. That is all. ELCM represents 0.21% of the Indian population. Can you imagine what a small fraction of a percentage (0.24% actually) of the Indian Christian community we represent? I ask of myself, why is it that we are so satisfied with such a small picking? Why we have been so indifferent to our own inner lack of dynamism in mission? Now, the total Christian population in West Malaysia has grown from 475,000 in 2000 to 614,000 in 2010 but the total Indian Christian population has fallen from 128,000 to 114,000 or 6.0% of the Indian population. ELCM represents 0.21%. This means that between the years 2000 and 2010, Christian membership in Churches has dropped by 14,000 over the decade or about four persons every day during that period! I do not like to deal with numbers but this sort of statistics is distressing. If this trend is not reversed, Indian Christians in Malaysia will very soon become irrelevant ELCM can become irrelevant! We need to work hard, my fellow delegates!

8. CONCLUSION (21) My dear friends, I am both distressed by the prediction of a crisis and challenged because crises are also opportunities for growth and change. So, do not ask me if it is our ELCM duty to evangelise the Indians in our nation. Only tell me how we may evangelise the world around us. I see in this a huge task and a huge problem but within each problem there lies an opportunity. I want to reach out and take that advantage for ELCM and move aggressively towards building an ethos of mission. I want us to be the flag-bearers for the mission to Indians in Malaysia. I want you to set aside all your differences and pick up your lives and move forward to fight the good fight the fight for the hearts and minds of the Indian community. The fight must begin with you and your congregation, and your family. Remember, ministry begins at home!

(22) Thank you and May your mirror always reflect your true worth. God bless you.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia

13th September 2013

22 23ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 23

ELCM Outreach MinistriesSitiawan Lutheran Outreach, PerakThe Bishop celebrated the Holy Communion and preached the Word of God during his visit to Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach on 28th September 2013. The Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach currently provides spiritual care for 40 souls. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing 5.00pm. House Prayer Meetings attended by about 15 to 20 people are held every Thursday at 8.00pm. Please contact Rev. Samuel Kanagaraj at 016 974 5351 for further details.

Bandar Puteri Lutheran Outreach, SelangorOn the 18th of August 2013 Bandar Puteri Lutheran Outreach was dedicated to the glory of God by Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah. The Bandar Puteri Lutheran Outreach has about 25 members partcipating in its activities. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing 5.30 pm. Cell group meetings attended by about 10 to 15 people are held every Friday at 8.00 pm. Please contact Rev. Paul Mei Alagan at 016 786 5212 for further details.

Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach, SelangorThe Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. Easupillai has about 70 to 80 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship services are held every Sunday commencing 6.00 pm at the outreachs premises. Please contact Rev. Easupillai at 011 1153 5851 for further information.

Rantau Lutheran Outreach, Negeri Sembilan On the 8th of August, 2013, the Rantau Lutheran Outreach was dedicated to the glory of God by Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah. About 70 people attended the colourful dedication service. Please contact Rev. Joseph Sinnapan at 016 604 0051 for further information on this ministry.

We, Jeffrey Solomon and Andrew Khar of ELCM attended the International Youth Leaders Consultation 2013 held in Neuendettlelsau, Germany from 15th July to 10th August. It was organised by Mission Einewelt, a centre for Partnership, Development, and Mission in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Germany. 24 participants from Lutheran Churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Germany participated and worked in the course of the seminar and exchanged cultural experiences in relevance to their youth work. The topic of the Consultation was Tolerance in our societies and churches in which we discussed and shared each others differing views of tolerance practice in their respective countries. The pinnacle of the trip was the long awaited, Martin Luther Tour to the city of Wittenberg in East Germany from 2nd to 4th August in which we toured the Luther house, Luther Garden, and the historical All Saints town church in Wittenberg in which Martin Luther nailed his Ninety Five Theses. Several contentious topics like homosexuality, political corruption, and inter-religious tolerance were discussed. Many of the delegates had differing opinions and their practice of tolerance in the concerning matters in their respective countries. Our critical opinion was presented on homosexuality in which we concluded it is biblically sinful to practice it and the church should educate the people of their sin and help them to come out of it. We also objected the ordination of homosexual clergymen and consider it a taboo in Malaysia! We thank Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah and the Diocesan Council, and also Mission Einewelt for giving us this opportunity and exposure.

Reported by: By Jeffrey Solomon and Andrew Khar

International Youth Leaders Consultation (IYLC)15th July to 10th August, 2013, Neuendettlelsau, Germany

International Youth Leaders Consultation (IYLC)15th July to 10th August, 2013, Neuendettlelsau, Germany

24

ELCM PROGRAMME FOR 2014

24

ELCM PROGRAMMES FOR 2014

DATE EVENT IN-CHARGE

DIOCESAN

4th February

Diocesan Pastors Conference (Report 2013), K L

Bishops Office

17th June Diocesan Pastors Conference (Planning 2015), K L

Bishops Office

12 th -14th September

51st Diocesan Assembly Diocesan Council

DIOCESAN AUXILIARY COMMITTEES

26th July

Diocesan Auxiliary Committees Meeting (Planning 2015)

Diocesan Departmental Secretary

SUNDAY SCHOOL

1 st -3rd August

Diocesan Vacation Bible School

Diocesan Sunday School Committee

WOMEN

14th January 1st March 3rd May 13 rd -15th June

Central District Road Show for Convention Northern District Road Show for Convention Southern District Road Show for Convention Diocesan Womens Convention at Langkawi

Diocesan Womens Committee

YOUTH

11 th - 13th July

Diocesan Youth Convention

Diocesan Youth Committee

JUNIOR WORK

26th - 28th July 30th September 4th - 6th October 24th - 26th October

National Camp (National) New Songs Workshop (District Level) Seniors Training (National) Star File Workshop (National)

Diocesan Junior Work Committee

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP

July September

Senior Fellowship Retreat (National) Mission Trip to Medan

Diocesan Senior Fellowship Committee

DEACONESS TRAINING

28th -31st August

Intensive Training Retreat

Director of Deaconess Training

VOLUNTARY PASTORS TRAINING

1st May 14th June 26th July

Liturgy Training Doctrines Ministerial Acts

Director of Voluntary Pastors Training

DISTRICT PROGRAMMES for 2014

North

22nd February 6 th - 7th June August

Leadership Training Family Carnival Senior Fellowship Gathering

Northern District Pastor

Central 11th January 8th March 5th April 1st May 28th July 12 th -20th October 30th November December

Prayer To Usher New Year Seminar on 7 Words of Christ on the Cross Senior Fellowship Gathering Central District Sports Day Central District Pastors & Family Fellowship Dinner. Central District Pastors Mission Trip to India. Candle Light Fellowship Central District Senior Fellowship Dinner

Central District Pastor

South March May/June 08th August 25th October

Childrens Programme Labis Youth Programme Kuala Pilah Senior Fellowship Rantau Family Day Johor Bahru

Southern District Pastor