A shared journey of growth, renewal, and grace
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
It has been a deeply meaningful and blessed journey walking alongside you in the Chembur Parish over the past three years. With gratitude to God, I look back on this period as one marked by shared growth, renewal, and grace.
I had the privilege of taking over the pastoral responsibility from Rev. Dr. John George, who led the parish admirably during the challenging pandemic season. From the very beginning, it was my earnest desire to infuse fresh energy into the life of the parish — awakening it from the stillness of the COVID period. Together, we have endeavored to stabilize and enrich our worship life, foster a deeper sense of fellowship, and establish a more structured and accountable foundation for our organizational life.
We have made consistent efforts to strengthen proper documentation in our administrative processes, renew and improve our infrastructural facilities, and cultivate a spirit of ethical, egalitarian, and joyful coexistence among all members. There has also been a conscious effort to deepen our liturgical rhythm and enhance the participation of our parishioners at both the Centre and Diocesan levels.
As a community, we have strived to build a respectable identity while gently addressing and correcting tendencies such as lethargy, indifference, indiscipline, complacency, self-centeredness, unhealthy competition, and self-righteousness. Our journey together has been one of mutual guidance — leading each other toward a more mature, respectful, and constructive spirituality.
Above all, it has been my constant prayer and sincere effort to instill in every heart a deeper thirst for the Word of God — encouraging each one to connect it meaningfully with other branches of knowledge and to live it out in daily life.
I remain deeply indebted to each one of you for your prayers, love, and unwavering support extended to our family during our time here. Your care and fellowship have been a true blessing to us.
As I take leave, I am glad to share that Rev. Dr. Thomas Kurian will be taking charge of the parish. He is an experienced counsellor and psychologist, and I am confident that his ministry among you will be both enriching and transformative. I humbly request you to receive him warmly and extend to him the same love, cooperation, and prayers that you have graciously offered me.
You may be reading this in the midst of the joy and celebrations of Easter. May the freshness and renewal we have experienced through the Lenten season continue to inspire and sustain you in the days ahead. As we move forward, may we grow deeper in our Christ-centered faith and be firmly rooted in the rich doctrinal foundations of our Christian life.
May God, in His infinite grace, guide, protect, and strengthen each one of you, granting you wisdom, unity, and an ever-deepening experience of His presence.
With prayers and Blessings,
Yours lovingly in Christ,
Genil Abraham Achen
CHURCH PROGRAMMES
Worship Service Calendar
Regular Meetings
OUR MISSION INITIATIVES
Umeed – A Shelter of Hope for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Umeed is a project launched in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai—India’s leading cancer treatment hospital.
Each year, many children afflicted with cancer from remote parts of India come to TMC for diagnosis and treatment. Many of these families are financially disadvantaged and struggle to afford even basic necessities in Mumbai during the treatment process that sometimes extends to several weeks and some are left to fend for themselves on the footpaths of the city.
Our Response: Shelter, Food & Travel Assistance
Through Umeed, we provide:
- Shelter at Umeed, our care center in Mumbai in a peaceful and safe environment
- Nutritious meals for both children and their caregivers
- Reimbursement of local travel expenses to and from the hospital
- Emotional and community support during a challenging journey
How Are These Services Funded?
Project Umeed is entirely sustained through the generosity of our members and well-wishers. Our primary fundraising campaign, “Ruchi Vediyu, Ruchi Pakaru,” is conducted annually during the Great Lent season, inviting members to share for those in need. The prayers, donations, and volunteering spirit of our members form the backbone of this mission.
Project Umeed is managed under the banner of Mar Thoma Welfare Society , the social outreach arm of the Parish.
Mar Thoma School, Maharashtra – English Medium School (State Board)
Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chembur started the Mar Thoma School Maharashtra in the year 1982 with K.G. classes having a strength of 12 students under the headship of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa (then Rev. Joseph Jacob, parish vicar) and Mrs. Renee Joseph. Our first batch of SSC students appeared to the board exam in March 1996.
The present school building was inaugurated on 15th November 2002. The school under the guidance of governing council and committed teachers continued to grow steadily and gradually into a full–fledged secondary school having a current strength of 1700 students up to Class X.
Balwadi – Building Foundations for a Better Tomorrow
The Parish runs a Balwadi for children living in economically weaker areas of Shivaji Nagar.
This initiative aims to:
- Provide pre-school education and support
- Support language, cognitive, and social development
- Create a safe and engaging learning space for children aged 3–5
- Augmenting the learning capabilities of school going children
- Inculcating moral and ethical values
Currently, 25 children are enrolled in our Balwadi program. For many of them, this is their first step toward formal education—a step made possible through the love and care of our community. The enthusiasm and participation of the enrolled children and their parents gives us the motivation to manage this center in the best manner.
Balwadi is managed under the banner of Mar Thoma Welfare Society , the social outreach arm of the Parish.
Paratwada – Evangelical Outreach Program
Chembur Parish Edavaka Mission takes joy & pride to be entrusted with the responsibility of connecting with God’s children in the Paratwada region of Vidharbha. The Paratwada Mission is a part of the evangelical outreach program of the Mumbai Diocese.
Paratwada, in Amravati District, is not a well-developed region. Many parts of the region are known to deprivation, natural resources are scarce, farm activities are subdued due to low rainfall and regular draught conditions.
The mission was elevated as a Congregation recently. However, Chembur Parish remains connected to the families through regular exchange programs, for fellowship, interactions & bonding in the love of our Good Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As this small congregation grows in the coming years, we remain committed to be a part of their journey of enhancing their social well-being.