NEWS & EVENTS
Navodaya Christmas Celebration
15th December 2025
Navodaya Movement is a project of the Mar Thoma Church initiated in 2012 for the upliftment of the Transgender Community in Mumbai under the banner of Mumbai Diocese. In 2017, as part of the Birth Centenary commemoration of the Padma Bhushan awardee, Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, this project received added attention at the Sabha level and it was proposed to extend it to other locations. The activities of Navodaya Movement include vocational training programs aimed at uplifting and empowering transgender individuals through training and mainstreaming them. Chembur parishioners are among those who support this activity financially and otherwise.
On 15th December 2025, 120 members from the community who are participants in the project joined members of Chembur Parish for a Christmas celebration carol singing and worship. Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa delivered the Christmas message. Very Rev. Thomas K Jacob, Diocesan Secretary, other priests of the diocese together with Rev. Genil Abraham, Parish Priest participated in the event. Kits with essential grocery items were distributed to all members of the community. The event concluded with a fellowship dinner.
A Visit to Umeed
The bright winter sun streamed through the windows of Umeed Bhavan as the MTSC Sunday School children reached there. Excitement and a little bit of nervous energy buzzed among the group of 4 to 15 year olds. They came to share the joy of Christmas.
Upon arrival, the home was quieter than the children expected, but the smiles of the inmates and caretakers instantly put them at ease. Their teachers gathered them for a quick reminder: “Remember children, we are here to share God’s love. A kind word and a gentle heart are the best gifts we have today.”
The highlight of the visit was the singing. Gathering in a semi-circle, they performed a couple of their favorite Christmas songs they’d learnt in Sunday School – their voices ringing loud and full of genuine joy. The atmosphere in the room softened, filled with warmth and connection. Before they left, each visiting child had a silent, “Get well soon“ on their minds.
As they left, the children were quieter, but their faces held a new kind of satisfaction. They hadn’t cured anyone, but they had shared a Sunday afternoon of hope, laughter and the simple, profound power of kindness. It was a beautiful lesson in compassion that they would carry with them long after the glitter had settled.
Harvest Festival
23rd November 2025
This Harvest Festival was a special time at MTSC Chembur where the community came together to express gratitude for the blessings of the season. The tradition goes back to the earlier biblical times when Israelites were called upon to offer their first produce to God. Familiar hymns with lyrics that suited the occasion reminded the faithful that every blessing is a gift from God Almighty. The atmosphere was one of joy and celebration, as the community comes together to share a feeling of abundance. The festival is a poignant reminder of the beauty of tradition, the power of community, and the enduring spirit of gratitude.
All earning parishioners walked to the altar and offered a day’s income that they had set apart. Vicar Rev.Genil Abraham exhorted one and all to imbibe the true spirit of the occasion and to be joyful while giving.
Sale of various kinds of delicious food items, auction etc . added to the fun and frolic. It was indeed a blessing for all.
Annual Parish Convention
7th - 9th November 2025
The annual convention of the Parish was held over 3 days from 7-9 November 2025 at the church premises. Evg. Mathew John Valakuzhy, a senior evangelist of the Sabha was the main speaker. The chosen theme of this year is – “Chosen to Witness – Called to Transform”. On 7th and 8th it was held in the evenings and the concluding session was on Sunday the 9th after the Sunday worship service. Close to 150 parishioners attended these sessions.
With an experience spanning a lifetime, working in various mission fields across the country, the renowned convention speaker was able to eloquently convey the deeper meaning of commitment to God and how we can experience heavenly presence in routine activities of life. It’s a privilege to be chosen and it’s a huge responsibility to surrender ourselves to the process of transformation.
Our Parish Vicar Rev. Genil Abraham presided over the event and led the prayers. A special choir comprising of Edavaka Mission members raised the energy levels through soulful rendering of traditional convention songs.
World Sunday School Day
2nd November 2025
Robert Raikes (1735- 1811), an English Publisher started the first Sunday School in the city of Gloucester in England in 1780. During the early days, reading, arithmetic and Bible were taught in the Sunday School.
India Sunday School Union was founded in 1876 and Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam was established on 25 February 1905, at the Maramon Convention. The first Sunday of November is celebrated as World Sunday School Day throughout the world.
November 02, 2025 was celebrated as World Sunday School Day at the Chembur Parish. Around 100 children enthusiastically participated in the worship service that started with a special prayer led by children. Sunday school students also assisted in the altar. A rendition of the Jubilee Anthem by students and teachers was the highlight of the day. Students also led in the intercessory prayers. Rev. Varghese George, a retired clergy was the guest of honour and celebrated the Holy Communion. Our Parish Vicar Rev.Genil Abraham presided.
Ms. Sheeba George and Ms. Giftsy Pramod, members of Vikhroli Parish participated in the service. Sheeba made a presentation of behalf of Sunday School Samajam and Giftsy shared the Word of God.
Family Sunday
26th October 2025
Family Sunday, a major event in the calendar of Mar Thoma Sabha was observed on 26th of October, 2025. It saw an enthusiastic participation from the parish families. Achen’s message detailed about the evolvement of the family unit from a joint type to the present nuclear type. He emphasised that for a follower of Christ, his/her family is not confined to the immediate blood relations, but extends to include the community, the neighbourhood and the entire humanity. In a symbolic gesture families sat together in the pews of the church and knelt together at the altar.
As is the practice couples who completed 50 years of married life were felicitated. This was followed by Cultural event where different prayer groups presented their programs concluding with a skit by the Sevika Sangam.
Everyone who attended partook in the lunch which was arranged.
