“Thou our bodies are dying, our inner being is renewed everyday” 2 Cori. 4:16
It is my proud privilege to place before you the brief report on Senior Citizen Forum of CSI Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad.
The Forum was inaugurated on 22-10-2013, by the Presbyter in-charge of CSI Hebich Memorial Church, Rev. S.S. Sakkari with prayer. The forum is meant for the members of the congregation who are above 60 years.
The very purpose of constituting this Forum is for :
1) To provide the members of the Forum to express their views.
2) To unite those who are above 60 years
3) To develop self confidence.
4) To strengthen their moral courage.
5) To partake in Church activities etc.
First meeting was conducted on 22-10-2013 for enrolling the members. Very happy to inform that 68 members were enrolled to the Forum.
The Former Presbyter-in-Charge Rev. D.T. Konesagar expressed his happiness for forming this Forum, which will help in bringing the changes in the Life style of Senior Citizen of CSI, Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad. He has congratulated Sri. Manohar R. Nicholas the then Secretary of Pastorate Committee, CSI, Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad for taking initiative in promoting this Forum.
The Administration body to run this Forum has been unanimously declared for the period of 2013-2015 as under:
1) Rev. S.S. Sakkari as President by the virtue of Presbyter-in-Charge of CSI, Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad.
2) Smt. Shaila M. Hanchinamani as Secretary.
3) Smt. Shobha M. Bhaskar as Treasurer.
The Membership fee for each financial year is decided as Rs. 200/-.
The meeting was concluded with prayer by Rev. Derick Christopher, Presbyter CSI, Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad.
Agenda for the meeting was fixed as under:
1) It was decided to hold meeting on every second Wednesday of every month.
2) It was decided to conduct prayer (a) for the sick people (b) To wish and greet the birthday and marriage anniversary celebrities (c) For smooth running of the Forum (c) for special causes (e) to provide opportunities to the members concerned to give message on Gods word. And (f) to hold discussion on Biblical subjects.
The above functions of the Forum encouraged the members to enjoy the equalism in participation by contributing their talents on every occasion.
“The promise of the Creator is “But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31.
This made the members of the Forum to gain confidence that they are not too old to enjoy and restore the spiritual energy gained through activities.
With the blessings of Almighty and cooperation of the members of the Forum
(a) We were able to wish all those who celebrate their birthdays or marriage anniversary etc. The Forum greet them with Greeting Cards.
(b) Every member enjoyed in their capacities by participating in the games conducted by the Forum.
C. Visits: (1) The members of the Forum visited the Equip India, Hubballi (2) Sub Urban Jail, Dharwad : The inmates of the jail were made known the love of Jesus Christ by conducting prayer in Jail
“Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees; Say to them that one of a fearful heart even God with a recompense, he will come and save you”. Issaiah 35:3,4.
With this motive the members of the Forum visited those who are sick, bedridden, down trodden. Prayed for them by singing hymns to give them quick healing. “Get well soon”, card is given to them.
Consoled the people who have lost their dear ones with prayers, by singing hymns and by greeting them with “A message of Sympathy” card.
d) Many of the needy and poor were provided with Financial assistance.
e) Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teachers’ Day and Senior Citizen’s Day were celebrated by greeting the concerned members of the Forum with a card.
f) Forum honours the most seniors of the congregation.
g) Christmas, Senior Citizen Day, Good Friday and Easter are celebrated with great joy by coir singing, skit playing and action songs etc.
Appreciation: The members of the Forum generously contributed to enable the Forum to keep Rs. 30,000/- as fixed deposit. The interest of which will be given to intelligent but poor needy learner.
Promise of God:
“And even to your old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. I have made and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you” Isaiah 46:4
Thus the Seniors of this Forum get the fullness of Joy in God’s presence, when an old member gather with the fellow saints of his age group and worship God.
“Hearts rejoice and tongues are glad, thus also bless the physique with a refreshing restfulness”. Acts 2:25,26
Date:14-09-2015
Place: Dharwad
Smt. S.M. Hanchinmani,
Secretary,
Senior Citizens Forum,
Hebich Memorial Church, Dharwad