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On November 9, 2024, at the CSI LITE Auditorium in Chennai, an ecumenical gathering for children marked the official inauguration of the AISSA Chennai Chapter. A total of 820 participants, including Sunday School children and teachers from various denominations such as CSI, TELC, ALC, IELC, ECI, Marthoma, Jacobite, Orthodox, TNCC, Gurukul, and others, attended the event.
Rev. C. Samuel Jebakumar, Secretary of AISSA – Chennai, gave the welcome address, followed by an introduction to AISSA by Rev. Dr. T. I. James, AISSA’s General Secretary. Representatives from each denomination participated in the unveiling of the banner and lighting of the lamp ceremony. Greetings were shared by Rev. C. Jayaseelan Gnanathickam, Vice President of the CSI Diocese of Madras, Rev S Augustine Premraj, Secretary of Madras Diocese; Ms. Esther Kathiroli, Executive Secretary of TNCC; and Rev. Stanley Devakumar, Vice President of TELC. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. David Onesimu, Bishop President of ECI, delivered the Word of God. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Dr. Aaron Martin, AISSA Governing Body Member, and a closing prayer led by Rev. Joseph Dowson, also a Governing Body Member of AISSA. The AISSA children’s ecumenical choir led the singing.
The event featured a puppet show and a flash mob that added vibrancy to the celebration. Church leaders and representatives from different denominations offered their greetings and encouragement to the children. In conjunction with the inauguration, Ecumenical World Sunday School Day was also celebrated. Children showcased various performances, expressing their God-given talents, and special children contributed with a dance performance, adding a meaningful touch to the event.

A residential camp for Sunday School children, organized by the Christian Education Department of the CSI East Kerala Diocese, was held at the CSI East Kerala HRDT Centre from September 17-19. The camp was based on the theme “Grow in Wisdom.” The Rev. Dr. T. I. James, General Secretary of the All India Sunday School Association, inaugurated the camp, with Rev. Mathukutty presiding over the function.
A team from the CSI South Kerala Diocese Sunday School Department, led by Rev. Dr. C. R. Godwin, Director of the Christian Education Department of the CSI South Kerala Diocese, conducted the sessions. Around 400 children and approximately 100 teachers and volunteers actively participated in the event.
Rev. Joby Baby, General Secretary of Sunday School, and Rev. Roy P. Thomas, Secretary of the Children’s Board, coordinated the program under the leadership of Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis, Bishop of the Diocese of East Kerala. Congratulations to the organizers!

Thiruvananthapuram Sunday School Association

The All India Sunday School Association (AISSA) organized a meeting on September 13, 2024, at the CSI Christ Church Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. This event marks the formation of the Thiruvananthapuram Sunday School Association (AISSA Thiruvanthapuram Chapter).
AISSA, a related agency of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), is dedicated to working with children and Christian Educators in churches. This gathering brought together children, leaders, teachers, superintendents, and directors of Sunday schools from several Christian denominations in Thiruvananthapuram City, representing a diverse and unified community.
Rev Dr T I James, the General Secretary of AISSA presided over the meeting, Shevaliar Koshy M Goerge, KCC, Mr Roisten Prakash, AISSA Governing Body Member, Rev Dr Pavithra Singh, Mr Noel Philip, Rev Aneesh T Varghese, and Sunday School Student representatives Amirin Christi, Sandra Maria Alice, Elizabeth, Sania and Feba spoke on occasion. 85 delegates from 12 different Church Denominations in Thiruvananthapuram belong to Knanaya Syrian Church, Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Marthoma Syrian Church, Salvation Army, Evangelical Church of India, CSI Church, Lutheran Church, Believers Church, Bible Faith Mission Church, and KUT Seminary, actively Participated. Children, Teachers, Sunday School in charges, and Ministers met separately in groups and presented the plan of action.
The executive committee of Thiruvananthapuram Sunday School Association was formed with Rt Rev Mohanan (IELC) as the President, Mr. Noel Philip (Jacobite Orthodox Syrian Church) as the Secretary, and Mrs. Anu Abraham Donny (CSI) as the Treasurer.
It was decided to celebrate World Sunday School Day in November Ecumenically. It was also resolved to conduct an Ecumenical Children Assembly and Sunday School Teachers Retreat Every Year. A special thanks to Rev Alex P Oommen, Vicar & Chairman, Assistant Vicar, Members of Pastorate Committee of CSI Christ Church, Thiruvanathapuram for hosting this program.

The Executive Committee meeting and planning meeting for the World Sunday School Day celebration of the Nagpur Sunday School Association was held on September 12, 2024, at the India Peace Centre. India Peace Centre Director and Treasurer of AISSA, Mr Angelious Michael welcomed new Office bearers of AISSA Nagpur Chapter, Rev Fr Rojan Geevargese (President), Rev. Yeshwanth B Khobrajade (Secretary), Mrs. Keren Mathew (Treasurer). From the AISSA Team Rev Dr T I James, Mr P V George, and Mrs Biji Goerge attended the meeting.