Visit of Church World Services

Bishop Rt. Rev. Johncy Itti, Chairman of CWS, Rev. John L. McCullough, Executive Director & CEO and Ann Walle (Director of innovation and Strategic Affairs) Visited the Diocesan center on July 28th 2011 to meet with the Diocesan Bishop to discuss about CWS Vision 2020. Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Diocesan Secretary Rev. K.E. Geevarghese, Rev. A.B. Binu (Vicar, Long Island MTC) and Diocesan Treasurer Mr. Chacko Mathew attended the meeting

The CWS delegation discussed about the CWS 2020 Goals and review, Agenda CWS 2020, Brand and identity, Programmatic Vision, Organizational Excellence and Leadership, Governance and Funding, Global Summit, CWS Mission oriented Reflection, CWS Program Prioritization Frame work, CWS Sustainability Strategy, Prioritization Frame work and Update on Strategic Plan.
Also there were discussions on the expectations of the Mar Thoma Church from the Mission, Witness and life of CWS. The Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius gave a brief description on the History and Back ground of the Mar Thoma Church. He emphasized on the participation of the Mar Thoma church in the Ecumenism and the Ecumenical Leadership. It was reiterated the need of wider communications in reference to the Activities of CWS to Grass root levels of the Communion churches. The Bishop offered the availability of the Diocesan publication (Mar Thoma Messenger) and the diocesan website to take the messages, activities of CWS to the local parishes
The meeting was mutually beneficial and it sought opportunity to serve hand in hand in US, India and across the world. Hope this will open up new avenues to address issues of Youth, Mission in Mexico and the problem of hunger in areas of need. The CWS encouraged the Church to participate in the Crop Hunger walks and CWS Kits program. The delegation promised to support “Feed the Hungry program” in Mexico through other 37 member communions.

Meeting concluded around 1pm with a luncheon fellowship. Gifts were exchanged between the delegates.
Mr. Chacko Mathew
Diocesan Treasurer