CNI Synod Staff Reinvigorated By Retreat 2010

To make their mission engagement better and more effective the staff of the Synod of Church of North India Secretariat and Programme Office held a retreat at CNI Centre for Human Potential Development from 23rd to 27th January 2010. ‘The five days of retreat has strengthened our fellowship within the family of Synod’ said all staff who were joined by the Office Bearers of the Synod along with their spouses.

Welcoming the staff Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary of the Church of North India Synod spelt out the purpose of the staff retreat and oriented them with the sessions and activities planned thereof. He said that the retreat should strengthen our bonding as colleagues as we spend time together looking unto God and participating in talks and activities. He challenged the staff to be open to learning and unlearning. With his prayer the retreat kicked off. Being the local organizer and host Mr. Sudipta Singh also welcomed the delegates with flowers and oranges. That is to remind the staff that they are in Orange City – Nagpur!

It was a fun time too! On 24th January the staffs went to Waki Village on the Kanhan River for a picnic. Mr. Sudipta Singh, Director Programmes devised a game that everyone participated and enjoyed running across the river to collect potatoes for their groups to win. It might have injured some as they waded through the knee-dip water but certainly taught a lesson of team work and group dynamics to work better.

The retreat also included a trip to Sevagram where Gandhi Ashram is situated. Mahatma Gandhi, during the freedom struggle, used to stay in the ashram along with his disciples whom he taught the methods of non-violence. By visiting the ashram the Synod staffs revisited the roots of non-violence – strongest weapons for war for peace and freedom!

On 27th January 2010 Prof. John from Hislop College facilitated a team building exercise. Through the game he challenged the staff to lend hand to others for the united service of Church of North India to all around. Communication and group dynamics focused on the building relationship and performance are important for our mission work. All, big or small in positions, qualifications and responsibilities contribute to the goal of the Church. Hence it is important not to compartmentalize works but share it for the betterment of mission.

On the last day Rev. Pradhan facilitated an evaluation of the retreat. With profound joy the staff gave feedback that the retreat has enhanced the cooperative spirit of staff and mutual understanding has prevailed upon. Concluding the retreat the Moderator of Church of North India Synod The Most Rev. Purely Lyngdoh called upon the staff to share the burden of each other and stay connected with each other. Unity of Church of North India should be visible from the Synod Headquarters and then it should percolate down to grassroots. He blessed the staff with a valedictory prayer.

During the retreat the staffs participated in many events that were taking place in various CNI Institutions such as Annual Sports Events of Maharashtra Regional Board of Education at Gardiner School and St. Ursula Junior College.