Christmas Cantata: We praise God for the joyful celebration of Christmas this year with about 900 people filling the Young Strom Chapel at the Annual Christmas Cantata held on 7 December 2008. The message on \"Peace on Earth,\" was brought by Principal Dr. Mohan Chacko. It was a relevant message with the prevailing news of unrest such as the recent bomb blast in Mumbai, the persecution of Christians during the year in several parts of our country including here in Dehradun. Let us pray that we may have the right peace with God in this country.
 
Christmas Banquet: The Annual Christmas Banquet was held on 13 December (Saturday), a break from normal routine for the PTS community. The banquet started with a time of carol singing by various language groups followed by a delicious dinner. Local PTS board members and families participated in the fellowship. The gift exchange will be organized on19th December. The winter break will follow the same evening.

Winter vaccation: Winter holiday of the Academic year starts from 20th December 2008 till 10 January 2009. Normal classes will resume, God willing on 12th January 2009. The PTS\'s office will be closed from 23rd December 2008 till 1st January 2009. The office will re-open on 2nd January 2009.

40th Year Celebration: With the 40th Year of PTS approaching, the Central Celebration Committee formed various sub committees such as Publication, Souvenir, Hospitality, Tree Plantation, Alumni Directory, and Seminar Committees. We expect to have the largest PTS alumni gathering ever so far!

Dr. Bruce R. Fiol, a former pastor of Marco Presbyterian Church, Florida, USA, is expected to be the main speaker of the Celebration. Dr. Bruce Fiol taught at PTS for several years before going to Marco Presbyterian Church. We are looking forward to his ministry.

The dates are April 28 – May 2, 2009. The celebration will conclude with the graduation day on the 2nd May. Please mark your calendar and start planning to attend. A Power Point presentation of alumni in ministries will be highlighted and a devotional book released on the day.

Wedding bells: Ugen (07) married Rosa Lepcha on 5th December in Kalimpong. * Joel Khobung (07) will marry Mercy on 19th December. Lalrodawla (08) married Lalhriatchhungi on 9th December 2008. Mr. Philip George (05, 08) and Dakem Rongong (05, 08) are planning to get married on 30th December 2008. PTS wishes God\'s blessings upon the married couples.

Leadership Seminar: A Seminar on the doctrine of grace was held during November 10-14, 2008 for the Christian Reformed Fellowship field workers. Ten workers participated in the seminar from Gujarat and Maharastra. Mr. Vijay Tagore, Mr. Subhash Chandra, Rev. Charles Angert, Dr. Mohan Chacko and Rev. Roshyama participated in the seminar.

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Projects:
A mini bus (tempo traveler): A mini bus is needed to be used for outreach ministries, class related and for official purposes. We would like to have by February 2009. The cost is about Rs. 865,000. This is the main fundraising project for the 40th Anniversary of PTS.

Student Support: There are several student candidates who are in need of support. Sponsor a student for 4 or 3 years by investing Rs. 55,000 or US $ 1,222 (M.Div), Rs. 45,000 or US $ 1000 (B.Th) per year as full support to cover tuition and boarding, or any amount as partial help.

Faculty Apartment Repair: The floor of one apartment sank in the living room and bedroom when there was earthquake few years ago. The floors need to be re-made with marble chips. The cost of the project is Rs. 60,000/-

Widening of the canal: The rainwater drainage 77 ft length need to be constructed with brick and cement as the present canal is not able to contain the rain water. As a result, the overflowing water damaged the public road and the neighbor\'s boundary walls. The cost of the project is Rs. 40,000/-

Gifts and donations indicating its purpose can be sent to any of the following:
• Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Saving Bank Acct No. 306802010008768, Union Bank of India, Dehradun. Swift Code No. UBININBBDER, IFSC: UBIN0530689
• MTW, 1600 North Brown Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA.
• ARMA, 12964 N. Bellwood, Holland, MI 49424, USA

WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR