The Foundation
On the evening of August 12, 2023, a small group of Indian Christians of CSI heritage gathered in the home of Pastor Thinagar Sitther in Denton, Texas, to receive pastoral care and comfort. The group had experienced trauma and discord in their previous parish. Pastor Thinagar, and his wife, Perpetua Sitther (affectionately known as Petti Auntie) spent not only that evening but for the next several months consoling, nurturing, and galvanizing this group of believers.
Our gratitude towards Pastor Thinagar and Petti Auntie for enabling God's comfort and peace cannot be overstated. We truly thank God for them.
- Aug 12, 2023First gathering at Pastor Thinagar Sitther's home in Denton, Texas
The Fellowship
This small group of believers resolved to organize as a body of Christ. We took the initiative to contact the CSI Diaspora Diocese for guidance and direction. Daniel Cherian, the appointed Treasurer of the Administrative Committee of the Diocese played a pivotal role in advising the group. In the ensuing days and months this faithful group of people worshipped in one another's homes and prioritized Christian education of the children.
This leadership team, in the span of five months, did an amazing job — their commitment to CSI doctrines, democratic principles, transparency, children's ministry, retreats, and consistent worship is a testament to their faith. We are grateful to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, McKinney, Texas for providing our first location of worship.
- Sep 2023Leadership team appointed — Prem Babu (President), Joshua Winston (VP), Daniel Jebakumar (Secretary)
- Late 2023First worship location established at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, McKinney, Texas
- Late 2023Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with federal tax-exempt status
- Late 2023Consistent Saturday evening worship services and children's ministry launched
The Church
Under the auspices of this leadership team the name "Love of Christ CSI Church" was coined. Truly, we are thankful for this divinely inspired name. As a congregation we pledge to always share the love of Christ with His creation.
The first elected church committee consisted of Mr. Stanlin Jebaraj, Mr. Anil Chandy, Mr. Daya Emmanuel, Mr. Daniel Jebakumar, Mrs. Daphne Gilbert, Mr. Ryan Thomas, and Mrs. Steffi Fedrick. We are grateful to Faith United Presbyterian Church for providing us with a sanctuary to worship on Sunday mornings.
- Feb 10, 2024CSI Diaspora Diocese Administrative Committee granted Associate Member status
- Feb 21, 2024Rt. Rev. Reuben Mark appointed Rev. Franklin Sherwin Doss as Presbyter-In-Charge
- Feb 25, 2024General Body Meeting — constitution approved and first Church Committee formally elected
- Apr 27, 2024Special Service of Thanksgiving; worship moved to Sunday mornings
Our journey as Love of Christ CSI Church has been humbling and spiritually rewarding. Along the way there have been countless members, friends, and acquaintances whom God has placed in our journey that have provided invaluable help. We are grateful to God for them all. Pray for us and our leadership that we may "show forth the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light." — 1 Peter 2:9
Pastoral History
Pastor Thinagar Sitther
Graduate of Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas · Ordained minister of the Mennonite Church USA · Founded and planted Asian Indian Christian Church of Pittsburgh in 1999
The Rev. Sherwin Doss
Dedicated to ministry in 1993; ordained 1998, Karnataka Central Diocese, CSI · Masters in Sacred Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary (2006) · Chaplain, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare System