St. Pauls' Church, Kandy. Parish Quarterly Magazine - December2023

ST PAUL’S CHURCH - KANDY
ESTABLISHED - 1843
PARISH QUARTERLY
December 2023 – January 2024– February 2024
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be
upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
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REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES
Sundays: 6.45 a.m Holy Communion
7.45 a.m Eucharist and Sermon
Wednesdays: 9.00 a.m Holy Communion
1 st Wednesday - Service of Anointing and Healing,
followed by Holy Communion
Prayer Circle
1 st Wednesday
10.00 a.m A time well spent praying for each
other.
Saturdays :
1.00 p.m. 'Journey Bible Study'; Studying the
Bible in depth.
1 st Saturday :
1.00 p.m. Praise and worship followed by the
“Journey Bible Study” at 1.30 p.m.
Weekdays: If you desire any special service on these days, please
contact the clergy.
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December Services
❖ Christmas Eve - Sunday- 24 th December - 6.00 p.m
Blessing of the crib and tree followed by the Annual Carol
Service.
11.30 p.m Midnight Service and Holy Communion
❖ Christmas Day - Monday 25 th
6.30 a.m Holy Communion
7.45 a.m Festal Eucharist - Holy Communion & Sermon
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion & Sermon (Sinhala)
New Year’s Eve - Sunday- 31 st December
11.30 p.m - Watch Night Service and Holy Communion
❖ New Year’s Day 2024 - Monday
6.30 a.m Holy Communion
7.45 a.m Holy Communion & Sermon
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion & Sermon (Sinhala)
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Message From the Vicar
“The harvest of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Dear members of the family of St.Paul’s church Kandy,
As a Christian community of Kandy, we are approaching the 4th and
the final quarter of this year. Beginning with celebrating God’s
creation in the month of October which is specially dedicated to St.
Mary, the mother of our saviour, when we reach the end of November
we will be celebrating the Kingship of Christ before we enter the
season of hope, which is the Advent. This is followed by the world
children’s day, elder’s day and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Leading us to understand how important the growth in Christ and the
wisdom of elders. St. Francis who is the saint of creation and peace,
gives us the courage to work for peace and the environment and
climate change as a stewards of God, so let us remember that it is our
solemn calling to protect our mother earth, and its future. Dear
faithful, as you are aware, our nation and its people have entered an
extremely uncertain era where everybody feels unsafe, economically
pressured. We have been a victim of some small groups of corrupt
political elites and their irresponsible actions, and it is still continuing
without any concern for the poor, children, elderly and the lowest
class of the society New research shows, in every part of the society
is suffering. Educated, skilled people are leaving their mother land.
The international community is seriously concerned about what’s
happening in our country,they feel sad about our country because it
was a promising nation in the early 20th century. The effect of the
migration of skilled labour has affected Christian communities and
specially the church. St Paul’s lost many young and energetic people
who can contribute to the mission of our church. While challengers
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are approaching our way, the St.Paul’s family is preparing itself, to
remember the month of remembrance, and Advent at the end of
November, where the church is guiding us to live with “hope” in
Christ as we anticipate his second coming. The inevitable challenges
may help us to strengthen our selves and find ways and means to
discover our potentials, and capabilities to serve Christ in a creative
manner. I hope and pray that God, the Almighty, will bless us in our
work and in our journey with him as we continue to strive, to reach
Him through our honest commitments. It is through our prayers and
earnest searching of God’s grace that we achieve this objective. I
personally believe that all the committees and fellowships are
preparing for Advent and Christmas. My prayer and hope is that this
year we begin our preparative work early and whatever we do, do
with maximum creativity and preparation. I invite all the parishioners
to support and participate in all the events, according to the
necessities, without duplicating activities I also believe that our work
and concerns should focus on what is most needed in the parish.While
encouraging you all to continue mission activities in your interest
areas, please uphold all the parishioners and all the work that are
being undertaken in our parish.Some missions need your additional
attention 1) St.Paul’s retreat house needs your support and prayers. I
have appointed a temporary, 03 person committee to look after this
ministry.2) Listening ministry, which we were able to begin last year
(2022). New activities and silent mornings with the listening ministry
If anyone needs help, please contact Mr. Chrishantha Fernando. 3)
The re-structuring process of every parish committee has begun and
now we are coordinating those ministries, through trustees and the
parochial council. Please remember all the committees of St.Paul’s
must send monthly meeting reports and financial reports 4) The 156
KII Press buildings are now rented to the diocese of Kurunegala for
one year, with a memorandum of understanding, so we hope that our
building project at 154 can be started as soon as possible. 5) Donation
and your support required for making liturgical (uniforms) such as
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chasubles, albs and girdles, if you wish to support kindly contact the
clergy. 6) Please remember to invite clergy, who have obtained
permission to officiate from the Bishop of Kurunegala (A special
license). If not discrepancies, misrepresentations, confusions and
regulations can occur. 7) Please remember in your prayers, Miss
Anuruddhi Indika Walgama and Mr. Paul James as they prepare
themselves for their wedding on 22nd of December. 8) I am appealing
to you, when you are supporting the Sunday school with gifts, to
please try to arrange a additional gift for an unknown child this year.
That will to an unknown child who is waiting for a gift, most probably
a child from Thanthirimale and Rajanganaya. 9) Please pray for father
Rasika, who has gone for his higher studies in Birmingham
University. He will be returning back end of November. As I
mentioned earlier our country is in a uncertain situation. We are sad
to hear about all the wars that are happening all over the world.
Specially pray for the people of Libya, Israel, Palestine, Ukraine,
Syria, Congo and all the African nations. We are also mindful of the
Christian / Muslim communities in India. They are facing a tragic
situation. Let us also pray for our children, women, clergy people and
young generation who are facing dangerous calamites and those who
are going through man-made disasters. We Christians can be a hope
for all the communities, if we are ready to sacrifice ourselves for
others. As St.Paul mentioned to the Galatians, if we can only be
Christlike, then other will experience the qualities of Christ and the
Kingdom. Therefore let us be serious of our situation so that we can
finally make a change in order to build the Kingdom of God.
Thanking you.
Your Vicar.
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Contents
Articles 8
Advent 8
The Wait: A True Advent Story of Hope 9
Church Activities 14
Prayer circle 14
Outreach ministry 15
Sunday school report 19
Bible study 22
Mothers’ union 22
Eventide home 24
Simeon and anna fellowship 25
Choir report 26
Notices 27
Use of the church for functions 29
Tower clock and pipe organ 29
The parish quarterly 29
Committees and Contact Details 30
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ARTICLES
Advent
Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the
Christian church calendar, is the period of preparation for the
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of
preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western churches,
Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 (St.
Andrew’s Day) and is the beginning of the liturgical year. In many
Eastern churches, the Nativity Fast is a similar period
of penance and preparation that occurs during the 40 days before
Christmas. The date when the season was first observed is
uncertain. Bishop Perpetuus of Tours (461–490) established
a fast before Christmas that began on November 11 (St. Martin’s
Day), and the Council of Tours (567) mentioned an Advent season.
The liturgical meaning of the Advent season referred to the dual
“coming” of Jesus—then Roman Catholicism the traditional
liturgical colour for Advent is violet; many Protestant
denominations have adopted blue or purple. The third Sunday of
Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, is commonly marked by the
use of rose-coloured vestments and candles.
Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Feast of the Transfiguration | Description,
History, & Date. [online] Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Feast-of-the-Transfiguration.
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The Wait: A True Advent Story of Hope
By Cynthia Millen
My strawberry-blond, freckled-faced, non-stop mother, Jeannine,
was the youngest of four and as such was hopelessly spoiled.
Nicknamed “Peaches,” she was a very welcome addition to my
grandparents after the loss of two babies beforehand. She was also
quite a bit younger than her oldest brother, Dick, who graduated
high school the year Mom received her First Communion.
My grandfather was a foreman on the B&O Railroad. The family
moved quite a bit around Ohio and Indiana until settling for the
longest period of time in the small railroad town of Willard, Ohio.
Dick and Bill, the brother who came 14 months after, had been
football and basketball stars at the local high school. Mary, who
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was a teenager by the time Mom was 8, was already working at the
local movie theatre. Everyone in town knew who my mom was, as
she rode her bike from one end to the other with reckless abandon.
The Film and the World Stop
It was on a Sunday in December, and after 10am Mass, Mom was
given her customary dime allowance in order to go see a movie in
the afternoon. Even though it was cold, she rode her bike to the
Temple Theatre in downtown Willard, where Mary welcomed her
with a box of popcorn. Bill was home with Grandma.
Dick had left home for the Navy after graduation in June. He had
wanted to join the Army, but Grandpa did not want his son sleeping
in a foxhole. At least with the Navy, Grandpa said, you’d have a
clean bed out of the dirt. After training at Naval Station Great
Lakes near Waukegan, Illinois, Dick was sent to San Francisco,
and then Hawaii. The family received frequent postcards of palm
trees and hula dancers, and Jeannine (my mom) could not wait to
see what he would send for Christmas. She wanted a hula skirt.
Settling in for the 1pm show, Jeannine started to eat her popcorn.
Several minutes into the movie, the film stopped and the screen
went black. Suddenly the lights went up. “We are sorry, but the
film cannot be shown and the theatre is closed for the remainder of
the day. Please come to the desk for your refund.” Jeannine went
to complain to Mary, but she was already gone.
Hopping on her bike, Jeannine noticed people running up and
down the street, and speaking in rushed, hushed tones. Some
looked at her with knowing eyes and nodded. “Hurry home,” more
than one said.
As she walked up the steps, she could see her mother sitting by the
radio attentively, crying. Mary and Bill were sitting next to her,
crying and comforting their mother.
As Jeannine stood speechless, her mother collected herself and
said, “They’ve bombed Pearl Harbor. That’s where Dick is.”
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Jeannine could not quite understand what it meant, but she knew
that it was terrible and frightening. She hugged her mother and
began to cry as well.
Shortly thereafter, her father came home. She had never seen him
cry before, but he did and kept saying, “Dick was always such a
good boy. Dick was always such a good boy.” It was then that her
mother said, “As long as we don’t know, we always have hope.”
Wartime Change
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. Their lives and the lives of
everyone in that small town changed dramatically. The town’s
sons went off to enlist. A scrap drive was announced, and Jeannine
and her friends began to collect scrap metal and rubber in their
wagons. Rationing was to be implemented, and Jeannine’s mom
knew that food that was readily available, such as sugar and meat,
would be prized.
This would be the last Christmas for a long while that they would
have more than one dozen Christmas cookies; big Sunday dinners
would be a thing of the past. Jeannine did not see her dad for three
weeks: as the foreman, he needed to direct the trains taking soldiers
to the coast and assist in other cities as well.
The biggest change to their household was the ritual of waiting.
Jeannine and her siblings went to school and her mother went to
daily Mass. They came home to do homework at the dining room
table, as their mother prepared dinner. Sometimes mother would
play the piano as she always did, but not as often as in Christmases
past. They talked and worked, but all the while the radio stayed on,
just in case there might be any announcements. And whenever the
telegram boy rode his bicycle by the house, with the brick streets
jingling the bell on his handlebars, the entire household would
stop.
All other tasks were done mindlessly, because their focus, their
only purpose, was to wait to hear something, anything about Dick.
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As the telegram boy’s bicycle was heard, her mother would say a
prayer, “for someone, if not us, who is getting a telegram today —
may it be good news.” More than once, their mother would remind
them that “as long as there is waiting, there is hope for good news.
Thank God, for the waiting.” Every night, she would stay up until
the wee hours just to listen to the news on the radio.
An Advent Miracle
It would be December 23, 1941, when they would finally hear the
fate of their son and brother. It was not a telegram, but a “V-gram,”
a small, one-piece envelope that was opened and read. It came
through the slot in the door with the rest of the Christmas cards and
letters. Jeannine remembers that her mother saw it, said a prayer,
and kneeled down right in the hallway to read it.
She sobbed over the tiny envelope as the kids circled around to
read it for themselves. Bill took a soup pot and spoon from the
kitchen and played a percussion celebration on the front porch.
Neighbors came out up and down the street and cheered. They
knew, just as Jeannine’s family knew about their hopes and fears.
My mom died this year in March — the day before St. Patrick’s
Day because, God forbid, anything should ever mar the celebration
of that day. This story, one of many, lives on in our family and is
still cherished to this day.
How appropriate that in that awful time 76 winters ago, the best
gift was being able to wait and hope for good news.
We are all blessed to still be able to celebrate that gift, even more
so, now with Him.
Happy Advent.
Millen, C. (2017). The Wait: A True Advent Story of Hope. [online]
Catholic Stand. Available at: https://catholicstand.com/wait-true-adventstory-hope/
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SEASONS.
We have entered into another Season of advent. We prepare for
every occasion. As we know, Advent is a time of preparation for
Christmas. Advent is meaningful, it means to us “coming”.
This season is the Celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. At
Christmas we celebrate, buying gifts, having services and parties
etc. Jesus was born on the twenty fifth of December. It is a great
day for us Christians.
The Cypress tree is very important. It’s a lovely green tree with
many values. This tree is called the Christmas tree. We decorate
it in many ways. Starting from the gifts which are kept under the
tree, it is a joyful day for us.
I wish our clergy, Teachers, Children, office staff, Friends and
dear parishioners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
God bless us all.
Indika Abaykoon.
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Church Activities
Prayer Circle
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”
James 5:16
We are truly grateful to our amazing God who has been with us
continuously as our strength, guide, comforter and protector for the
past 13 years. It is so nice to once again gather together, as in the
past, to meet and pray and to intercede for one another. However,
it is sad that a few of our members are not with us presently,
Dilanganie Bharathi has relocated and we do miss her presence
very much, some others too do not find it easy to be physically
present but it is encouraging to note that now we do have persons
who spontaneously join us at our prayer session enriching our
spirituality. We are happy to have Shama Soyza back with us after
a very long stay overseas. We are also encouraged by the presence
of our parish clergy who spend time with us. Together with our
physical meeting we continue to function through our WhatsApp
group sharing prayer requests on a regular basis. Our’s is a very
dedicated and devout small group that gives selfless time for those
troubled by various needs. All such requests are treated with strict
confidentiality. Requests vary from sickness, finances,
employment, broken homes, the hungry, the needy and many
more. Sometimes we experience an answer to prayer, sometimes
delays and sometimes not!!
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if
we ask anything according to His will, he hears us.” 1 John
5:14
Within the parish we are in fact the most “silent” ministry but our
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actions speak louder than words as we communicate with the
Almighty who is our “Silent Listener”. Communicating with the
Creator of the Universe is so powerful. It is humbling to think we
can talk to God at any time of the day or night and he is not too
busy to hear our prayer and act on our behalf.
“Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for strength and wisdom as we
navigate life’s challenges. Amen.”
Barbara Praesoody Co-ordinator
Outreach Ministry
Anything we do for the least of our neighbors, we do this for our
Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
There are a few changes that has taken place in the Ministry, with
Mrs Innocent Ratwatte Taking over the leadership as secretary and
Mrs Kanthi Fernando as treasurer. We trust that all our donors and
well wishes will give them all the support as done in the past. We
thank you and pray for you all for what you have been to this
Ministry.
To many of us who have been in this Ministry , it was a God given
opportunity to get closer to Him and serve Him as his hands , his
feet, his ears and his word. Many have said that we are not allowing
some of these families who have been with us for a long time to
stand on their feet, possibly not knowing the circumstances in
which they have come to us. Ninety percent of our longstanding
beneficiaries are widows, some are in their old age and in some
cases their husbands are very sick. To us they are not a mere name
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on our list, not a mere face; they have become a part of our family
and even after we have stopped helping some of them, they are still
our concern and still we feel for them.
Our Listening Ministry has been ongoing since we started this
work. The time we could spend with them listening to their
problems, their sicknesses and in some younger families their
aspirations for themselves and their children has been a therapy to
them as no one has been willing to listen to their tale of woe and
in some instances this is all what we could do and they have been
able to leave the church after a prayer, unburdened and in a better
frame of mind.
When people come seeking assistance, one question we generally
ask them is; “ who sent you to us?”
Many say, “something told me or urged me to come”. Though
some of us were cynical about this answer, one out of the ten,
would have been God’s emissary. A question we are asked by quite
a few is; “ Are you preaching God’s gospel to them? Have they
come to the Lord?” All these years, it has never been on our minds
to convert people, but by our actions, attitudes, love and care, we
live our mission; -- “ To reach out to the poorest of the poor in
and around Kandy and the needy of the parish, projecting the
image and love of Christ.” Four of our beneficiary families have
come to the Lord, baptized and confirmed, without any
compulsion. Let us be very kind to people who walk into the
church, give them a patient hearing and let your answer be a kind
Yes or a No, because our Vision is; “ To be the caring church in
Kandy”.
Our mission is more diverse than giving dry rations each month to
the poor. We remember the tremendous amount of work that we
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were called upon to do during the tsunami at Wakarai, Galle and
Weligama. Even there after with the land slide victims at
Aranayake and at certain times in flood affected areas. During the
Covid epidemic, it was quite a task to keep our beneficiaries and
many others fed and cared for.
At a time, when questions are being asked of our health services
country wide, we spend 20% of our funds on medical assistance.
Some people who come to us try to exist with half the prescribed
drugs by the hospital as they have been asked to purchase the drugs
outside and they are so expensive. Blood tests are a requirement at
any clinic today and these too patients are asked to get reports from
a private clinics and these costs are beyond the common man.
Invariably they do not get the tests done and as a result do not
attend the next clinic. We try to assist as many as we could, but
this is becoming a major issue.
It has been a great joy and we consider it a privilege to help
children who are in need, through their schooling and to meet their
schooling needs. We have seen at firsthand the worries, anxieties
and tears of parents who find it difficult to assist their children
through school and whatever the arguments put forward regarding
this subject, we feel for them and always tried to help them, many
of whom have been parishioners. To some of them we have
requested them to pay back whatever they have taken and we are
happy that all of them are paying back, even though on a long term.
We have been able to provide school books, uniforms, socks and
shoes through many years. We fund one girl through Hillwood
another through Mowbray. At present we have one girl in
University and another in the Apprentice Board, doing a hotel
kitchen course and another young boy at Polgolla, doing computer
studies; all very deserving children.
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The education programme envisaged with the infusion of KII
funds, is to be handled by a separate committee, coming under the
Trustees of the church.
Repairs to houses, water and sanitation has been another important
aspect of our mission and we have always wanted to do this work
as and when adequate funds were available. In the past we have
repaired numerous houses attended to leaking roofs, done
extensions to houses, built toilets and obtained water connections
to beneficiary houses. We thank God that at least some of them are
now sheltered from the heavy rains that we experience at present.
Even with the financial downturn we were able to build one toilet
and do a roof repair recently.
Another project we have undertaken, which was a carry over from
the KII, is to support an autistic day care at Gatambe , ( Pipena
Kekulu ). This was started by Dr Mrs S.C.A Arambepola, who was
the former Psychiatric consultant of the Teaching Hospital,
Peradeniya. This caters to fourteen children some coming from as
far as Mawanella. This project is worthy of support and request
anyone who is interested to visit this place and see for themselves
as to what is happening. We have already got the support of St
John’s Gatambe.
We have had one death among our beneficiaries, a cancer patient
we supported for a very long period. We have two other cancer
patients, one kidney patient and five differently abeled persons
who need our care.
More recently this year, we undertook to conduct an eye camp
open to anyone who required reading glasses. It was great success
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as 143 people, went through this clinic and 110 obtained reading
glasses and another nine specially grinded glasses. Many were
blessed by this and we are thankful to all who were involved with
this camp.
Be of one mind when we serve others. Not a very easy thing as
there has to be a good measure of give and take among us, so that
others will see the unity that exists, in whatever we do.
The Old fade away, the young blossom and flourish and give fruit.
O! changeless Lord our helper and protector, stretch forth your
right hand to help, heal and humble us in whatever we do, in your
name, through Christ Jesus we pray; Amen.
Lasantha Ranasinghe.
Sunday School Report
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from
Him.” Psalm 127:3
The Sunday School re-opened on the 15 th of January 2023 for the
new academic year with the blessing of the students, staff, and
parents by the Vicar.
The appointment of the Sunday School superintendent, Mrs.
Anusha Praesoody took place on the same day with Mrs. Lakdini
Panditharatne stepping down from the said post. We say thank you
to Mrs. Lakdini Panditharatne for her dedicated services to the
Sunday School in the past.
26th of January 2023 – “The Sunday School Teachers’ Training
Programme” conducted by the Board of Religious Education
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(BRE) of the Diocese of Kurunegala. All teachers from the
Diocese of Kurunegala were present, including 11 teachers from
our church, who attended the program.
The Independence Day celebration was organized by the church
on 4th February. The Sunday School students played a major role
in the celebration, showing their patriotism for their country.
The Sunday School A.G.M of the Diocese of Kurunegala was held
on the 25th of February amidst a large gathering of teachers in
Kurunegala.
A tree planting campaign was held in the church on the 4th of June
to celebrate the ‘Environment Day’. On this day the children were
given six fruit trees to be planted in the church compound. They
were also taught how they should take care of God’s creation. All
Sunday School children took part in art and essay competition
conducted by the Environment Committee in collaboration with
the Board of Religious Education of the Diocese on 11 th June 2023.
10 students took part in the “Sermon competition”, held on 2 nd
July, organized by the Y.M.C.A Kandy. Thilina Amarasinghe from
age 13 – 15 category was placed 3 rd and Dewmi Jayasinghe from
age 16 – 19 category was placed 2 nd .
29 th of July 2023 – 20 students took part in ‘Bible Quiz’
competition organized by the Bible Quiz Ministries and the Bible
Society under two different age categories.
1 st October 2023 – Annual “Singithi Pola”, was organized to
celebrate ‘Children’s Day’ and to raise funds for the upkeeping of
the Sunday School and its activities. Teachers, students, and
parents played a major role in organizing this sale.
9 th October 2023 - “Bible Quiz” organized by the Board of
Religious Education (BRE), Diocese of Kurunagala was held at
Trinity College Kandy. Two teams took part as ‘A’ and ‘B’ in
under 16 age category. Team ‘A’ won the championship out of 32
teams and team ‘B’ were the 3rd runners up. The team members
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of the winning team (team A) were, Shevan Ahas (C), Daniel
Edwin, Thilina Amarasinghe and Moksha Waranidu. The
members of team B were, Wageesha Sewmini (C), Dilushi
Nayanathara, Vijaya Jesmini and Talishta Dilrukshi.
The “Bible Quiz” for under 12 was held on 21 st October 2023 at
the Cathedral of Christ the King, Kurunagala. They too were able
to win the championship after competing with 23 teams that took
part from the diocese. The team members were, Ethan Edwin (C),
Anjali Jalangana, Shevan Ahas, Ishan Wijewardana and Kaitlyn
Edwin. We take this opportunity to thank the teachers for training
the children in these achievements and we hope that these children
will do their best in the years to come.
All students of the Sunday school took part in the art competition
organized by the Church of Ceylon Mothers’ Union (CCMU) on
15 th of October to contribute towards CCMU 2024 calendar.
The Sunday School year-end examination will be held on the 26 th
November 2023 in church.
The Sunday School Christmas Party and Nativity will take place
on the 17 th of December 2023. The theme selected for nativity is
‘there is NO ROOM in the INN’, highlighting the importance of
having room for Jesus in our hearts during this festive season.
We invite all our parishioners and well-wishers to assist the
Sunday School as it is the ‘future of our church and its
progression’.
A.Praesoody
Sunday School Superintendent
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Bible Study
This is the 22nd year of this bible study Class. Generally 20-25
persons attend. There are few non-Christians who participate
regularly as well. Both men as well as women can enjoy the word
of God.
The bible class is conducted normally between 9.45 am to 10:30am
every Sunday. Each Sunday a topic and a bible passage is chosen
for the discussion. Mostly day to day situations that occur in life
and how to face and manage them in a Christian aspect are
discussed.
All participants eagerly wait till the start of the class At the end of
the session there are always a few waiting for a simple prayer. The
Service which was held on the second Sunday in November and
was conducted by the Bible Study Class Students.
Sriyani Edwin
MOTHERS’ UNION
The AGM of the Mothers’ Union was held on the 14 th June in
the Church vestry.
The following were appointed as office bearers.
Branch Leader : Praemini Nugegoda
Hon. Secretary : Florence Cottling
Hon. Treasurer : Victoriene Mudunkotuwa
Hon.Asst Secretary : Grace Thambiraja
Committee
: Pushpa Tennekoon
Vijitha Samadanam
Shirani David.
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Mrs. Lukshmi Herathge was welcomed at the chancel during
the dedication service held on the 12 th of July.
The Mary Sumner day was celebrated on the 6 th August. A few
of our members took part in all the readings. Our guest speaker
was Mrs.Katherine Isaiah. She explained the life story of
Ms.Sumner and was also happy that she was celebrating her
first wedding anniversary in our church, where she took her
vows last year on the very same day.
We also helped in distributing food packs donated by
Ms.Menaka Rodrigo to the entire congregation in memory of
her mother Mrs.Norma Rodrigo who was a long-standing
member of our church and her grandmother Mrs.Willenberg
who had been a member of our Mothers’ Union.
A few of our members were able to participate in the CCMU
Family Day in Colombo.
Two Altar Cloths were donated to the side chapels.
Our members ran a very successful breakfast and sweet stall
at the Harvest Festival.
We were able to visit Mrs. Patricia Goonewardene after her
husband’s funeral and Mrs. Jayanthi Jayasundera at the
Eventide home where is recovering after being hospitalized.
We are very grateful to our members who help us in many
ways to run the weekly Breakfast Stall.
We pray that God will help us in our future plans in the coming
months.
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“God calls us and equips us to use our skills to meet needs
that are present in our community and the
world.Let’s release our skills into the service of Jesus
and see how He will use our acts of love to stitch
hearts and lives together”
EPHESIANS 4:16
Florence Cottling
Secretary
Eventide Home
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my
strength is spent – Psalm 71:9
“God’s Mercy Endures Forever”
Eventide Home will be celebrating its 15 th Year Anniversary on
the 8 th of November 2023. We have planned to celebrate our Home
Anniversary with a worship and thanksgiving service at the
premises. We will be remembering the residents and the
employees who have gone through this home in the short span
since the home was established.
As a team we have spent time and energy to make sure that the
Home runs smoothly We also remember Hillwood College and
many generous well-wishers who continually support us. The
home is able to manage its own financial affairs independently by
the grace of God.
We were able to upgrade our Home visitor's toilet, in-house
resident's room, and toilet. The Home roof, pipelines, and
Matron’s room toilet need to be repaired. 3 Vacant rooms on an
own or sharing basis for women Christians over 60 years of age
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are available. The candidate should be able to carry out the
activities of daily living. If personal assistance is needed, the
occupant/sponsor will be responsible for additional expenses too.
Whilst we thank God for His blessing on this ministry, we urge
you to kindly continue to pray for us and the ministry. Your
generosity in the future as it has been in the past will be much
appreciated to continue the Eventide Home and its residents. We
implore you to celebrate a Birthday, Anniversary, or even a
remembrance by offering to supply meals for the residents.
Andrea John
Simeon and Anna Fellowship
26th April -Our final session with Dr Vasanthi Thewanesan on
"Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande. It was a discussion based on
the chapters we learnt on entering into old age and handling it as
well. It was very interesting how we gradually move from
childhood to adults and then to old age. In old age we go back to
childhood once again.
20th June - Visiting Patricia Gunawardena and Flora Richards.
28th June - Pasting of green prayer books that were in a bad state.
We completed about 50 books.
16th July - Planning of Anniversary Service with Rev
George Melder
20th August - Our Anniversary Service was held on Sunday 7.30
am. Preacher was Rev Rasika Abeysinghe.
4th September - Rev George suggested to invite elders
from churches in Kandy. Letters were sent to these churches.
27th September - This programme was held at the Vicarage at 10
a.m. Rev Amila from Christ Church Matale conducted this
programme. The theme was "Awaiting the Lord".
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The other church members did not turn up but the programme
scheduled was held. Only the Simeon and Anna members and
clergy of St Paul's Church were present. Based on the
highlighted theme a very good discussion was also conducted.
Leader
Simeon and Anna Fellowship
Choir Report
The choir activities for the quarter were largely routine. Since
there were no special services during the period, the choir met only
on Sundays. While inconsistent attendance was a worry, it is
anticipated that numbers will improve with the Advent and
Christmas seasons approaching.Some constraints should be
mentioned at this juncture. Walter Perera was officially appointed
choir leader in 2017 (he had been carrying out these duties
voluntarily since 2005) along with a choir secretary. However, one
choir secretary has resigned and the other who subsequently took
up the position is in Colombo and unable to attend to routine
operations. This needs to be rectified. As the compiler of this
report insisted when he was appointed, he is no longer able to
attend meetings etc on behalf of the choir. Furthermore, with
Ramith de Alwis moving to Colombo for further studies, only the
chief organist resides in Kandy now. The organ itself has begun
to develop mechanical and other problems. It is imperative that
running repairs are carried out and a full service effected before
Christmas.
This report will be incomplete without reference to the passing of
Sylvester Gnanamanickam earlier this year. Although his official
church was Christ Church, he became an integral part of the St
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Paul’s choir and was for years its only tenor. Until a major fall
affected his mobility in later years, he would not only attend all
regular services and choir practices but make every effort to sing
at funerals and weddings as well. It was indeed a pity that given
the time of day his funeral was held and the fact that many of those
who knew him well live in Colombo now, only one current
chorister was able to attend his funeral. May his soul rest in peace
and rise in glory.
We are glad that Rustom Praesoody who was at one time the
trustee in charge of the choir and remains a valued tenor, is
convalescing after surgery. It is hoped that he will return to the
choir soon.
The choir thanks the organist, the assistant organists, and all others
for their untiring work.
Walter Perera
Choir Leader
Baptisms -
Notices
MILESTONES
Mark Herath (10.09.2023)
Jake Herath (10.09.2023)
Parindya Senarathne (10.09.2023)
W.T.L.B. Herath Weerasinghe (29.10.2023)
W.T.L.V. Herath Weerasinghe (29.10.2023)
27

“Signifying unto us the Mystical Union that is between Christ and
His Church”
Weddings
S.M. Malith Prasad Appuhamy / M.G.D. Ishvara Dilrukshi
Wijerathne (23.07.2023)
Ramith Yohan Ekanayake / Pinipa P. Prabhashwari Senevirathne
(23.10.2023)
“I am the Resurrection and the Life”
Burials
Ravi Wadugodapitiya 12.05.2023
Terrance Mudannayake (18.06.2023)
Kalhari Dikdeniya (30.06.2023)
Eda Gunawardena (Former warden EN) 05.08.2023
Benjamin (Ellen Strays’s Husband) (23.08.2023)
Dr. Jayantha Dharmapala (18.09.2023)
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USE OF THE CHURCH FOR FUNCTIONS
❖ Weddings
❖ Blessing of Marriage
❖ Memorial Services
❖ Thanksgiving Services
❖ Meetings etc (Non Parishioners)
The Vicar should be informed if you need to use the church for any of
the above. At least a month’s notice should be given in order to avoid
duplication of functions being held on the same day. Please obtain an
application form from the church office for details relating to payments.
TOWER CLOCK AND PIPE ORGAN
Continues to function well due to the generous support of parishioners.
Your continued assistance to this worthy cause is solicited.
Please do not hand over any money or articles to the Church Sexton.
Pledge envelopes and all cash and cheque offerings should be placed in
the Pillar Box and not in the Letter Box.
Receipts will be sent if name and address are indicated on the envelopes
that are available at the Church Office.
THE PARISH QUARTERLY
If you have any interesting articles, appreciations or anything you would
like to share with our church community, we would love your
contribution to the parish quarterly. Please forward them to the address
mentioned below. The next issue will be for the period March 2024 to
May 2024. Articles should reach us by 15 th February 2024
In addition, should you be on our mailing list, but have since moved
residence, please notify the Coordinator, St. Paul’s Church Office, either
by e-mail or by post, indicating your names, present postal address and
e-mail address. The Church Office address is: No. 10, Deva Veediya,
Kandy. E-mail” st.paulskandy@dialognet.lk.
29

Committees and Contact Details
CLERGY AND LAITY
Vicar :
Curate:
Curate:
Office:
Ven. George Melder
The Vicarage,
No 22, Anagarika Dharmapala Mw, Kandy
Rev. Rasika Abeysinghe
95/17A,Hewaheta Road,
Kandy.
Tel: 077 6908633
Rev. Anthony Fernando
The Parsonage,
No. 58, Sangarajah Mw, Kandy
Tel: 081-3836281
Mr.Priyantha Jayasiri
Operations Coordinator
No. 10, Deva Veediya, Kandy
Tel: 0716064050 / 081-2204050
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Trustees
Ms. Sumithra Ratnayake( Hon Secretary) 077-2278562
Mr. Kingsley c(Hon Treasurer) 077-2772670
Mr. Senanai Perera 077-7706762
Mr. David Issac 072-5113300
Dr. Aruni Jayasekara 077-3658665
Mr. Chrishan Fernando 077-5486251
Servers
Mr.Dilan Sandakumar
Mr Madura Hettiarchchi
Mr.Kerran Fernando
Mr.Ayesh Anthonydasan
Ms.Johanna John
Mr.Nilesh Talwatte
Mr.Kenneth Cottling
Mr.Shenal Senarathne
Mr.Shevan Ahaz
Sidespersons
Mr.Rishan Jayaratne (Chief Sidesperson)
Mrs.Patricia Gunawardena, Mrs.Shirani Dissanayake,
Mrs.Malrene Francis
Mrs,Prema Tennekoon,
Mr.Victor James
Mrs.Sarojini Hettiarachchi
Mr.Kolitha Dissanayake
Mr.Kingsley Anthonythasan
Mr.Sanath Edema
Mr.Priyantha Jayasiri
Parochial Council Members
Sunday school Mrs.Anusha Praesoody
Youth Fellowship Ms.Binduli Alwis
Choir-
Mr.Rustom Praesoody
Mothers Union Mrs.Praemini Nugegoda
Men’s Guild Mr.Daya Peiris
Area Steward Mrs.Barbara Praesoody
Media
Mr.Dinesh Maduwantha
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Worship Committee
Outreach Ministry
Sides Person
Environment Committee
Prayer Circle
Eventide Home
Simeon and Anna Fellowship
Servers Guild
Adult Study Group
News Letter
Parish Quarterly
Education
Retreat House
Mrs.Barbara Praesoody
Mrs.Disna Anthonythasan
Mr,Rishan Jayarathne
Mrs.Andrea John
Mrs.Babara Praesoody
Mrs.Gayani Ranaweera
Ms.Suramya Waiganayake
Mr.Ayesh Anthonythasan
Mrs.Sriyani Edwin
Mrs.Lalitha Dedigamuwa
Mr.Rustom Praesoody
Ms.Sumithra Rathnayake
Ms.Sumithra Rathnayake
Internal Auditors
Mr.Lalantha Jayasinghe
Mr.Lasantha Ranasinghe
External Auditors
Earnest & Young
Diocesan Council Representatives
Mrs.Sudharshini Hettige Ms. Sumithra Ratnayake
Parish Quarterly Editorial Board
Mr.Rustom Praesoody (Editor)
Prof. Walter Perera
Ms.Deekshya Illangasinghe
Mrs. Barbara Praesoody
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Monthly News Letter
Ms.Lalitha Dedigamuwa
Sunday School
Superintendent
Mrs. Anusha Praesoody
Teachers
Mrs. Pushpa Tennekoon
Ms. W.M. Shriyalatha
Mrs. Sanjeevani Devadasan
Ms. Krishanthi Jayasinghe
Ms. Nishanthi Samarasekara
Mrs.Virgini Perera
Mrs. Nishanthi Appasami
Ms. Devari Alwis
Mrs. Nalini Alwis
Mr. Indika Sirinayake
Assistant Teachers
Ms. Dinushi Sudarsha
Ms. Kanchana Kumari
Ms. Kaveesha Palipana
Ms. Yoshini Madiwanan
Adult Bible Study
Mrs.Shriyani Edwin
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Worship Committee
Canon Neil van Dort
Ms. Suramya Waniganayake
Mrs. Barbara Praesoody
Ms. Ruvini Katugaha
Ms.Deekshya Illangasinghe
Men’s Fellowship
Daya Peiris
Rustom Praesoody
Sanath Edema
- President
- Secretary
-Treasurer
Mothers Union
Praemini Nugegoda
Florence Cottling
Victorien Mudunkotuwa
-
Committee Members:
Pushpa Tennakoon
Shiranie David
Vijitha Samadanam
- Branch Leader
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Youth Fellowship
Binduli De Alwis
Shenal Senarathne
Shehan Yatawara
Himasa Samarawickrema
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Asst. Secretary
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Dilan Sandakumar
Shenal Siriwardena
Malsha Samarawickrema
Dinesh Maduwantha
- Treasurer
- Asst. Treasurer
- Event Coordinator
- Diocese representative
Website Committee:
Mr.Sene Seneviratne
Mr.Prasanna Welgolle
Mr.Lalantha Jayasinghe
Mr.Chrishan Fernando
Outreach Ministry
Innocent Ratwatte - Secretary
Kanthi Fernando - Treasurer
Committee members
Lasantha Ranasinghe
SudharshIni Hettige
Dilki Thalwatte
Dishna Anthonythasan
Sumithra Rathnayake
Indrani Fernando
Suramya Waniganayake
Sene Senevirathne
Chrish Senevirathne
Saman Jayawardena
35

Area Stewards
Marline Francis – Kandy (North)
Premani Nugegoda – Kandy (South)- 0777459286
Sriyani Edwin – Wattarantenna/Gohagoda - 0777131919
Pushpa Tennakoon – Aruppola/Mawilmada
Kingsley Anthonydasan – Katugastota - 0772772670
Rishan Jayarathne – Dangolla - 0777303366
Chrishanthi Jayasinghe – Peradeniya/Penideniya - 0756784128
Babara Praesoody – Thalwatte - 0777333998
Sarojini Hettiarachchi – Ampitiya - 0776149981
Latha Wimalaweera – Ampitiya - 0775709402
Lasantha/Prithiva Ranasinghe – Kundasale/Digana - 0771708140
Deekshya Illangasinghe – Hanthana - 07792304113
Hony. Organists:
Mrs.Shalindri Mendis
Associate Organists :
Mr.Ramith de Alwis
Ms.Deekshya Illangasinghe
Education Committee
Sumithra Rathnayake
Dr.Aruni Jayasekara
Sudharshini Hettige
Ellen Strays
36

Retreat House
Sumithra Rathnayake
Sudharshini Hettige
Praemini Nugegoda
Gayani Ranaweera
Ministries of St.Paul’s Church Kandy
Parochial Council - Sumithra Rathnayake – (077 227 8562)
Sunday school - Anusha Praesoody - (0777332999)
Youth Fellowship - Binduli Alwis – (0779901654)
Choir- Rustom Praesoody – (0777331422)
Mothers Union - Praemini Nugegoda – (0777459286)
Men’s Fellowship - Daya Peiris – (0763251095)
Area Steward - Barbara Praesoody – (0777333998)
Media - Dinesh Maduwantha –(0764223284)
Worship Committee - Barbara Praesoody – (0777333998)
Outreach Ministry - Innocent Ratwatte – (077 780 9152)
Sides Person - Rishan Jayarathne – (0777303366)
Environment Committee - Andrea John – (0712744098)
Prayer Circle - Barbara Praesoody – (0777333998)
Eventide Home - Gayani Ranaweera – (0773132989)
Simeon and Anna Fellowship - Suramya Waniganayake (0771708289)
Servers Guild - Ayesh Anthonythasan - (074 002 8994)
Adult Studies Group – Sriyani Edwin (077 713 1919)
News Letter - Lalitha Dedigamuwa - (0773104708)
Parish Quarterly - Rustom Praesoody (077 733 1422)
Companis Programme 2023 - Sumithra Rathnayake – (077 227 8562)
Retreat House -Sumithra Rathnayake – (077 227 8562)
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Funeral Assistance Fund
We welcome you to join this fund and help it grow, so that we can readily
assist needy families in their time of grief.
Should you wish to contribute towards this fund, the options available
are as follows:
Rs 50.00 Quarterly
Rs 100.00 Half Yearly
Rs 200.00 Annually
Please contact the Hony Treasurer, St Paul’s Church, No. 10, Deva
Veediya, Kandy or by e-mail: treasurer@stpaulschurchkandy.lk
indicating the following details:
Name:………………………………………………..
Address:……………………………………………..
………………………………………………
Contribution: Amount Rs ………. By cash/cheque
* Cheques to be written in favour of “St Paul’s Church, Kandy”
38

Church Hours
Weekdays- 8 am to 4pm
Saturdays - 8am to 4pm
Sundays - 6am to 1.30pm
St Paul’s Church - Kandy
10, Deva Veediya, Kandy
+94 71 6064050 / +94 81- 2204050
stpaulskandy@sltnet.lk
www.stpaulschurchkandy.lk
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