The Joint Wesley College OBU (UK) & Methodist College PPA (UK) ..

The Joint Wesley College OBU (UK) & Methodist College PPA (UK) Annual Carol Service was held on Sunday 8th of December 2013 at Chelsea Methodist Church, Chelsea London.

This year the theme of the service was "Jesus Light of the World". A large crowd attended and Reverend Michael Sawyer, the superintendent Minister at Chelsea Methodist Church London, conducted the service.

The choir was outstanding and was led by Mithran Atputharatnam and Shiran Almeida. The organ music was provided by Veera Tufnell and accompanied by Katherine Spencer on the clarinet. The service was co-ordinated by Rex Devadason (an old boy of Wesley) and was well supported by the committee members of both colleges.

The advent candles were lit by Nalin Perera, President of Wesley College OBU, and Naveka Perera, Chair Person Methodist College PPA. The bidding and welcome was led by Rex Devadason and followed by readings from Mythili Alagaratnam, Brian Arnold, Ami David, Tyrone Namasivayam and Kumari Lane, with the closing prayer being led by Ana Thevathasan.

The service included lighting of candles signifying Christ Light of the World and was attended by all denominations. The congregation lit each other's candle to signify this year's theme.

The venue was elegantly decorated by Mrs Zahira Ismail and the catering arrangements for the evening and the hospitality was provided by the friends and families of both committees, which truly created a magical Christmas feel to the event at a time of peace and goodwill.

The offertory collected was given to BUDS (Batticaloa Underpriviledged Development Society) which is a charity organisation helping the deprived children in the eastern province of Sri-Lanka, and the service finished with lavish traditional Sri Lankan finger buffet.

Photographs were taken by Andy Currie.