The Sri Lanka Christian Association Carol Service 2013

THE SRI LANKA CHRISTIANASSOCIATION CAROL SERVICE 2013
It was a wonderful evening of carol singing, Bible readings and prayers organized by the Sri Lanka Christian Association, as in previous years. This was our 27th Annual Carol Service and it was held on 1st December 2013.

The chief guests were the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, Dr Chris Nonis, Cllr. Sam Mackover, the Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Mr. Chaminda Kularatne from the SL High Commission.

The Advent candles were lit by the above and also Pastor Dr. Terry Boyle, Chuck Swindoll Ministries, Mrs. Chris Seelanatha and Mrs. Dilly Fernando. A background interlude of music on the piano was provided by Favio Gomaz.

The SLCA Choir consisted of diverse nationalities, and sang carols in all three main languages spoken in Sri Lanka, English, Sinhala and Tamil. The little children dressed as shepherds kneeling at the crib, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and the festive décor created by Shiran Almeida and Channa DeZoysa, were reminiscent of the true meaning of Christmas.

A special thanks goes to Alsace Perera, who is visiting from California, for her wonderful rendition of the hymn, 'Oh Holy Night'.

Thanks also go to the Youth Choir which included a lively rendition of 'God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen' sung by Sethma Nugera, backed by her friends.

Lessons were read by Samantha Seelanatha, Jacob John, Gerard Sebastian, Hermion Tavarayan, Marie Ryde, Russell Rajendra, John Escott and Rev. James Mather. The final blessing and closing prayer was given by Pastor Dr Terry Boyle.

Grateful thanks go to Mr. Bilal Omar of Golden Platter for providing such sumptuous cake and savouries for the reception that followed - may Our Lord multiply blessings on him for his generosity. A special mention and thanks must also be given to two young and promising photographers, 15 year old Hannah Sebastian and Janaka Nugera for stepping in at the last moment to take photographs during the service. Thank you also to 'Newslanka' who are always there for us to advertise and promote the work we do for the worthy causes in Sri Lanka throughout the year. We really appreciate their help.

Finally, thanks go to all the committee members who always pull their weight, before, during and after the Service, as well as 'behind the scenes' to ensure its success.

Thank you to all those who braved the weather to attend the Carol Service and for their generosity at the collection which will be distributed, as done each and every year, to our beneficiaries and the charities we help in Sri Lanka - to name but a few...

♦ SUROL - Leprosy Society
♦ Cancer Hospital Childrens' Ward - Maharagama
♦ Visually Handicapped
♦ Orphanages island-wide, including Kegalle & Moratuwa
♦ Feeding the poor and needy island-wide
♦ Financial help to drug addicts and the poor in slums of Colombo
♦ Providing prosthetic limbs
♦ Homes for the mentally handicapped and other charities.

Last but not least, our grateful thanks go to the Kensington United Reformed Church for letting us use their church for the Service and the Hall for the reception afterwards,; and especially to Mr. John Escott for all his support and help to the Sri Lanka Christian Association.

The President and Committee of the Sri Lanka Christian Association wish all our supporters and benefactors a Happy Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.