On the 29th of September 2019, New Apostolic members from all across Sri Lanka came together in the tea estates of Upcot to be a part of the dedication Divine Service with District Apostle Mark Woll. The newly built church in Upcot will be one of the central churches for the island and will provide members with a space where they can worship, learn, and fellowship together.

Building Blocks

The church building is situated in the centre of the expansive Gauravila Tea Estate in Maskeliya, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, famed for its mountains and plantations. Built using local materials and standing at an elevation of around 4265 feet, the main church sanctuary is located on the first floor, with a seating capacity of around 150 people. The building has two dormitories on the ground floor which sleep approximately 20 persons. And the top floor is open walled with a roof, making for an excellent space for seminars and gatherings.

A Warm Welcome into God’s House

On a beautiful Sunday morning members and guests made their way through the lush tea plantations toward the newly constructed church. They were greeted by the children of the area who welcomed them with traditional song and dance. After the cutting of the ribbon, by the District Apostle, the congregation moved inside the new church for a special Divine Service. The church was set up to accommodate about 500 people in all its three floors, and the choir did a wonderful job in creating a serene atmosphere for this special event.

Dwelling in the House of the Lord

The Bible verse for the Service was taken from Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.”

In his sermon, the District Apostle reminded the congregation that God’s grace should not be taken for granted. It is only by His grace that we are drawn to Him. It is then up to us to express our own desire to come to God’s house. When we have an earnest desire to be closer to God and to live our lives through His teachings we will want to dwell in the house of the Lord.

District Apostle Helper John Sobottka from Canada was then called up to the altar. He spoke about the living faith that burns in the hearts of the members all across Sri Lanka. He reminded the congregation that God is not only present in the physical temple but is also present in the fellowship of our congregation. The desire that we remain in fellowship with our brothers and sisters is also an expression to remain in the temple of God.

The District Apostle also appointed Priest Thiruchelvam Anthonimuthu as the District Rector for Sri Lanka. On 9 June 2019 (Pentecost) the new concept of ministry came into effect. It is a significant change to the New Apostolic tradition and decouples the three levels of ministry (Deacon, Priest, Apostle) from hierarchy and leadership functions. The appointment of a District Rector for Sri Lanka was the first of its kind in the Indian sub-continent.

A Magnificent Journey Back to Colombo

After the Service, some time was spent interacting the members and guests. The District Apostle, the Apostles and their wives then made their way back to Colombo where the Asia Apostles’ meeting would be held. The drive back was filled with many breath taking views of hills and estates and gave them another chance to experience and awe at the majesty of God’s creations.