Michaelites News Buzz

April 2013

THE CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS POLWATTE

Mission Statement: “A Caring, Forgiving, Supporting, Listening & Participatory Parish based on Kingdom Values”

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FROM THE DESK OF FR. PERRY

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, World Church: In the last few days, the world wide Christian Community in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican Com-munion have had their respective spiritual leaders Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby formally installed. The significance of these two events taking place within a few days of each other whilst there is much turmoil taking place around world should not be lost. It is the prayer of every child of God that the world discover our calling to be Peace-makers where each of us has been placed, so that the created order, the creation and the creator will be at peace with one an-other. Church and Nation:Our natioal situa-tion looks far from encouraging at present. The attempts being made to stir religiouns tensions cannot go untoticed and these senseless actions need to be denoucned in the strongest possible terms by all respon-sible persons. These careless and senseless actions are contributing to the already negative image the country has received. Therefore it would be helpful if sincere efforts to re-solve the crisis are explored. Post Easter: Our post Easter reflections will focus on readings from the Acts of the Aposltes which will lead us to the feast of Ascension and Pentecost. Therefore will have an opportunity to reflect on the life of early Christian community in the back-ground of the risen Christ prior to the birth of the Church at Pentecost. Combined Service – April: The Com-bined Service for April will be held on the 25th April 2013 at 8am.

Sunday School: The Sunday school which is presently on vacation will meet again on the 5th May 2013 at.11.30am for the new term. I would also like to remind all parents of children who are presently attending Sunday School and need to have their childs school admission applications attested, please make sure you have a note from the Sunday School superintendent before you meet me to attest your school application form. Helping Hands: At our last PCC meeting I have reminded the congregation that Helping Hands is the primary outreach project of our Parish. Under this ‘umbrella’ another host of ministries have been taking place for over 40 years. The medical clinic, the day centre, distress relief and lively hood support activities continue to be carried out. I like to draw the attention of the congregation to the day center activi-ties and the medical clinic. If the Lord is moving you to spport these particular ac-tivities of any other ministry that heling hands engages in please speak to me. Also if you like to celebrate an occassion in your home or remember a loved one who has gone beyound by sharing a simple mean with those who call over at the day centre for a meal please speak to or con-tact the office for more details. The con-tinued support of the congregation with regard to this ministry is really essential. Parish Statistics: Wok on revising the the Parish Electoral Roll for this year is almost complete. When displayed please check if your names apprears in the same and if your name is not included you will need to bring it to my attnetion in writing within 14 days of its posting on the notice

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board. Pastoral Care – A reminder: Despite repeated reminders this point has missed the eyes of many resulting in some ele-ment of unnecessary conversation. I re-peat, if you would like your Parish Clergy to visit you, please speak to them so ar-rangements can be worked out for such a visit at a mutually convenient time. Further I am also introducing a simple response form for this purpose. Please take some time to fill up the form kept at the en-trance of the Church for this purpose and hand over to the Church staff or the Clergy for follow up. The Parish Clergy have already begun to look through some of these reponse slips and follow them up. PCC Meeting: At the recently concluded PCC meeting a request was made for this forum to be convened as often as possible. Every effort will be made to do so. Due to space constraints we have not been having these meetings as I have not been keen to disrupt the Sunday School. However I am thankful to the suggestion to have the PCC meeting in the Church. Personal – Moving On: I have been infomred by the Bishop, that I will be re-quired to move out of the Parish at the end of this year even though this is my third year of my appointment. This move has become necessary in order for me to assume duties in another Dioce-san responsility with effect 1st January 2014. A new Vicar for Polwatte will be ap-pointed in due course and the Parish will be formally notified. Shalom! With Prayers, Peace and Blessings, Yours in Christ, Revd. Perry Brohier

l%sia;=ia jykafia ;=, ud ys;dor ñ;%jreks" f,dal iNdj ( miq.sh osk lsysmh ;=,oS frdaudkq lf;da,sl iy ls;=kq iNdjka ;u kdhlhka fom, jk Y=oafOda;a;u *%ekaisia mdma;=ud iy w.ro.=re ciagska fj,ans ysusmdKka tu ;k;=re j, msysgqjk ,oS' fuu wx.hka folu tlu ld, jljdkqjla ;=,oS isoq jQj;a f,dj mqrd iso-qfjuska mj;skakdjQ wranqOldrS ;;ajhka wm wu;l fkdl, hq;=h' foaj orejkaf.a hd{dj jkafka ;ukaj Wkajykafia le`ojd ;sfnkafka iduoQ;hka jkakg nj uq`: f,dalhu oek .ksuska tu.ska uejSfuS ms,sfj; uejSu iy ue-jquSlrejdkka tlsfkld iu. idufhka cSj;a jSuhs' iNdj iy foaYh ( wm foaYh osfkka osku wjdikdjka; isoqjSuS /ilg uqyqK fok nj wm okakd lreKls' bka uQ,sl jkafka wd.uS iuSnkaOfhka mek ke.S we;s wia:djrNdjhhs' fuu ls%hdjka keje;ajSug lghq;= lsrSu by< ks<OdrSkaf.a j.lSuls' mdial=jg miq ( mdial=fjka miq ls%hd fmdf;ka wm fufkys lrkakdjQ lshjSuS ls%ia;=iajykafiaf.a iajra.dfrdayKh iy fmka;fldia; W;aij j,g wmf.a wjOdkh fhduq lrkq we; ' wfm%a,a ui - tlai;a foaj fufyh 2013 jifra wfm%a,a ui 25jk osk fmrjre 8'00g tlai;a foaj fufyh meje;afjkq we;' oyuS mdie, ( kj jdrh i`oyd 2013 ji-fra uehs ui 5jk osk fmrjre 11'30 g kej; oyuS mdie, wdruSN jkq we;' oekg oyuS mdief,a bf.kqu ,nk ore-jkaf.a foujSmshka ;u orejkaj mdie,a i`oyd we;=,;a lsrSug wjYH kuS tu b,a,quS m;%h mqrjd th oyuS mdie,a md,sldjf.ka ;u orejd oyuS mdief,a bf.kqu ,nk nj ikd: lr .ekSfuka wk;=rej udf.a w;aiu msKsi ud fj; ,efnkakg i,iajkak' Helping Hands : miq.sh PCC /iajSfuSoS ud u;la l< mrsos fuu fufyjrh hgf;a ;j;a ls%hdldrluS rdYshla miq.sh jir 40 mqrdu isoqfjuska mj;S'

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fTDIO idhkh iy osjd uOHia:dkh uska iuyrls'fuu wxY fol fj;g Tnf.a wjOdkh fhduq lrkakg ud leue;af;us' Tn fuSjdhska l=uk wxYhlg fyda Wmldr lsrSug leu;s kuS ta nj ud fj; oka-jkak' Tnf.a fyda Tnf.a {d;sfhl=f.a jsfYaI oskhka ieurSug wjYH kuS fuu osjd wdydr uOHia:dkhg lEu fjS,la fyda ta i`oyd uqo,a mrs;Hd. l< yel' fuS iuSnkaOfhka jevsmqr jsia;r ,nd .ekSug wjYH kuS ta nj ldrahd,fhka ,nd .; iNdfjS ix.Kkh ( fuu jir i`oyd Pka-oodhl ,ehsia;=j ms<sfh, lr we;' fuh oekajSuS mqjrefjS m, lsrSfuka wk;=rej Tnf.a ku tys i`oykaj fkdue;s kuS ta nj fuh oekajSuS mqjrefjS m, lr osk 14la we;=,;oS udf.a wjOdkh i`oyd fhduq lrkak' msh;=uka,d Tnj neye oelSu - kej; u;la lsrSu ( wjia:djka .KkdjloS fuS .ek wm kej; kej;;a u;la lr isgsh;a ;ju;a fuS iuSnkaOfhka wkjYH l:dny me;srS hk nj lK.dgqjg lreKls' ud kej; j;djla Tnf.ka b,a,d isgskafka msh;=uka,d Tnj neye oelSug wjYH kuS ta iuSnkaOfhka fom-draYjhgu myiq oskhla iy fjS,djla idlpSPd udra.fhka fjka lr .kakd f,ihs' uSg wu;rj foajia:dKhg we;=`: jk ia:dKfha fmdaruhla ;nd we;s nejska th mqrjd wmf.a fiajlhkag fyda msh;=uka,dg Ndr fokak' oekg ,enS we;s iuyr fmdaru msh;=uka,d jsiska lshjd n,d we;s w;r ta iuSnkaOfhka bosrsfhaoS Tng oekquS fokq we;' PCC  /iajSu ( PCC  /iajSu ks;r ks;r mj;ajk f,i uE;loS mj;ajk ,o PCC /iajSfuSoS b,a,Sula lrk ,oS' fuh isoq lsrSug iEu m%h;akhlau orkq we;' bv m%udKhla fkdue;s ksid;a oyuS mdie, mj;ajdf.k hdug ndOdjla we;s jk ksid;a fuu /iajSu ks;r meje;ajSu l,a ouk ,oS' foa-jia:dKh ;=, fuu /iajSu mj;ajk f,ig lrk ,o fhdackdjg ud ia;=;sjka; fjus' fm!oa.,sl ( fuu foajia:dKh ;=, oekg

ud jir ;=kl ld,hla muKla fiajh lr we;;a ro.=re;=ud jsiska fuu jir wjidkfhaoS ud fuu foajia:dKfhka udre jsh hq;= nj ud yg okajd we;' fuhg fya;=j jkafka 2014 jifra ckjdrs ui 1jk osk isg ud yg osfhdalSisfha fjk;a j.lSula mejrS we;s nejsks' bosrsfhaoS kj m,d; Ndr foaj.e;s;=ud m;a lsrSfuka wk;=rej ta nj Tng oekquS fokq we;' ia;+;shs l%sia;=ia jykafia ;=, fmÍ fn%dah¾ msh;=ud mUl; je;ij nghpapd; NgidapypUe;J….. fpwp];JTf;Fs; md;ghd rNfhju> rNfhjhpfNs… mfpy Myaq;fs;: fle;j rpy jpdq;fspy;> vkJ mfpy fpwp];jt r%fj;jpy;. Nuhkd; fj;Njhypf;f kw;Wk; mq;fpypf;fd; rigfspy; ,U Md;kPf jiyth;fs; ghg;ghz;lth; gpuhd;rp];> Nguhah; [];bd; nty;gpAk; epakdgw;wpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,t;tpuz;L Kf;fpa epfo;Tfistpl> fle;j rpy ehl;fSf;Fs; cyf KOtjpYk; eilngw;W tUk; gaq;fu nfhe;jspg;Gf;Fs; ehk; ,oe;Jtpl $lhJ vd;gJNt Kf;fpak;. fh;j;jUf;Fs;shd xt;nthU gps;isapd; gpuhj;jidAk; ehk; rkhjhd fUtpahf gad;gl Ntz;Lk; ,jd; %yk; Njtdpd; gilg;Gk;> cUthf;fpwthufpa NjtDk; xU-tUf;F xUth; rkhjhdk; ngWthh;. NjtDk; NjrKk;: vk; ehl;bd; jw;Nghja epyik Cf;fkw;wjhf fhzg;gLfpwJ. rka Kuz;ghLfSk;> mOj;jq;fSk; vk; ghh;itapy; tpyfpg; Nghf $lhJ> ,jw;F nghWg;gdthh;fs; ,k;%l;lhy; jdkhd nray;fis jplkhd nray;fspdhy; Kw;Wg;Gs;spapl Ntz;Lk;. ftdf;Fiwthd> Kl;lhs;jdkhf ,r;nray;fspdhy; vk; ehl;bw;F vjph; kiwahd gpujpgypg;ig cUthf;fpAs;sJ. ,t;neUf;fbia jPh;f;f cz;ikahd Kaw;rpfs; Nkw;nfhs;sg;gbd; gads;sjhf mikAk;. caph;njOe;j jpUehSf;F gpw;ghL: fpwp];Jtpd; caph;njOjypd; gpujpgypg;Gf;fs; vkJ mg;Ngh];jyhpd; Ntj thrpg;GfspYk;> fpwp];J guj;JNfwpaJk;> nge;Nj nfh];J jpUehSf;F ,l;L nry;Yk;. Muk;g fpwp];jt r%jaj;jpy; caph;njOe;j fpwp];Jtpd; tho;f;if gpz;zdpapy; nge;jnfh];J jpUehs; Myaq;fspy;

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Muk;gpf;fg;gl;lij ,r; re;jh;g;gq;fspd; %yk gpujpgypf;Fk;. [f;fpa topghL: rpj;jpiu khjk; 25k; jpfjp fhiy 8.00kzpf;F eilngWk; Xa;T ehs; ghlrhiy: tpLKiwapd; gpd;dh; Nk khjk; 5k; jpfjp gp.g 11.30 kzpf;F Muk;gkhFk; QhapW ghlrhiyapy; cs;s rpWth;fspd; gs;sp$l tpz;zg; gbtq;fs; cWjpg;gLj;jg;gl Ntz;Lk; vd;gij ngw;NwhUf;F epidTgLj;j tpUk;GfpNwd;. vd;id re;jpf;Fk; Kd; QhapW ghlrhiy superintendapd; Fwpg;Gk; ,g;gbtj;Jld; ,idf;fg;gl Ntz;Lk;. cjTk; fuq;fs;: fle;j PCC $l;lj;jpy; vk; Myaj;jpy; NritfSs; ,J Kjd;ik ,lj;ij ngWfpwJ. NkYk; vkJ epthuz Nrit Nghd;w jpl;lq;fs; fle;j 40 tUlq;fFs; Nkyhf nray;gl;L tUfpd;wJ. ,iwtdpd; Jhz;Ljypdhy; ,r; NritfSf;F MjuT mspj;J ,itfspy; <LgL ,Ug;gpd; my;yJ cjt Kd;tUtjhf ,Ue;jy; vd;id re;jpf;fTk;. cq;fspd; njhlh;r;rpahd MjuT vkf;F jpl;lq;fis Cf;fkhf nra;tJ kpf mtrpak;. jpUr;rigapd; Gs;sp tpguk;: rigapd; thf;fhsh; gl;bay; KbthfpAs;sJ mwptpg;G gyifapy; gl;baypAs;s ngah;fis rhp ghh;j;J> ePf;fTk; cs;slf;fTk; tpUk;gpdhy;> 14 jpdq;fSf;Fs; jpUj;jq;fis vdf;F vOj;jpy; njhptpf;fFk;.

Mah; gukhpg;G: epd;Tl;ly; Njitaw;w rpy ciuahly;fpspd; tpisthf gyh; fz;zfspy; ,t;tplak; jtwtplg;gl;Ls;sJ. FUkhh; cq;fis tPLfspy; re;jpf;f tpUk;gpdhy;> Mya thrYs;s tpz;zg;gbtq;fis G+h;j;jp nra;J> FUkhhplNkh my;yJ Mya mYtfj;jpNyh ifaspf;Fk;gb Nfl;Lf; nfhs;fpNwhk;. FUkhh; Vw;fdNt ,t;tpz;zg;gbtq;fis ghh;itapl njhlq;fpAs;shh;fs;. PCC $l;lk; rkPgj;jpy; eilngw;w  PCC $l;lj;jpy>; ngUk;ghYk; Mya kd;wj;jpy; elj;j Nfhhpf;iftplg;gl;lJ. ,lneUf;fb fhuzkhf xa;T ehs; ghlrhiy rpWth;fspd; tFg;G;fis rPh;Fiyf;f tpUk;gtpy;iy vdpDk; Kbe;jsT kz;lgj;jpy; elj;j Kaw;rpf;fpNwhk;.

jdpg;gl;l ,lkhw;wk;: ,t; Myaj;jpy; vdJ Mah;gzp 3 tUlkhf ,Ug;gpDk; vkJ Nguhah;hpdhy; ,t; Myaj;jpy; ,Ue;J ,t; Mz;L Kbtpy; ehd; tpilngw Ntz;bAs;sJ vk; Nguhahyj;jpd; flik-fis [dthp 2014 ,y; ,Ue;J Nkw;nfhs;s mtrpak; Vw;g;gl;Ls;sJ. Gjpa FUthdth; rigf;F epakdgLthh; \hNyhk; nrgKk; rkhjhd MrPAk; cq;fSf;Nf fpwp];JTf;Fs; mUl;gdp nghp GNuhfpah;.

The Annual General Meeting - 2013

Sinhala Congregation - 16th June 2013 at 10.30am Tamil Congregation - 23rd June 2013 at 11.30am English Congregation – 30th June 2013 at 9.00am

SUNDAY SCHOOL

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LET US PREPARE FOR 0UR SERVICES IN A MEANINGFUL WAY

Date Theme Old Testa-ment

Psalm New Testa-ment

Gospel

  7th April 2013 Sec‐ond Sun‐day of Easter

My Lord and My God

Acts  5:  27  ‐ 32

118:14 ‐ 29 Revelation 1: 4 ‐ 8

St. John 20: 19  ‐ 31

vd; Mz;ltNu vd; flTNs

mg;Ngh 5: 27-32

jp.g 118: 14-29

jp. ntsp 1: 4-8

Nahthd; 20: 19-31

Zzudf.a ius`oqks udf.a

fojs`oqksZZ

ls%hd 5 ( 27-32

.S;dj,sh 118 ( 14-29

t<sorjS 1 ( 4-8

Y=oaOjQ fhdydka 20( 19-31

  14th April 2013 Third Sunday of Easter

It is the Lord Acts 9: 1 ‐ 6 30 Revelation 5: 11 ‐ 14

St. John 21: 1 ‐ 19

mJ Mz;lth;

mg;Ngh 9: 1-6

jp.g 30

jp. ntsp 5: 11-14

Nahthd; 21: 1-19

zzienjskau iajduSka-

jykafiahZZ

ls%hd 9 ( 1-6 .S;dj,sh 30

t<sorjS 5 ( 11-14

Y=oaOjQ fhdydka 21( 1-19

  21st April 2013 Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus the Good Shep‐

herd

Acts  9:  36  ‐ 43

23 Revelation 7: 9 ‐ 17

St. John 10: 22 – 30

ey;y Mad; ,NaR

mg;Ngh 9: 36-43

jp.g 23 jp. ntsp 7: 9-17

Nahthd; 10: 22-30

zzhym;a tf`vSrdKkajQ

fcaiq ius`odKkaZZ

ls%hd 9 ( 36-43

.S;dj,sh 23

t<sorjS 7 ( 9-17

Y=oaOjQ fhdydka 10( 22-30

  28th April 2013

Fifth Sun‐day of Easter

The New Creation – To Love one Another.

Acts  11:  1  ‐ 18

148 Revelation 21: 1 ‐ 6

St. John 13: 31 ‐ 35

Gjpa gilg;Gk; -

xUth; xUth; kP md;G $wy;

mg;Ngh 11: 1-18

jp.g 148 jp. ntsp 21: 1-6

Nahthd; 13: 31-35

zzkj uejs,a, - tlsfkldg fm%

au lrkakZZ

ls%hd 11 ( 1-18

.S;dj,sh 148

t<sorjS 21 ( 1-6

Y=oaOjQ fhdydka 13( 31-35

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

NEHEMIAH 5: 1 - 19 - v Engaging and dealing with and issues that concern our people is vital and an important part of leadership. Being in leadership does make it obligatory to always do the usual things but be pre-pared to make changes that are required at times that will help people (short and long term). Nehemiah gives us model to consider in dealing with issues (social and personal). Address the problem (seek the help of peo-ple as we look for remedies and involve people in implements decisions they are part of, encouraging people to own their decisions) Does the text offers principals for financial transactions between Christians and non Christians? I am sure it does! Read carefully and discover! Rev. Perry Brohier

Nehemiah 2: 11 – 20 - III The importance of accepting that there is a time for everything to done. The need for proper preparation often a sign of devotion to what we are doing together with a sense of integrity. Immerse yourself in the task your witness is bound to have to impact or challenge those around you. Trust in God, at all times. Self Examination What is it that really challenges you or prompts you to get involved or engage? How would you discover that you have in you what is required for the task? Why is really important to listen to those who oppose you for the work you do or obstruct the work you do? Nehemiah’s enemies failed to discourage him event as they leveled a charge of rebellion against him and it may worth be asking why they failed. Consider some of the attitudes of Nehe-miah. Is there anything that we would like to pick for ourselves? Make a note of it perhaps even meditate on the verse in which that is con-tained and pray for a similar attitude in our-selves and look for openings, spaces or ways to practice it or live it out in life. Rev. Perry Brohier

Nehemiah 4: 1 - 23 - IV Nehemiah is quality leadership in the highest caliber. It is so important not to get lost in words (often the case) learn from this God fearing person that he is always a pragmatic or practical person. In the face of discouragement, intimidation and fear in addition to have to manage the construction of the wall (work and people) his leadership is simply refreshing. His ability to encourage and motivate the people and evoke a sense of dedication and commitment speaks of his integrity in addi-tion to his zeal and passion/commitment to the task. Rev. Perry Brohier

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

During the last few weeks we have been having the attending the the reflective bible study that has been going on in the Chapel. The particpation, the leval of engagement and the dicussions have been very encouraging. Having completed five chapters we are now taking a short recess and it is hoped to recomence the series later. The next set of dates for the series are: 21st June, 28th June, 5th July, 12th July, 19th July, 26th July and 2nd August 2013.

Firstly let me tell you I am blessed with the study except I missed out one day in the whole series the Parish has missed out something special. I also want to encourage as many to come. I also thank God for all the hard work put into in preparing the stuff it is not easy doing a study and there is a lot more to learn. I have learnt a lot from this study. I only wish if this could continue with it for the benefit of everyone. Since I started attending these studies there have been a few changes in my life as well. I am also praying for an opening to go to Jerusalem to see it myself especially all the gates. - Priyan Amirthalingam This Bible study on Nehemiah gave great in-sight on the relevance of this book, as Fr. Perry drew parallels with today's world condition & situations we meet in our everyday lives, whereas previously we considered it as yet another OT story involving the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The analysis of the plots & subterfuge showed a striking resemblance to that in both the

political & corporate world of today - hence making the book even more relevant in to-day's context. Nehemiah's conduct in a hostile climate & his leadership in difficult circumstances have pro-vided a boost to all of us who are facing in-creasingly difficult situations in everyday life. This Bible Study has taught me the need to pray & trust God in all of life's situations, not to rush as God knows correct timing, to plan your actions and to be fair in all matters. This is one of the few bible studies I have at-tended without a break as I felt I would lose out by being absent. I would encourage greater participation in the next series - it would certainly mitigate the loss suffered by the non-participants. - Niru Fernando. I feel I have greatly benefited in following the Bible Study on Nehemiah and discover how relevant the incidents in the story are to things that happen in our life today. Although I have read Nehemiah many times, this never struck me. On more than one occasion in the Bible Study, incidents that happened earlier that day were similar to what we learnt in the evening. It showed me that incidents we face today are quite similar to that in the Old Testament times - around 2500 years ago.- Enoka Fernando.

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

When it was announced that for the period of Lent, the Bible Study was on the book of Ne-hemiah, I was just a little curious. Usually when Old Testament characters are studied the popular ones are: Samuel, Esther, Job, Isaiah etc. On attending these studies I found that Nehe-miah was a fascinating character brought to life very vividly by the Vicar. He initially started as a cup bearer to the King and rose to great heights and importance with tremendous re-sponsibilities in Jerusalem. There were a num-ber of lessons which we could learn from him. Example: How to convey bad news, not to lose one’s cool in difficult circumstances, manage people with different backgrounds and inter-ests and keep them together etc. There were many aspects of life in that period which bear a strange resemblance to the situation which we face in the present day and age. He also taught us that despite being a minority it was possible to earn respect. Sometimes, a bible study can be theoretical but the vicar interspaced many homespun stories to keep the interest alive. A striking example was his reference to a dying breed in our country that is the family physician or GP. This Doctor lady or gentleman became part of the family and commanded the respect and confidence of all its members. He or she had the time to discuss common ailments, suggest remedies, explain the likely causes and effects and win the confidence of the patient. Unfor-tunately, today most practioners are extremely busy and there are times when half the pre-scription is written out when the patient enters the door and a cursory examination is all the time that certain doctors have. Many such examples and stories kept the interest of the audience alive. The only regret was that after 5 consecutive studies the series had to be suspended and

hopefully would be resumed in a couple of months time. From the regularity with which most people were present, it was apparent that they had either cancelled or rescheduled other appointments which they had for a Fri-day evening.- Rajan Asirwatham The book of Nehemiah is one that has not caught my interest in the past. I can now see so much in Nehemiah's character which I had never seen before, how he dealt with the prob-lems and how they are so similar to conditions prevailing today, that I just wish we could carry on like this without a break. I feel that everyone who misses this even in the 2nd session will be missing a golden op-portunity. If you come once you will not miss the next. Everyone in the group is given the opportunity to read the Bible & express any opinion which is then discussed. So Don't fail to miss the 2nd session when it begins - Philine Pieris. I have never had the good fortune of joining any of the Bible Study sessions conducted in Church as they have most often been on Wednesday evenings which was never a possi-bility for me. The announcement that commencement of the study of the book of Nehemiah would be on Friday made me make a special effort. Now when I think back I feel that the session was specially commenced to enlighten me on this particular book that I was quite unfamiliar with. Fr. Perry commenced by saying that he viewed this book as a water-hole as it re-freshed him whenever he felt the need to be .

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

energized. It came to me at a time when I was having many questions in my head and I must admit that each session answered some of them and made me feel better at the end of each day. I was glad of the opportunity to be introduced to this dynamic personality called Nehemiah who was lead to undertake a difficult task with absolutely no resources but God’s guid-ance. The manner in which he approaches the task and gathers his resources to accom-plish his vision gives us inspiration to believe that with God’s guidance nothing is impossible. I look forward to the next stage.- Participant This Bible study is conducted to draw upon the relevance of the witness of Nehemiah for us living in the present times. It is also a portrayal of Christian leadership and witness from the Old Testament in a day and age and social order similar to our times. The Bible study was conducted initially as a Lesson and thereafter evolved into a partici-patory approach. The Second stage is expected to commence in late June and is anticipated that many in the congregation would benefit by this Bible study. – Participant Some thoughts about the Bible Study on Ne-hemiah: He is a prayerful man. What we lack is proper prayer which should include not only our needs, but the needs of others. Prayer

time should not only be confined to requests, but also to praise and thank God for the bless-ings. I personally think that prayer is a won-derful gift that God has given us. It is free of charge. Nehemiah got what he wanted by praying to God. God answered his prayers when he cried out for people and appealed to God. Not so much for himself. 2. I admire the leadership qualities he had. Unlike the modern day leaders, he was always with his people and looked after them. In today’s world the leaders are always trying to get the work done by the others and at the end they get the credit. In Nehemiah’s case he was with his people always. 3. God intended Nehe-miah to go to Judah, but he wanted him to first see the King to get further direction. The King had been instructed by God to assist Nehemiah in this. But Nehemiah wanted to make sure that his purpose was successful and he requested the King to give him neces-sary documents so that he could submit same to people in authority in Judah. This shows his straightforwardness and we could call him “smart” and a far thinker in his approach in handling God’s work.

Likewise we learnt that when we are called to do God’s work, we need to establish our posi-tion in Him. – Chintha Polgampola.

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Easter: Christ is Risen! The traditional Easter greeting is one that most of Christians are famil-iar with. Yet as we examine the deep theological implications behind this famous greeting we will soon come to realize the uncomfortable truth behind it all. The risen Christ leaves behind an empty tomb to remind us that God was not confined by the limitations of life in order to complete His work at Calvary. Similar we in the Church are called to be mindful of this message and affirm this message at every possible instance. What ap-pears to be is impossible to human being cannot be impossible to God. Therefore the people of God are called to be a people of hope living in the midst of so much hopelessness and despair. Let us offer to God all that we have given up on (mission situations, life situations, relationships etc) in order that His transforming power may be known and experienced by all. Rev. Perry Brohier W;a:dk jQ fhaiqiajykafia wmg wNsfhda.

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

By Manjula Dissanayake on March 28, 2013 Six years ago, in April 2007, I almost bid adieu to the world due to a car crash in Sri Lanka if not for the actions of two human beings: 1). a TAMIL good‐samaritan, Mr. Joseph, who cared enough to stop the vehicle to take me to the hospital, despite any external wounds, before I would have bled internally to death; 2). a MUSLIM surgeon, Dr. Ismail, who was at his duty at 6.30AM at Kegalle General Hospital (not at a private clinic) who performed a miracle of a surgery to save my life. If not for Mr. Joseph, who was concerned enough to rush me to the hospital despite his business trip to Colombo, and for Dr. Ismail, who performed a near perfect surgery to bring me back to life when I only had less than a pint of blood and fewer than 30 minutes of life left in me, I would not be writing this today. If either one of them stopped to think, ask, or be concerned about what my RACE or RELIG‐ION was, I would not have made it to this day.   This is just one example, but it RECONFIRMED my belief that we as humans are above our religion, race, or country. We need to develop tolerance and respect for others who have different values and beliefs. That is how we will progress as a nation, and also as humans. So my friends, whether we belong to Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, Burgher, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or Islam, we need to WAKE UP to look outside our bubble to realize that our country, Sri Lanka, CANNOT afford another blood‐bath or a war! We need to STOP playing into the hands of extreme elements and their bigotry ideologies from any religion or race, and THINK for a moment about the consequences of our actions before we take up that poster, pen, or weapon against our own human‐ity. Before you step out of the house to protest against another race or religion, pause for a minute to look around 

you and remember your friends (or family) from other relig‐ions and races with whom you grew up with, went to school with, shared a meal with, or simply played cricket with in the back‐yard. Think on your feet and try to put yourself in the other person's shoes for a second. If you are frustrated, scared, and worried about deprivation, marginalization, oppression, or losing your freedom, let's use the same en‐ergy to send the message to the ones those are in power, those "leaders" who have played with our lives and the future for 65 years since independence.  Our country cannot afford another blood‐bath, we need to THINK before we ACT and follow the lessons our religions (whichever it is) have taught us. No religion advocates vio‐lence and hatred as means for peace. So why use same means in the name of those religions and leaders who preached otherwise? We, as humans, have a very long way to go. We need to realize that we are more than just one race or one religion. We are even more than just one coun‐try. We are HUMAN beings. We are world citizens. So let's act like them too!   Let us show the world that we are not just an island with 20 million people who cannot find a way to live with each other in harmony, but we are an example of how diverse races, religions, and casts could co‐exist in peace and prosperity. Let us stop preaching and boasting about the beauty, growth, and history of our country and start acting to pre‐serve what we have first!   There will be no use of HISTORY, if there is no FUTURE for us (and for our children) to live! 

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

Wish from the

Youth Fellowship

Page 14

In the month of March; Pope Francis pas-sionately pledged to serve “the poorest, the weakest, the least important" and said - “I would like to ask all those who have posi-tions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of

good will: let us be protectors of creation, protec-tors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protec-tors of one an-other and of

the environment.” and Archbishop Justin Welby said "I am sent as archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ and with you to worship and love him with heart and soul, mind and strength......The present challenges of environment and economy, of human develop-ment and global poverty, can only be faced with ex-traordinary Christ-liberated courage."

Daily Mirror Editorial: Cling to the Old Rugged Cross

Friday, March 29, 2013

Today the world commemorates Good Friday, the day Jesus

Christ was brutally killed on a Cross and inspired a movement

that has lasted two thousand years and continues to touch the

lives of more than two billion people directly and the whole of

humanity in one way or another.

We need to ask how one person could have so much impact

on the world and what we could learn from Him for today’s

modern world, concerning living, concerning leadership and

concerning the inspiration and motivation of others.

The most important factor that stands out in His life and lead-

ership style is His sincerity and commitment to do the small

things of life in a just and right way. He meant what He said

and said what He meant. He walked the talk, lived what he

preached and advised others. He was focused more on God

and the needs of others than on Himself and His own self-

image. People who came close to Him could actually trust Him

and believe in Him because of this simple but powerful quality

in His life.

This is in sharp contrast to the leadership style seen in the

world of today. We are confronted the world over by leaders

who preach religious principles to people but they themselves

do not practise these precepts. We also see men and women

who preach factional, self-centred political philosophy as

religion. This has caused great divisions and communal and

religious conflicts that divide nations and the world.

We all need to realise the urgent need to do the little things

right, in our personal lives, in our family life, professional life,

social and political life and civic duties. It is only then that we

could rebuild the crumbling and rotting foundation of our

society. The rot is hidden beneath a barrage of sickening

propaganda and lies. This is the only way we could offer a

hope for our children and the future generations.

If the solution is so simple why isn’t everyone doing it? The

truth is that those who try to do the simple things right within

themselves and in society will be crucified like Christ was two

thousand years ago. First our very self-indulgent nature used

to addictions and wrong living would rise up against us and

wage a mighty battle.

Secondly those who benefit in society by wrong living and

selfishness will be threatened and perceive those who think

and live differently from them as a threat that needs to be

annihilated for their own security and self-interest.

Let us heed the cry of Jesus today when He told his disciples,

“If anyone wants to follow Me, let him carry his cross daily”.

When we pick up the courage to do the right thing and live

right, initially it is a suffering, an inconvenience and a threat.

Therefore let us make the choice of being one brightly burning

candle in the darkness of a selfish world rather than one of the

multitudes that live in and curse the darkness.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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REGULAR SERVICES AND PROGRAMMES

Weekday Services - 7:00 a.m Wednesday - 12:00 noon Sunday Services - 7:30 a.m Sung Mass-English 9:00 a.m Sung Mass-Sinhala 10:30a.m Sung Mass-Tamil 12:00 noon Said Mass-English 2nd Sunday - 6:00 p.m Evensong 4th Sunday - 8:00 a.m Combined Family Mass-E/S/T 4th Sunday - 5:30 p.m.Songs of Praises

jpdrhp fhiy 7-00 kzp ghp. ew;fUiz topghL

khjj;jpd; 1k;> 2k;> 3k; QhapW NjhWk; fhiy 10.30 kzp ghp ew;fUiz topghLk;

mUSiuAk;.

khjj;jpd; 4k; QhapW fhiy 8.00 kzpf;F Kk;nkhop ghp.

ew;fUiz topghLk; mUSiuAk;.

khiy 5.00 kzpf;F Kk;nkhop> Jjp> ];Njhj;jpu

i;sfha osk - WoEik 7g nodod oyj,a 12g breosk - WoEik 7-30g Y= iyNd.slu-bx.%sis niska WoEik 9-00g Y= iyNd.slu-isxy, niska WoEik 10-30g Y= iyNd.slu-ous< niska oyj,a 12-00g Y= iyNd.slu-bx.%sis niska 2jk breosk - iji mqcdj m j 6-00g 4jk breosk - WoEik 8-00g Y= iyNd.slu-ff;%NdIsl

REGULAR SERVICES AND PROGRAMMES

nhsn,a wOHhkh- isxy, niska w.yrejdod iji 5-30g Bible Study - in English Wednesday at 5:30 p.m tpahod; NjhWk; khiy 6.00 kzpf;F Ntj gbg

breosk mdie, - iEu breosklu 11 30g meje;afú Sunday School – Sundays 11.30am .S;sld mqyqKqúu - iEu breosklu WoEik mqcdfjka miq meje;afú. uú iñ;sfha /iaúsu -(isxy,) ieu uilu m,uqjk breosk WoEik

mqcdfjka miq meje;afú.

khjj;jpd; 1k; QhapW jha;khh; rq;fKk;> thypgh; rq;fKk;

fhiy 10.30 Muhjidapd; gpd;G $Lth;.

Mothers Union (English) - Meetings Every 3rd Monday of the month at 5.30pm at the Matthew Hall. Adult Fellowship Programme every Poya at 6:00 p.m in the Matthew Hall & Monthly meetings– every 2nd Sun-day of the month after service in the Matthew Hall

The Church of Parish Secretary/Clerk

St.Michael & All Angels-Polwatte Mrs.Pauline Peiris 139, St. Michaels Road Colombo 3 Mr. Russel Kelaart Tel : 94 11 2343471,or 5666566 E- mail:polwattemichael@yahoo.com

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