Men's Guild
The origin of the St. Luke’s Church Men’s Guild can be traced to almost 30 years. In 1992 the parish priest Ven. Chrishantha Mendis and few members such as Clifford Rodrigo, Ralf Pereira, Roy Fernando, Nihal Fernando, OHS Perera, M Dias, Shani Perera, Sunil Fernando, F. Paranavithana and a few other started an organization for men named as the Men’s Fellowship. In 2017 the Men’s Fellowship was renamed as the St. Luke’s Church Men’s Guild under the Guidance of Fr. Niroshan de Mel and a few Members such as Adrian Pereira and others. From the inception of the SMG with God’s Blessings all members have worked together to achieve many things to glorify and praise God.
Further, the SMG has been 100% transparent in all financial matters, since its inception a prudent financial accounting system has been maintained and a P&L and BS have been done annually and publish at the SMG AGM and the Church Annual Reports. All funds contributed and collected has only been used for Charitable purposes and Bible study expenses and not been used for any welfare benefits of its members or individually.
With God’s Blessings we can humbly state that God has provided the SMG abundantly to carry out all its objectives it was incorporated to do.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Mission and Purpose of SMG
Mission
To contribute to the progress of St. Luke’s Church Borella (the “Church”), its parishioners and society, cater to their spiritual and material development in order to serve God in all aspects of Anglican way of life which will be aligned to that of the Church of Ceylon
Objectives
- To promote and encourage the participation and nurturing of men’s leadership in the life of the Church and family.
- To proclaim the kingdom of God as manifested by Jesus Christ, by:
- Encouraging the participation and nurturing membership.
- Encourage Bible studies and faith sharing.
- Practicing stewardship.
- Doing visitations, seeking out the sick and practicing the ministry of healing.
- Being involved in the affairs of the Church, community and environment.
- Promoting fellowship amongst the people and emulating Christ in our daily lives.
Pledge
" We members of St Luke’s Men’s Guild, united in prayer and brotherhood in Christ, with God’s Grace shall toil and labour with love and tolerance for the betterment of God’s house."
Functions of the SMG
The functions of the SMG include the following:
- To offer “relevant support”, where possible to other Church groups.
- To apportion as much as possible SMG financial resources for the upkeep of the Church.
- To participate in all activities of the Church as much as possible or as requested by the Vicar.
- To promote the spirit of Brotherhood with other Members of our Parish / Community e.g. Rallying around each other in times of need, sickness or death.
- To invite selected guests or groups to give talks or demonstrations on the social aspects of our lives
- To actively participate in the physical maintenance of the church.
- To help those in need of help to abstain from and overcome all forms of social evils.
Election of Members to the SMG
ExCo Members for the year 2023/2024
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Asst. Secretary:
Asst. Treasurer:
Committee members:
Person
ADVISORS appointed by the EXCO to the committee were Person 1 .
SMG Key Activities
From 2017/2018
On the request of Fr. Niroshan the SMG made a special contribution of Rs. 15,000 towards refreshments at Connect
Father's Day (18th June 2017)
Father’s Day was celebrated on the 18th of June 2017, where the Men’s Guild played an active part and was able to make an offertory of dry rations to the Church.
Eye Camp (2nd July 2017)
This project was organized by the St. Luke’s Men’s Guild and the Lions Club of Modara – Mattakkuliya and Lions Club of Mahabage PIP Mahendra Amarasuriya . We wish to thank Manoj Rajendran as the Project Chairman in initiating this project as we had a very good participation of more than 110 parishioners. Some of whom even did not know that their eyesight was very weak, and a few others were directed to the Lions Eye Hospital for Cataract Surgery which will be done free of charge. Brother Susil with the SMG contact was able to get the Lions Club to conduct a very successful an Eye Camp at the Welikada Prison.
Confirmation Gifts for Children of St. Luke's (30th July 2017)
The SMG was able to organize gifts for 18 Confirmation candidates which was distributed by our Bishop Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj R Canagasabey.
Sing Along with Ronnie and Stars of St. Luke's (9th September 2017)
The “Sing along” with Ronnie and the Stars of St. Luke’s was an opportunity given to us by God, to gather as one family of St. Luke’s. It was truly a miracle how God had worked in all of us to bring out the unity, support, commitment and generosity and talents shown by each one at St. Luke’s. This event proved beyond doubt that faith in God, unity and team-work can achieve wonders. This event brought together members of the band from different groups of the Church, the charming ladies of our Mothers’ Union, the Choirs, the Worship teams, both YF’s English and Sinhala, Sunday school children, the Multimedia team, the Wardens and the Church office staff. Special appreciation to Ronnie for giving us a considerable discount to host the occasion. Further, we were able to get generous sponsorships from our St. Luke’s parishioners who offered more than what we requested without hesitation and all advertisers from all communities for placing advertisements in our souvenir. All proceeds from this event has been accounted for and will be used exclusively for charity towards the upliftment of the needy and children
Donation of wall fans and changeover switch (9th September 2017)
The SMG made a donation of 4 wall fans and a changeover switch for a generator to the parish Hall. Incurring a total cost of Rs. 50,042.95
Harvest festival (24th September 2017)
The SMG had a stall at the Harvest festival in which dry rations and spices were sold realizing a sum of Rs. 39,880.00.
Bible Studies
- Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Conducted by Dr. Kumar Abraham on 26 th July 2017 at the residence of Nishantha Fernando followed by Fellowship and Dinner.
- Bible Study on the Topic “Anger” conducted by Dr. Suresh Yogasundram on 18th October 2017 at the residence of Nihal Rodrigo followed by Fellowship and Dinner.
- Bible Study on “Understanding the Mission of God and becoming witnesses of God’s Kingdom” by Revd. Fr. Niroshan de Mel on 22nd of November at the Church Parish hall with over 60 people attending followed by fellowship and Dinner.
- Bible Study “Eternal Rewards” by Dhanan Senathiraja on 24TH January 2018 at the Church Parish Hall with over 68 people attending followed by fellowship and Dinner.
From 2018/2019
Bible Studies
- "The Book of Philemon" conducted by Ven. Chrisantha Mendis on 23rd May 2018.
- "When Jesus ignores our prayers" conducted by Rev. Rohitha De Silva on 25th July 2018.
- "Meaningfully adhering to the prayer book" conducted by Rev. Desmond Gunasekera on 22nd August 2018.
- "What the Bible has to say about Homosexuality " conducted by Dr. Ivor Poobalan on 26th September 2018.
- "The Family" conducted by Rev. Wilson Gnanadas on 24th October 2018.
- "Importance & Preparation prior to going to church on Sunday" conducted by Rev. Melvin De Silva 28th November 2018
- "Having faith in difficult times" conducted by Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo on 19th February 2019
SMG visit to St. Stephen’s Chapel Vavuniya for evaluation of Water Purification project (17th – 18th October 2018)
Revd. Niroshan together with Adrian, Gihan, Suvendra and Grandville visited The Holy Spirt Church in Vavuniya and St. Stephen’s Chapel in Archipuram to evaluate a water purification project for which the SMG was planning to fund. After getting firsthand information of the “Well” which required further digging, a sample of water collected from the well was brought for testing purposes to Colombo. We obtained water quality reports which indicated that it was not required to be purified and a normal filter will be enough for drinking purposes.
The Consecration of St. Luke’s church, Dharmapuram in Vavuniya (18th October 2018)
The Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey was present to decommission the old church and consecrate the new church. Revd. Niroshan together with Adrian, Gihan, Suvendra and Grandville represented St. Luke’s Church, Borella.
The SMG Annual Trip (20th November 2018)
The SMG members together with their families went for a day trip to Winsgreat, Pilyandala on 20th November 2018. There were in total 75 people. The day was full of fun and fellowship where members and their families had time to get to know each other and participate in a lot of team building activities. The highlight was the 15 over Cricket match and bursting of the Balloon competition. While the total cost was Rs. 113,600.00 , most SMG members paid for their cost of Rs. 66,440.00 and the SMG contributed the balance of Rs.47,160.00 for the others.
A Crib at St. Luke’s Church for Christmas done by the SMG
The message of Christmas was more meaningful with the SMG putting up a crib to remind all of us that the rich and the poor and the powerful and powerless, represented by the Three Kings and the shepherds respectively, unite for the same purpose before Jesus.
SMG Annual Charity Project (10th February 2019)
We experienced a miracle …
The Men’s Guild was able to do an outreach programme for over 500 people at St. Matthias Church Hiriyala, belonging to the Kurunegala Diocese and one of our senior parishioner’s Upul de Silva is the person who first identified that such a programme was required for this parish. We wish to thank Fr. Niroshan for making the preliminary arrangements with the Hiriyala church, and Bro. Susil for joining us in going to Hiriyala , all those 14 people who donated cash, 8 individuals who donated items and an electric organ , Hemas Hospital’s for doing the RBS and Creatinine tests free of charge, Doctor Sahan and Doctor Udenika for the tremendous effort and the teachers & children of our Sunday school for doing an excellent programme and St. Michael’s Church for giving some gifts for the Sunday school. A big thank you to the wives and families of the SMG members who sacrificed their time for the programme. All St. Luke’s parishioners for their prayers, support and trust in the SMG. A big thank you to Jerald and Gayan for getting Hemas Hospital’s to do RBS and Creatinine Test Free of Charge. A special thank you to all SMG members for doing such a wonderful job in making this programme possible.
What we did at St. Matthias Church
•Medical examination & Kidney (creatinine), blood sugar, pressure test & medicines for over 200 people
•Free reading spectacles for 200 people
•Sunday school programme for 100 children
•Gifting of DSI shoes and socks for 100 children
•Books and stationery for 100 children
•Providing refreshments for over 500 people
•Donation of an electric organ, stand & power pack to the church
•Donation of storage cupboard & toys for Sunday school
HIRIYALA PROGRAMME FINANCIALS
Total Programme value Rs. 490,126.53
Total Cash donations Rs. 284,126.65
Total Expenditure Rs. 291,830.53
TOTAL ITEM DONATIONS
Blood Sugar test and creatinine test from Hemas Hospitals Rs. 196,000.00
Storage cupboard Rs. 15,570.00
Medicines Donation
Electric organ Donation
Gifts from St. Michael's church col 03 Donation
Breakfast sponsorship Donation
Soft drinks for 500 people Donation
Sunday school treat Donation
19L water bottles Donation -
Donations made by the SMG during The Year (Excluding SMG Projects and Bible Studies)
| Event/Item | Date | Amount |
| The world needs a Father programme | 06th to 08th July 2018 | Rs. 17,500.00 |
| Grass Cutting Machine | 19th August 2018 | Rs. 13,500.00 |
| School Fees for a priest child | 19th August 2018 | Rs. 26,400.00 |
| Church organ cover | 19th August 2018 | Rs. 7,500.00 |
| The School for the Deaf Rathmalana Christmas Party for Children | 19th September 2018 | Rs. 25,000.00 |
| Christmas Gifts for children at St. Stephen’s Church, Vavuniya | 22nd October 2018 | Rs. 10,000.00 |
| Donation of transport charges to transport furniture to Hiriyala |
| Rs. 8,000.00 |
From 2019/2020
Bible Studies
Despite the Easter bombings, the SMG in keeping with its objective of encouraging Bible Studies and faith sharing, organized several Bible studies during the year. We were able to get some of the best preachers and gain a lot in building faith and better understanding of the Holy Bible. The participation has grown over the last few months with an average of about 100 people from our parish including women and children. The SMG was also able to bear the total cost incurred in conducting these Bible studies and for the meal we share after the study to further build fellowship. Total cost borne by the SMG during the year has been Rs. 117,400.00. We also thank all those who participated, people who made substantial donations for this purpose after each Bible study to our collection box. We hope to continue with this important endeavor and further build participation.
• "Why the Bible is important for a Christian" conducted by Rt. Rev. Dulip de Chikera on 24th July 2019
• "Anger" conducted by Dr. Suresh Somasundaram by 23 Oct 2019
• "The Church and Family" conducted by Fr. Charles on the 27th November 2019
• "How to strengthen family life" conducted by Ven. Chrishantha Mendis on 22nd Jan 2020
• "A second chance" conducted by Mr. Noel Berman on the 19th Feb 2020
St. Luke's Men's Guild AGM
On the 2nd of June 2019 a special service was held together with St. Luke’s Home as they also celebrated their anniversary on that same day. The SMG was also able to donate to our Church a Chalice which according to Fr. Niroshan was a pressing need specially during important church dates and combined services. A special blessing took place followed by lunch for all SMG members and their families. The cost for this purpose was borne by EXCO members donations.
SMG workshop
For the first time on the 3rd of August 2019 we were able to organize a workshop moderated by Mr. Dhanan Senathirajah for all SMG members with a theme “SMG Future Path To Serve God” . We had a very good participation of 40 members at this workshop and hope to continue this on an annual basis to encourage and develop membership to serve God.
Tree Planting Campaign
This Project was proposed by Dr. Kumar Abraham and seconded by Rev. Niroshan de Mel at the Diocesan Council 2017 to plant 20,000 trees. This was held on the 14th of September 2019. Several of our SMG members participated on the request of Dr. Kumar Abraham. The EXCO appreciates the assistance given by Nuwan Jayawickrama in getting several Airforce Officers to organize parking & other matters.
Harvest Festival on the 29th September 2019
The SMG had a stall at the Harvest festival in which dry rations and spices were sold. The SMG was able to generate a sum of Rs. 60,000.00 and was pleased to donate this money to the Church.
Christmas Cards and Crib
The SMG posted Christmas cards to all parishioners for which we received a positive response. Further, the SMG took the initiative to put up the Crib on top of the Church portico for better visibility of the people who pass by the Church.
The Bring and Buy Garage Sale and Fundraiser
The SMG for the first time was able to organize a Bring and Buy Garage Sale on the 16th of February to raise additional funds for our Annual Charity project at Deniyaya. Total income from the sale was Rs. 345,162.00.
We whole heartedly praise God for all the blessings and guidance which made this event a success. We also thank the Mothers Union, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, and others for helping us with the Break Fast, Stalls etc and their enthusiasm to participate in order to help us make it successful. The income and participation exceeded our expectations while we had 7 stalls in total namely Dry Rations, Fruits and Vegetables, Home Items, Clothes stall, Food stall, Ice Coffee and Kolakanda Stall and Electronic item stall. The teamwork and sacrifice of the SMG members was commendable and we also thank Ven. Chrishantha Mendis for his untiring support and encouragement.
Pre-Visit to St. Luke's Deniyaya for SMG Annual Charity Project
The EXCO did a pre-visit to St.Luke’s Deniyaya on the 22nd of February 2020 in order to plan our annual charity project. We thank Ven. Christantha Mendis for taking the initiative to organize our visit while several EXCO members and some of their spouses joined to make it a success. Accordingly , we were able to gather information that, St. Luke’s Church Deniyaya has a Sunday school of about 80 Children. The Church also has a burial plot of land with its perimeters unsecured and needed financial assistance. We also came to understand that many of the parishioners needed medical and financial assistance. However, due to the prevailing situation of Covid we could not proceed with the project on the 29th of March 2020 and hope that it can be done in the future.
Donations made by the SMG during the year (Excluding SMG projects and Bible Studies)
| Event/Item | Amount |
| Church Chalice Purchase 28th May 2019 | Rs. 14,500.00
|
| Deaf and Blind School 2nd December 2019 | Rs. 25,000.00
|
| Teacher’s Salary 26th November 2019 | Rs. 10,000.00
|
| Total | Rs. 49,500.00
|
From 2020/2021
Bible Studies
We were very fortunate to get the Most Revd. Keerthisiri Fernando (Bishop of Kurunegala) despite his busy schedule for our Bible Study on 23rd of October 2020, His topic was “Celebrating Creation” We were also given an idea on the different activities carried out by the Kurunegala diocese. The participation was very positive of about 130 parishioners.
We were very fortunate to get Fr. Adrian Aron despite his busy schedule for our Bible Study on 24th of February 2022, His topic was “Where is God” The participation was very positive with about 80 parishioners attending the Bible Study.
SMG charitable Projects
| Event/Item | Amount |
| I.CONSTRUCTION OF ST. THOMAS CHURCH ARANAYAKE On the request ofThe Most Revd. Keerthisiri Fernando (Bishop of Kurunegala), a donation was made by the SMG with an additional donation by a SMG member to construct the Church St.Thomas Church Aranayake was consecrated byThe Most Revd. Keerthisiri Fernando and The Most Revd.Dushantha Rodrigo on the day of Epiphany on the 6th of January 2021. (attached pictures) | Rs. 3,000,000.00
|
| II.DONATION TO A ST. LUKE’S PARISHIONER
On the Request of Ven. Chrishantha Mendis we were able to help a very deserving family from our congregation to save their house from being taken due to the inability to pay their loan taken on their house.
A few SMG members together with a parishioner was able to pay and settle the full loan. | Rs. 1,250,000.00 |
|
III.DONATION TO CHRIST CHURCH HAMBANTOTA
On the request of Ven. John Marshall and the advice of Ven. Chrishantha Mendis the SMG was able to donate roof sheets for a Sunday school of Christ Church Hambantota . | Rs. 210,000.00
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IV.DONATION TO PURCHASE A MOTOR CYCLE.
On the request of the Diocese of Kurunagala a donation was made to purchase a motor cycle to be used for missionary work in the Hiriyala area. | Rs. 75,000.00 |
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V.DONATION TO A CHILD WHO HAD MET WITH A CRITICAL ACCIDENT.
A donation was made by a SMG member to save the montaged house and pay legal fees to fight an insurance claim of a child who had met with a critical accident and who’s leg was amputated. During the period of treatment at the Lady Ridgeway the father of the child stayed at St. Luke’s Care. | Rs. 225,000.00 |
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VI.DONATION TO PURCHASE BOOKS AND SHOES. A Christmas donation was made by a SMG member to purchase books and shoes for Children atSt. Matthias Church. |
100,000.00 |
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VII. DONATION OF DRY RATIONS
Dry rations are being donated to a family suffering from critical illnesses and are not in a position to provide themselves a meal. On the advice of Ven. Chrishantha Mendis the Samaritan box is being kept at the back of the Church for this purpose.(attached pictures)
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| Total | Rs. 4,860,000.00 |
The SMG on the request of Ven. C Mendis was able to make a significant contribution of 15 Oxi Meters and 10 thermometers costing Rs. 217,455 out of the SMG fund
From 2022/2023
Bible Studies
We were very happy to start 2023 with Fr. Lakshman Daniel conducting the 1st Bible Study on 19th of February 2023, His topic was from the book of Amos. The participation was very positive with about 80 parishioners attending the Bible Study.
Sick Visitations
Several SMG and Non-SMG members who were ailing were visited during the year.
Family Outing
We were very happy that after a lapse of several years the SMG was able to have an outing with its members and their families to windsgrate Piliyandala. Over 70 people including children participated and the day was filled with some fun activities including a cricket tournament and musical chairs and a sing song. We are also happy that all funds for this purpose were collected from members, and the SMG did not bear any cost for this purpose.
Special thanksgiving service for our Vicar Ven. C Mendis
As many of you may be aware Ven. C Mendis was one of the Founding Members of the Mens Fellowship way back in 1992 and his contribution not only to our Church but also to the entire Diocese has been a blessing from God and the SMG with the support of all parishioners and all church organizations were able to have a special thanksgiving service with participation of our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo on the 7th of December 2022 . This service was very special as we were able to thank and praise God for the life and service of Ven. C Mendis and invite several clergy and some family members of Ven. C Mendis in the midst of about 250 parishioners.
This service was even more joyful as we were able to take a parish photograph with the Bishop Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo , Rt. Rev. Kirthi Sri Fernando, Rt. Rev. Kenneth Fernando and many other clergy from various parts of the country and we look forward to having the parish photograph displayed in our parish for everyone to see and thank God for opportunity to come together as one family.
The thanks giving service was concluded with a lunch hosted by the Church for the outgoing priest Ven. C Mendis and Fr. Srisara Mohotti.
Carol Service Dinner
The SMG was able to find a very generous sponsor and was able to organize a hopper meal for over 300 parishioners who participated at the Carol service. The SMG members worked tirelessly to organize and make this a success.