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Silverton House Project – February 2025 update

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UKGA Newsletter

Silverton House Project

February 2025 update

First building purchase

Thank God, after many years of searching for a location for a new General Assembly of the United Kingdom (UKGA) headquarters, an unused church building in the Longbenton area of North Tyneside, a neighbouring borough of Newcastle, was bought in 2015.

However, uncovered issues and constant setbacks meant that the building was later found to be incompatible for the church’s purposes. The property was eventually sold to a developer in April 2024 for a healthy profit, which more than covered the church losses.

When one door closes, God opens another

During this time, a Newcastle church member saw that Silverton House in Cramlington was on the market and notified the Newcastle Building Team.

Silverton House occupies the largest plot in Northumberland Business Park on the edge of Cramlington, a town 20 minutes’ drive north of Newcastle. It is a 3-storey unused open-plan office building, with a total floor area of 25,500 square feet, surrounded by ample parking and smaller detached office buildings and opposite potential residential developments. It had been on the market for 10 years but had no buyers or occupants since its construction due to its size and the high cost of the rateable value (which the church is exempt from paying).

With God’s guidance, UKGA purchased Silverton House on 25 May 2023 for £2.3 million.

Building God’s house together

Thank God, the UKGA building committee and the Newcastle building team have been working closely together to renovate Silverton House.

  • UKGA building committee:  Dn Michael Parrett, Dn Ezra Chong, Dn Nathan Tang, Dn Nahum Ho, Br George Ho, and Br James Lai.
  • Newcastle building team: Br Alvin Leung, Br David Leung, Br Michael Ho, Br Jason Liu, Br Nicholas Chu, Br Ashley Tang, Br Andy Shek, and Sis Angela Cheung.

Newcastle church board established the Newcastle building team who are all local members with a range of skills, knowledge and experience in managing similar large-scale projects.

There are various meetings to make sure everything runs smoothly:

  • Monthly design team meetings with consultants for progress reporting and reviewing planning issues (i.e. power supply upgrade, staircases design
  • coordination and enabling works)
  • Joint UKGA and Newcastle building team meetings (progress update and approval of enabling works)
  • Commercial Team meetings (procurement and progress)

Newcastle church will hold members’ meetings to report on progress and to give local members the opportunity to share their views, concerns and suggestions. 

The work begins

The first major work on Silverton House was the solar panel installation, which was completed in December 2024. Structural changes have now started on the future kitchen area, the installation of a new rear internalised staircase and two additional internal fire escape staircases, the flooring and the washroom areas. The underfloors and column voids have been cleaned for installing compliant firestopping and sections of floors and walls have been removed to accommodate the new staircases.

Next steps are the tendering and placing orders for staircase works for and respective lighting and audio-visual consultants, working with furniture consultants on the design concept of the chapel pulpit, and identifying an additional three members chosen from the Newcastle building team to supplement the current project management team who can help with various tasks and improve communication with the Newcastle building team and Newcastle church directive board.

The detailed technical design layout presentation by the architect and project team was presented to Newcastle church directive board on 16 February 2025. It will soon be presented to the UKGA board for approval and sign-off. 

Let us keep the renovations in our prayers so that all the work will go smoothly and that God will give wisdom and strength to everyone involved.

Future hopes and celebrations

The year of 2026 will mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the True Jesus Church in Newcastle. Not only is 2026 the projected year for the completion and dedication of Silverton House as the new UKGA building, but it coincides with the celebration of the first UK church building dedication, which was Newcastle church’s first building dedication in 1976. God’s wonderful grace, timing and blessings have come full circle!

Silverton House is an important spiritual development. As the national UKGA headquarters, it secures the future of the True Jesus Church in the North-East as well as the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and it will become a vital and much-needed second permanent place of worship in the Newcastle area. 

As a new church location, more workers are needed to take on new roles and responsibilities. Newcastle church board have started addressing this issue by expanding their local church board numbers and training more local workers in various roles, in readiness for the seamless occupation of the new church building.

Cramlington will also be a new and exciting pioneering area to save more souls. May God stir up the hearts of the local members to labour for Him and to preach the gospel. Amen.

Freewill offerings

UKGA has agreed the renovation budget and has started raising funds for Silverton House.

If you would like to offer to the Silverton House Project, please contact your local church’s financial affairs officer and clearly state your offering is for Silverton House.

May God bless you for your contribution, no matter how great or small it may be.

Address of Silverton House:

Silverton House, Silverton Court, Northumberland Business Park, Cramlington NE23 7RY

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Cambridge

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By God’s grace, the congregation of forty-three members in Cambridge, half of whom comprise RE students, has experienced changes in pastoral infrastructure, evangelism approach and our physical building.

In 2023, we refreshed our fellowship sessions, encouraging greater engagement and attendance. New initiatives include Mandarin fellowship, Manna class, workshops for parents and workers, and testimony sharing. To enhance sermon clarity, we introduced an anonymous feedback form. We are currently training four new sermonisers.

A heart-warming highlight in recent years was the return of two of our four lost sheep. One was a brother working in catering, who was encouraged to take time off to attend Sabbath services, despite having a non-believing employer. After returning to church for several months, he received the Holy Spirit; truly an uplifting testimony for our congregation.

To hold onto our youth and nurture their faith, we’ve included more fellowships and outings. We’re giving the youths more responsibilities, such as handling audio-visual equipment, leading hymnal and saying grace, fostering a sense of duty and belonging. We launched a weekly Junior Youth Fellowship for all RE students, allowing parents to focus on the adult fellowship while strengthening student-teacher bonds.

Inspired by Jesus’ ministry of connecting with non-believers through shared meals and personal interaction, we’ve shifted our evangelism focus towards personal outreach and building relationships. We invite friends to regular gospel tea meetings in members’ homes, mirroring Jesus’ approach of dining with sinners and engaging with social outcasts. Follow-up involves Bible studies, weekday meals and serving truth-seekers through practical support, such as providing food, interpreting and helping with daily challenges. Since 2023, God has moved over 15 truth seekers each year to join our gospel tea meetings or attend services.

Since 2019, we’ve worshipped in a former Methodist chapel, in the village of Dry Drayton, five miles northwest of Cambridge. Built in 1866, this building– though charming–is 825 sq ft, seating a maximum of fifty. Our chapel is stretched when visitors join our services and we are required to hire the local school’s car park and hall. We desperately need parking, a larger chapel, additional classrooms, proper toilet facilities, a working kitchen and accommodation for visiting ministers. In 2023, despite strong opposition from the Parish Council, thank God, we secured planning permission for much-needed expansion.

A financial hurdle now awaits. Though we have just eighteen working adults, we raised £260,000. Yet, we face a potential shortfall of £340,000 to create the welcoming, functional space we envision for worship and fellowship.

Though Cambridge is small, we strive to proactively fulfil the dual call to propagate the Gospel and nurture our flock. Our building project requires the support of our local and UK family. As Paul exhorts, the abundance of one may supply the lack of another (2 Cor 8:14). We trust that God, who provides the seed to the sower, will also increase the fruit of our righteousness (2 Cor 9:10). May the Lord stir hearts, near and far, to remember this project and contribute as they are able.

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Sunderland

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UKGA Newsletter: 2025 Special Edition–Sunderland Church

Sunderland church hosted the 8th National Minister and Worker Spiritual Cultivation Seminar on 9-12 June 2024. This involved lessons delivered by speakers including Preacher Steven, Elder MY Chao and Brother Eugene Tang. They covered topics on “The Twelve Apostles whom Jesus has Chosen”, “The Priestly and Levitical order” and “Amnesia, Dementia and Church Support”.

On 7-9 July Sunderland church held its annual Spiritual Convocation on the theme, “He Who Plants and He Who Waters”. Preacher Raymond and Preacher Nissi led services to encourage the members that it is God who gives the ultimate increase. During this event we also held an evangelistic service to encourage truth seekers and members to bring their burdens to God.

Then on 28 July-3 August we held the college youth class (CYC) of the National Student Spiritual Convocation (NSSC). Students engaged in lessons taught by Preacher
Michael, Preacher Daniel and Preacher Nissi. The theme of the NSSC was “The Breastplate of Righteousness”.

Thank God that on 25-27 September Sunderland church also hosted the Preachers’ Spiritual Cultivation Retreat.

On 17-19 November we held the UKGA Board Meeting and Church Delegate Conference. UKGA board members and church delegates led this event.

Thank the Lord that towards the end of the year we also had a Winter Youth Fellowship held on 28-29 December. The Sunderland youths had fellowships and activities together so that they could learn how to grow together in love and in truth. The theme of this was “Love in Deed and in Truth”.

Thank God that on 29 December we held our End of Year thanksgiving service where church members, regardless of age, sang hymns to praise God. We reflected on our faith in the past year and thanked God for guiding us despite the trials and tribulations that we may have faced, leading us to strive and become spiritually stronger and to grow in our faith!

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Portsmouth

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Portsmouth Church news 

We thank God for His guidance and protection throughout 2024. Although we faced many challenges and changes, we have experienced God’s abidance and love in His church.

In 2024, we gathered together in fellowship with God during our spiritual and evangelistic convocations in April and October, and on our September church outing when we were blessed with good weather and company.

In November 2024, we held a special RE service with students, their parents, and teachers on the topic of ‘Family Altar’ led by a preacher. We were encouraged to establish our own family altar at home in our daily worship of God, to build up our faith and relationship with God, and to have meaningful fellowship with our own family members while imparting the Lord’s teachings to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).

In the past year, a few Portsmouth members have relocated to live in elsewhere. While this has decreased the number of members participating in the local church work, we know that where we may be lacking, God will lead to ensure that His work will be completed. As long as we have the obedience and faith to trust in God’s guidance, we need not be at a loss over how the work of God’s church will be accomplished. 

Although we may feel alone like Elijah in carrying out God’s work (1 Kings 18:22) or there are obstacles like Goliath standing before us in a dire situation (1 Samuel 17:24–25), if we have obey and have faith in God, He will strengthen and lead us. God will not forsake us or leave us to struggle: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). 

2024 UKGA Newsletter – London

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London Church news

National events

By God’s grace, we hosted several national events in 2024:

  1. The 21st Africa Ministry Training Course (AMTC) took place from 7 to 12 January 2024. Thank God, 40 UK and international attendees attended AMTC to learn more about the Basic Doctrines of the Holy Spirit, One True Church, and Sabbath, and participated in practical sessions of explaining the Bible and preaching the gospel.
  2. National Youth Fellowship (NYF) was held from 3 to 6 May 2024. The theme for this year was ‘Lay Up for Yourselves Treasures in Heaven’ from Matthew 6:20. Thank God, 55 brothers and sisters attended NYF which combined spiritual cultivation lessons and discussions on youths’ daily priorities, including marriage in the Lord. 
  3. Youth Theological Training Course (YTTC) was held from 5 to 25 August 2024 on the theme of ‘Do the Works of Light’ from John 9:4. We welcomed 16 Year 2 attendees.

Spiritual Convocations

We held two spiritual convocations last year: Spring (17–19 May 2024) and Autumn (4–6 October 2024). We thank God that the brethren who attended were able to partake in the Holy Communion sacrament and be spiritually edified in the teachings of the importance of spiritual discipline, not quenching the Holy Spirit, and being mature in faith to labour for God in love. 

Local Evangelical Planning Group (EPG) work

We thank God for God’s guidance in London Church’s EPG work. In 2024, we held five evangelistic services covering topics of the grace of salvation, the importance of the Sabbath and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Many truthseekers came through our doors, some by their own accord and others through the weekly street-preaching sessions that take place before Sabbath services. Although no truthseekers came forward for baptism, this experience has helped the EPG members grow in their knowledge of the truth. 

Starting from 2025, London Church will dedicate an hour of prayer on Saturday mornings once a month to pray for our evangelism works. We pray for God’s continued guidance in spreading His Gospel.

Church building purchase for Essex Place of Worship 

By the grace of God, after years of searching, the purchase of the church building for the Essex Place of Worship on 151 Broomfield Road was completed on 22 November 2024. The church building has been in use since 11 January 2025.

Thank God for His guidance and providence in overcoming the various hurdles in the process of finding and securing a suitable church building for the Essex Place of Worship. May God also remember the love of all who assisted in this process.

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Leicester

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UKGA Newsletter

Leicester 2024 

Building Up the Pillars of the Church

From 5 to 25 August, we co-hosted the Youth Theological Training Course (YTTC), which was themed “Do the Works of Light”. Over the three weeks, we welcomed sixty-eight students (years 1, 3 and 4), five preachers, and sixteen team leaders in total. Thank God, the members always feel the joy and privilege of hosting such events to nurture and train the future pillars and workers of the church.

On 18 August, we were glad to witness another aspect of God raising workers for His ministry—the ordination of Dn Amos (Yuk Kong) Tang. We praise God for anointing another worker who is willing to sanctify himself for God’s purpose, as there is work to be done in Leicester, Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Restoring the Church Building 

From June to December, Leicester TJC underwent a major roof restoration and solar panel installation project, at a cost of £400,000. We praise God that the work was finished on budget, within a reasonable timescale, and for providing good contractors who patiently worked with the church to deal with any unexpected developments. We are also grateful for the generous financial support and prayers of the congregation, and the commitment and unity of the church board during what could have been a stressful time. We truly saw God’s grace at every step.

Abounding in the Work of the Lord

In October, Pr Sz-Hai Chao from Taiwan was in Leicester to facilitate the National Marriage Coordinator Training (19 to 20 October), attended by ten UK marriage coordinators (MCs) in person, with online participants from across the UK and Europe. Pr Chao shared on the topics of transnational/cross-cultural marriage introductions and showing concern to widows and widowers. We also had fellowship together to progress the MC work in the UK, and learn from the abundant experience and proactive approach of Pr Chao’s wife, Michelle [曾琡惠], who is an MC in Taiwan.  

Pr Chao also led a seminar for Leicester and Cambridge workers on the theme ‘Abound in the Work of the Lord’ (21 October). Through testimonies and teachings from God’s word, the preacher reminded us to be faithful in the truth and grasp hold of opportunities while it is still day—to serve often and offer more in terms of time, effort, money and strength—for our labour is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; Jn 9:4).

Strengthening the Youths: Winter Youth Fellowship 2024 

The Leicester Youth Coordination Committee continued to review the work of developing the heart of service in the youths, and extending our support to the Birmingham Place of Worship. The first Winter Youth Fellowship sleepover (20–22 December) was held for Leicester and Birmingham youths aged 10–18 years old, on the theme, ‘Who am I?’. Together, the youths reflected on the identities and roles they have in society, their family and the church, ultimately discovering their most precious identity is being a child of God, brethren in Christ and member of the True Jesus Church.

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Edinburgh

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EDINBURGH CHURCH NEWS 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, Edinburgh Church hosted the National Married Couple Fellowship on 10 and 11 March. We thank God for the many couples, both young and old, who attended from churches across the UK. In addition to spiritual cultivation lessons, there were also discussion and activity sessions, which were both joyous and edifying for everyone involved.

On 2 June, the church held a Gospel Open Day, featuring fellowships and basic doctrine sessions for truth-seekers. Thank God, it gave members the chance to share His word with those who visited. Moreover, Edinburgh Church held Sabbath evangelistic services in February, August and November. The themes of these services were focused on truth-seekers and offered members the opportunity to invite friends and family to hear the word of God.

By God’s grace, on the Sabbath morning of 5 August, Bro Layton Ho, Sis Lana Shek and Sis Elowyn Shek were baptised at Joppa Beach in Edinburgh. The baptism was conducted by Pr Joseph Shek and Dn Ling Tao Shek, with a number of members attending to sing hymns of praise. We thank God for guiding the baptism and ensuring that everything went smoothly.

Thank God for His guidance, from 7 to 9 September, the church held a Spiritual Convocation with the theme “Separate Ourselves for Holiness”, based on Leviticus 20:26. The speakers were UKGA preachers, Pr FF Chong and Pr Steven Shek. This was the first time the convocation was held on a Sabbath and over 200 members attended, including brethren from other churches in the UK. The shift to a Saturday start allowed working youths and students to attend most of the sessions over the three days. May God remember the love, sacrifice and contributions of all the brothers and sisters during this time.

At the end of 2024, in December, Edinburgh Church hosted a two-day Spiritual Cultivation Seminar with the theme “Count Your Blessings”. Pr Daniel Liew led the sessions, which included discussions and sharing. Many members shared the highlights of their faith throughout the past year and reflected on the wonderful blessings they had received from God.

Church Picture

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Elgin

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Glory and thanks be to the Lord for His guidance and blessings during 2024 that brought great joy and edification to the church in Elgin.

On 24 April the church hosted the holy matrimony of Bro Benjamin Shek and Sis Erin Sutejda from Sunter Church in Indonesia. Over a hundred members were gathered from near and far to witness and share in the joy of the new couple. We saw how they looked highly on their faith and held onto the principle of marrying in the Lord found in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Praise be to God for His wonderful arrangement in bringing the two together across international distances.

The 38th annual Spiritual and Evangelical Convocation was held on 7 to 9 July with the theme “A Living Hope”. Not only did we see members attend from other areas, there were also a few truth-seekers. May God show His grace and mercy to open their hearts and guide them to the truth. The event gave reminders and exhortations to “be still” and listen to God’s words like Mary in Luke 10:39 and to “be active” in the work of evangelism so that others can receive the gospel. May we continue in these and do according to God’s will in order to abound in the living hope from Jesus Christ.

On 25 August the church held the RE End of Year service and Opening Ceremony. It was a great joy to see that students and parents from Belfast, who join classes online, had travelled to attend the service in person. Their effort provides a good example of valuing religious education and bringing up the next generation in the truth.

On 1 to 2 September we were able to host the UKGA Board Meeting and welcome board members who had travelled from afar to gather together. It was truly moving to see the servants of God faithfully and joyfully working for His church. We give thanks that we were blessed with this opportunity to serve Him.

May God continue to guide and work in His church so that the members can continually grow in love, faith and service through 2025.

2024 UKGA Newsletter – Newcastle

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  1. In October, four sisters were approved to be ordained as deaconesses so that more younger workers can come to serve, for the purpose of succession and in readiness to branch into two churches in the future. The four sisters are Karen Ho, Christine Kwok, Helen Ho and Wincy Shek. They are currently undergoing their pre-ordination training with UKGA preachers. Once the training is concluded, they will be ordained at Newcastle church at some time in 2025.
  2. The plans for the Longbenton church were stopped due to several issues that arose, therefore the decision was made to sell the property and search for a new location (the Longbenton site was successfully sold for £600,000 in April of 2024). Alongside this, a new building was purchased for the UKGA headquarters and a local church at Cramlington in 2023. The building, named Silverton House, is currently in the fit-out phase which includes fixtures and fittings which is likely to take the rest of this year to complete. This is estimated to require a further £2,000,000 in funding. Thank God the members in Newcastle church approved an offering of £1,000,000 towards this project.
  3. On 21-23 July, Newcastle Church held a spiritual convocation with the theme of “While it is Called Today, Abound in the Work of the Lord”. This was divided into three subtopics: ”Do Works for God”, “While it is day, Pray Always” and “While it is Day, Abound in the Work of the Lord”. The sacraments of Baptism, Footwashing and Holy Communion were also held on the last day. A total of eleven souls were added to the fold–ten from Newcastle and one from Manchester place of worship. Throughout the three days there were choir presentations from evergreen members as well as children’s, joint and adult choirs to encourage the congregation to abound in the work of the Lord. Additionally, childminding was provided with volunteer RE teachers and members who chose to help look after the children so that their parents could concentrate on learning the word of God. During this time, the children studied the book of Acts to help them learn how to abound in the work of the Lord as well.

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