On Monday 26th May, the Universal Church in Sheffield officially opened its newly refurbished auditorium. Though the space is new, the church has been serving the Sheffield community for almost a decade.
The special service was led by Bishop James Marques, who oversees the work of the Universal Church in the UK. This day not only marked the physical transformation of the church, but also the spiritual rebuilding of many lives.
Bishop began with a prayer, then addressed the congregation with these words:
“I would like to ask something of you today. I would like you to give me your full attention. If you take in what we share with you today, you will leave here a different person.”
Referencing the book of Haggai chapter 2, which speaks about the destruction of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. Bishop pointed out that, just as the temple was once left in ruins, many lives today are in a similar state—destroyed. But he reassured all those present that this is not God’s plan. He continued saying: “Today, the temple is no longer stones, we are the temple and this is what God promises: “…Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:4).
Bishop explained that the verse calls us to ‘work,’ and that he and the pastors are prepared to do this work by praying on their behalf in faith to determine their lives will change. Just as the temple was rebuilt, Bishop declared that today marked the beginning of the rebuilding of their lives for all who believe.
A key moment during the service was the consecration of the Altar. Bishop shared that the headquarters in Finsbury Park was once a music venue, famous for performances by artists such as Bob Marley. However, upon entering the building, they consecrated it to God—transforming what was once a stage into an Altar. He affirmed the same today for the new Sheffield auditorium: “This is now holy ground, and many lives will be made new here.”
The auditorium, formerly an unused area, has undergone complete restoration. It not only has an Altar but includes a baptism pool and even seats with the Universal Church logo—a feature unique to Sheffield but planned for future locations.
Bishop emphasised that just as the building has been restored, a transformation in the lives of those present requires the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
“If you came seeking a miracle, miracles can happen quickly, but lasting change comes when the Glory of God dwells within us, which is the Holy Spirit living in a person.” He added that while people can change without the Holy Spirit, such change is often temporary. True transformation happens when someone is baptised with the Holy Spirit, filling them with God’s glory.
He concluded: “‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:9)
The service also included two powerful testimonies from Lester from Nottingham and Goldlynn from Leicester, who shared how their lives changed once receiving the Holy Spirit.
Attendees were then invited to seek God’s presence to experience their transformation.
After the service, Pastor Michael Boodram, who oversees the Sheffield branch said:
“Sheffield has been a church since 2016. We were in a small auditorium with about 70 seats. When we learnt we would be inaugurating the larger space downstairs, there was great excitement. Today, that excitement became a reality. However, above and beyond the beauty of the new auditorium is the transformation of the people who will be attending and hearing the Word of God. In the same way the building has been restored, their lives will also be transformed, receiving the opportunity to become God’s dwelling place.”
As the Universal Church in Sheffield enters this new chapter, its mission remains clear: to be a place of transformation, restoration, and hope for everyone who walks through its doors.
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