November 2007 - Volume V - the Methodist Church - LID

Methodist Link Page 8
Church, The United Methodist Church and the Methodist
Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA). A total
of seventeen (17) MCCA Women from six Districts attended.
They were as follows:- Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, South
Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica, Belize/Honduras and Leeward
Islands. Representing the Leeward Islands were: Rev. June
James, Lyra Richards and Brenda Vanterpool.
As usual, the MCCA Women made a significant contribution
to the success of the Seminar. Sis. Sonia Polack of the Jamaica
District, gave a brief presentation on the history of the
MCCA, while Sis. Brenda L. Vanterpool, President of the
MCCA Women and Secretary of the North America Area,
gave the evening meditation at the Opening Ceremony. She
addressed the participants on the theme; “Women Making a
Difference.” Rev. June James, assisted by Sis. Shirley Jack
and Sis. Shunila Ruth conducted the Workshop, “Promote
Gender Equality and Empower Women.”
The MCCA Women took their turn in leading the choruses
for the commencement of each session as well as in the
Creative Response.
Due to the Crime/Violence, discrimination, diseases etc.
which continue to plague most of the communities around
the world, the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting
Church Women (WFM & UCM) adopted the eight millennium
goals of the United Nations as its Action Plan. The sessions
at the Seminar were therefore all based on those eight goals
which are as follows:
(a) Eradicate hunger and poverty
(b) Achieve Universal Primary Education
(c) Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
(d) Reduce child mortality
(e) Improve maternal health
(f) Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
(g) Development of global partnerships for development.
(h) Ensure environmental sustainability
All participants, organizations and units were challenged and
encouraged to study the millennium goals, choose three or
four of them and incorporate them in their programs.
The Seminar was a great success! It was educational, spiritfilled
and provided a wonderful opportunity for building relationships.
In conclusion, I leave with you one of the comments of the
Bible Study Leader as together we all studied the story of
the Samaritan woman in St. John’s Gospel Chapter 4.
―Twelve men went to Sychar and all they brought
back was food; one woman went to the town and
brought back the whole city.‖
Sisters all, continue to be faithful. In doing so, we can make
a difference.
Farewell Rev. & Mrs Vanterpool
(Continued from page 6)
At all of the functions, the speakers applauded Rev. Vanterpool
for his visionary leadership, integrity, devoted and committed
service. The many verbal and musical tributes were
backed up by tangible expressions of love and appreciation.
Rev. & Mrs. Vanterpool were obviously deeply touched by
the many accolades and tokens of love and appreciation. In
responding, the Vanterpools were gracious and generous in
their expressions of thanks to God, the Church and all concerned.
Rev. & Mrs. Vanterpool pointed out that it was indeed
by “faith in God” that they had reached the present
milestone. Quoting from Galatians 6:9, Rev. Vanterpool exhorted
worshippers:
“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right,
for we will reap at Harvest Time, if we do not
give up.”
Over the past forty years, The Rev. Selwyn Vanterpool has
held numerous Connexional, District and Ecumenical responsibilities.
Since Rev. Vanterpool’s appointment as a Pre
-Collegiate Minister in 1967, he has served as Circuit Superintendent/Circuit
Minister of the following Circuits:
Antigua, St. Maarten/St.Martin, Holland, Montserrat, St.
Eustatius, Curacao, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas/St.John
& Dominica, St. Croix and The Guadeloupe
Mission.
After serving as an Itinerant Minister of the Methodist
Church for many years, Rev. Vanterpool is now a Supernumerary
Minister residing in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
District Work-shop
he Leeward Islands District Resources Centre has or-
T ganized a one-day Finance Management Workshop
(keeping of Church Accounts in accordance to the wishes of
the District Conference) for Circuit and Congregational
Stewards throughout the District. The workshop will be held
on Saturday, 10th November 2007 from 09.00 a.m. to 02.00
p.m. and will be facilitated by the District Treasurer, Sister
Muriel (Peggy) Smith of the St. Thomas Circuit.
Available at the DRC
Evangelistic Song Booklets US$ 5.00
Prayer Books “ 12.00
MCCA Constitutions “ 28.00
Lapel (MCCA) Pins “ 5.00
MCCA Hand/Desk Flags “ 5.00
MCCA Flags (Large) “ 40.00
Manual of Directions (Candidate for the Ministry) “ 5.00
The Methodist Church - Leeward Islands District Conference [MCCA]
Rev. Franklyn E.
Manners
Quarterly News Magazine of interest to the Methodist Community
Volume V — Issue 18 — September — November 2007
FROM THE DISTRICT PRESIDENT’S DESK
T he
Gospel reading for the 21 st Lord's Day after Pentecost focused on the Parable of the Unjust
Judge. (Luke 18:1-8). There was a judge in a certain city, so the story goes, who neither feared God
nor regarded man. In that same city there
was a poor widow who kept coming to him
pleading for justice in a certain matter, but at
first he would pay no attention to her.
The judge in question was probably one of the
paid magistrates who were appointed in the Palestine
of Jesus’ day, by the Roman authorities.
Such magistrates, like the tax-collectors of the time, tended to be
notorious characters. Unless a plaintiff was a person of some
means who could bribe his way to a verdict of his choice, there
was little or no chance of getting a verdict. The poor widow in our
story was clearly not in that category. She was however, able to
use the one weapon at her disposal namely, a persistent spirit,
and she used it to good effect. Refusing to be daunted by the
judge’s indifference, she kept on coming to him to plead her case,
until at last she managed to wear his patience thin. In exaspera-
(Continued on page 6)
Freetown Methodist Church Celebrates its
125th Anniversary
O
ver the period October 6 - 14, 2007, the Freetown Methodist
Church, of the Antigua Circuit celebrated its 125th
anniversary under the theme: ―Freetown Methodist: Giving
thanks and glory to God for 125 years of Christian witness‖.
Participating in the celebrations were the Rev. Neville D. Brodie,
supernumerary Methodist Minister, residing in Orlando, Florida
who was the special preacher at the anniversary thanksgiving
service and the Rev. Carlwyn Greenaway, superintendent Minister,
of the Dominica Circuit who preached at the open-air service.
It is important to note that this 125th anniversary pertains to the
erection of the current chapel, and not the starting point of Methodist
work in the Freetown area, since the congregation itself is
much older than this. According to the Rev. Atherton Didier in his
work, “The Methodist Church Freetown, Antigua - Diamond Jubilee
1882 - 1942,” Methodist work among the people of the Freetown
Community goes back to sometime before 1820.
(Story continues in next issue of the LINK)
By Rev. Charles Seaton
Secretary L.I. District Conference
Ministries Month
he Month of October is dedicated to the obser-
T vance of different aspects of ministry. We especially
remember the call to the ordained ministry and
the fact that we are all God’s ministers.
THE ORDAINED MINISTRY
Our understanding of the ordained ministry is that it is
representative and functional. That means:
1. That persons who are ordained as ministers are
drawn from the body of the church and represent
the people of God. The Minister also represents
the Conference and above all else represents
Christ.
2. That they carry out functions of ministry for which
specially called and equipped by testing, training
and examination; and to which they are required
to fully devote their lives.
Our ministers offer for and are ordained to one of two
forms of ministry in our Church. These forms have to
do with the primary functions that the minister carries
out in his/her ministry.
(1) PRESBYTERS
Those who are called as Presbyters are responsible
for the effective proclamation of the Gospel – preaching,
teaching, training, evangelism and mission and for
the responsible administration of the Sacraments and
of the Church through diligent pastoral leadership in
the Church and the wider community. We therefore
summarise it by saying that a Presbyter is ordained to
“Word and Sacrament.”
Presbyters can be either Itinerant or Local. The Itinerant
Presbyter is pledged to be at the disposal of the
Church for appointment in any part of the MCCA.
(Continued on page 7)

Methodist Link Page 2 Methodist Link Page 7
THE METHODIST LINK
Is a Quarterly Publication of the Methodist
Church, Leeward Islands District Conference
Publisher
Leeward Islands District Resources Centre
General Editor
Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Editorial Assistant
Mr. Frank A. Arnell
Manager
Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Circulation
Mr. Frank A. Arnell
Address
Philipsburg Methodist Church Complex,
Back Street 91, P.O. Box 19
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599) 542-1348
Fax: (599) 542-1349
E-mail: methodistlidrc@hotmail
Website: www.mcca-lid.org
The month of
October is observed as
AIDS AWARENESS MONTH
The Flame of hope
Anniversary greetings to the
Freetown Methodist Church
From L.I. District President —
I welcome this opportunity to greet you, the Pastor, Officers and Members
of the Freetown Methodist Church on the occasion o f the celebration
of your 125th Anniversary.
As you celebrate, it must give you a sense of pride and satisfaction in
knowing that though you are a relatively small congregation you have
made your mark in history and continue to do so now.
As the name of your church and community implies you no doubt
played a significant part in offering care and harnessing souls for God’s
Kingdom in the aftermath of Emancipation, and undoubtedly, many
freed slaves found a place in the Methodist fellowship and witness.
But you also continued to make your mark today. The sons and daughters
whom you have given to the ministry of the Methodist Church in
the Caribbean and the Americas bear testimony to this. As you celebrate,
we offer thanks to God for the witness of Rev. Acelyn Williams (now
gone to his reward); Rev. Neville Brodie, (a supernumerary minister residing
in Florida); and for the Reverends Relis Martin-Riley and Carlwyn
Greenaway who are still in the active ministry. Each of these ministers
has given sterling service to the church and this must be attributed to the
solid moral and spiritual foundation they received in the Freetown congregation.
However, as the witness of the church is a dynamic and on-going reality,
I urge you not to rest on your laurels. Rather let this week of celebration
also be a time of reflection and self examination as you endeavour to prepare
yourself to be a more effective instrument of witness in the context
of time.
I take the liberty to suggest a few areas which you may wish to consider:
Outreach to our youth who increasingly feel alienated and lost in our
communities, and a health approach to the resolution of conflicts
whether at home or in the wider community. These are but two examples
of some of the areas in need of urgent attention in our contemporary
society. Regretfully, these social problems are emerging at a time when
we are also experiencing a decline in the level and quality of care being
offered in many of the organizations of our church. May I suggest therefore
that this 125th Anniversary celebration be also seen as a God-given
opportunity to revue and revitalize the organisations of the church to
effectively carry out its mission in the community today.
On behalf of the entire District, I offer you heartiest congratulations and
best wishes in your celebration.
Yours sincerely,
District President
Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
The Local Presbyter continues in his/her regular job and
serves one or two congregations in the Circuit to which he/
she belongs.
There are 116 Itinerant Presbyters and 41 Supernumerary
Presbyters who were itinerant within the MCCA. The Itinerant
presbyters include Probationer ministers. A Minister is a
Minister of the church for life. When a minister is no longer
in the active work or “travelling” as we say, he or she is a
Supernumerary. It literally means that he or she becomes
part of that number which is over (super) the number
(numerary) of those who are in active work.
There are 33 Local Presbyter( including Probationer Local
Presbyters) and 2 Supernumerary Local Presbyters within
the MCCA.
DEACONS
Those who are called as Deacons are responsible for leading
and equipping the Church for its servant-hood role in the
community. Their watchword is “Service.” Deacons may offer
different kinds of Christian service which equips individuals
and congregations to fulfill its role of ministering to those
who most needs the Church, especially those who would not
have a friend but for the Deacon.
There are 26 Deacons (including those who are Probationers)
and 8 Supernumerary Deacons in the MCCA.
The Ministers and Deacons serve 89 Circuits in the 8 Districts
of the MCCA.
MINISTERS IN THE MCCA
Ministers in the Methodist Church are therefore servants of
Christ, stewards in the household of faith, and evangelists.
Persons who feel that God has called them to become ministers
in Christ's Church offer themselves as candidates for
the ministry. After testing, acceptance and training, they
serve a probationary period in a Circuit. After further examination,
they are received into Full Connexion and ordained
by the imposition of hands as expressive of the Church's
recognition of the Minister's personal call. (See Constitution
and Discipline, p. 40).
Ministers are appointed and stationed by the Conference,
and are required to loyally carry out the decisions of the
Conference, and to act, at all times, in a manner which befits
their calling. The two words which sum up the true character
of a Methodist Minister are "Faithful" and "Obedient".
If any minister comes to the decision that he or she can no
longer preach the doctrines of the Church, or accept and
administer the discipline, that minister is pledged to leave
quietly.
LAY MINISTRIES
While the MCCA emphasises the functional nature of the
ministry, it also recognises its symbolic character. We recognize
a functional difference between ministers and the lay
Ministries Month - (Continued from page 1)
persons, but we reject completely the notion that there is
any "essential difference" between them. Ministers and laity
are together the people of God. The Constitution and discipline
of the Church reads:
Christ's ministers in the Church are Stewards in
the household of God and the Shepherds of His
flock. Some are called and ordained to this, occupation
and have a principal and directing part in
these great duties, but they hold no priesthood
differing in kind from that which is common to
the Lord's people..... (Constitution and Discipline, p. 40).
Lay Ministries is a crucial part of church ministry. Without
ministries coming out of the local body, the body would be
lifeless or dead. Every part of our church intricately works
together to form the whole body of Christ! (1Cor. 12)
Lay Ministries are vital to the working body of Christ. We
pray for our Preachers, Visitors, Teachers, Leaders, Counsellors,
Officers, Commissioned Lay Workers, Music and all
others who bear responsibilities among us on a regular basis.
We continue to invite those who feel called by God to
obey his call and to exercise a ministry for which, if necessary,
the training will be given
Each of us is engaged in ministry. Each of us will have to
give account. Make full use of your Ministry.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
(1) Pray:
(i) For Ministers and Ministries including the one to
which God has called you.
(ii) Pray for Ministers in Training and for the Tutors at
the Seminary. Especially remember Revd. Dr. Oral
Thomas who has just taken up responsibilities as a
tutor.
(iii) Pray for persons who have heard the call for fulltime
ministry. Especially Bro. Michael Charles and his
wife.
(iv) Pray for Supernumeraries and especially those who
did not finish their normal ministry because of
health issues.
(v) The Ministers who serve your Circuit and Congregations.
(2) Support:
(3) Offer:
It costs over US$10,000.00 per year to train
each minister. The grants received from Britain
are almost at an end. We need to find the
way to pay the cost of training persons for ministry.
Seriously think of supporting our ordained
ministry with your gifts.
Offer your ministry as a reasonable sacrifice to
God and offer encouragement to others as they
offer ministry to you. Offer yourself in ministry
to others.

Methodist Link Page 6
tion he remarked:
From the President’s Desk
(Continues from page 1)
―Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet, because
this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear
me out by her continual coming.‖ (vs. 5)
This Parable, unlike many of the others told by Jesus is not
meant to tell us what God or the kingdom of God is like. It is
intended rather, to show how different God is, from this unjust
Judge. The moral of the story can be summed up as
follows:
―If an unjust judge can help a poor widow (albeit to get her
off his back), how much more will God, our heavenly Father,
meet the needs of His children.‖
We can take the poor widow in our story to represent the
exploited in our world who are crying out for vindication
against those who exploit them.
In the early church, this was taken to mean Christians who
were subjected to the most cruel and inhumane persecution,
and the rhetorical question in verses 7-8:
―And will not God grant justice to His chosen ones who cry
to Him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?‖ Is
an affirmation that God is concerned with justice and that
when Christ the righteous judge is revealed the poor and the
needy will be vindicated and treated with dignity.
But the parable also raises the prospect that by the time
Christ eventually appears many Christians will already have
been massacred or would, out of fear, have lapsed from the
faith, hence the question:
―When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on
earth?‖ (vs.8)
This is a question which may well be asked again in our
time. When one considers the barrage of questionable material
with which we are bombarded daily on the internet
and the constant threat of terrorism fueled largely by religious
conflict. The Christian community increasing seems
less and less like a mighty conquering army and more and
more like a people under siege.
―But will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to Him day and
night?‖
Jesus, St. Luke tells us, told the parable of the Unjust Judge
to impress upon his hearers their need to pray always and
not to lose heart. (vs.!) The message of the parable therefore,
is a challenge to us to stand fast in the faith. Whatever
the odds, however adverse the circumstances, we are called
to bear our witness faithfully.
We pray therefore for power, so to live and witness that at
our journey's end we can say like St. Paul: ―I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith.‖ ( 2Tim.4:7)
A grateful Church and Community pays
glowing tribute to Rev. & Mrs.
Selwyn Vanterpool
hroughout the period June – August 2007, the opportu-
T nity was taken to express thanks and appreciation to
Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool, M.B.E, M.A, M.P.S., L.Th, Immediate
Past District President & General Superintendent;
his wife Brenda, an ardent Church Lay Worker; and their
daughter Karen, for their faithful, invaluable and selfless service
to Christ, the Church and the Community. Each function
was unique and meaningful, focusing on specific accomplishments,
results obtained and problems solved. Highlights
of the aforementioned functions were:
The Appreciation & Retirement Banquet held at Wyndham
Sugar Bay Hotel on June 29, 2007 at 7:00 pm. The Appreciation
& Farewell Service held at Christchurch Methodist
Church on August 12, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.
The Banquet and the Farewell Service were well attended.
Those present included friends and family members who
came from St. Maarten, St. Croix, U.S.A, and the British Virgin
Islands. Here is a birdseye view of both events.
The Banquet was an elegant affair sponsored by the Christchurch
Methodist Education & Outreach Services (CMEOS)
Banquet Committee. Greetings and Remarks were given by
the Immediate Former Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull. After a sumptuous meal, the
Rev. Bernice E. Madden of the Saint Philip AME Church in
Atlanta, USA delivered an inspiring thought provoking keynote
address. Other speakers and participants included the
Rev. Canon Julian Clarke, President of the Christian Council,
Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd, a former District Chairman, Attorney
Iver Stridiron, the Circuit Ministers, Mrs. Bernice
Turnbull and Mrs. Priscilla Stridiron of the CMEOS Board.
Numerous fittingly chosen and excellently presented selections
were rendered by the Philipsburg Methodist Women’s
Association, Mr. James Hamilton of the St. Croix Circuit, the
St. Thomas/St. John Circuit Choir and various musical
groups, choirs and vocalists.
The Appreciation and Farewell Service was organized by
the Circuit Staff. This was another well planned and impressive
event. The large congregation included civic and ecclesiastic
dignitaries and representatives; officers and members
of the Congregations, the Circuit, District and Connexion.
Persons who expressed words of appreciation included the
Circuit Stewards, a Congregational Steward from each of
the Congregations; Mr. Theodore Fahie, Connexional Treasurer,
Mrs. Muriel Smith, District Treasurer and Bishop
Ambrose Gumbs of the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands.
Delightful musical choral selections were rendered by
the Christchurch Youth Steel Orchestra, the Circuit Choir,
Mr. John Daniels, The Gospelaires Band and Christchurch
Women’s League. The musical sections concluded with a
trio “We’ve Come This Far by Faith”, rendered by Ms. Cheryl
Huyghue, Mrs. Diana Hedrington & Mrs. Joyce Wilkins.
(Continued on page 8)
Methodist Link Page 3
By Rev. Otto Wade
Connexional Conference Secretary
MCCA Conference Centre
Scotts Hill
Antigua
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I
greet you in the name of Christ- Head of the Church and
in the name of the Revd Dr. George Mulrain- our Connexional
President.
The observance of Connexional Lord’s Day on Sunday reminded
us that we must turn our attention to the challenges
of the connexional year that is now before us. I request your
prayers for some of our brothers and sisters as well as their
families.
1. Supernumeraries:
The Revd Dr. Philip A. Potter (1947) of the Jamaica District,
and residing in Germany has completed 60 years
of travel.
The Revd Jennings Martin (1952) who resides in St.
Croix Circuit, Leeward Islands District has completed 55
years of travel.
The Revd Desmond Mason (1952) who resides in the
St. Lucia Circuit, South Caribbean District has completed
55 years of travel.
The Revd Cecil O. A. Weekes (1957) who resides in the
Anguilla Circuit, Leeward Islands District has completed
50 years of travel.
The Revd Julia Davis (1957) who resides in the East
Kingston Circuit, Jamaica District has completed 50
years of travel.
2. Superannuation:
Letter from the Connexional Conference
(In full context)
Rev. Otto Wade
Permission to become supernumeraries was granted to the
following ministers on the grounds of age and/or travel;
1970 P Revd Selwyn L. Vanterpool - Leeward Islands;
1997 LP Revd M. Rosalind Morgan - Leeward Islands;
1960 P Revd Dr. Kenneth Huggins - Bahamas/TCI;
2000 LP Revd Stanley Record - Panamá/Costa Rica;
1995 P Revd Murtene Dennis - South Caribbean;
1963 D Revd Elizabeth Andrew-Felix - South Caribbean.
We record our thanks for the contribution made by each
minister to the life and witness of the MCCA and, with the
exception of the Revd Morgan, their spouses: Mrs Brenda
Vanterpool, Mrs. Vivienne Huggins, Mrs. Inez Record, the
late Frederick Dennis and Mr. Simon Felix. We look forward
to the contribution they will continue to make to our Church
and communities. Your continued prayers are asked for
them and for their spouses.
The Revd James C. Richardson was superannuated on the
grounds of ill health. He is residing in the St. Kitts Circuit.
Please give him your prayerful support.
3. Forty Years in Ministry
The Revd Dr. Clifton Niles (1967), Superintendent of the
Anguilla Circuit has completed 40 years in ministry.
Please remember him and his wife Ruth, in your prayers.
4. Those taking up their first appointments:
Revd Careen White – Anguilla Circuit - Leeward Islands
District;
Revd Pauline McCatty- Watsonville Circuit - Jamaica
District;
Revd Racquel Clemming- Western St. Andrew Circuit-
Jamaica District;
Revd N. Veronie Irons- Frankfield Circuit- Jamaica District.
The Revd Dr. Wycherley V. Gumbs and his wife Edwina
have moved to the St. Kitts Circuit where he is the Superintendent.
The Revd Yvonne Nibbs-Flores resumed her travel on 01
September, 2007. She is serving as a Deacon in the BVI
Circuit where she and her husband reside.
The Revd Antonio Migar Trottman and his wife Zulena have
moved to the Utila/North Coast Circuit of the Belize Honduras
District. He resigned in 2003 and is in the process of
rejoining the Connexion. We ask your prayers for them as
we welcome them back to the itinerant ministry.
5. Those who were Transferred:
BAHAMAS/TCI
HAITI
Revd Mark S. Christmas and Revd Stacia M. Williams-
Christmas to the Andros Circuit.
Revd Jean-Lesly and Mrs. Maude Dorcély to the Jeremie
Circuit;
Revd Chrisnel and Mrs. Emanette Lelièvre to the Cap
Haitian Circuit;
Revd Jn. J. Ralph and Mrs. Johane Denizard to the
Petit Goave Circuit;
Revd Marco Jr. and Mrs. Ruth Depestre to the Cayes
Circuit;
Revd Jean Ablamy and Mrs. Donnette Lataillade to the
Carrefour Circuit.
JAMAICA
Revd Dr. Garnet and Mrs. Doreth Brown to the Portmore
Circuit;
Revd Duane and Mrs. Evelyn Samm to the Beechamville/Bensonton
Circuit;
Revd Jacqueline Liddell to the Lyndhurst Circuit.
Revd Serge Brevert to the Manchioneal Circuit;
(Continued on page 4)

Methodist Link Page 4
Revd Livingston and Mrs. Lettice Malcolm to the Providence
Circuit;
Revd Helen Mallalieu-Maurose to the Montego Bay/
Mount Ward Circuit;
Revd Andrine Joseph to the Montego Bay/Mount Ward
Circuit.
LEEWARD ISLANDS
Revd Tyrone and Mrs. Jean Hunkins to the BVI Circuit;
Revd Dr. Wycherley and Mrs. Edwina Gumbs to the St.
Kitts Circuit;
Revd Alberic and Revd Joyce Rohan to the St. Kitts
Circuit;
Revd Franklyn and Mrs. Hyacinth Manners to the St.
Thomas/St. John Circuit;
Revd Oral and Mrs. Zola Thomas to the UTCWI;
Revd Bonny Byron to the St. Martin Circuit.
SOUTH CARIBBEAN
Revd Erica Carty-Lewis and Mr. Fabian Lewis to the
Barbados - Ebenezer Circuit.
6. Those assuming their first superintendency:
Revd Mark S. Christmas - Andros Circuit, Bahamas/
TCI;
Revd Dr. Janet Corlett - Utila/NorthCoast Circuit, Belize/
Honduras;
Revd Bonny Byron - St. Martin Circuit, Leeward Islands.
Please pray for wisdom and strength equal to the task for
these persons.
7. Appointment as District President
The Revd Danoval Johnson is the President of the Panama/
Costa Rica District (2007-2010). He will be inducted at the
2008 District Conference in Panama City. Please join us in
praying for him and his wife, Gloria.
8. Completion of District Presidency
The Revd Mario Nicolas served as District President of the
Panama/Costa Rica District from 2004 to 2007. We give
thanks for the able leadership he brought to the District and
to affairs of the Connexion.
9. Congratulations
Letter from the Connexional Conference (Continued from page 3)
Revd Roosvelt and Mrs. Renise Papoloute-Renise on
the birth of a son Roosvelt Fils;
Revd Belinda Manswell Daniel and her husband Revd
Nigel Daniel on the birth of a daughter Sabriya;
Revd Dr. Joan Delsol Meade on obtaining her PhD in
Pastoral Care in Disaster: A Theological Reflection from
Edinburgh University;
Revd Dr. Oral Thomas on obtaining his PhD in Old Testament
Studies from the University of Birmingham.
10. Serving the British Conference of the Methodist
Church
The Revd Catherine Gale is now serving the Cwmbran
Circuit of the South Wales District. Her email contact is
cgale2007@yahoo.co.uk.
11. Study Leave
The Revd Dr. Karen Durant of the Belize/Honduras District
is on one year’s study leave. She will pursue an
MPhil in Old Testament Studies at the University of Birmingham.
The Revd Oral Thomas has completed his studies at
the University of Birmingham and has been appointed
Tutor/Warden at the UTCWI.
The Revd Jacqueline Liddell has completed her studies
in Human Resource Management at the UWI. She has
been appointed Superintendent of the Lyndhurst Circuit
in Jamaica.
12. Condolences
Revd Julia Williams, Probationer Local Presbyter of the
Turks and Caicos Circuit, lost her sister.
Rev. Henley B. Perry lost his sister-in-law, Mrs. Bonar
Perry. She was the wife of his brother, Mr. Hickson
Perry.
The mother in law of Rev. Derrick Richards and mother
of Mrs. Sade Richards, Mrs. Evelyn Mayers, died at the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 04 September.
13. Sharing
Revd Everald Galbraith wrote:
“Please share this blessing with the colleagues.
Sherraine, myself and the children are grateful to all our
brothers and sisters for the prayers for Janel. I am happy to
in you that Janel is much better. She was able to complete
her first year in high school and is moving about without any
aid. We praise God for answering the prayers of the saints.
She did not have to do the MRI or bone scan and the doctors
believe all will be well. She is doing light exercise and
reducing her weight.‖
The tasks before us are enormous. Let us pray for each
other on a regular basis, so that in joy or sorrow, each of us
will know that we have brothers and sisters who care and
who are supporting us with their prayers. Please print a
copy for a brother or sister without internet facilities.
Yours in Christ,
Otto Wade
Connexional Secretary
Methodist Link Page 5
Rev. Oral Thomas
Obtains Doctorate
he Methodist Church, Antigua Circuit, re-
T joices with the Rev. Oral A. W. Thomas who
was recently awarded a Doctorate degree in
Biblical Studies.
Rev. Dr. Oral Thomas, a son of the soil, is from
the village of Bethesda. In 1983,having been
accepted for training in the Methodist Ministry,
he entered the United Theological College of the
West Indies in Jamaica and graduated with a
Bachelors of Arts degree in theology and a diploma
in Ministerial Studies.
He was subsequently stationed in the Leeward
Islands District of the Methodist Church where
he served in the Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John and
Antigua circuits. After his tenure in the St. Thomas/St.
John Circuit, he was granted study
leave and successfully completed the Masters in
Theological Studies at Eden College, St. Louis,
USA .
Prior to leaving for doctoral studies at the University
of Birmingham, England, Rev. Thomas
served the Antigua Methodist Church as Superintendent
Minister and at the level of the District
Conference, as Secretary.
Rev. Dr. Oral Thomas is married with two children.
We offer to Him and his family, sincerest
congratulations and wish Dr. Thomas every
blessing as he takes up duties in Jamaica as
Tutor/Warden at the United Theological College
of the West Indies.
World Federation of Methodist
and Uniting Church Women
North America Area Seminar
By: Mrs. Brenda L. Vanterpool
President – MCCA Women
Secretary- North America Area
he North America Area Seminar was held at
T the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville,
Tennessee during the period October 4-7, 2007.
The theme of this Seminar was “Women Making
a Difference.” The Seminar was chaired by Dr.
Barbara L. Shaw, President.
Present at the Seminar were the world officers:-
Mrs. Chita Milas - President
Mrs. Mia Adjali - Vice President
Ms. Shunila Ruth Secretary
Ms. Lyra Richards - Treasurer
Also present were sisters from the African Methodist
Episcopal, the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal
(Continued on page 8)
Stations of Ministers 2007 - 2008
1. ANGUILLA CIRCUIT: Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles
Rev. Careen White
Supernumeraries: Rev. John A. Gumbs
Rev. Franklin A. Roberts
Rev. Cecil A. O. Weekes
Rev. Dr. S. Wilfred Hodge
Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd
2. ANTIGUA CIRCUIT: Rev. Charles A. Seaton
Rev. Novelle C Josiah
Rev. Belinda P. Manswell-Daniel
Circuit Deacon: Rev. June V. James
Supernumerary: Rev. M. Peterson Joseph
3. ARUBA CIRCUIT: Rev. Relis F. Martin-Riley
4. B.V.I. CIRCUIT: Rev. Moreland O. Williams
Rev. Gesner Louis-Charles
Rev. Tyrone S.N. Hunkins
Circuit Deacon: Yvonne Nibbs-Flores
Circuit Deacon: Rev. Arlene Bruce
Supernumerary: Rev. Selwyn Vanterpool
Married without Appointment: Rev Edris Christopher -O’Neal (Deacon)
Rev. Yvonne Nibbs-Flores (Deacon)
5. CURACAO CIRCUIT: Rev. Patmore C. Henry
6. DOMINICA CIRCUIT: Rev. A. Carlwin Greenaway
Rev. Vincia Celestine
One Presbyter to be sent
Supernumeraries: Rev. William W. Watty
Rev. Dr. James J. Timothy
7. HOLLAND CIRCUIT: Rev. Franklin Manners
Rev. Myrna Lake
Local Presbyter : Rev. David O. Davilla Quinteros
8. MONTSERRAT CIRCUIT: Rev. Telford D. Matthew
Supernumerary -- Local Presbyter: Rev. Rosalind M. Morgan
9. NEVIS CIRCUIT: Rev. Lindsay K . Richardson
Rev Rose Marie Cocks-Julius
Supernumerary: Rev. Harold A. Gill
10. ST. CROIX CIRCUIT: Rev. E. Dunstan Richardson
Supernumerary: Rev. Jennings G. E. Martin
11. ST. EUSTATIUS CIRCUIT: Rev. Joan Delsol-Meade
12. ST. KITTS CIRCUIT: Rev. Dr. Wycherley V. Gumbs
Rev. Joyce F. Rohan
Rev. Alberic L Rohan
Circuit Deacon: Rev. Janetta V. James
13. ST. MAARTEN CIRCUIT: Rev. E. Lloyd Brissett
Local Presbyter: Rev. Florence E. C. Daley
One Presbyter needed
14. ST. MARTIN CIRCUIT: Rev. Bonny C. Bryon
15. ST. THOMAS/ Rev. Franklyn E Manners (District President)
ST. JOHN CIRCUIT: Rev. Jefferson C. Niles
Rev. E. Brian Seymour
16. GUADELOUPE MISSION: Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Rev. Stephane G. Brooks
Circuit Deacon: Rev. Claudine L. Glasgow-Brooks
Note:
1. Rev. Rev. Amos Browne (UMC) Supernumerary residing in Nevis;
2. Rev. Neville A. Brodie, Supernumerary residing in the U.S.A.;
3. Rev. Dr. Milton Davis, (UMC) Supernumerary residing in the U.S.A;
4. Rev. Keith B. Lewis, residing in the BVI with permission to serve an external
organization;
5. Rev. James C. Richardson under the direction of the District President.