August 2008 — Volume V - the Methodist Church - LID

The Methodist Church - Leeward Islands District Conference [MCCA] 

Quarterly News Magazine of interest to the Methodist Community 

By Leeward Islands District President 

Rev. Franklyn E. Manners 

A ccording 

Volume V — Issue 19 — June — August 2008 

Mandate for Mission 

to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' final resurrection appearance to His disciples 

occurred in Galilee. On that occasion, Jesus also said to His followers: “All 

authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make 

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the 

Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every thing I have commanded you. And remember 

I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt: 28:18-20. 

This majestic final declaration of our Lord contains three basic commands to His disciples, 

namely: Go out among all nations; Make new disciples; Baptize and instruct them. 

This passage, sometimes described as: THE GREAT COMMISSION can rightly be taken 

as the church’s MANDATE FOR MISSION. The significance of the Commission for the life 

of the church lies in the fact that it points us to the scope of Jesus’ saving activity, and 

therefore the thrust that must motivate the church’s activity. (Continued on page 3) 

District Men’s Work Commission meet in the 

St. Maarten Circuit 

F rom the 15th to 21 st 

July 2008, the St. 

Maarten Circuit was the 

venue for the Leeward Islands 

District Men’s Commission 

Meeting and Seminar. 

There were 28 men 

drawn from nine Circuits, 

and by means of lectures 

and discussions they explored 

in depth the theme 

“A charge to keep I have; 

Promoting Individual Responsibility”. 

Circuits on 

the island came together at 

the Philipsburg Methodist 

Church on Tuesday, 15th July to extend heartfelt welcome 

to the participants. 

(Continued on page 10) 

District Men’s Work Commission , (seated centre L-R) facilitator Rev. John A Gumbs , President, Sir Probyn Inniss, Rev. Dr. J. Meade and Rev. T. Hunkins

Methodist Methodist Link 

Link 

THE METHODIST LINK 

Is a Quarterly Publication of the Methodist 

Church, Leeward Islands District 

Conference 

Publisher 

Leeward Islands District Resources Centre 

General Editor 


Editorial Assistant 

Mr. Frank A. Arnell 

Editing Committee 

Rev. E. Lloyd Brissett 

Clinton J. Spring 

Richard White 

Manager 


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 

Prayer 

May the love of the 

Father enfold me, 

the wisdom of the Son 

enlighten me, 

the fire of the Spirit 

enflame me; 

and may the blessing of 

triune God rest on me, 

and abide with me, 

now and evermore. 

Amen 

Sis. Rowena Carty Becomes a 

Nonagenarian 

O 

n 15th April 2008 at 5:00 p.m., a capacity 

congregation of family and friends assembled 

at the Zion Methodist Chapel, North 

Hill, Anguilla, to celebrate with Sis. Rowena 

Carty, widow of the late Rev. C. Leonard Carty, 

her 90th birthday 

The service was moderated by the Rev. Cecil 

O.A. Weekes who also delivered the opening 

prayer. The homily was delivered by Rev. Joseph 

Lloyd who also gave the dedicatory prayer invoking 

God’s blessing upon, and seeking His guidance 

in the years ahead for Sis. Rowena. 

Page 2 

Si.s Rowena Carty 

Apology was made by the Rev. Careen White, circuit minister, on 

behalf of the superintendent Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles, who, due to a 

prior engagement was unavoidably absent. 

She also extended welcome to the congregation and tendered greetings 

and congratulations to Sis. Rowena on behalf of the circuit. 

Looking very radiant, Sis. Rowena was escorted up the aisle of the 

chapel which was ornately decorated, flanked by her sons Lenny and 

David, and took their seats close to the chancel. Lenny read the lesson 

from Proverbs 31: 10 – 20; 28 – 31 which lauded the virtues of a Godfearing 

wife and mother. David gave a fitting and moving tribute detailing 

the self-effacing and sacrificial nature of the service which Sis. 

Rowena gave over the years, to ensure their welfare and well-being; 

also of the unstinting service that she rendered as a preacher for the 

past 57 years, especially during the itinerancy of her late husband, 

Rev. C. Leonard Carty, to assist him in coping with his very demanding 

and exacting task. From David’s perspective no words spoken could 

express adequately and appropriately their fullest appreciation and 

gratitude to their mom. 

The Zion Choir, Zion Adventurers and Zion Youth Group offered 

tribute in song. A duet was rendered by Sis. Marva and Bro. Daryl 

Thompson. 

Bro. Hugo Rey, congregational steward, gave tribute on behalf of 

the Zion congregation of which Sis. Rowena has been a member since 

its inception. 

Floral presentations and a basket of fruits presented by Sis. Evalie 

Bradley on behalf of the local preachers marked a high point in the 

service. The hymns used, ‘Praise my soul the King of heaven,’ and ‘I 

sing the Almighty Power of God,’ were two favourites of Sis. Rowena, 

and were used at her request. 

Sis. Rowena responded to all that transpired, giving thanks to God 

for spared life, length of days, good health, lucidity of mind and mental 

faculties etc. Her praise also resounded in full measure of gratitude to 

all who participated in any way to make the service of thanksgiving 

possible. 

Following the Benediction the fellowship continued with a scrumptious 

meal and refreshments on the community playing field adjacent to the 

church.


Link 

Mandate for Mission 

(Continued from page 1) 

The church is, by these words of Jesus, mandated to 

go to all nations bearing the message of salvation 

through Jesus Christ. The commission is therefore a 

fitting conclusion to a Gospel which has consistently 

emphasized the missionary vocation of the church. 

The effect of this Commission on the life of the 

church has been far reaching. No part of the Bible 

with the possible exception of Epistle to the Romans 

has done more to give Christians a sense of their mission 

in the world and a vision of the world-wide 

church. 

The Acts of the Apostles detailed the growth and development 

of the church in its early stages, and culminates 

with the missionary journeys of St Paul 

which are in effect an enactment of the missionary 

mandate given by Jesus. 

Moreover, whenever the church takes the venture to 

take the Gospel to all nations it experienced Jesus’ 

promise: 

“I am with you always..” 

The Gospel of Matthew opened with the message that 

God is with us in the coming of Jesus (Matt: 1:23) 

and ended with the promise that the Risen Christ will 

always be with His disciples. 

What are the implications for Jesus’ GREAT COM- 

MISSION and promise for the church today? Are we 

still expected to go to all nations? Can we still expect 

Christ’s presence in all our endeavours? 

It is significant that Jesus’ GREAT COMMISSION was 

given at Galilee. It is significant because Galilee was 

that part of Palestine that lay closest to the Gentile 

regions. Galilee can be said to symbolize the Gentile 

world. (Matt 4: 14 – 16) It can be argued therefore 

that there could have been no more appropriate place 

than Galilee for Jesus to commission His disciples to 

take the Gospel to all nations 

It has been suggested that this commission to take 

the Gospel to all nations, given as it was, at Galilee, 

signaled a turning point in Jesus ministry and indeed 

in the message of the Gospel of Matthew. 

Was Jesus, by choosing to make this declaration in 

Galilee in the Gentile region, that the time had come 

for his disciples to do what He never did, except in 

reluctant anticipation, to GO TO THE GENTILES? 

Was Matthew, who, with few exceptions, most notably 

Matt10 – 6 and 15 : 24 had emphasized that Jesus’ 

earthly ministry was for Jews only, now showing 

that the Risen Jesus, has through his disciples, a 

ministry to the whole world? (vs. 19 -20). 

I believe that the answer to both questions is yes, 

and if so we as Christians are still under obligation to 

fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION. 

Page 3 

Nor need we be daunted by the fact that the prospect 

of going into all nations with the Gospel seems so 

daunting. 

Yes, we live in an age of increasingly narrow loyalties, 

yes, we belong to a time when terrorism associated 

with religious fanaticism has bred suspicion and even 

animousity between people of different faiths, but it is 

precisely for these reasons that we need to revisit and 

rediscover the scope of Jesus’ saving activity and the 

yearning which motivated His Gospel and the efforts 

of the early evangelists. 

You may ask: Where might we begin our quest to 

take the Gospel to all nations? 

The answer: Look around you. In any one of our major 

cities there are representatives of many nations 

doing business on a daily basis. They operate shops 

(Continued on page 10) 

Rev. Dr. Hodge Celebrates 

50 years of Ministry 

ev. Dr. Serchal Wilfred Hodge candidated for 

R ministry in 1955. He spent a 

pre-collegiate year in St. Maarten 

before proceeding to the United 

Theological Seminary in Jamaica 

for 4 years. 

He graduated magnum cum laude 

and received the six first prices 

offered by the Seminary. He also 

gained the diploma in Theology 

from the University of London 

while at Seminary. 

Rev. Dr. Hodge 

Dr. Hodge was first stationed in 1960 by the Provincial 

Synod to the Bahamas District and was eventually 

assigned to the Leeward Islands District where 

he served in the following Circuits: Dominica, St. 

Kitts, Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John, Montserrat, Antigua, 

St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Croix, Aruba and 

Holland. 

Rev. Hodge served the Leeward Islands District Conference 

as general secretary of Finance and Property 

for over 20 years. 

In 1976 he served as Missioner to the North Indiana 

Conference of the United Methodist Church, and 

studied at Wesley Theological Seminary where he obtained 

the Doctor of Ministry degree in 1979. He did 

further post doctoral studies at Emory University including 

a course in Theological German. He was appointed 

in 1991 as Senior Methodist Tutor/Warden 

at the United Theological College in Jamaica from 

where he retired in 1997 Dr. Hodge resides in Anguilla 

his country of birth with his wife Jean. 

The celebration is on Sunday, 17th August 2008 at 

the Bethel Methodist Church at 4.30 p.m. on Anguilla.


Link 

By: Rev. Amos Browne 

Impressions of the St. Thomas/St. John 

Circuit Aldersgate Service 

Rev. Amos Browne is a Nevisian by birth. He has been in Christian 

Ministry for more than 40 years; most of which were spent in the 

Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. He retired as a 

District Superintendent in 2002 and now resides in the Nevis Circuit 

with his spouse Viola (Trotman) 

T 

he story is told that a stranger visiting a community 

in England asked a Cornishman to explain 

the obvious morality and spirit of the villagers, 

He replied, “A man named Wesley passed this 

way." The commitment and devotion of the people 

called Methodist of the St. Thomas/St. John Circuit 

reminds me that the Wesleyan legacy has indeed 

passed by four congregations. Such was the spirit of 

hope and promise that reverberated through the 

2008 Aldersgate combined worship service held at 

Christ Church on May 18. It was like the sound of incoming 

showers of rain. 

There were four distinctive ingredients of the service 

that particularly demonstrated that the church is 

alive and well in the circuit. 

• The singing of the Wesley hymns by the respective 

choirs and their congregations. 

• The drama presentation by the Christ Church 

Confirmation Class. 

• The trio rendition by the three circuit ministers. 

• The general response to the proclamation of the 

Word. 

That great prince of Methodist hymnody, Charles 

Wesley, would have been proud of the way the hymns 

attributed to his authorship were sung: #568 by St. 

John; #554 by Trinity; #173 by Wesley; #80 by Christ 

Church. In Select Hymns, 1761, his brother, John, 

outlined Seven Directions for singing the hymns of 

the church. Directions IV and VII read in part: 

"Sing lustily and with a good courage ... lift up 

your voice with strength." 

"Above all, sing spiritually ... Have an eye to 

God in every word you sing." 

He too, would have applauded the way in which St. 

John adhered to his suggestion when they sang: 

Since the Son has made me free, 

Let me taste my liberty; 

There behold with open face, 

Triumph in thy saving grace. 

And would have been pleased with Trinity's rendition 

of: 

I want the witness, Lord, 

That all I do is right, 

According to thy will and word, 

Well pleasing in thy sight. 

Wesley and Christ Church might have moved the 

brothers to do a "step or two" 

when the two congregations offered 

their pieces: 

0 let me kiss thy bleeding 

feet, 

And bathe and wash 

them with my tears 

The story of thy love 

repeat 

In every drooping sinner’s 

ears, 

Rev. Amos Browne 

That all may hear the 

quickening sound, 

Since I, even I, have mercy found. 

A helpless sold that looks to thee 

Is sure at last thy face to see, 

And all thy goodness to partake; 

The sinner who for thee doth grieve, 

And longs, and labours to believe, 

Thou never, never wilt forsake. 

By the way, it was like a breath of fresh air to hear all 

the verses of each song sung by the respective congregations 

led by their choirs. 

The young people’s item was as profound in its content 

as it was inspiriting in its artistic presentation. 

The skit underscored the point that the story of early 

Methodism in these islands is a story of enduring 

love, sacrifice and preserving faith. It also reminded 

us that our heritage is not only rooted in the soil of 

history but grounded in the faithfulness of our common 

brotherhood. 

Methodist ministers are thankful for whatever oratorical 

gifts the Spirit gives to us. But when a good 

singing voice is thrown into the mix, the Church considers 

it a real bonus. There is no better example that 

in the circuit where Frankly Manners, Jefferson Niles 

and Brian Seymour serve. Those three servants 

teamed up and brought down the church with their 

rendition of: 

Be it my only wisdom here, 

To serve the Lord with filial fear, 

With loving gratitude; 

Superior sense may I display, 

By shunning every evil way, 

And walking in the good. (#576) 

Page 4 

I dare say the Circuit was bless with a double portion 

of harmony by that trio—the richness of the voices 

blending together and the richness of the symbolism 

(Continued on page 7)


Link 

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN TIMES OF RISING PRICES 

* Robertine Chaderton PhD 

* Dr Robertine Chaderton is an academic and professional 

accountant. She is the Director of Studies 

at the North Eastern Caribbean Accounting School 

which prepares students for the British professional 

accounting examinations, among other things. She 

can be contacted at rachad@sisterisles.kn 

Budgeting 

hen all is said and done, you can- 

W not spend more than you make, at 

least not for long. If the income from 

wages or salaries is fixed and costs continue 

to rise, then we must cut back on our expenses. 

The first advice is one which my mother often said to 

us as children “Cut your coat according to your 

cloth”. That is, spend only what you can afford. Figure 

out which of your expenses are wants and which 

are needs. Actual needs are fairly limited – food shelter, 

clothing. Nearly everything else is a want, but 

even the way we get our needs involves choice. 

Do you know where your money goes right now? 

You can take a note book and over the next couple of 

weeks write down how much money you spend and 

what you spend it on. If you like using the computer, 

do this on a spreadsheet; keep track of your spending 

and you will know what you need to cut back on and 

what you need to cut out. The common items we 

spend on are: food, utilities (electricity, water, telephone 

and cable), food, transport (the bus, petrol or 

gas and the other costs of owning a vehicle), housing 

(rent or mortgage) and entertainment. If there are 

children there will be school related items such as 

books, shoes, uniforms, perhaps tuition or after 

school lessons and activities. With a baby, there is 

daycare or babysitting, pampers and all the other necessities 

to keep a baby, clean and comfortable. There 

are also a couple of big, once a year expenses that we 

have to deal with such as car or house insurance and 

property tax. 

On the other side, we consider what is coming in. 

This is usually in the form of wages and salaries. It is 

useful to remember that income does not have to 

come from one source. In certain Caribbean islands 

we have a saying “one, one, fills basket”; you can 

have a full time job and a part time job; a day job and 

an evening job or a job on the weekend. In times of 

rising prices, you have to manage your money from 

two fronts - what is coming in and what is going out. 

Cost of Food 

As Caribbean people, we like to eat well. There are 

ways of continuing to eat well in spite of the rising 

price of food. We can all go back to growing some of 

the things we eat. There are several items that can be 

Page 5 

grown in the back yard even in a small 

space. They include potatoes, pumpkin, 

tomatoes, and lettuce. Growing vegetables 

in an old vehicle tyre can assist 

where the yard space is tiny. 

When you go shopping you need to 

make a list so that you buy what is 

really needed. Look in your food cupboard 

and refrigerator to see what you 

have. Plan nutritious meals, decide 

what your family likes to eat and make 

your grocery list at that time. It is helpful to discuss 

the cost of food with children, so that they are encouraged 

to eat what is set before them and not 

waste food. 

A few useful tips – 

Do not go shopping on an empty stomach; if you 

are hungry, you will be tempted to buy snack 

items to eat on your way home or once you get 

home while you prepare a meal. Shop once a 

week or once a month if possible. One sure 

way to save money is by staying away from 

the shops – try to avoid running to the shop 

every day for a few items. Unless you have 

very strong discipline, you may go in to buy 

one item, but usually end up picking up three 

or four; at least one will not be a necessity. 

When you are in the store compare prices; buy 

‘no name’ brands, they are usually cheaper 

than the well known ones and are often made 

by the same company; buy items that are on 

special or in season. In the store, be prepared 

to bend and stretch your limbs. It is a normal 

display strategy to place goods that are high 

priced at eye level. Look for items that are on 

the top shelf and on the bottom shelf. 

If you do not go home for lunch, bring lunch to 

work from home. Make drinks from the local 

fruits in season. 

Buy in bulk at the wholesale price; form a food co 

-op at your place of work, where you worship 

or in your neighbourhood. There is a church 

on a Caribbean island where they are using 

some radical methods to cushion the sting of 

the high cost of living for its congregation. 

These include setting up a chicken farm 

(members purchase the packaged chickens for 

less than they could at some supermarkets) 

using feed, molasses and aloes, no steroids. 

They own a half acre of land on which they 

have planted carrots, lettuce, beets and tomatoes. 

These are sold to members at a very reasonable 

price.


Link 

Pastoral Care in Light of the Resurrection 

By Rev. Dr. Joan Delsol Meade, 

Methodist Manse, Sint Eustatius 

hristian pastoral care recog- 

C nises a human need for transcendence 

and helps persons towards 

that end. Always, we need 

reminders that help us to focus on 

the power of the presence of God 

and claim its benefits for our life 

together. For if God is for us, who 

can be against us? It is necessary 

for us to look beyond the present circumstances, especially 

when the situations we encounter suggest 

that we should give up and throw in the towel. When 

we experience the worst, we need to remember that 

God brought Jesus back from death. Then we can 

claim and help others claim the power of his promise: 

I am the Resurrection and the Life. 

The resurrection of Christ declares God’s victory 

for the world. Divine love is supremely at work, liberating 

the entire cosmos towards God’s ultimate purpose. 

The resurrection speaks of transformation in 

the midst of what is most destructive, death itself. To 

believe in the resurrection is to assert that transformation 

in pastoral care is possible through the divine 

power that overcomes destruction, heals and renews. 

If we know that in God, who raised Christ from death, 

nothing is impossible, then we find the courage to 

help others to enter into God’s possibilities for their 

lives. 

Because he lives, (we) can face tomorrow. 

In fact, we can triumph today. And we can help 

others to look forward to triumph even when they are 

going through life’s worst, for 

When death’s powers had done their worst, 

Christ their legions had dispersed. 

The activities that we engage in as we care for others 

must help them to sing on the inside. 

Jesus has died and has risen again pardon 

and peace to bestow 

(and that peace is mine to claim) 

Fully I trust him from sins guilty stains. Jesus 

saves me now. 

(even as I feel unloved and unholy). 

The Christian narrative of Christ’s life, death and 

resurrection is a story of hope. The bible goes beyond 

the physical resurrection to the ascension of the 

Risen Christ, who through the Holy Spirit empowers 

those who believe. To all who receive him he gives the 

power to live like the children of God. Hope is the plus 

for the believer. In hopeless situations, those who offer 

care out of the love that God gives us can help 

others ‘to view things not just as they have been or 

even as they are, but in terms of possibilities and po- 

Page 6 

tential’. 

Supporting and holding those who suffer through 

painful, difficult, tragic and seemingly hopeless situations 

means giving them cause to hold on. The inspiration 

of hope is an indispensable ingredient of pastoral 

care. It is central to the pastoral task. As the 

Body of Christ, a priesthood of all believers, we are 

called to care for God’s people where we are. Then 

may we as pastors, lay and ordained, find the inspiration 

to give such service as we seek to know Christ 

and the power of his resurrection. 

94 PUPILS GRADUATE AT MAC 28TH 

SCHOOL-LEAVING EXERCISE 

he Class of 2008 

T comprised to 94 pupils 

of the Methodist 

Agogic Centre (MAC) Rev. 

John A. Gumbs and 

Browlia F. Maillard Campuses, 

were in the lime 

light during their schoolleaving 

exercise themed 

“Go the Distance” marking 

MAC’s 28th annual 

observance. 

Pupil Annebelle Vlaun 

was honoured as the pupil 

of the year after 

achieving a 95% average 

on her final examination. 

MAC’s Executive Director, 

Mr. Clinton Spring, 

presented her with the 

Executive Director’s 

Award for Excellence, 

noting her inspiring diligence 

throughout her 

years at MAC. 

The Chairman of the 

MAC School Board, Rev. 

E. Lloyd Brissett, in his 

words of encouragement 

to the graduates suggested 

three pieces of 

advice: 1) put God first 

in their lives; 2) strive 

after excellence and 3) 

choose their friends 

wisely. He also advised 

parents to play their role 

in their children’s lives, 

as the report constantly 

in the media about gang 

fights, attack on teachers, 

sexual morality were 

very disturbing. 

Addressing the Class of 

School-leavers, the Keynote 

Speaker was a former 

MAC pupil, Romain 

LaVille. Reflecting on the 

theme, “Go the Distance”, 

he reminded the pupils 

that on the road ahead of 

them, success should 

not be an individual accomplishment 

or effort, 

but instead as a class 

they should insure that 

all their peers succeed by 

giving a helping hand in 

instances of obstacles. 

He also reminded them 

never to forget the morals 

and ethics learnt at 

MAC and recommended 

that they seize the many 

opportunities offered in 

this very privilege time in 

which we live.


Link 

Impressions of the St. Thomas/St. 

John Circuit (Continued from page 4) 

of three Methodist presbyters working in harmony as 

fellow partners in ministry. 

Little wonder that the congregations responded with 

such blissful expressions of appreciation! 

In any worship service, the proclamation of the Word 

is considered a stellar event. The worshippers expect 

to hear a word from the Lord. The title of the message 

was: “A Theology of Somehow” based on a trilogy of 

texts from Romans 1:8-12, 16-17; Philippians 3:10- 

11; 1 Thessalonians 3:2,5. A summary of the sermon 

is as follows: 

Introduction: A Theology of Somehow is not taught 

in the classroom, but is birthed and nurtured in 

one’s personal day-to-day saving-encountering relationship 

with the Stranger of Galilee. It is taught in 

the School of Hard Knocks where faith confronts unfaith. 

It is the day-to-day families in our congregations 

struggling to make ends meet but are faithful 

enough to believe that, somehow, God will see them 

through. It is the day-to-day working out of one’s 

own salvation in a time of increasing moral uncertainty. 

It is your abiding faith and trust in God for 

deliverance when your personal physician’s diagnosis 

is not what you were expecting to hear. It is then that 

theology of somehow reminds you that God is a 

Somehow God who will find a way to see you 

through. 

I. A Theology of Somehow is a Theology of Salvation 

by Faith Alone (Rom 1:17) 

From 1738 onwards, Wesley taught ‘sola fide’ (by 

faith alone) as the first and last article by which the 

church stands or falls. The proper object of our faith 

is Jesus Christ who has acted mightily in history for 

our salvation. It is a free underserved gift from God 

for which we cannot take credit. Somehow, such 

faith must bring glory to God in our daily walk. 

II. A Theology of Somehow is a Theology of Salvation 

by Grace Alone (Phil 3: 10-11) 

We teach that the beginning of the work of salvation 

is God’s prevenient grace which gives us the 

power to respond to God. Wesley calls it the first faith 

desire for God. But it doesn't stop there. Prevenient 

grace stirs us to repentance which leads to justifying 

or saving grace. But it still doesn’t stop there. Somehow, 

it is redeeming, transforming. Sustaining grace 

that enables the believer to know Christ and the 

power of His resurrection. It is a knowledge of love. 

Somehow, it is a knowledge of intimate personal 

communion not only with God, the Tree in One, but 

with those whose rest is won. 

III. A Theology of Somehow is a Theology of Ministry 

by Exhortation (1 Thes 3:2,5) 

Page 7 

The word for exhortation is parakaleo, the same 

root word for the divine Comforter. It means to be of 

good comfort, to pray, to in treat. In our daily practice 

of ministry, somehow, pastoral moments present 

themselves. The temptation to which the Thessalonians 

were exposed was that of apostasy from Christianity, 

through the fear or endurance of persecution. 

That was a critical pastoral moment and Timothy was 

sent to minister to that particular need. 

Today’s ministers must be fit and ready to respond 

to the challenges of the critical pastoral moments 

of parish ministry. Failure to do so is a dereliction 

of duty and an affront to the God of Somehow. 

For that same God, somehow, will find a way to 

bridge any gaps left unattended by us, whether that 

omission was by design or by accident. 

Conclusion 

Our God is a God of Somehow. Somehow he finds 

a way to bring relief to the captives, freedom to the 

oppressed, healing to the brokenhearted, help to the 

hopeless and the voiceless and victory to all who call 

upon his matchless Name. Amen. 

The general response to the message was overwhelmingly 

positive. Two little ladies remarked that they 

would seriously find a way to pull me out of retirement. 

The response was a standard refrain, “Thanks, 

but I am retired.” 

Days and weeks have gone by since returning 

from St. Thomas and I am still reminiscing on the 

spiritual vitality of our Methodist people there. Their 

quality of pastoral leadership is at a level far above 

average. Their lay leadership is a model of excellence. 

Their general tone of Christian love exudes a contagion 

of joy and hope. The frequency with which the 

people of Christ Church in particular tend to gravitate 

toward their church premises leads me to conclude 

that the institutional church as well as the 

church catholic must play a significant role in their 

faith formation, and that is commendable. At a time 

when increasing numbers are shying away from congregational 

life and development, the people of Christ 

Church may have something to us. 

Sister Carmen Labega Celebrates 

80th Birthday 

Sister Carmen Labega celebrated her 80th 

birthday on Sunday, 20th July 2008 with 

a Service of Thanksgiving at the Philipsburg 

Methodist Church at 5.00 p.m. 

Among many family members, relatives 

and friends, Sister Labega gave thanks to 

God for the many blessings which he had bestowed 

upon her. The speaker for the occasion was the Rev. 

Selwyn Vanterpool; a former Superintendent of the 

then St. Maarten/St. Martin Circuit and immediate 

Past President of the Leeward Islands District.


Link 

YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT METHODISTS 

SAY ABOUT: 

“SALVATION” 

Question: What is prevalent, justifying, and sanctifying grace? 

Submitted by Rev. Otto Wade 

Connexional Secretary 

Belmont Hill - Antigua 

ohn Wesley said salvation was like a house. "Our main doctrines, which include all the rest, are three: that 

J of repentance, of faith, and of holiness. The first of these we account, as it were, the porch of religion; the 

next, the door; the third is religion itself. 

The first part of the journey to salvation is repentance (Matt. 4: 17). (Wesley calls this the porch of the house.) 

Repentance is more than regret for sin; it involves turning in a new direction. We can become aware of our 

need to repent only when God's grace stirs that awareness within us. God's grace makes the first move. In the 

Wesleyan heritage, that initial gift of grace is called "prevenient grace." ("Prevenient" means "going before.") 

This teaching emphasizes a connection between the moral law and our salvation; but because prevenient 

grace from God moves us to repent, this repentance is not our good works, but God's gracious 

activity in us. 

The next part of the journey toward salvation is faith (Rom. 5:1). (Wesley calls this the door of the house.) It is 

this faith in Jesus Christ that justifies us (Gal. 3:24). Think of justifying the margins of a text you are typing on 

your computer. You line up the margins. Justification is getting lined up right with God. It is not something we do 

on our own; faith itself is a gift, and since 'it justifies us with God, the gift is called "justifying grace." 

Is this done quickly or gradually? The answer is '*Yes" and 'Yes." Philip Willis Otterbein was asked how he 

came to be brought to the gospel; he replied, "I degrees was I brought to the knowledge of the truth." Note the 

phrase "was brought." Justification is not something we do; ft is something God does for us. 

The third part of John Wesley's image of the house is holy living; the house 'itself 'is he living. Getting justified 

does not complete the journey. Once we pass through the door (by grace), we are in the house where our lives 

are to be lived in accord with God’s command that we love one another (1 John 3:11). We are not able to do 

such go works on our own; God's grace makes it possible for us to be sanctified (live holy lives). This gift is 

called “sanctifying" grace. Methodists sometimes are accused emphasizing good works at the expense of faith. 

Not so! There is nothing in our teachings to argue that we are saved by works. What is clear in Methodist 

thought is that where there is faith there are good works (James 2:17). Repentance (porch). Justification (door). 

Sanctification, holy living (the house itself)—all possible by God’s grace. 

Let us plead for faith alone, faith which by our works is shown; God it is who justifies, only faith the grace applies. 

Which part of Wesley's "house of salvation" is most difficult for you? 

Page 88 

8


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70 th Anniversary Celebrations 

Page 99 

9 

T 

he 1st Sint Eustatius Boys’ Brigade and the 1st Sint Eustatius Girls’ Brigade Companies 70th Anniversary 

Celebrations culminated on Sunday 18th May 2008 with a Thanksgiving Service led by Rev. Dr. Joan 

Delsol Meade at the historic Bethel Methodist Church in Oranjestad. Present to witness the occasion 

were State Secretary of Justice, Mr. Ernie Simmons and Island Council Members, Ms. Adelka Spanner and Mr. 

Clyde van Putten. 

The young men and women of the Brigades participated in a full week of activities which included: a Torch Parade, 

Know Your Brigade Competition, Bible Study, Methodist Mid-week Morning Meditation radio programme, 

Community Service, Dinner and Parade. 

Captain of the 1 st Sint Eustatius Girls’ Brigade Company, 

Ms. Louise van Putten, provided a brief historical 

review of the Girls’ Brigade in St. Eustatius. She 

expressed joy serving as Captain and used the opportunity 

to pay special tribute to remaining officers 

whom she thanked for their unwavering support and 

commitment throughout the years. Presentations 

were made to Lieutenant Alice Lopes (35 years), Lieutenant 

Bernadine Woodley (10 years), Lieutenant 

Maureen Rawlins (10 years) and Lieutenant Christina 

Timber (10 years) A surprise presentation was made 

to Mrs. Marcella Gibbs who served as a former officer 

between 1975 and 1980. On hand to witness the historic 

celebration was 94 year old Ms. Stella Hassell, 

one of the first ever Lieutenants of the 1 st St. Eustatius 

Girls’ Brigade Company. Ms. Hassell was presented 

with a floral arrangement. 

Captain Derrick Simmons highlighted the important role the Boys’ Brigade continues to play in St. Eustatius 

and almost every country in the world. The Boys’ Brigade is the oldest youth organization in the world, 

founded by Sir William Alexander Smith in Scotland 125 years ago. In his address, Captain Simmons remarked 

that it is important for the Brigade to focus on the past, present and future. As a token of their investment 

in the future the 1 st St. Eustatius Boys Brigade, presented two trumpets as encouragement for boys and 

girls to take up the challenge to enhance their music 

skills as a means to further expand the use of a variety 

of musical instruments within the Brigade Band. 

Another noteworthy contribution was the unveiling of 

a newly restored church sign at Bethel Methodist 

Church. The project was spearheaded by Mr. Norman 

von Engel who worked with the boys to restore 

the church signage. Captain Simmons paid tribute to 

Mrs. Rebecca van Putten a.k.a Toko now deceased, 

who would always to cheer on the Boys’ and Girls’ 

Brigades with shouts of “loyalty, loyalty, loyalty”, 

when they would pass her street during marches to 

commemorate Statia Day or Queen’s Birthday. He 

urged the young boys to remain loyal, steadfast and 

sure. 

Superintendent Minister and Chaplain of the Boys’ 

and Girls’ Brigades Companies, Rev. Dr. Joan Delsol 

Meade, in her sermon used the example in the bible 

1st St. Eustatius Boys Brigade Company on the march 

where God empowered Jeremiah with the gift to 

speak. She reminded the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades that God did not make any of us to waste our lives away. “It 

is important that you keep company with God as He will speak to you in many different ways; through your parents, 

teachers and even young children like yourselves”. Rev. Dr. Delsol Meade further reminded the youth of 

John Wesley’s last words, “the best of all is, God is with us”. 

(continued on page 11)


Link 

Mandate for Mission (Continued from page 3) 

on the high streets in our towns; they are visiting in 

our hotels and relaxing on our beaches. Indeed, the 

world is literally on our door steps. 

When you meet people of other faiths whether for 

business on in more relaxed settings, engage them on 

matters of faith, share yours own perspective, enquire 

about their own. 

Yes, “ Go to All Nations”……….” For we are Ambassadors 

for Christ” (2 Cor. 5) and ……” you will receive 

power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you that 

you may be witnesses”…. Matt 28: 19; 2 Cor. 5:20; 

Acts1:8 

This is the primary purpose for which the Holy Spirit 

was given to the church – to bear witness to Christ. 

We should not expect the gift while we ignore the 

purpose. A church which ceases to be missionary will 

not be, and cannot rightly expect to be “ spiritual”. 

District Men’s Work Commission 

meet (Continued from page 1) 

The occasion was graced by the presence of Governor 

Franklyn E. Richards and Commissioner and Leader 

of Government, Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams, both 

whom delivered inspiring addresses. 

The Circuit in arranging a most interesting programme 

of lecture presentations and discussions was 

able to draw upon a cadre of ministerial and lay persons 

in St. Maarten and St. Martin and also from Anguilla. 

During the Commission’s meeting, Bro. Nathaniel 

Richardson and Bro. Richard White from the St. 

Maarten Circuit were elected as President and Secretary 

– Treasurer, respectively of the District Men’s 

Commission. Bro. Richardson succeeds Sir Probyn 

Inniss and Bro. White succeeds Bro. Danny Cornelius 

who have held the positions since 2003 when the District 

Men’s Commission was established. The nine Circuits 

represented were: St. Thomas/St. John, British 

Virgin Islands (BVI) St. Eustatius, Antigua, St. Kitts, 

Dominica, Curacao, St. Martin and St. Maarten. 

Louise Malcolm called 

to the Bar 

ev. Livingstone and Mrs. Lettice Malcolm are the 

R proud parents of Louise Malcolm, one of the newest 

additions to the Turks and Caicos Islands Legal 

Bar. 

After completing her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political 

Science and French in 2003, Louise obtained 

her Law degree from the University of Bristol, England 

in 2006. She subsequently obtained her Diploma in 

Louise, Rev. Malcolm and Mrs. Lettice Malcolm 

Page 10 

Legal Practice from the University of the West of England 

in 2007. 

Louise was presented for admission to the Turks and 

Caicos Islands Bar on February 22, 2008 by Mr. Carlos 

Simons, QC, a senior partner in Miller Simons 

O’Sullivan. The ceremony took place in Grand Turk, 

in the presence of her parents and relatives, including 

the Hon. Deputy Governor, Mahala Wynns. 

Louise gives thanks for the support she continues to 

receive from her parents, brother, family members 

and friends. Particular expressions of gratitude are 

extended to Mr. Simons and everyone at Miller 

Simons O’Sullivan, where she is currently employed. 

Bethel Methodist Chapel in South Hill, Anguilla celebrated the 

130th anniversary of its dedication with a week of activities during 

the period June 15-21. The anniversary celebration begun 

with an special service during which the sermon was preached 

by the Rev. Jefferson Niles, a product of the Bethel Congregation, 

now servicing in the St. Thomas/St. John Circuit. 

The Rev. Dr. Clifton H. Niles is the Superintendent Minister of 

the Anguilla Circuit and Pastor of the Bethel Congregation.


Link 

70 th Anniversary Celebrations (Continued 

from page 9) 

The event produced several special moments to include 

a photo option with three generations of St. 

Eustatius Girls’ Brigades leadership (Captain of the 1 st 

St. Eustatius Girls’ Brigade Company, Captain of the 

2 nd St. Eustatius Girls’ Brigade Company Ms. Louise 

van Putten, Ms. Vanessa Bennett (29) and Ms. Stella 

Hassell, Former Lieutenant of the 1 st St. Eustatius 

Girls’ Brigade Company (94). 

Page 11 11 

Former Captain of the 1st St. Eustatius Boys’ Brigade 

Company and retired school teacher, Mr. Dennis 

Sprott, were also in attendance. Mr. Sprott presented 

1st St. Eustatius Boys Brigade Company on the march 

the Boys’ Brigade Company with a framed picture of the founder, Sir William Alexander Smith. He further presented 

special commemorative cups to all present and past officers of the Boys’ Brigade and former Boys Brigaders 

including Mr. Josser Daniel (84) and State Secretary, Mr. Ernie Simmons. Mr. Sprott explained how St. 

Eustatius received international exposure as a result of the participation of the Boys’ Brigade in many events 

around the world. On one such occasion Mr. Sprott was privileged to receive the highest Boys’ Brigade honour 

known as the Queen’s Badge, from Her majesty the 

Queen of England. As a symbol of his appreciation for 

the work being done to uphold this organization within 

the life of the Methodist Church on St. Eustatius, he 

presented the Queen’s Badge to Captain Derrick Simmons. 

Girls Brigade marching through the streets of Oranjestad, St. Eustatius 

On Saturday July 19, 2008, during the course of the 

day, Officers and boys of The Boys’ Brigade Companies 

travelling from the neighboring islands of: St. 

Kitts, Nevis, St. Eustatius, Trinidad and Tortola arrived 

on St. Maarten for the Opening of the Boys’ Brigade 

Eastern & Southern Caribbean Fellowship Boys 

Camp on Sunday July 20, 2008. Local Officers and 

Boys from the Companies of Dutch and French Side 

of St. Maarten are also in attendance to the camp. 

There are approximately 40 boys and 10 officers in 

attendance at the camp. Travel mishaps have prevented 

some of the delegates from St. Kitts to be in 

attendance. 

The camp is being hosted at the Browlia F. Maillard 

Campus of the Methodist Agogic Center in St. John’s 

Estate. Subsequently, sessions will also be held at 

the Rupert I. Maynard Center in St. Peters. 

Apart from the programs that fall directly under the 

umbrella of the Boys’ Brigade Organization, such as 

BB Knowledge, Drill, etc; several other programs has 

been planned for the camp. They include, but are 

not limited to: 

Former Boys’ Brigade member, Mr. Heemstadt pledged 

to contribute to the music lesions for 6 year old Sjevon 

Timber who took up the challenge to learn to play the 

trumpet. 

The event closed with encouragement for the youth to 

remain loyal, steadfast and sure as the Brigades offer 

many opportunities. 

The Boy’s Brigade Easter & Southern Caribbean Regiona Fellowship Boys Camp 2008 

Official Opening Ceremony on Sunday July 20 th, at 

the Ebenezer Congregation in Marigot; Sessions on 

Agriculture by Ansel Daniel, & HIV by Dr. Cornelius 

de Weever; Motivational session sponsored by Nagico 

Insurance; Island Tour, Hike & Picnic and Open 

House. 

The Object of the Boys’ Brigade: The advancement 

of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion 

of habits, obedience, reverence, discipline, 

self-respect and all that tends towards a true 

Christian Manliness, is the aim for molding the 

campers during this eight (8) day period. It is the 

hope of the Officers that the boys in attendance will 

all learn and put into practice the knowledge, moral, 

and motivational training they will receive at camp. 

It is also the hope that they will develop lifetime 

friendships with other Boys’ Brigade members within 

the Region. 

The camp will conclude on Sunday July 27, 2008 

where the members will attend various congregations 

of the Methodist and Bible Baptist Churches. community.


Link 

The Methodist Missionary Development Foundation 

The St. Maarten Circuit has embarked upon the project to 

develop on an open plot of land measuring 491 square meters 

adjacent to the Philipsburg Methodist Manse into profitable 

Commercial Centre at the corner of Back Street and 

Hotel Steeg in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The commercial 

Centre will comprise of a two level building in the style of 

the Philipsburg Manse. On the ground level, there will be 

four (4) commercial spaces of approximately 74 square 

meters each. On the first floor, there will be four (4) office 

spaces each averaging approximately 74 square meters. 

Page 12 

Methodists are invited to participate in the project by investing 

in any number of Participation Certificates at “twohundred” 

United States Dollars (US$ 200.00) each. There 

are 2000 Participation Certificates available. An annual 

interest of 5 percent (5%) will be paid on the investment. 

For more information contact: THE METHODIST MISSION- 

ARY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION; Back Street 91, 

P.O. Box 19, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

August 2008 — Volume V - the Methodist Church - LID

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