March - May 2006 - Volume IV: Issue 14 - the Methodist Church - LID

Methodist LINK Page 4
Brothers and Sisters,
W e send you greetings from the 200th Annual Meeting of the Leeward
Islands District Conference assembled in the Name of God
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
At its 1806 Conference Meeting, the British Methodist Church took the
decision to create its first four overseas Districts located in the West
Indies. Two of these were the St. Christopher and Antigua Districts.
Through divine providence, we meet 200 years later at the historic
Wesley Methodist Church in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
As we meet, we are both encouraged by the spiritual legacy which is
ours and challenged to defend and to extend the faith we have inherited.
This is particularly important as we consider what is required of us as
Christians called to be stewards of all God’s gifts.
God‟s Spirit is urging the people called Methodists to pursue our calling
as stewards of God‟s grace. The message captured in the District theme
for the Connexional year was made clear through the voices of those
who led and shared with us: Rev. Dr. Victor Perez, International Director
of the Walk to Emmaus and Rev. Dr. Thomas Albin, Dean of the Upper
Room, who led the Ministerial Retreat; District President Rev. Selwyn
Vanterpool who challenged us from the Welcome Service through the
duration of Conference, to be wise and faithful stewards; Connexional
President Rev. Dr. George Mulrain; Connexional Vice President Dr.
Calsey Johnson and others.
We were reminded of the privilege and responsibilities of stewardship.
We are all special and unique individuals blessed with gifts to share in
God‟s mission. The Church provides us with opportunities to use these
gifts as we participate in the work of God. Let us see our organizations,
meetings and programmes as vehicles to fulfil this mission.
We need to affirm and to put into practice much of what our Wesleyan
tradition emphasizes. The following insights from the Ministerial Retreat
can help.
√ Deliberate, regular and meaningful observance
of the “means of grace” - private and public prayer,
searching the Scriptures, the Lord‟s Supper, fasting
and abstinence, and meeting for fellowship and for
building each other up (Christian Conference).
√ The priesthood of all believers which we exercise
in various ways, for example, in our pastoral roles as
class leaders, members and ordained ministers
√ Growth in Christian holiness. Our Christian spirituality
is deepened as we open ourselves to the
influence of the Holy Spirit using such disciplined
approaches as the Emmaus Walk or other spiritual
retreats, or sharing in covenant groups for prayer
and deeper study of God‟s Word.
√ Pastoral visitation, an area of ministry that has
proven to be an effective means for encouragement
of the faithful and for initiating restoration of lapsed
members.
PASTORAL LETTER TO THE
CONGREGATIONS
It is vital that we live out these aspects of our Methodist heritage as we
engage in ministry in a changing world. Change is inevitable and, as
wise stewards, we must be willing and ready to try new and more effective
methods for proclaiming the Gospel. We should no longer be content
with using traditional methods that no longer serve the useful purpose
they once did. The District has expanded beyond its traditional
borders and is more varied than it has ever been. Migration patterns,
increase in educational opportunity, and technological advancement
have changed the social, political and cultural landscape. The escalation
in violence and crime including drug abuse and human trafficking
and health related problems present new challenges. Without a faith that
is anchored in God we may become overwhelmed. In such a time as
this we can no longer be content with the attitude that says “we‟ve always
done it that way.” This may well be an easy excuse for fear of the
unknown. Let us now hear words preached at the Conference Communion
Service: “Be bold and courageous unswervingly loyal and determined
to serve…undaunted and undeterred. Let us go forward in spite
of doubts and fears [in the midst of daunting change]”.
But change, in itself, is not necessarily good. We must be ready to defend
biblical truths. For example, Conference emphatically restates the
position of our church on Christian marriage – that it is a divinely sanctioned
covenant relationship entered into by a man and a woman. This
position does not change simply because other forms or practices become
legal in any particular countries. The future of our Methodist Witness
will reflect our awareness of the particular changes occurring in our
various contexts for mission. This affects how we teach our children and
pass on to future generations the faith we have inherited.
A similar message was conveyed by the Connexional Vice President
who appealed to us to train our children with the dedication and commitment
that those before us did, to teach the importance of personal discipline,
family prayers, good neighbourliness and self-respect. These
values keep us grounded in faith in the midst of change.
This concern was also expressed by the District President when he
spoke to the children and young people assembled for the Youth Demonstration,
an occasion when they truly made us proud. He noted that
today‟s world is one full of opportunity, a time when young people can
reach for the top. But, as he said, the wealth of opportunity has accompanying
dangers making this, our time, a dangerous one in which to live
- a time when many promising young persons fail, when too many are
lured into criminal activity, or living sexually irresponsible lives, or give in
to the temptation to get rich too quickly. Like Paul, he admonished: “Be
careful how you live for the days are evil”. His advice to the youth of our
church is good for us all. “The secret of victorious living is for each one
of us to make Jesus our friend and companion.”
The Connexional President made the point during his address to the
large gathering sharing the 200 th Anniversary Dinner where he delivered
this message in song:
“Choose with your mind on the Master
Live every day with the Master
Soon you‟ll be sure to discover
Life with God is bound to succeed”
We must first be a people committed to Christ. Our strategies and Pro-
(See Pastoral Letter on page 5)
Methodist LINK Page 9
State of the Work of God in the Conference Area
Mission and Evangelism and Church Growth
As we celebrated the 200 th Annual Session of our Conference, our
hearts have been strangely warmed as we learnt of the positive developments.
We rejoice with the Rev. David Davila Quinteros of the Holland
Circuit on his Ordination.
We have been made aware of the possible merger of the
UMC Congregation and the MCCA St. Croix Circuit;
The Guadeloupe Mission is steadily progressing and they
have on record five (5) Preachers “On Note”. Also the membership
has increased 100% over last year.
We believe that, the Spirit‟s leading is evident as we seek
permission of the Connexional Conference to adopt a Triennial
System of meeting.
Our District theme, “Called to Live As Stewards of all God‟s Gifts,” has
given focus to our mission and towards this end, an inventory of gifts will
be conducted in each Circuit.
Inspite of the many challenges, our Church is pressing on – preaching
the word – witnessing to all – feeding the poor and lifting up the fallen.
Christian Education
While the reports continue to reflect a decline in statistical returns, there
is still much to celebrate in all areas. New methods of Christian nurturing
and evangelism, such as the new church school curriculum
“Growing In Fullness,” the “Alpha Course”, camp evangelism
through dormitory devotions, and mentoring of youth organizations by
adult groups are noteworthy. Some circuits are reporting intentional
efforts at child evangelism with two circuits indicating over 30 children
committing their lives to Christ.
Christian educators and leaders of organizations throughout the district
can therefore affirm that all is not lost and be encouraged to never grow
weary in well doing, but rather remain faithful, creative and hopeful that
numerical and spiritual fruit will be realized as more members become
more deeply committed to Christ and enabled to fulfil their stewardship
to God.
The Christian Education department is grateful to all district, circuit and
congregational workers and pledge to continue in its mission of enabling
leaders through ongoing leadership development.
General Education
It is evident that the Church has an important and pivotal role in providing
children and young people with the guidance that will enable them to
cope with the challenges they face.
The BVI Circuit is to be applauded for its intention to have the Methodist
Church return to its involvement in general education. The Conference
looks forward to the establishment of a pre-school in that Circuit that will
represent the first step in a long journey in education.
The Conference encourages the Dominica Circuit to be proactive during
the period of transition for the St. Andrew‟s High School. A good opportunity
to expand its mission in general education awaits the Church.
Schools provide an excellent avenue for transmitting good values to our
children and youth. The formation of teams to assist ministers in giving
pastoral oversight and providing religious instruction in our schools is
commendable.
Finally, the Conference recognizes the challenges involved in the management
of schools and expresses gratitude to all who have supported
our work in this area.
Resources and Development
It is encouraging to note an increase in the number of building scheme
proposals, and the interest in renovating chapels and halls. These
schemes are being carried out at great cost. The Department encourages
Circuits to be more proactive and intentionally put a preventive
maintenance programme in place as this would be both wise and cost
saving. We commend the BVI Circuit on bringing forth a commercial
project, and encourage them to be diligent in all aspects of its execution.
A matter of concern has been the matter of medical insurance. We
encourage younger ministers especially to acquire personal/family policies
as a matter of urgency, bearing in mind that the Church will contribute
toward the premiums.
Men’s Ministry
The next District Men‟s Seminar will be held in the St. Croix Circuit from
July 18-23, 2006. Each Circuit is asked to send four delegates.
The next District Men‟s Commission meeting will be held July 17-18,
2006 prior to the District Men‟s Seminar.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That the M.C.C.A. Men in the Leeward Islands District
establish a uniform; and that the uniform be a green
vest. The vest will also bear the MCCA crest.
2. That all Men‟s Fellowship groups intentionally include
in their outreach projects to men and boys in the
church and community, programmes geared towards
curbing deviant behaviour, crime and violence.
3. That the Men‟s Commission intentionally utilize every
opportunity to educate the community on health issues,
particularly lifestyle diseases.
4. That the District Men‟s Commission Meeting be held
in Montserrat Circuit July 17-19, 2007.
5. That the District Men‟s Seminar be held in St. Maarten
from July 14 – 21, 2008.
6. That Circuit Men‟s Commissions in conjunction with
the Circuit Mission and Evangelism Committee organize
marriage enrichment programmes, with a view to
strengthening marriage relationships.
7. That young men be included in the ushering ministry
of the Church.
Commemorative Book for 200th
Anniversary
esearch material for the production of a book commemorating the
R 200th anniversary of the Leeward Islands District has been received
at the DRC from the Rev. Dr. John Neal in the UK. The following committee
with power to co-op was established to compile the commemorative
book for the anniversary celebrations:
Dr. Charles Wheatley (Co-ordinator)
Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd
Sir. Probyn Inniss
Rev. Lindsay K. Richardson, Secretary C. E. Department
Rev. Claudine Glasgow-Brooks, Director of DRC