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

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TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND SELWYN L. VANTERPOOL M.B.E.,M.A.,M.P.S., L.Th.
DISTRICT PRESIDENT, LEEWARD ISLANDS DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Reverend Selwyn L. Vanterpool,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______
When you assumed the office of District President in September 2000, few of us would have guessed that within three years the District Resources Centre would be
operational and that a resident Methodist Minister would be in place to advance the work of the Guadeloupe Mission. These positive developments are largely due to
your leadership in this direction. You are obviously committed to the extension of the Leeward Islands District beyond its traditional borders, as evidenced too, by
your keen interest in the progress of the church in Holland.
You were eager to see the Church grow both outwards and on the inside. The District Resources Centre was part of your plan to help our Church become a dynamic
movement that is self sustaining and growing while serving in response to human need in church and society.
You placed a high priority on the Church‟s ministry among its children and young people. That was evident through your constant presence at District Youth functions
and at the District hosted MCCA Youth Encuentro in Antigua. You were there in person to show that you care and to encourage the youths along their spiritual journey.
Your dream of a vibrant Methodist Youth organization is coming to fruition. Already , we can envision the Methodist Youth Ambassadors at the 2006 Youth
Encuentro. The MYA presence may well turn out to be an important catalyst in the establishment of this umbrella organization throughout the Connexion.
Your support was not restricted to the young. You made it your business to be present at District Men‟s and Women‟s events as well; and you shared likewise at the
2005 General Assembly of MCCA Women. You showed that you care.
You demonstrated your interest in the groups and organizations of our Church, and you cared for the individual members too. Many among us can recall situations in
which you lent a listening ear and communicated hope, helping them out of their distress. You were able to inspire courage at such times because of your determination
to focus on the positive in any given situation. It is from their reflections on your counsel in troublesome times that persons describe you as:
“caring and considerate” ;
“cooperative and sensitive”;
“willing to assist in crisis”;
The personal touch you took with you into the normal course of things, remembering your colleagues and sending each a small gift at Christmas time. In the same
vein you instituted the Leeward Islands District Calendar which keeps our Circuits in touch with each other, aware of significant happenings around the District. The
calendar is an instrument promoting the spirit of Connexionalism among us.
As General Superintendent of this District, you ably communicated your vision to those who served with you. You stood your ground in persuading others to get
there. You paid more attention to where you were heading than you did to distractions that could have hindered progress. A deep thinker you seem to be, one who
understands human nature and is committed to move forward even when the path is a challenging one.
Listen to some of our assessments of your leadership:
> “ a dedicated leader”
> “ a man of action, anxious to get things done; believes that the Church should grow and advance her mission and ministry”
> “ An individual who is quiet and yet thinks deeply. It is obvious he has the progress of the District at heart”
> “ Deep thinker; submits pertinent ideas for advancing the work of the Church and does his utmost to ensure that his suggestions and ideas are implemented”
> “ Can be firm and intentional”
> “ very knowledgeable and resourceful”
> “ an individual who though quiet in nature, has the ability to command the respect of this District; one who has very mature leadership qualities”
You have given of yourself in service, conscious that much was expected of you. Knew that he who began a good work in you is still with you and will see you
through.
For your untiring efforts, your passion to see the District advance, for your caring concern and all the invaluable service you rendered as District President, we give
thanks and praise to God.
We give thanks for the support of Brenda, your wife and the rest of your family. May God‟s richest blessings continue to attend you as you demit the office of District
President and continue in the service of the Lord.
Anguilla: Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles
Rev. James C. Richardson
Supernumeraries: Rev. John A. Gumbs
Rev. Franklin A. Roberts
Rev. Cecil A.O. Weekes
Rev. Dr. S. Wilfred Hodge
Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd
Antigua: Rev. Charles A. Seaton
Rev. Novelle C. Josiah
Rev. Belinda P. Manswell-Daniel
Circuit Deacon: Rev. June V. James
Supernumerary: Rev. M. Peterson Joseph
Aruba: Rev. Relis F. Martin-Riley
B.V.I. Rev. Moreland Williams
Rev. Gesner Louis Charles
One Presbyter to be sent
Rev. Keith B. Lewis*
Circuit Deacons: Rev. Arlene Bruce
Married without Rev. Edris Christopher-O’Neal
Appointment: Rev. Yvonne Nibbs-Flores
Curacao: Rev. Patmore C. Henry
Dominica: Rev. Carlwin Greenaway
Rev. Vincia Celestine
Rev. Gary Heitz
Supernumeraries: Rev. William W. Watty
Rev. Dr. James J. Timothy
Holland: Rev. Myrna Lake
Local Presbyter: Rev. David O. Davila Quinteros
District President (Elect)
Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Mission & Evangelism
Rev. Patmore C. Henry
Stations of Presbyters and Deacons
Church year 2006 - 2007
Montserrat: Rev. Telford D. Matthew
Local Presbyter: Rev. Rosalind M. Morgan
Nevis: Rev. Lindsay K. Richardson
Rev. Tyrone S.N. Hunkins
Supernumerary: Rev. Harold A. Gill
St. Croix: Rev. E. Dunstan Richardson
Supernumerary: Rev. Jennings G.E. Martin
St. Eustatius: Rev. Joan Delsol-Meade
St. Kitts: Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Rev. Bonny C. Bryon
Rev. Rose Marie E. Cocks-Julius
Circuit Deacon: Rev. Janetta V. James
St. Maarten: Rev. E. Lloyd Brissett
Rev. Alberic L. Rohan
Local Presbyter: Rev. Florence E.C. Daley
St. Martin: Rev. Joyce F. Rohan
St. Thomas/St. John: Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool
Rev. Jefferson C. Niles
Rev. E. Brian Seymour
Local Presbyter: Rev. Dr. Wycherley V. Gumbs
Guadeloupe Mission: Rev. Franklyn E. Manners
Rev. Stephane G. Brooks
District Deacon: Rev. Claudine L. Glasgow-Brooks
(Director District Resources Centre)
* Minister serving an external organization.
District Officers of the Conference
2006 - 2007
District Secretary
Rev. Charles A. Seaton
Resources & Development
Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles
Christian Education
Rev. Lindsay K. Richardson
General Education
Rev, Jefferson C. Niles
District Treasurer
Mrs. Muriel Smith