The Methodist Church - Leeward Islands District Conference [MCCA]

Methodist Link Page 4
To Tell the World . . . . . . .
“That the World May Know Jesus Christ.”
By Dr. Eddie Fox, executive of the World Methodist Council —
Source — Upper Room May - June 2005
What is the World Methodist Council?
The World Methodist Council (WMC) links together
Methodists around the world. It was first organized
in 1881. The world Methodist family is 76
million believers in 138 countries, from about 64
Methodist/Wesleyan groups. Seven different
Methodist bodies from the United States participate
in the WMC — the United Methodist, the African
Methodist Episcopal, the Christian Methodist
Episcopal, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion
and the Free Methodist churches, the Wesleyan
Church, and the Church of the Nazarene.
Where is the primary Growth of Methodism?
Methodism has been growing at a rate of about 1
million per year for the last 15 years. The primary
growth is in Africa, Asia, and in recent years,
Latin America.
In this article, we are highlighting the WMC theme
“That the World May Know Jesus Christ”.
In 2001, a resolution was passed by the WMC
conference that in 2001-2006 Methodists around
the world would join together in fasting, praying,
and witnessing in order that the world will come
to know Jesus Christ. John Wesley, the founder of
Methodism, felt it was important to have a regular
fast from Thursday afternoon to mid-afternoon on
Friday . . . Basically giving up two meals. It was a
time of focusing one’s prayers. He encouraged
preachers and laypeople to participate.
We invite people to fast and pray for a worldwide
Pentecost where we not only remember the first
Pentecost but also experience the anointing of the
Holy Spirit. We have to join and walk together so
that God’s Spirit can move
around the world.
How can the ordinary
Christian find ways to
share our faith in a busy
world where often we don’t
know our next-door
neighbours?
Faith Sharing is a relational
experience. The relationships
we already have at home and
in our communities can become
bridges for sharing our
participants by November 2005.
faith. Most people become Christians because of
the testimony and deeds of someone they trust.
Therefore, we are called to establish relationships
of trust with people who don’t know Christ, and
from within those relationships we share our faith.
How can we remain faithful to sharing our
faith in Jesus Christ in a way that respects
the faiths of other people?
The goal of Christian mission is for everyone in
the world to know Jesus Christ, because in him
we see what God is really like. In Christ we find
the will of God for the world. God in Christ calls us
not be in isolation but to be in relationship with
people in different situations in all parts of the
world.
What is the single most important thing that
Christians can do to introduce unbelievers to
Jesus Christ?
Our words and deeds must reflect the gospel of
Christ.
Romans 10:14 says, “How are they to believe . . .
without someone to proclaim [Christ]?”
Where can people find resources to help
them learn how to talk about their faith?
World Methodist Evangelism has developed a
textbook (Faith Sharing: Dynamic Christian Witnessing
by Invitation). Another resource, the
Faith-Sharing New Testament, is also available.
Editor’s note: For more information on these
available material, check with your Superintendent
Ministers.
Connexional Council (Continued from page 1)
Each Circuit is asked to observe
the following scheduled activities:
July 2005 - Preliminary team
selection. Secure
places at Encuentro
with US$100.00 deposit(non-refundable)
Oct.-Nov. 2005 - N a m e s o f
participants along with 2nd
deposit of $150.00.
March 2006 - Final deposit of
each participant
US$250.00.
The next meeting of the Connexional
is scheduled to be held in
the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands
November 7 - 14, 2005.
The Methodist Church - Leeward Islands District Conference [MCCA]
Quarterly News Magazine of interest to the Methodist Community
Matters of Special Relevance and interest from the
recently held Connexional Council
By District President—Rev. S.L. Vanterpool
T
he Connexional Council of the Methodist Church in the
Caribbean & the Americas convened in Trinidad from May
23 - 30, 2005. The Council meeting was presided over by
the Rev. George Mulrain, Connexional President. The Leeward Islands District
was represented by the
Resource and Development
By Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles
District Secretary for Resource & Development
he Resources and Develop-
T ment department recently
held a highly successful workshop
in St. Maarten/St. Martin
Circuit at the Browlia Maillard
Campus of the Methodist Agogic
Centre (MAC).
Sessions began in the afternoon
of Friday, July 1 and closed in the afternoon
of Sunday, July 3. There were forty-five participants
from fourteen Circuits. Only Guadeloupe and
Holland were absent. The main presenters were
Mrs. Muriel Smith, Ms. Adosha Francis and Mr.
Brandtford Adams, but the presentations were so
made that most participants were able to make an
input, which contributed to the learning spirit and
dynamism of the workshop.
We expect that this Workshop will make a definite
difference throughout the District and will contribute
significantly to raising the level of efficiency
in the Circuits and Congregations.
A major concern of the Workshop is the standardization
of payment vouchers, budget preparations,
and audit reports. This will save a lot of time,
especially as we have committed ourselves to use
the International Accounting System and the Quick
Books Premier Computer progamme.
See Resource and Development on page 3
District President, Rev.
Selwyn L. Vanterpool,
and the District Lay
Representative, Mr.
Georges Gumbs.
Volume IV
Issue 12
June - August 2005
The Council ratified the decision to receive the
Rev. Davilla Quinteros into full Connexion and
agreed that he be ordained as a Local Presbyter
at the 2006 District Conference.
The Commission on Ministry received an application
from Rev. Florence Daley, a Local Presbyter,
to become an Itinerant Presbyter. The matter
was referred to the Ministerial Session of the Leeward
Islands District Conference.
The Council agreed in principle to the transfer of
the Rev. Theophius Rolle to The Bahamas District
between January - September 2006 Calendar
year, subject to the two districts concerned being
able to make adequate arrangements.
Council approved the stationing of the Rev.
Charlesworth Browne to the Jamaica District with
effect 1st September 2006.
Permission has been granted to the Rev. Keith B.
Lewis to serve an external organization in the BVI
for the 2005-2006 Connexional year.
The MCCA Youth Encuentro is scheduled to be
held in Jamaica from July 14 - 31, 2006. Cost
per participant is US$ 500.00. Each District Department
is kindly asked to confirm the number of
Matters from Connexional Council continued on page 4

Methodist Link Page 2 Methodist Link Page 3
THE METHODIST LINK
Is a Quarterly Publication of the Methodist Church,
Leeward Islands District Conference
Publisher
Leeward Island District Resources Centre
General Editor
Rev. Keith B. Lewis
Editorial Assistant
Mr. Frank A. Arnell
Graphics & Design
Rev. Keith B. Lewis
Manager
Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool
Circulation
Rev. Florence E.C. Daley
Address
Phillipsburg Methodist Church Complex
Back Street 91, P.O. Box 19
Phillipsburg, St. Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599) 542-1348
Fax: (599) 542-1349
E-mail: methodistdrc@sintmaarten.net
methodistlidrc@hotmail.com
By: Rev. Stephane G. Brooks
Guadeloupe Mission
ome September 1, the Methodist Mission in Guadeloupe
C will be celebrating its 4th anniversary.
Thus far, the Mission is made up mainly of immigrants of
Haitian origin and St. Martiners residing in Guadeloupe, two
groups that have gravitated naturally towards the Mission
since some were already members of the Methodist church,
while others were seeking a church family.
The work in Guadeloupe is first and foremost one of pioneering.
Indeed, three/four years ago, the work was started
from scratch. Today, after much struggle, the Sunday gathering
is comprised of an average of 70 persons who come together
for worship and church schools. Weekly, four groups
meet for home Bible Studies, discussion and prayer, gatherings
that have proven to be great tools for community building
and faith development.
Unfortunately, the work of the Mission has been hindered by
the fact that close to 90% of its members/friends live in remote
areas. In order to address this, steps have been taken
to acquire a property in a location that is much more appropriate.
From there, it is believed that the ministry of the Methodist
church in Guadeloupe will be taking on another dimension.
The mission also faces other challenges among which we can note the following:
Guadeloupe is Roman Catholic territory (about 90% of the population claims membership in that
group). Though officially, there is separation of state and religion, Roman Catholicism is the state religion
with all the benefits that this includes. Religious hostility is very much alive and it is a known fact,
that in French territories, any religious group that is non Roman Catholic is viewed with suspicion. The
legal framework in which religious groups operate in the French system is totally different from that in
which they operate in the English speaking islands. Other protestant leaders, in the quest to fill their
churches, are fully engaged in sheep stealing and the slandering of other religious groups.
This is the context of the Guadeloupe mission and, with all this in mind, its objectives for the coming
church year are (1) to continue to consolidate what exist; (2) to further engage in evangelism and outreach;
(3) to further develop the ministry to children and young people.
St. Eustatius Circuit Celebrates 200 Years
uring the month of June 2005 the St. Eusta-
D tius Circuit held a weeklong programme to
celebrate its 200th anniversary.
Among the activities were a special know your
church competition, a Bicentennial Dinner and
concert. A walkathon and breakfast on Saturday
was well attended. On Sunday, a parade was held
with the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Band, Boys’
and Girls’ Brigade and other uniformed groups of
the Methodist Church. A youth group gave demonstrations
about slavery during the parade. The
heavy rain fall during that week, did not dampen
the spirit of the members celebrating the occasion.
To conclude the celebration, Jeems and Bethel
congregations came together for a Service of
Thanksgiving on Sunday afternoon, June 19,
which was conducted by the Connexional President
of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean
and the Americas, Rev. Dr. George Mulrain, residing
at the President’s residence at Scott’s Hill,
Antigua.
By Rev. Florence E.C. Daley—Director LI-DRC
Activities at District Resources Centre (DRC)
eadership Training workshops were held in the
L St. Maarten/St. Martin Circuit on April 9th &
23rd and in the BVI Circuit May 23 - 27, 2005.
The Training Workshop in St. Maarten/St. Martin
Circuit concluded a three Phase Training that
started in 2003/2004 Church Year and covered
the following topics:
Team Leadership;
Interpersonal relations;
Improving the Class Meetings;
Leadership development - essential
qualities of a leader - costs/tests of
Leadership;
Communication;
Managing change;
Managing conflict;
Managing your time, your work, your
money, yourself;
Resource and Development (continued from page 1)
We ask each Circuit, and where possible, Congregations
as well, to ensure that all preparations
are made to use the Quick Books programme as
of September 1, 2005.
If additional information is needed, please consult
the District Treasurer, Sister Muriel Smith in
St. Thomas. You may wish to ask her about a
diskette, and the Payment Voucher form to be
used throughout. Do remember, we are moving to
a new level at the beginning of the New Church
Year, and so this is a special appeal to Circuit and
Congregational Stewards.
A few reminders:
i. Do remember to forward 29% of this year’s
Mission money to the Treasurer immediately,
so that we can close the purchase of the property
in Guadeloupe without further delay. All
the legal work has already been completed.
ii. By March 2005, all Circuits were to pay to the
Wesleyan Corporation the full premium for insuring
the various properties. Circuits were
also asked to pay up all outstanding debts. It
may be better for you to pay in advance in
monthly installments.
iii. We agreed to go all out to ensure that Certificates
/ Deeds for all properties were available
and secured. Have you made any progress?
Please note the date for your Circuit to be audited,
and do your best to be ready.
In the BVI Circuit the following topics were covered:
Team Leadership;
Essential qualities of a leader;
Costs/test of leadership;
Interpersonal Relations;
Improving the Class Meeting.
A total of 93 persons benefited from these training
workshops. #4 plus in St. Maarten/St. Martin
and 78 in the BVI Circuit.
It is hoped that those who attended will share the
information with others and implement the knowledge
gained so that the classes, congregations
and circuits will benefit in a positive way.
Welcome
We are pleased to welcome back to the District,
Rev. Peterson Joseph and his family residing in
the Antigua Circuit;
Rev. Harold Gill and his family residing in the Nevis
Circuit -
Rev. James Timothy residing in the Dominica Circuit.
Your continued prayers are asked on their behalf
as they recuperate from recent illnesses.
Congratulations to Rev. Niles …….
On Saturday, 14 May 2005 the Rev. Jefferson
Niles graduated from the University of the United
States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) with a Master
of Arts in Education (MAE) degree. He majored in
Counseling.
The entire District expresses congratulations to
Rev. Niles and his family on this achievement.
District and Regional gatherings
District Youth Leaders Training Seminar (DYLTS)
meet in the Nevis Circuit from 18-28 July 2005.
MCCA Women Assembly meets in Barbados from
20-25 July 2005
District Men Work Commission meet in the Nevis
Circuit from 26-28, July 2005.