February 2003 - Volume II - the Methodist Church - LID

and reacting to them.
Women were given this exhortation.
“Don’t sweat the
small stuff”
Ladies are kindly asked to
take note that the Leeward
Islands District Women’s
Commission and Seminar
will be held 1st to 10th of
MCCA Women’s Work continued from page 3
July 2003 in the St. Thomas/
St. John Circuit. Also, the Caribbean
Regional Seminar will
be held on 23rd to 28th of
July 2003 in the St. Kitts Circuit.
Organizations were
asked to start planning to
ensure that their Circuits are
represented at both activities.
The Methodist LinK
Delegates to the MCCA Women’s Seminar
CONFERENCE SUNDAY, 26TH JANUARY 2003
PREACHING APPOINTMENTS
METHODIST CHURCHES
Congregation Time Preacher 4.30 p.m.
Philipsburg 8.45 a.m. Revs. Oral A.W. Thomas / Selwyn L. Vanterpool
Cole Bay 9.00 a.m. Revs. E. Dunstan Richardson / John A. Gumbs
St. Peters 7.00 a.m. Revs. E. Lloyd Brissett / Dr. S. Wilfred Hodge
Zion 9.00 a.m. Revs. Joan D. Meade / Franklin A. Roberts
Simpson Bay 7.00 a.m. Revs. M. Rosalind Morgan / Novelle Josiah
Ebenezer 9.00 a.m. Revs. Gesner Louis-Charles / Relis Martin-Riley
Tabernacle 9.00 a.m. Revs. Keith Lewis / Charles Seaton
Bethel 7.00 a.m. Revs. Janetta James / Moreland Williams
Trinity 7.00 a.m. Revs. Theophilus Rolle / James Richardson
Cul-de-Sac 9.00 a.m. Revs. Charlesworth Browne / Tyrone Hunkins
Preachers will be made available to other member churches of the St. Maarten/St. Martin Christian Council, and the adjacent
circuits of Anguilla and St. Eustatius who so request.
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Ordination Service at the Philipsburg Chapel
Leeward Islands District Conference
THE METHODIST
Quarterly Newsletter - November 2002 - February 2003 - Volume II: Issue 5
Conference 2003
T
he 197th Annual District Meeting of the Methodist Church, Leeward Islands District, will convene in the St.
Maarten/St. Martin Circuit from 21st - 31st January 2003, and will be presided over by the Rev. Selwyn L.
Vanterpool, District President.
Like a number of other circuits in the District, Methodism was introduced to St. Maarten/St. Martin by a layman.
Shortly after establishing Methodism in Anguilla,
his native land, Mr. John Hodge made several
visits to St. Martin and preached on both the
French and Dutch parts of the island. As a result,
he is credited with beginning Methodism on St.
Martin in 1817. The Lt. Governor wrote this letter
in praise of the valiant and persistent efforts of Mr.
Hodge:
―I beg leave to proceed to state that salutary effects
of religion in the island of St. Martin were occasioned
by John Hodge‘s unwearied attention and
perseverance. It is an island peopled with an ungodly
people, who were strong and powerful enemies
to the Methodist Religion, which they ever
held in contempt. But divine providence seemed in
a great measure to be instrumental and to make
John Hodge strong and daring to establish the Gospel
in St. Martin, and to add to his fervent zeal in
promoting the glory of God. Thus after many missionary
attempts to settle in the island, which
proved vain, God saw need to display His wonders
through John Hodge, in bringing into complete
condescension, the people of St, Martin to bow
with submission to His will.‖ (Biography of John
Hodge by Kenn Banks - 28th April 2002)
As the forthcoming District Conference meets
in a circuit which is replete with Methodist history,
may we be reminded of the gifts and abilities
with which God has endowed us and be challenged
afresh to use them wisely and diligently in His
service. Let us discard lethargy and complacency
as we strive to enter the ‗open doors‘ which are
before us and conquer the yet unconquered territory.
Our sole aim must be to witness the kingdoms
of this world become the kingdom of our
Lord and of His Christ.
New Manse for Montserrat
Circuit
T
he Montserrat Circuit took another leap in faith
as it acquired a building in Man Jack to be
used as a Manse. The property which has adequate
yard space was purchased at a cost of
EC$280,000 with an additional EC$46,000 renovation
cost.
Funds to purchase and renovate the building were
made possible by a very generous grant of
EC$295,180 from the District.
Rev Oral A W Thomas, Superintendent of the Circuit,
assisted by local Presbyters Revs Rosalind Morgan
and Florence Daley, conducted a service on Saturday,
23rd November to dedicate the new Manse. The
two Circuit Stewards, other Stewards and Local
preachers and members were present.
District Auditors Llewelyn Newton of Nevis and Cecil
Niles of Anguilla, who were in the Montserrat Circuit
conducting the annual audit programme, participated
in the proceedings as they offered words of
congratulations on behalf of their respective Circuits.
In his remarks the Rev. Oral Thomas congratulated
the Montserrat Circuit and the hard working staff and
expressed the hope that it would not be too long before
a resident Superintendent be appointed to the
Circuit.

THE METHODIST LINK
is a Quarterly Publication of the Methodist Church,
Leeward Islands District Conference,
published by the Leeward Islands District Resources
Centre -
2
Address:
Philipsburg Methodist Church Complex-
Back Street 91, P. O. Box 19,
Philipsburg, St Maarten,
Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599) 542 1348
Fax: (599) 543 2567
E-mail:
maceduc@sintmaarten.net
General Editor:
Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd
Editors
Mr. Frank A. Arnell
Mr. Wycliffe A. R. Richardson
IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial Page 2
District President’s message Page 3
Conference Special Events Page 4
District Action Plan Page 5
Rev. Florence E.C. Daley Reminisces Page 6
Profile Rev. Elkanah B. Seymour Page 6
`
MCCA Connexional Council Report Page 7
Update on Rev. Harold A. Gill Page 7
MCCA Women’s News Page 7
Conference Sunday Preaching
Appointments Page 8
A
dvent, which is the first season of the Christian year, commenced
on 1st December.
Advent is associated with anticipation
and expectancy. During Advent the universal
Christian church makes spiritual preparation
for the coming of Christ.
Amidst all the commercialization, which is
typical as Christmas draws near each year, Christians must never
underestimate or overlook the importance of the preparation of the
heart to receive the Christ who comes into our midst. If we make
every other preparation, but neglect to prepare our hearts to welcome
and receive the Christ who comes to make his permanent
abode among us, Christmas will be nothing more than a farce -
hollow mockery. In truth and in fact there can never be Christmas if
Christ is denied his rightful place in being enthroned in every heart.
Unlike the other gospel writers, John expresses tersely and emphatically
a very unique thought - so unique that it has, and still continues
to be the source of much controversy and debate. John 1:14
states: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of
grace and truth, we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son
from the Father."
In stanza 1 of Hymn 142 in our Methodist Hymn Book, Charles
Wesley writes:
The Methodist Link
EDITORIAL
"Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensibly made man."
"Who can explain God's assumption of human flesh in the form of
Jesus?" asks S T Kimbrough Jr. in 'Lost in Wonder.' The Incarnation
must leave us in no doubt that God clothed himself in human
flesh, took upon Himself a human body, and came to dwell as a
man among human beings.
"Here was the shatteringly new thing," observes the late William
Barclay - "that God could and would become a human person,
that God could enter into this life that we live, that eternity
could appear in time, that somehow the Creator could appear in
creation in such a way that men's eyes could actually see Him."
However incredible it might sound, however difficult the fact of the
Incarnation might be to embrace, the stark reality is that "the Word
became a human being and took up His abode in our midst."
Joyous Christmas
and
A Happy and Healthy
New Year to Readers of the LINK!
REPORT ON THE MCCA CONNEXIONAL
COUNCIL HELD IN NASSAU, BAHAMAS
11th to 17th NOVEMBER 2002
T
he District was represented by the Rev. Selwyn L.
Vanterpool, District President. Mrs. Rosemarie Flax,
the lay representative, was unable to attend due to
job related responsibilities.
Highlights of the meeting include the following:
1. The ordination of Rev. Cecil Newbold, a local Presbyter
of the Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands District at
an impressive ceremony on Sunday, 17th November.
2. The Nomination of Mr. Theodore Fahie of the Leeward
Islands District to succeed Mr. Victor Cooke as Treasurer
of the MCCA.
3. Transfers of the Revs. Telford Matthew (currently
serving in the Guyana District), and Dr. James Timothy,
(currently serving in the Bahamas/Turks and Caicos Islands
District) to the Leeward Islands District Conference with
effect from 1st September 2003.
4. Return of Ministers On Leave - Council reconfirmed
that, the Revs. Hugo Rey and Lester Bowers, both of whom
are on leave in the USA are due to return to the District
within the current Church Year.
5. Assignment of Rev. Joseph Hepburn – The Council
was informed that the Rev. Joseph Hepburn returned to the
Conference area on 1st September 2002, and has been stationed
in the Jamaica District.
6. MCCA Constitutional Review - The Connexional
Council agreed to send down the proposed revision for consideration
by the 2003 District Conferences. It is anticipated
that final approval will be given at the Connexional Conference
in May 2003.
7. Next Meeting of the Connexional Conference is
scheduled to be held in Jamaica from 27th May - 6th June
2003.
UPDATE ON REV HAROLD A GILL'S MEDICAL
CONDITION
The Rev Harold Gill has been discharged from
hospital in California and is recuperating
after undergoing
successful surgery on November
7th, for the amputation,
below the knee, of his left leg.
Rev Mr-. Gill will be fitted with a
prosthesis when his leg is
healed.
He has expressed his heartfelt thanks for all the
prayers and intercessions that have been offered
The Methodist Link
on his behalf, and has asked that greetings be
conveyed to all. Please remember to intercede on
behalf of Mrs. Ullida Gill and family.
Write or telephone the Rev Mr. Gill at your convenience.
Tel. 1-323-292-2165
Address: 4227 Don Jose Drive,
Los Angeles, California 90008-2806
U.S.A.
STAFFING OF THE DOMINICA CIRCUIT
he Rev. Joan Meade, superintendent of the Dominica
T Circuit, departed on sick leave on 18th September last,
and was due to resume duty on the 24th September.
Her failure to return well beyond that date disrupted the
smooth running of circuit affairs as the only other member of
staff was a probationer. Consequently, the District General
Purposes Committee which was apprised by the President of
the situation, directed that the Rev. Oral A.W. Thomas be
appointed superintendent in the interim, and the Rev. Gesner
Louis-Charles be transferred from Guadeloupe to Dominica
as Circuit Minister with effect from 1st November 2002.
Until a replacement for Rev. Gesner Louis-Charles can be
made, the Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles, superintendent of the St.
Maarten/St. Martin Circuit under which the supervision of the
Guadeloupe Mission falls, will do his utmost to ensure that
the work of the Mission does not suffer unduly.
MCCA WOMEN’S NEWS
he District MCCA Women’s Commission held their
T second annual meeting at the District Resources
Centre in the St. Maarten/St. Martin Circuit on 4th - 6th
July, 2002. All the circuits were present except the B.V.I.,
Curacao and Holland. Special thanks and appreciation are
extended to the St. Maarten/St. Martin Circuit for the kind
and gracious hospitality extended to all the delegates.
At the meeting members shared the highlights of
Women’s Work in the various circuits, and wrestled with
the concerns and challenges confronting women in the
home, the church and the community. After considerable
deliberation, several recommendations based on the
theme, “Following Christ in the new millennium; Called to
Stewardship of Life” were drawn up. Those recommendations
will be sent to the District Conference as part of the
Women’s Ministry report.
Throughout the two day meeting, there was the repeated
call for women to surrender themselves to Christ,
and in their daily lives to display Christ-like attitudes and
behaviour rather than holding on to the little things of life
see MCCA Women’s News on page 8
7

Rev Florence E C Daley, OBE, reminisces:
'Through many dangers toils and snares I have already
come;
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead
me home"
hen I look back on my life, it is like a tapestry that
W only the Master Builder could have put together in
His great design. Unlike many, I
came into ministry in my latter
years, but I have discovered that
those years spent in other fields
of work were all part of God's
grooming in preparation for this
task.
I grew up in a Christian home
and was introduced to God at an
early age through daily family
worship. My next 25 years after
leaving school were spent pursuing
a nursing career, most of them in Montserrat.
Having reached the pinnacle of my nursing profession
and after spending 12 years at the top, including being Hospital
Administrator, I transferred into the general public service
for 11 years working in many Ministries/Departments,
retiring in 1995 from the post of Permanent Secretary to he
Governor.
To say that I remained faithful to the God of my fathers
all this time is not true, as like the prodigal son I travelled to
the far country. But God in His mercy never left me. He continued
to show me His favour, and in time He brought me
back. In 1984 I recommitted my life to Him, not knowing
where He would lead me. First He put me through the discipline
of reading through the Bible for seven consecutive
years, and revealed Himself through his word. Little did I
know what His purpose was, for in 1991, He started to
speak to me about being a preacher. That I resisted for a
while until in 1992, January, I finally yielded and started the
process of qualifying as a Local preacher with no intention
of going any further.
However, by 1997, I found myself candidating for the
Diaconate as I did not want to be a pastor, having to deal
with people, but God had other plans. Through certain circumstances,
He again intervened and in 1999, I offered
and was accepted as a Local Presbyter in the Montserrat
Circuit.
To say that the going has been easy is far from it. I discovered
that people are the same everywhere, even in the
church, but I learnt that God can take all our broken pieces
and make a masterpiece. I have learnt to thank Him in the
difficult times and have found His grace to be more than
enough. Today I am more, than convinced that God has
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called me to ministry to be a shepherd of His flock. I
have learnt that it is His work and that my responsibility
is to leave Him to order all my ways and trust in Him
whate'er betide. He has been my strength and my stay
and I am still learning to be still and know that He is
God.
Like Paul I can say that "In all things I am more than
conqueror through Him who loves me."
T
he Reverend Elkanah Brian Seymour is the last
of ten children born
to the parentage of Fred
Seymour (deceased)
and Sybil Seymour in
Nassau, Bahamas. Reverend
Mr. Seymour was
the first candidate for the
Methodist Presbytery
from the Rhodes Memorial
Methodist Church
after its forty years of
Christian witness. The
Reverend Dr. Raymond
Neilly is the current pastor.
Reverend Mr Seymour furthered his education by
studying at the United Theological College of the
West Indies, (U.T.C.W.I.), Jamaica, from 1996 –
2000 graduating with a Diploma in Ministerial studies
and a Licentiate in Theology.
He assumed his first pastoral charge in the British
Virgin Islands (B.V.I.) Circuit and has been assigned
to the following congregations— Belle Vue and East
End on Tortola, and North Sound and the Valley on
Virgin Gorda.
Reverend Mr Seymour desires to preach the gospel
everywhere to encourage, help nurture, and win
souls for Christ.
Reverend Mr Seymour’s hobbies and leisure include
reading, guitar playing, swimming, chess, singing,
cooking, volleyball, drama, dance, meditation
and travel.
He gives God thanks for His providence, love,
mercy and grace. He also thanks God for the challenges,
protection and rewards of the Christian life
and encourages us all to pray for one another as we
travel the pilgrim way.
The Methodist Link
Profile
DISTRICT PRESIDENT'S PASTORAL LETTER
To: All Methodists of the Leeward Islands District (MCCA)
December 2002
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
A
ffectionate greetings in the name of God's beloved son, Emmanuel. His love
has brought us to the last month of the 2002 Calendar Year. Many of you
have experienced severe testing during the year; despite the challenges you
have gone through, this is a time for celebration and thanksgiving to Almighty God.
The thoughtless skeptic might ask “What do I have to celebrate and for which to give
thanks?" Whatever the trials you may have passed, and those you might be facing, there is much to
celebrate and for which to praise the Lord. Here are a few examples of blessings for which we should be
thankful. Let us thank God that, in a world where
. so many die from natural disasters we have been brought safely through the 2002 Hurricane
Season.
. some have nothing to eat, many of us are a little overweight.
. some have no family; we have loving supportive family members.
. many do not love the Lord and consequently choose to suffer and die alone, God has not left
us to face our trials alone.
Let us give thanks and celebrate the fact that, Emmanuel who came to us on that first Christmas Day is
with us now, enabling us to bear the unbearable, to reach the breaking point without breaking, and to
face the future victoriously and without fear. As we come to the end of the Calendar Year, we can earnestly
say of God in the words of Frances Havergal's hymn:
"He will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break!
Resting on His promise, what have we to fear?
God is all-sufficient for the coming year” (MHB 955 v.4)
My family joins with me in wishing each of you, and all the members of your family a joyful Christmas and
a blessed New Year.
The Methodist Link
Your Friend and pastor,
Selwyn L. Vanterpool (Rev.)
District President
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Day/Date Event Time Venue
Wednesday,
21st January
Saturday,
25th January
Sunday,
26th January
Thursday,
30th January
Friday,
31st January
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Flag raising Ceremony
Conference Welcome Service
Procession of witness and
Youth Demonstration
Methodist Church
in the Caribbean and the Americas
Leeward Islands District Conference
Special Services / Events
Official Conference Service
Liturgist: Rev. Oral A.W. Thomas
(Secretary of Conference)
Preacher and Celebrant:
Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool
(President of Conference)
Joint Women‘s & Men‘s Meeting
(Panel Discussion)
Theme: “Called to Stewardship of Life”
How to use the following God given
gifts in a partnership with God.
1. Time
2. Abilities/Talents
3. Material Possessions
4. The Gospel
5. Our Bodies (Health of body and mind)
6. Relationships (Home/work and church)
7. The Environment
8.15 a.m.
5.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
Philipsburg Chapel
Philipsburg Chapel
8.45 a.m. Philipsburg Chapel
Sunday, 26th January - 5.00 p.m. at the Philipsburg Chapel
Ordination Service
Ordinands
Rev. Brian Elkanah Seymour & Rev. Florence Edna Daley
Officiating Minister: Rev. Bruce B. Swapp
Comnnexional President
7.30 p.m.
Conference Communion Service 6.15 a.m. Philipsburg Chapel
The Methodist Link
Leeward Islands District Action Plan 2003
Theme: “Following Christ in the New Millennium: Called to Stewardship of Life”
Aim — To methodically and intentionally urge each Methodist to a life of total commitment to Christ, so that
each can earnestly say in the words of Frances Havergal‘s hymn:
“Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated Lord to Thee.”
January - Stewardship responsibility for abilities/talents -
Through well planned workshops and encounters, help each member and adherent to realize
that he/she can help in the work God wants done in the Church and in the community. Encounters
should be used to help each individual to discover what God is calling him/her to be and
do.
February - Stewardship responsibility for material possessions -
Congregations/circuits may plan and organize seminars based on the following areas:
(1) Tithes, offerings and possessions.
(2) The need to utilize wisely unused church land to generate income for the work and mission
of the Church.
Within each congregation each class may be given an equal amount of money to multiply or
invest.
March - Stewardship responsibility for the Gospel -
Throughout lent, emphasize responsibility to:
(1) Receive the Gospel
(2) Share the Gospel, and
(3) Reflect the Gospel in everyday life.
April - Stewardship responsibility for our bodies -
In each congregation/circuit, lectures and panel discussions may be organized based on the
concept of:
(1) The body as God‘s temple — Consequently it is to be treated with respect and taken care of.
(2) The need for healthy minds in healthy bodies.
May - Stewardship Rally/Demonstration -
On Aldersgate Lord‘s Day — T-Shirts, banners, etc. prepared earlier in the year may be used.
Families are encouraged to worship together on Mother‘s Day.
June - Stewardship of Relationships — This may be shown:
(1) At home — by providing Christian Education to the children, and by living and growing together
as a family.
Families are encouraged to worship together on Father‘s Day and to observe June 15th —
22nd as Family Week.
(2) At work — by showing fellow workers the example of Christian behaviour and care.
(3) At Church — by forming friendships and participating with others in worship, Christian service,
projects, etc..
July - Stewardship and care of the Environment
Congregations/circuits may organize discussions and essay competitions for the children and
young people on topics such as: ―The failure of humankind to manage the environment puts at
risk the survival of humankind.‖ Prizes may be awarded to the winners in each age category.
Congregations/Circuits may arrange for Tree Planting and garbage collection (especially from
beaches, parks etc.) as a means of caring for the earth.
August - - Stewardship follow-up and re-evaluation with a view to planning new and more effective
stewardship approaches for 2003—2004 church year and beyond.
The Methodist Link
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