To:          ALL Ministers, Preachers, Leaders, Officers and Members

From:    Circuit Superintendent

Date:     May 16, 2020

RE:          Aldersgate 2020

Greetings and Blessings brothers and sisters in Christ. This time of year has continued to be one of great significance for us as a church as we remember the foundation God used to build this Methodist movement. COVID-19 has stymied much of our preparations and celebrations despite the rare occurrence of the 4^th Sunday being MAY 24, the day of John Wesley’s Conversion at Aldersgate Street. The National Council is however inviting all Methodist and friends to join in our adjusted and creative Aldersgate 2020 celebrations as we remember ‘from whence we came’ giving God thanks for the more than 280 years of Methodist witness. Please be guided by the following

1. Sunday May 24 MORNING Worship in all congregations. This worship experience will be guided by a common order of service. As such while we will be in different places of worship (our home congregations) we will share a common experience of worship.
2. May 24 ALDERSGATE Media Worship, 4.00 p.m. This Aldersgate service will be an “ONLINE” worship experience. This service will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook and also broadcast live on NBC Radio and SVG TV.
3. Wednesday, May 27, 6.00 p.m. – ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION on the topic “Security, Sanctity and Servitude in a COVID-19 environment”. This discussion will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube with the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. You can join the discussion either by using The Kingstown Methodist Church YouTube channel or the Facebook page named The Kingstown / Chateaubelair Methodist Churches.
4. Saturday May 30 – Sunday 31, 24-HOUR PRAYER. Beginning at 12 noon on Saturday 30^th to 12 noon Sunday 31^st, we will join in prayer using the Zoom online platform. Log-in at any time and several times during this period and let us agree in prayer bringing to the Lord our many and various concerns particularly at this critical time of our life as a church, nation, region and world. We are also encouraging congregations to gather in their chapel (observing the usual protocols) for an hour or more and to indicate what time they will be meeting so those online can be aware that there are others also gathered and agreeing in prayer with them. LET US PRAY!!

Let me also use this opportunity to commend you for your faithfulness during this challenging time and remind you to check in on others, give them a word of encouragement. Remember our brothers and sisters in other parts of the Caribbean and the world especially those whose circumstance may be far more challenging than ours. PLEASE be deliberate in looking for needs within congregations such as students who may not have devices or other materials to facilitate their home learning and other ways to use our missionary and other resources and resourcefulness to continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. We are also arranging further assistance to our scholarship holders. As God guides may we discern and obey as we seek to be faithful to his call.

NB. Subsequent to the District General Purposes Committee Zoom meeting today, Saturday, May 16 it is hoped that Statutory Congregational and Circuit Meetings can be held by July 15 which includes the election of Circuit Stewards. Updates on our meetings will be communicated subsequently and as is reasonable.

Rev. A. Davis

To:          ALL Ministers, Preachers, Leaders, Officers and Members

From:    Circuit Superintendent

Date:     April 04, 2020

Greetings and Blessings brothers and sisters in Christ.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, please give attention to the following: 

• Worship continues. We will continue making every effort at holding worship as responsibly as possible.
• Please cooperate with the seating arrangements allowing for safe spacing except with households sitting together. Households are asked to sit together which should enable better management of the seat spacing. Congregations should be deliberate in having ushers to guide persons to seats.
• The elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are strongly advised to be mindful of their vulnerability either by being very careful in attendance or choosing not to attend.
• Generally speaking, in light of the recent developments, we encourage all members to limit their movements, visits to supermarkets, banks and other such places as much as is reasonable. Please remember to practice careful hygiene.
• Our office staffing and hours will see some adjustments. Please exercise patience and understanding if there is any inconvenience.
• In the event that you are unable to attend worship, we continue to provide facilities for you to share in the worship experiences. Sunday Services are streamed live from the Kingstown Chapel, 7.00 am, available on the Kingstown Methodist Church YouTube channel. You can also tune in to WeFM 99.9 on Sundays at 9.00am. At our last meeting of the National Council on April 01, we began working towards other technological options for fellowship should the situation necessitate.
• For the Holy Week Services, preachers and congregations should bear in mind that these services can be approached with relative flexibility. Services do not have to be held every day. Whenever services are held, kindly be very deliberate in prayer as we continue to hold our nation and the world at large in prayer. PLEASE pray that our situation will not deteriorate and that God uses us as a unique witness to his grace and mercy.
• Our Preschools will not reopen on Monday April 06 as was previously scheduled.

As you share with those who may be pessimistic, consider our experiences with hurricanes. There are times when all the evidence indicates that a hurricane which hit others will hit us as well and sometimes with stronger force, yet at the last moment, miraculously the hurricane turns away and we are spared. Let us pray that this is again our testimony.

Rev. A. Davis

January 11, 2020

To:          Superintendent Ministers

From:    Rev. Derick A. Richards – District President

cc:           Ministers & Congregations in the South Caribbean District

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ Head of the Church and Saviour of the world.

I trust that the Renewal Covenant was meaningful and life transforming experience for you. I wish for you personally and the congregations in the circuit every blessing for a Spirit filled, purposeful and productive year 2020.  

The South Caribbean District Council will convene in the Beautiful island of Barbados from Friday 17^th January to Monday 21^st January 2020. This will be preceded by the South Caribbean District Ministerial Training Committee on Wednesday, 15^th January 2020 and the South Caribbean District Ministerial Council on Thursday, 16^th January, 2020. There will also be the Ordination for Rev. Greta St. Hill and Rev. Ann Yard on Sunday, 19^th January 2020 at 4.30 p.m. at the Bethel Methodist Church, Bridgetown; Barbados.  

The highlights of the South Caribbean District Conference will be:

• The discussion and adoption of the South Caribbean District Education Development Plan 2020 – 2025
• The reviewing of the Faith and Order Statements on Social and Ecclesiastical issues
• The examination of Probationers and of a Candidate to the Ministry
• The Ordination of Rev. Greta St. Hill and Rev. Ann Yard

I am requesting that:

• On Sunday, 12^th January, 2020, special prayers be offered, in all churches throughout the District, for the South Caribbean District Council 2020 as we ask God’s guidance upon our proceedings and that God’s will be done throughout our deliberations and decision making.

• Sunday, 19^th January 2020 be observed as a Day of Prayer for the South Caribbean District and for our island states within the District.

Regards,

Derick A. Richards

District Bishop

To:                          Ministers, Leaders and Members

From:                    Circuit Superintendent

Date:                     January 11, 2020

Special instructions: Please note this memo ought not to be read word for word in the announcements. Stewards are expected to share the highlights.

Greetings and Blessings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
We give God thanks as a new year has begun with evidence of God’s faithfulness in the year past and his promises for the year to come.

Class Sunday

Tomorrow, Sunday January 12 has been earmarked as another Class Sunday. It is intended that this Sunday will be an opportunity for members to sit in classes at best. Preachers or congregations can use this as an opportunity to encourage and promote the importance of the small group ministry.

Circuit Council

Please remember that the Joint Circuit Council with the Circuit Pastoral Council meets Tomorrow, January 12, 4.00pm at the Church Hall. I am confident that you are aware that all persons holding positions of responsibility in the Circuit are encouraged to attend. Perhaps a good rule of thumb is, if you are wondering if you should be there then you should. The list includes; all class leaders and assistant leaders, congregational stewards, property and care fund stewards, preachers, mentees, officers of commissions, groups and organizations, elected representatives.

The Departed

For those who are not yet aware, the Rev. Desmond Mason passed a couple of weeks ago and was buried on Wednesday 8, in St. Lucia. Rev. Mason, who is the brother-in-law of Sis Gillian John, served in both the Kingstown-Chateaubelair and Georgetown-Mt. Coke Circuits at different times in his ministry. He was 95 years old when he passed. Some may remember him from their confirmation or may have seen his name on their baptismal certificate while others may share other memories of his ministry. It is our practice that the funeral is preceded by a special meeting of the District Ministerial session where the obituary is received. All superintendents of the South Caribbean District attended the funeral.

Some of you may be familiar with Bro Noah Kumi from Ghana who served for a short while in the Georgetown-Mt Coke Circuit as lay evangelist. Shortly after arriving here he took ill and after some recovery returned to Ghana. We received news a couple of days ago informing that he has passed.

Do remember both families in prayer.

Annual New Year’s Concert

Our grand, wonderful, uplifting and inspiring annual New Year’s concert will take place on 26th January 2020 at the Kingstown Methodist Church from 4:30 pm, under the theme: It’s your season count it all joy. Tickets are available in each congregation. Please make a special effect to support and promote the concert. We are keen on having not only our Methodists members but non-Methodists as well. This is not a concert for us only. I encourage you to share via WhatsApp and other social media the promotional flyer and video attached.

Youth Fest 2020

The Youth and Young Adult Commission introduces a revamped Youth Month this year. This new approach will take off with a launch of Youth fest 2020 on 18th January, 5:30 pm. This launch includes a March from Heritage Square to The Old Treasury Building Car Park. We are inviting all to join in the march wearing white. The march ends with presentations by our youth, including the Rooted Dance Ministry and a time of singing and the Word.

Online presence

Have you ever visited our website, Facebook page or YouTube channel? Make a special effort to do so and to promote our online presence. You can also share the link to the sermons and worship services with your friends – sharing the word with them may be a blessing in their lives in a manner you never anticipated.

Website – http://kingchatmethodist.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KingChatMethodist/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0KKciLEdPp0L9a8A5zFcg

District Council

Please remember the meeting of the South Caribbean District Council in prayer. Council runs from Tuesday 14 to Monday 20. In addition to the Superintendent, those attending include, Bro Nigel Scott who is a member of the Ministerial Training Committee, Bros Kingsley Duncan, Circuit Steward and Bro Elson Samuel, Lay representative. Rev Smith will also be attending to meet with the Ministerial Training Committee as a missionary in the District.

Your in Christ Service

Rev. A. Davis

From:    Circuit Superintendent

Date:     November 24, 2019

Greetings and Blessings Brothers and sisters

I trust you are well 

Please note the following: 

Candlelight Services

I have been considering congregational Candle Lights for this year with Zonal next year, alternating congregational and zonal. To this end, I am suggesting we have congregational Candlelight on two Days – December 8th and 15th, at 6 p.m.

·         The 8th would be for Arnos Vale, Brighton, Sion Hill, Layou, Campden Park, Hope, Spring and Troumaca

·         The 15th – Kingstown, Calliaqua, Gomea, Chauncey, Barrouallie, Chateaubelair, Rose Hall and Westwood. 

It is expected that stewards (and Musicians/Choir director or leader) will liaise with the ministers to arrange for a service of scripture and songs (lessons and Carols) as is usually the case. 

This is the suggestion. Do let me know if you have any contribution to/thoughts on this matter. 

Leadership conference 

December 7th 9.30 a.m – 3.30 p.m. will be our annual leadership Conference (at the Church Hall). This is for all leaders (including assistant class leaders), all officer of the church and its organizations. Others who are potential leaders or interested in attending are free to share in the experience 

Mobile crusade 

The circuit Mobile Crusade is scheduled for December 12 & 13 (Thursday and Friday). Details will follow.

Advent 

Please remember December 1st is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent Wreaths and lighting of the Advent Candles are expected to be part of our Advent celebrations. 

Christmas 2019

Please make every effort to have Christmas Morning Worship a special experience, inviting friends and family to participate. It may be useful to also consider using one of the Sundays before Christmas as opportunity to have a participatory worship experience – a program of sorts. 

Christian Coalition March

Let me thank all our members for their active participation and moral support in the March which addressed the issues of the challenge to the Buggery Laws, Breakdown in family and Crime. The March was indeed a resounding success. Please take time to understand the issues – do not be deceived or misled. PLEASE, if you are uncertain about the issues I am more than willing to answer your questions as best as I can. Too many Christians seem not to understand the issues.

Every Blessings 

Rev. Davis