Holland Methodist Church

Month: February 2019

Lenten Meditation 2019

This is part of the Lenten Booklet for 2019. Please click the link in order to follow the daily devotionals for Lent,(God’s Abundance) where you can find the daily devotionals for Lent.

The Lenten Booklet 2019 is published by the MCCA in collaboration with the United Methodist Women.
We thank Rev. Serna Samuels, Caribbean Regional Missionary, for her invaluable contribution to this ministry.

Every blessing!

Rev. Galbraith

Bishop, The Rev’d Everald L. Galbraith J.P.
President of Conference Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA)

Report from District Council

REPORT FROM 2019 LEEWARD ISLANDS DISTRICT COUNCIL

General Matters

  1. The Connexional Representative was Connexional Bishop The Reverend Everald Galbraith who presided over the Ordination of 4 Presbyters:
    • Rev’d Andrine Jennifer Joseph who had served previously as a deacon
    • Rev’d Ruth Pratt (a Bahamian) itinerant Presbyter stationed in the St. Maarten Circuit, and
    • Rev’ds Doris A. Lynch-Gibbs and M. Liana Richardson- Woods, Local Presbyters from the St. Maarten Circuit.

 

  1. Caren Richards-St. Rose, a Local Presbyter from the Dominica Circuit was transferred by a resolution of the District General Purposes Committee. She now serves the Antigua Circuit. Her husband is an Anglican Minister who has been stationed in Antigua over a year ago.

 

  1. The Connexional Faith and Order Committee has sent a number of position papers: These include:
  • A final statement answering certain questions concerning episcopacy (the practice of appointing bishops) in the MCCA.
  • Statements on (1) Baptism (2) Forgiveness and (3) Common-Law Unions. These papers are available to all members and your reflections on/ responses to these are invited.

 

  1. The Pastoral Letter to the Congregations which was read on 27th January is posted on the website and gives some idea of the atmosphere at District Council.

 

  1. The District Pastoral Committee and the District Pastoral Performance Review Commission have been appointed. All completed Pastoral Performance Review instruments for the 2017-18 Connexional Year should be submitted to the District Commission by 31st March 2019 at the latest.

 

  1. Superannuation: the Rev’ds Alberic and Joyce Rohan who are currently serving in the BVI Circuit, have both applied to superannuate, the husband after 45 years and the wife after 43 years of service

 

  1. Stations: Apart from the superannuation refereed to, there was only one change in ministers’ stations. Rev’d A. Carlwyn Greenaway will succeed Rev’d Nichola Barrett-Glasgow who leaves Aruba to return to her home District Jamaica at 1st September, 2019. A minister from Haiti is expected to replace Rev’d. J. J. Ralph Denizard who will leave the Guadeloupe Mission to return to Haiti.

 

  1. Dispensation to Administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper: Conference agreed to the Circuit’s application for a dispensation to be granted to Br. Alfred Glasgow to administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

 

  1. Resources and Development: In view of the significant financial hardships experienced by circuits in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the District Budget for the triennium was revised. It is not possible to exempt the Holland Circuit from paying an assessment. Even the Guadeloupe Mission has started to make a contribution. The assessment for Holland is USD 4,400.00 per year. This is the smallest assessment , the next highest being Montserrat with an assessment of USD 7,750.00

Hurricane damages and claims: Category 5 Hurricane Irma of 6th and 7th September, 2016 devastated St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, BVI and St. Thomas/St. John.  The total claim submitted by these islands before any adjusting is US$5,695.071.89. The total losses exceeded the insured amount of US$2M and therefore payment was made to the Corporation of US$2M.

After adjusting the claims, the total agreed claims amounted to US$ 4,045,612.46. The Corporation agreed at its meeting in Antigua in January 2018 that an additional amount of US$1m would be taken from the reserves of the Corporation to assist with the claims for Hurricane Irma. A total of US$3 m was paid to the affected Circuits. The final pay-outs to Circuits were made in June 2018.

Hurricane Maria another Category five (5) storm followed. The circuits affected were Montserrat, St. Croix and Dominica. Total unadjusted claims submitted to date is US$ 2,035,595.55.

The total adjusted claims totaled US$ 1,194,288.22 and amount of US$1,119,288.22 was paid out after the deduction of US$75,000.00. This was paid to the affected Circuits by October 2018.

….

The audit report for the Holland Circuit for 2016-17 was completed by Sis Emmilein Rombley & Bro. Ivan Glasgow. Bro Ivan Glasgow completed the report for 2017-18.

 

  1. Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

Circuits are invited to embrace a model of invitation to increase the membership of the church by 60% over a five- year period (12% each year)- utilizing **OPERATION ANDREW based on St. John 1:40-41 … which seeks a commitment of each member to reach one person during the Year through Intentional witness.

This is a commitment to witnessing to, praying for, sharing one’s faith with, encouraging and leading (name of individual) to Christ. It seeks to address the Great Commission and our commitment to Church growth – while seeking to REVERSE the decline in membership. If only 10% successful, it would be more than we had before; BUT a 20-25% success rate is not impossible.

Reaching out beyond the membership of the Methodist Church is important, therefore, our focus must not be limited to delinquent members, though that is important. Positive growth will come from outside the regular membership of the Church.

Each Congregation should, therefore, schedule an Andrew Lord’s Day once per quarter – where all Andrews (members) invite their Peters (person praying for) to worship – Bible Study – Class Meeting – etc. (Even though we are encouraging them to join us in worship regularly – on this occasion we are emphasizing the work of Andrew). It is hoped that once the Peters (invitees) become regular attendees they too will have the desire to bring others along. (N.B. We must be extremely careful – with our attitudes as Methodists – that while inviting others it isn’t only to worship BUT to become a part of the Church family to share in the ministry of the Church. Let us not act as if they have come to ‘take over’ the Church.

This requires ongoing updates, reminders, follow-ups, etc. to sensitize of Operation Andrew; Prayer Meetings where we come in agreement with each other as Andrew’s, and seeking God’s help in reaching out and getting through to the Peter’s.

Council has requested that Methodist Position Papers (referred to above) be presented / distributed (in pamphlet form) to all Methodists and that discussions are held on same.

Since the Church is a part of the family of God, and since the Church is a family comprised of families, Council decided on the following:

  1. A Data Base be Developed in Circuits to identify:
    – Different types of families in the respective congregation: single- parent, nuclear, extended etc.
    –  Factors/issues affecting and or impacting families- separation, migration; parent- children conflicts.
    – Important milestones: marriages, wedding anniversaries, etc.
  2. We emphasize Parental Responsibility/Children’s Obedience to parents as divinely instituted.
  3. The Sanctity of Marriage as a divine Institution be promoted.
    It is hoped that over the next five years we develop our data base to inform us where we are and to better prepare us to carry out ministry effectively.
    Further, within the next year, give feedback on the establishment and operation of the Data Base; and in subsequent years on the development and expansion of the same.

Long Service Certificate Application: Council has requested from the Connexional Conference the long service award for 40 years service as an Accredited Preacher for – Bro. Alfred Glasgow

New Syllabi for MCCA Preachers

A new syllabus is available for each of the following 5 examinations which preachers are required to sit from the 2019 -20 Connexional Year. The subjects are: Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Doctrine, Worship & Preaching and Methodist History.

Period of Prayer & Fasting to Start New Connexional Year

It was decided to have a time of **PRAYER & FASTING: to begin the Church Year (Daniel Fast – based on Daniel chapters 1 & 10)

Sunday 1st September – 5pm with supper and Breaking the Fast on Sunday 8thSeptember with Lunch at 2:00pm.

Suggested menu will be provided – to include fruits, vegetables, nuts, juice, water, tea (bush preferable)

A daily scripture reading will be given for devotional / meditation – and focused prayer concerns (specific areas / along with those presented by Circuits)

Zoning of the District was agreed to as a means of streamlining and making more efficient use of resources. However more consideration is being given re groupings giving consideration to ease of travel, language, time zones, etc.

Zone 1 –               USVI / BVI

Zone 2 –               St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe

Zone 3 –               Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis

Zone 4 –               Curaçao, Aruba, Netherlands 

 

  1. Christian Education

Youth Encuentro 2019

The 6th MCCA Youth Encuentro is scheduled to be held in Belize City, Belize/Honduras District from July 22-28, 2019.  The theme for this gathering is “Methodission: Forever Fired Up for Christ!”.The Holland Circuit will not be represented.

Formation of District Youth and Young Adult Commission: This will happen at the Encuentro. Since Holland will not be present, it makes sense to name a member for this Commission in advance of the Youth Encuentro.

Upcoming Dates for Women’s Ministry.

July 9 – 13:
Women Executive Meeting in St. Maarten

July 2020:
MCCA Women Quinquennial Seminar to be held
In July 2020 in Trinidad
North America area Meeting (TBA)

July 2021:
World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church

Women to be held in Sweden

12.The next meeting of the District Council is scheduled for January 10 – 17, 2020 in the Curacao Circuit. The District Ministerial Council will start on Friday 10th January and The District Council will commence on Sunday 12th January with the Welcome Service.

Pastoral Letter 2019

The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
Leeward Islands District Conference

President & General Superintendent                                      13A Solberg Estate
Bishop Charles A. Seaton                                                           P.O. Box 1045
Tel: 340 774 6211/0797                                                              Charlotte Amalie

Email: charlesaseaton@gmail.com                                          St. Thomas USVI 00804

 

18th January, 2019

PASTORAL LETTER TO THE CONGREGATIONS

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

It is indeed a special joy for us to greet you from the “One Happy Island” Aruba, a Dutch/Papiamento speaking Circuit of our Leeward Islands District Conference, as we assemble in the 5th Meeting of the Leeward Islands District Council under the leadership of our District President, Bishop The Rev’d Charles A. Seaton. We are most grateful to Almighty God, who has guarded, kept and guided us by His unerring Spirit over the past year and has brought us safely to this time and place.

APPRECIATION
The Council records its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Superintendent Minister the Rev’d Nichola Barrett-Glasgow and members of the Aruba Circuit for their gracious hospitality. Through their labours of love and their outpouring of warmth and generosity, we have been made to feel most welcome. We highly commend the Aruba Circuit and pray that God will continue to bless all of its endeavours.

CONNEXIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
In addition to our clergy and lay delegates, the Council was privileged to welcome among us for the first time, our Connexional President, Bishop The Rev’d Everald L. Galbraith who extended greetings on behalf of Connexional Vice President Mrs. Yonnett F. Greaves, Connexional Secretary Rev’d Glenna Spencer and Treasurer of Conference Funds Mr. Quincy Bourne. Bishop Galbraith challenged the Ministerial Council to respond to the urgent need in this 51st year of our autonomy and, during this triennium to use various opportunities to reflect on the Connexional theme: “Facing The Task Unfinished: Imagine”.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DISTRICT COUNCIL 2019

Ministerial Council
Our District Council which ran from January 11 – 19 was preceded by the Ministerial Council that convened on January 11. As part of our deliberations we were introduced to the District Council’s Theme for the year namely: – “Grounded In Christ: Loving-Serving- Rejoicing“. This theme inspires in us a sense and feeling of being anchored in Jesus Christ the Rock of our Salvation. This is particularly encouraging given that a little over a year ago we were wind-blown, tempest- tossed and traumatized by the passage of two disastrous hurricanes, Our theme therefore lends credence to the sentiments of the hymn (VIP 202) that despite the troubles we have seen, we may find in Christ the “ground wherein our souls anchor may remain”. It is with this assurance that our theme holds out to us the renewed hopes of “Loving-Serving-Rejoicing”, as we face the various challenges in the year ahead.

Welcome Service
The District Council Welcome Service held on January 14 in the spacious Christchurch Chapel in San Nicolas brought together the Council delegates, members of the clergy of other denominations, government officials and the general membership of the Aruba Circuit. This service engendered a refreshing experience reflecting the rich offerings of our faith and the diversity of our District.

One of the challenging moments of the service was the engaging sermon delivered by District Bishop, Rev’d Charles A. Seaton. His main points were centered on the new triennium theme which is “Grounded in Christ: Loving-Serving-Rejoicing.” The passage chosen to support the theme was Colossians 2: 6-7. The Bishop’s Sermon makes the bold assertion, that because we have been grounded in Christ, the natural outcome is that of Loving, Serving and Rejoicing. It is hoped that this will become more than a slogan and would aid in stimulating thought and action about our “grounding” in Christ. Consequently, this will aid us in becoming more loving, understanding and to embrace our service to the Church more fully and consistently. Emerging from this passage is the call for us to be deeply grounded in the faith. Grounding in the faith requires knowing that faith. Too many of our members reflect little knowledge of what the church believes and teaches. A church grounded and rooted in Christ should be a Church in which the members are knitted together in love, as without love there is no real Church.

Ordination Service
In a very moving service, the Rev’d Andrine J. Joseph and Rev’d Ruth Pratt, itinerant presbyters and the Rev’d Doris A. Lynch-Gibbs and Rev’d M. Liana Richardson-Woods, Local Presbyters from the St Maarten Circuit were ordained to the Word and Sacrament on Thursday, January 17, 2019. At the Ordination Service, the Ordinands each gave an impressive account of their conversion experience, call to preach and commitment to the Ministry of Christ. The Connexional Bishop in his message charged the Ordinands to “Be Focused”.  He called their attention to a text taken from 2 Timothy 4:5 which reads “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” He challenged the Ordinands to: (1) Be focused on the dignity of your call; (2) Be focused on the duty assigned; and (3) Be focused on being dependable. We wish all the newly ordained Ministers well and trust that, strengthened and guided by God, they will remain true and faithful to their calling.

Council Communion Service
As is customary, our Council climaxed on January 18 with the Council Communion Service. The preacher at this Service was the Rev’d Vincia Celestine whose reflection provided a fitting closure for our Council. Focusing on this year’s theme, Rev’d Celestine issued the reminder that being “grounded” in Christ has practical implications. This should translate in: allowing Christ to influence our culture; serving without counting the cost; reflecting a love that gives and forgives; and rejoicing with joy unspeakable.

MINISTERIAL AFFAIRS
This year, the Council was pleased to welcome the Rev’d Wendell Samuel, a recent graduate from the United Theological College of the West Indies, presently stationed in the Nevis Circuit. We extend welcome to Rev’d Morna Christmas- Frazer who was transferred from the Jamaica District and stationed in the Dominica Circuit. We also welcomed back to the District the Rev’d Patmore C. Henry who recently demitted the office of Connexional Secretary.

We place on record our profound gratitude and sincere congratulations to the Rev’d Alberic Rohan and Rev’d Joyce Rohan on their retirement from active ministry. By the end of this church year Rev’d Alberic Rohan and Rev’d Joyce Rohan would have completed 45 and 43 years of ministry, respectively.

This year the Council was pleased to advance three Probationers in their probation studies. The Council was also pleased to approve three ministers, Rev’d Veillance Bastien (Itinerant Presbyter), Rev’d Othniel Daly (Local Presbyter) and Rev’d Celina Walton-Charles (Deacon) for reception into full Connexion. We wish them well as they prepare for Ordination.

We extend heartiest congratulations to the Rev’d Nichola Barrett-Glasgow and her husband Marcel on the birth of their second daughter Anka Malia Nichola on January 1, 2019. We also bid farewell to the Rev’d Barrett Glasgow who will transfer back to her home district – Jamaica at the start of the new Connexional year on September 1, 2019. We express our thanks and appreciation to the Rev’d Barrett Glasgow and her husband for their service to the Leeward Islands District over these past 10 years.

STATE OF THE WORK

Faith and Order
Our Connexional Conference has reaffirmed its position on the issues of Baptism, Common-law-Unions and Forgiveness and has resent position papers for our final review and comments before they are ratified. Congregations are encouraged to join the conversation as we seek to educate our members on these issues. The Position Paper on Episcopacy was adopted and sent to us for acceptance as the Church’s position on this issue.

Mission and Evangelism
The District rejoices and celebrates God’s faithfulness in enabling the Church for Mission. In spite of the many challenges encountered, some as a result of the Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Circuits pursued the mission of God with zeal and commitment.  We note and celebrate the work of the Church in ministering to those who are vulnerable, challenged and in need of care. We note and commend the witness of the Church to those who are incarcerated and, in expressions of God’s grace. We are mindful that there is much to be done, and there is a sense of urgency with which it must be done. Let us work together, clergy and laity, as we seek to fulfill God’s mission in touching lives for the Kingdom of God with commitment and passion, all for the glory of God!

General Education
During the School Year 2017-2018, several of the school buildings were devastated by both Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Despite these challenges, we continue to aspire and provide children and youth with a high-quality education with the aim of developing their critical thinking skills, moral behaviour, spiritual growth, and physical well-being.

Property Report
Sixteen months after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 the Circuits impacted by their fury are still in the process of recovery. Even as stewards busy themselves in renovating and rebuilding, some of our congregations continue to meet for worship in halls and borrowed premises. The lives of our presbyters and their families, where manses were destroyed, are still upended as they continue to fulfil their call to serve.

At last year’s Conference, the committee agreed that the Circuits impacted by the Hurricanes should be given latitude in deciding on the restoration of their properties and therefore, should not be hampered by the need to seek the approval of the Conference before work is begun. In this new reality, the Resources and Development officers meeting at District Council in Aruba concentrated mainly on reviewing the progress of reconstruction in the District. Several properties have already been rehabilitated and are back in service while others are nearing completion. We note that Circuits have taken the opportunity to reorder priorities and expand and improve on the capacity and capability of the chapels and halls.

The response of the Circuits to these storms was a demonstration of ‘Stewardship in Action’. We have to commend all of our stewards in the various Circuits for rising to the occasion as they work to restore and rebuild our damaged buildings. We salute the members and friends who continue to raise funds and give sacrificially towards the rebuilding projects. We also wish to thank those members in Circuits who opened their homes, in the aftermath of the storms, to accommodate presbyters where manses were destroyed. We can only conclude ‘well done true and faithful servants’.

CONCLUSION
Together we can affirm that God our Father is faithful and; new every morning have we experienced God’s love, mercy, grace and favor towards us. Christ our Redeemer continues to call us to a closer walk with Him and to a deeper commitment to service. We are eternally grateful for the presence of the Holy Spirit, our guide, guard, comforter and friend. Empowered by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may we pursue that abundant life that Christ came to bring and, commit ourselves to fuller service. May God grant you grace to serve the present age to fulfill your Mission, thereby advancing the Kingdom of God.

In Christ’s Service,

                                                                               

Bishop, The Reverend Charles A. Seaton                                                        Rev’d Dr. Joan Delsol Meade
District President                                                                                                 District Secretary

Discipleship Lesson 3A

FOR TUESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY, ROTTERDAM WILL LOOK AT THE FIRST PART OF DOTA
LESSON 3 (MANUAL 1). THIS IS FROM THE DOTA WEBSITE BUT MEMBERS WILL BE
HELPED WITH THIS. IF YOU REALLY CANNOT ATTEND PLEASE FOLLOW WITH IS.

  1. Prayer
  2. Worship (15 minutes):
    Focus on Characteristics of God.
    This session: God is great and powerful.
    Read Job 38:4-5 (Earth); 8-11 (Sea); 31-33 (Constellations); Isaiah 40:12 (Measuring); 25:25 (The starry host)
    Consider:
    – the number of stars
    – the distances to the stars
    – the sizes of the stars
    – the greatness and power of God

    We now take turns to worship God (in one or two sentences) in his characteristic of being great and powerful.

  3. Sharing (15 minutes)                         [QUIET TIMES]
    Matthew 8:1 – 11:24 Take turns and share (or read from your notes) in short what you have learned from one of your quiet times out of the assigned Bible passages.
    Listen to the person sharing, take him/her serious and accept him. Do not discuss what he shares.
  4. Teaching (60 minutes)                      [GOSPEL]
    Concepts of the Gospel  (Part 1)
    When we share the gospel with people, we must be able to explain the words we use. Help people to understand the concepts of “sin”,, “death” and “judgement”, why Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father”, and the meaning of “faith in Jesus Christ”

    (l)  The Message of the Gospel
    Creation (Genesia 1:26)
    The Fall (See Isaiah 59:1-2): The consequence-estrangement (separation) from God.
    Universal Sin, This holds for all humans (Adam’s descendants) Romans 5:12, 17-19; 3:23
    The law of sin and death Romans 6:23; 8:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
    The failure of human efforts (works righteousness) Galatians 3:10-11; James 2:10; Romans 8:7-8; Ephesians 2:8-9
    One-Way Jesus (John 14:6)
    All God’s initiative (Romans 5:8)
    The need for a human Saviour (John 1:1, 14, 18
    His reconciling death (Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18)
    Christ’s invitation demands a choice (Matthew 11:28-30)

    (ll) The Meaning of the word sin in the Bible
    The gospel says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
    Psalm 51:1-4 in the original language uses three words for ‘sin’:
    (1) transgressions (Hebrew: pesha) i.e. crossing over boundaries, “willful disobedience,” rebellion. See Judges 21:25
    Transgression means to cross over the limits or boundaries that are set by God. The limits or Transgression also means to deliberately rebel against God.

    (2) iniquity (Hebrew: awon) i.e. Charles Wesley’s “inbred sin”
    Iniquity means to subtly change the reality as GOD sees it.
    To twist God’s truth.
    Iniquity also means to twist or distort the truth of God as he has revealed it in the Bible
    And

    (3) sin (Hebrew: chata’at), i.e. “Missing the mark,” falling short of the goal” (Greek hamartia)

    But because all people in the world fall short of God’s perfect standard, they are lost and need a Saviour. Even the people who live exemplary lives and do many good works, still fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:10-12, 23).
    Nobody qualifies! Nobody will be saved by his religion, by keeping the law or by his good works. Nobody is good enough! Sin does not simply mean ‘committing a crime’ or ‘doing something evil’. It means missing GOD’s goal and falling short of GOD’s perfect standard.

    Sin means to miss the goal of GOD for your life.

    Sin also means to fall short of the perfect standard of GOD.

    The root of sin is self-centredness, self-sufficiency or independence from GOD.

    The fruit of sin is doing what is wrong and not doing what is right. The fruit of sin grows out of the root of sin. The fruit of sin is to do what God has forbidden and not do what God has commanded.
    For lists of sins, see Mark 7:20-23; Romans 1:28-32; Galatians 5:19-21; Titus 3:3 and Revelations 21:8.
    What God has commanded see are John 13:3-35; Luke 6:27-28; Colossians 3:18 – 4:1; Hebrews 3:12-13; 12:14-17; James 1: 27; Peter 2:11-12.