Home
About Us >
Congregations
Missions
Ministries
Camps
Sermons
News
Newsletters >
- UCJCI Update
- CIRMC Weekly
Calendar
Photo Galleries
Accommodations >
- Cayman
- Jamaica
Weddings
Links
Contact Us

UCJCI Update

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 [11-20] [21-30] [31-35]


THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT II- FULLNESS OF LIFE FOR ALL By Rev. Dr. Roderick Hewitt Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
	Blind addiction to a false and unjust ideology It was the ancestors of many of these white Southern conservative Christians that used scriptures to support the enslavement of Africans and indigenous Indians. Therefore, it is paradoxical that Jamaicans, whose ancestors have also suffered from European misuse of the bible to support the evil system of slavery, have now joined forces with conservatives and fundamentalist evangelicals with their flawed theology to support the enslavement, imprisonment and oppression of Palestinians. Such Christians are addicted to supporting Israel for any reason because they believe that in doing so they are pleasing God and are storing up blessings for themselves. please click here for more information (PDF file)

BEYOND THE PULPIT - THE ISREALI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
	I cannot think of any other issue on the global stage that can conjure up strong emotions that can result in death, persecution, family division, fear and conflict than the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I will even predict that some readers of this article may respond with hatred towards me for the simple reason of “not towing the line”. But for this sensitive issue neutrality is not an option. Indeed, both Israel and the Palestinian have suffered immense trauma from their ongoing conflict. However, being a follower of Jesus. I stand with those who are experiencing eviction from their home from colonial and settler oppression. The God of life and peace opposes weapons of war and death and works toward restoration of life and hope. Jamaican evangelical Christian culture has created over the years a blind and uncritical support for the State of Israel in its conflict with the Palestinian people since the beginning of the 20th century. As a people we have wrongfully linked the modern state of Israel formed in 1948 as “God’s preferred and chosen people”, who are the modern heirs of biblical Israel and are therefore absolved from any wrongs committed in their colonial quest of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people from the land of Palestine. This brief article seeks to initiate discussion, to reeducate and create a more balanced and just perspective. please click here for more information (PDF file)

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE THIRD WOMAN ORDAINED IN UCJCI Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
	Our dear Sister, Rev Hyacinth May Edwards, transitioned this life on Monday October 2, 2023 at the University Hospital. On October 11, 1981, she became the third female to be ordained in the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Rev Hyacinth served Christ and the Church faithfully and well for almost forty-two years. Her pastoral assignments included the Salem Charge in St. Mary, the Giddy Hall Charge in St. Elizabeth, the Eltham Charge, and since 1996, the Salem Charge in Clarendon. She served quietly and lovingly, and these qualities endeared her to the members and adherents in her Charges and the wider UCJCI. For twenty-five years, she served as the Chaplain and teacher of Religious Education at Clarendon College, where she was well-loved and respected by the staff and students. She was a stalwart of the faith, a powerful Preacher, a dedicated Pastor, a friend, and counsellor. Rev Hyacinth was known for her humility, cheerfulness, and generosity of spirit. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, particularly her siblings Rose Marie, Norma, Annetta, Reynold, Patronie, Maxine and Herrica. We also surround the Salem Charge and the Southern Regional Mission Council with our prayers and condolences at this very tender time. please click here for more information (PDF file)

$100,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS - HELLSHIRE UNITED Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
	On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the Hellshire United Church launched the Gilbert McKenzie Scholarship, in a ceremony in its morning worship service. At the launch, five (5) students, chosen from the secondary level, received scholarships. Each scholarship was valued at Twenty Thousand Dollars (J$20,000.00) for a total of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00). The launch was attended by Chair of NERMC Mrs Jennifer Martin who brought greetings on behalf of Council while giving her own reflection on the man who was the late Rev Dr Gilbert McKenzie. The sermon for the morning was preached by retired Minister Rev. J. Oliver Daley who was also a long-ENZIE SCHOLARSHIP On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the Hellshire United Church launched the Gilbert McKenzie scholarship, in a ceremony in its morning worship service. At the launch, five (5) students, chosen from the secondary level, received scholarships. Each scholarship was valued at Twenty Thousand Dollars (J$20,000.00) for a total of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00). please click here for more information (PDF file)

MODERATOR’S VISIT TO THE EAST END/GUN BAY CHARGE Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
	On September 8, 2023, at the invitation of the former East End-Gun Bay Charge of the CIRMC, the Moderator of the UCJCI, the Right Rev. Gary Harriott, arrived in Grand Cayman for a week-long unofficial visit. Unofficial it may have been, yet it was no ordinary visit, for it was an opportunity for the Moderator to reconnect with old friends and reunite with the congregants of his former Charge. The Moderator served as Minister of the East End-Gun Bay Charge between 1993 and 1997. (Note: Since 2021, the East End and Gun Bay Congregations, along with the William Pouchie Memorial United Church in North Side, constitute the current North-East Charge of the CIRMC). please click here for more information (PDF file)

MISSION WITH BOYS (YOUNG ADULTS IN ACTION) Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
	On September 9, 2023, members of the United Church Young Adults Action Movement (UCYAAM) in the Southern Regional Mission Council came together for a grand clean-up exercise at the Mount Olivet Boys Home in Walderston, Manchester. Mount Olivet Boys’ Home is one of two children’s homes established by the United Church. 15 young adults from various congregations in addition to the Regional Deputy General Secretary cleaned indoor areas, the grounds and planted flowers. They also engaged some of the boys in the activity as a way of encouraging responsibility in the care of their surroundings. please click here for more information (PDF file)

TRAINING FOR LAY LEADERS MODULES 2 AND 3 Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
	Registration Opens in October On March 11, 2023 UCJCI, through its Lay Training Institute, began a third round of Module 1 in the UCJCI Lay Leaders Certificate Course. On August 30 the 2023 training concluded. As assignments are being marked and graduation planned, the long-awaited Modules 2 and 3 loom on the horizon. Module 1 provides the foundation for preparation for service as a leader in UCJCI with introductory topics that offer vital skills and knowledge for leadership. Those who have been selected to serve as elders are required to do Module 1, however the training may also be pursued by persons who want to serve in other ways. Module 2 builds on the foundation skills and knowledge of Module 1. It will prepare persons for service in specific ministries. please click here for more information (PDF file)

WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
	Between June and December 2023, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is celebrating its 75th anniversary. This anniversary is "a stepping stone toward the future, representing an opportunity to share what the WCC offers spiritually as an organization for future generations." "In the larger picture, the 75th anniversary commemoration will help the world see the WCC as a platform that brings Christians together even in very difficult times, helping Christians in different situations to see the world from the perspective of others, to show compassion for one another, and to build trust as a vital part of the ecumenical journey." please click here for more information (PDF file)

CAMP NEWS Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
	Sisters and Brothers and in particular all our Campers for 2023. It is my delight on behalf of the Camp Ministry of the United Church to express a big THANK YOU for making this camp season successful. As a Church we are overjoyed that approximately five hundred (500) children and teens made it to camp this year. From all accounts the camps were “exceptional.” We do not take for granted the sacrifices and contributions made by our congregations, parents, guardians, well-wishers, sponsors and the Synod of the United Church in Jamaica and the Caymans Islands. A special thank you to all our leaders who took the time to ensure that our children and teenagers had a holistic experience towards their spiritual growth and development. please click here for more information (PDF file)

REFLECTING ON THE REALIGNED HOME Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
	It is common knowledge that the home environment is a primary and fundamental building block for individual and family well-being. A supportive, loving, and nurturing home has profound and lasting effects on our physical, emotional, and psychological development, shaping our lives and influencing our engagement with the world. It is especially so in the case of Christian homes, where the life of the entire family and its individual members must be an expression of God’s will, purpose, plan, values, and standards. In such homes, mutual love, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and unity can create a harmonious environment where everyone can thrive. In addition, the influences of a good Christian home can positively impact the life of future generations. please click here for more information (PDF file)