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UCJCI Update

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Is the church dead? By Rev. Kraig De Leon Diedrick Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
	The church today exists in a post-modern age or what some would characterize as a post-church age; one in which the relevance and effectiveness of the church is and has been called into question and even greater scrutiny. There are many amongst her members who are already conducting a post-mortem which suggests that those ‘many’ believe that she is dead. Instead of searching for her pulse, they are trying to determine where to cut. In the landscape of churches, we are considered among the “Traditional” churches, mainly because of our long history as a denomination inclusive of our antecedents. Colloquially, we are seen as traditional because of the value placed on the singing of hymns and sometimes, the use of organ music. Not to mention the fact that “praise and worship” and the playing of the trap-set are fairly new phenomena. But even more so, we are seen as traditional because we do not necessarily run up and down and perform acrobatic feats in the aisle of the church. please click here for more information (PDF file)

UNITED CHURCH WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE By Mrs Pauline Bryan Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
	The Biennial Conference of the Women’s Fellowship was held from Friday, October 14 to Saturday, October 15, 2022, under the theme: “Women Rooted in Christ – Bearing Fruits”. On Friday, October 14, the conference was held virtually. Reports were presented and adopted from all the working Committees. The Financial Report was also presented, as was the budget for 2022-2024, which was approved by the Conference. The evening ended with a Bible Study conducted by Mrs Michelle Ashwood-Stewart. On Saturday, October 15, members of the Fellowship gathered at Andrews United Church. There were also members online from all four Councils. The Council reports were presented, as well as reports from our affiliate groups such as the Girls’ Brigade and Church Women United. For the afternoon session, our Moderator, the Rt. Rev. Gary Harriott brought us greetings and challenged us to join the peace initiatives which are so important at this time. Rev. Norbert Stephens, General Secretary, Mrs Rose Wedderburn, RDGS, NERMC, and Mrs Janet McConnell, RDGS, SRMC were also in attendance. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Meadowbrook United 63rd Anniversary Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
	Meadowbrook United Church celebrated its 63rd Anniversary with a special Service on Sunday, September 18, 2022, under the theme: Resilient and Energized for the Journey. The message was delivered by one of our past Ministers, Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan. This service was well attended by many of our members included several people who were in the sanctuary for the first time since the advent of COVID-19 in 2020. Specially invited guests included Rev. Raymond Coke and Mrs. Ruth Coke, Rev. Dr. Derik Davidson and Mrs. Hermena Davidson. Other specially invited guests, some of whom were physically in attendance, included the Principals, Staff and Students of Meadowbrook High School, Meadowbrook Preparatory School, Stratton Early Childhood Development Centre and Reg Keizs Early Childhood Development Centre. The service was further enriched by offerings from the MUC Dancers and the Hands of Praise Ministry. We continue to give God the Glory as we continue to shine His beacon in the community. please click here for more information (PDF file)

UNITED CHURCH MEN’S FELLOWSHIP SYNODICAL MEN’S FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY OCTOBER 9, 2022 Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
	Each year, we pause to celebrate the United Church Synodical Men’s Fellowship Sunday. This year we do so under the theme “Men on a Mission – From Crisis to Christ”. Crisis may be defined as a situation that is extremely dangerous or when there are many problems. As we examine the state of our world today, we are forced to conclude that it is in crisis. There are indeed many problems. Currently, there is a war between Russia and Ukraine that has created an energy crisis, a food security crisis and an international transportation crisis to name a few. There is an environmental crisis caused by climate change. The Covid 19 pandemic appears to be receding, but we are now faced with Monkey Pox. One crisis after another. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Giving is a Grace from God by Rev. Donovan Myers, CIRMC Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
	Please read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 For many people, giving represents an appeal to altruistic feelings. We give because it’s the human thing to do. If others are in need, our duty is to ‘help out’ where we can. But also, many see giving as a necessary outpouring of their excess. I have more than I need, so I should share. While those two motivations might be reasonable, the letter from Paul to the Corinthians speaks about giving in a way that challenges some commonly held assumptions. On the one hand, for him, giving fundamentally challenges the concept of ownership, the right we have to possess ‘stuff’. It asserts that what we think is ours, is only ours on loan. We are not really owners but rightly managers. Giving, then is an outworking of the responsibility of our management of those resources. We don’t lay claim to things in a way that ties us to them and them to us. On the other hand, when Paul wrote in the way that he did about the giving of the Macedonian Christians, he was challenging the Greco Roman worldview that wealth was the result or sign of divine approval. That somehow, it is in having a lot of stuff that we demonstrate out strong connection to God or that God likes us. Both people who have a lot and people who have a little are blessed by God. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Grounded in Prayer by Mrs. Sonia Wallace, CIRMC Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
	Throughout the month of September, we have been exploring the topic “A church responding with God-given confidence.” From Old Testament to New, the Bible depicts prayer to our Heavenly Father as our response to a loving God who knows us and watches over us. Heb 4:13 tells us “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” The passage affirms that God is in control. God sees and is aware of everything and everyone. In relationship with us, God directs our steps, supplies our needs, is ever present with us, and works supernaturally on our behalf. This is so whether it is for our deliverance, healing, comfort, protection, provision, or guidance for living lives pleasing to God. A life grounded in prayer This reflection is a reminder of our need to live a life grounded in prayer to God at all times and in all circumstances. We will briefly look at Jesus, our example, also Paul’s exhortation to Timothy and draw examples from the experience of the prophet Jeremiah and the Psalmist Asaph. please click here for more information (PDF file)

From Lack to Provision Janoi Reid-Chosen For Chevening 2022 Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
	Back- to-school for Janoi Reid looked a lot different than many of us are used to. For him, he had just one suit of uniform and for many years, just one pair of shoes for every and any occasion. Though the challenges were many he pushed through and excelled academically from the start of his educational career being awarded top GSAT performer at the Prattville Primary and infant school. Born and grown in Pusey Hill, a poor rural district in the South Manchester, his family of five struggled to make ends meet. “I was definitely the poorest in my class, and I would say in the cohort I was ranked in the top ten poorest,” Janoi said. The former head boy of Manchester High School, MHS, was frequently tardy because of having to walk through the community begging for lunch money. Unlike many, he was often satisfied with just his fare. He noted that things really started looking up for him in sixth form when many people began investing in his potential after receiving six ones and three twos in his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, and 14 ones and three twos in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). please click here for more information (PDF file)

Seek God’s Approval Not People’s by Rev. Garwell Bacchas, NERMC Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
	Proverbs 29:25. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. If your life’s goal is to have the approval of people, or your flock, especially us Pastors you will never really feel secure. Why is that? Because the time will come when you do something they disapprove of; then what? The Bible says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” (v. 25 NLT). A trap is just another word for a prison. If someone, other than God, can determine your worth as a person, that someone can make you feel like a prisoner anytime he/she decides to. When a critic's opinion becomes your own opinion, you are living in a prison of your own making. Let’s face it: some of the people/sheep you are trying so hard to impress will never be impressed. And you must accept this: From God's perspective, it does not matter. Knowing that enables you to work alongside people/sheep without allowing yourself to be controlled by their moods and governed by their opinions. Each time Paul went to another town, people were meeting and hearing him for the first time. Some of them liked him, and some did not. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Responding With Humility & Generosity by Rev. Dr. Yvette Noble-Bloomfield, RGDS of CIRMC Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
	Please read Hebrews 13:1-8 We are invited to reflect on the sub-theme, ‘Responding With Humility and Generosity’ as we continue to journey with the Synodical theme ‘Rooted, Resilient: Responding in Hope.’ As a denomination, constantly we remind ourselves that God expects that our response to humanity must always be characterized by humility. We should never see ourselves as being “above” others. A humble church, which is generous with God’s gifts and respectful of others, is what God expects us to be. This pericope in Hebrews 13 is a timely reminder to the Church and us as individuals of the required Christian attitude and practices that need to be followed and displayed in the world. It provides a comprehensive list for us to adhere to as we share in the faith. The list includes the following: Love for each other and those in the world, hospitality, care for the incarcerated, support for those who suffer in body, the importance of marriage and family, and avoidance of the lust and lure of money. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Feelings: Is Love A Feeling? by Mr Mike Bowerman Wednesday Aug 24, 2022
	please click here for more information (PDF file)