06.FEB.09

by Rev. Cuthbert A. Edwards, District President.

The South Caribbean District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas met in Kingstown, St. Vincent for its 191st Conference from 14th – 24th January, 2009 under the theme, “Holy Spirit: Renew Your Church Continually.” The meet was chaired by the President of the South Caribbean District Rev. Cuthbert A. Edwards.{{more}}

The Conference opened with a welcome service at the Kingstown Methodist Church where the President delivered the message. In his message he called us to renewal, not through the structures in our church, but by the transformation of our lives so that we can be more effective in our witness and service.

The highlight of the Conference was the ordination of three ministers, Rev. SherryAnne Daley, Rev. Philbert Delaney and Rev. Madet Merove. Former President of the Connexional Conference, Rev William W. Watty delivered the charge and exhorted the ordinands, among other things to “feed the lambs and tend the sheep.”

The Conference also received reports on the work of God in the South Caribbean from the various Nation States of the South Caribbean District comprising Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sessions commenced daily with worship around the theme of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of individuals and the church.

During the deliberations, delegates addressed many of the social issues facing the church and society. These challenges include illicit drugs, crime and violence, homosexuality, pornography and abortion.

The various circuits were mandated to embark on mission, evangelism and outreach programs to help those affected by these and other social ills. “As a church we were encouraged to adopt a more open door policy and to be more responsive to societal needs.” Emanating from the conference were more innovative ways to address these problems.

The conference concluded with the ministerial session pledging to produce a research paper on the aforementioned topical issues for presentation in April 2009.

The Methodist Church in the South Caribbean District gives thanks to Almighty God and to all who have contributed to the success of the Conference.