The Information
April 2007
Neurotic or Erotic?
I have read that Plato declared that “in order to know a subject, one must become erotic about it.” It is “eros” or desire at its deepest and in a good sense. It is a passion to explore the core, contours and corridor of a subject, a cause or in our case, the vocation of our faith in Jesus, the Christ. To know Christ at the deepest level, we must become erotic about the faith - about the Person and Work of Christ Jesus.
This may therefore be said to have been true of the Apostle Paul who made this amazing statement of his single, all consuming desire in response to the gift of faith in Christ Jesus. He said, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord….I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (NIV - Phil 3: 8,10 - 11.)
Some may dare to say that the Apostle is not far from being neurotic, and yet this is precisely what explains the sense of being erotic about faith in Christ Jesus. It is passion, pure and undefiled. It is the vocation of faith unto life to be totally devoted to the cause of Christ and the mission of God (Missio Dei) in the world.
The history and legacy of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) make clear that our forbears were erotic about the faith. They wanted to share the Gospel and share in what God had done and was doing in the world unto the redemption of humankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They embraced the faith with a firm, two-handed grasp and 550 years later, we celebrate their faithfulness; and in the same year, we mark the 275th anniversary of the pioneering vision mission of taking the Gospel to parts beyond Europe. “O that we may continue to praise God, for His favor and goodness.” And should we become erotic about the faith, would not posterity celebrate our efforts 275 years hence? Then let us return to our first love and rekindle the passion- showing in our devotion that we are erotic about Christ Jesus. One song writer said: “To love the Lord, our God, is the heart beat of our mission, the spring from which our service over flows. Across the street or around the world our mission is still the same: Proclaim and live the truth in Jesus’ name!”
The writer of 1st Peter also encourages our hearts with these words “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for you (us), who through faith, are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” Alleluia! What a future!
Thanks a Million, Bro. McMillan!
The Province takes this opportunity to express its profound appreciation for the continued ministry and leadership of the Rev. Selvin McMillan -a full time educator and “full time” supplementary minister in the Trinidad Conference. Bro. Mac has proven to be a wonderful team player, a commendable leader, and committed pastor over the years. In 2003, he was called upon to serve as Superintendent in the Trinidad Conference. On May 1, he will pass the baton to a new Superintendent in the person of Sis. Adlyn Mgonela. In acknowledgement of his leadership and yeoman service, we salute him. The PEC and Provincial Family are very grateful for the gift of his service to Christ’s Church, and remain appreciative of his commitment to assist in fostering the growth of the ministry through the strengthening of present and future leadership.
PROVINCIAL YOUTH CAMP 2007
Provincial Youth Camp will be held on the island of St. Kitts August 5 -18, 2007. The theme for this years’ camp is “Equipping the Saints, Empowering the Faithful”
Registration forms along with at least half of the camp fees should be returned by April 30, 2007.
MIT Summer Assignments
Please be advised that the following UTCWI Students in Training are assigned to the various Conferences:
Sis. Liselle Roberts– St Kitts
Sis. Cherice Job—Antigua
Bro. Nevin Lewis—Barbados
Sis. Angela Roberts– awaiting a call
Bro. Adrian Lewis –awaiting a call
Student Exchange
Bro. Nevin Lewis has been chosen to participate in a student Exchange Program between the UnitedTheological College of the West Indies and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bro. Lewis will therefore be spending the first semester of the new academic year on the U.S mainland. We wish him well. We believe that this experience should serve to enrich his preparation for the ministry.
UNITY BOARD MEETING
The Unity Board will meet in Barbados from Wednesday, May 16 to Friday May 25, 2007. Most of the Presidents/Chairman/Leaders of the various provinces will be in attendance. Again, we invite your continued prayers.
UNITY BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
The Unity Bishops’ Conference will be held on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, June 7 - 15, 2007. The Conference will be held at Emerald Beach Resort (five minutes from the Nisky Moravian Church. About 20 Bishops from across the Unity are expected in for the conference.
Your prayers and support are requested.
Unity Prayer Watch
In this our year of thanksgiving, we kindly request that the Unity Prayer Watch be observed with diligence. Prayer remains an effective expression of our children commitment and therefore Provincial Boards are to encourage all congregations to participate in the 24 hour daily watch as designated in the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum (COUF #850)
Integrity Commission
His Excellency, Sir James Carlisle, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda has appointed Bishop Neville Brown to serve on the Integrity Commission of Antigua and Barbuda. Other members of the commission are Mr. Sidney Christian (Queens Counsel) and Davidson Charles (CEO/Cable & Wireless).
This commission serves to protect the public trust in its mandate to review the actions and conduct of those who hold public office in Antigua and Barbuda. We wish the Bishop well and pray that God may grant all who serve a discerning and upright heart.
A Battle for the Morning
[Poetry by Rev. Errol L. Connor]
From back of the clouds,
Patches of misty rays
Of light rain on the water’s surface,
Exploding into the sea,
Morning has broken.
Sun battles clouds and clouds
shadow the sun;
Can’t keep the light from coming.
Dodging, blocking
wrestling, it’s clear,
the golden great light of a new
day grows in strength and force.
Now you see it, then you don’t;
The dance of a new day gives
to a rhythm of hide and seek.
The clouds may be low and thick,
but the sun is not weak.
The clouds will not let up-
The Sun will not give up,
the struggle continues,
But we know how it will end.
It’s a new day!
They are both earth and
humanity’s friend.
Rain or shine, this day we Welcome.
Almost abruptly, an outcome is
beyond question.
The stronger has become the victor;
but the weaker still lingers.
It’s not over, this day that has come.
As the hours race on, we will
soon know the sum.
To God be all praises second to none!
“Thanks!” With grateful hearts we say,
for this day that has come.
Come what may!
HE’S THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Congregations Celebrate!!
The Cedar Hall Moravian Church in the Antigua Conference, celebrated its 185th Anniversary from 7th - 15th April 2007, under the theme “185 years Educating, Enabling and Building God’s Kingdom.” The week of activities climaxed with a Service of Thanksgiving.
Female Superintendent
At the XIV Provincial Synod held in Managua - January 23 - 28, The Rev. Cora Antonio was elected Superintendent - the first woman to hold this office within the Moravian church of Nicaragua in 158 years. Bro. Steadman Bent handed over the reins to her on March 28, 2007.
We rejoice and celebrate with our brother and sister on the birth of their daughter.
Rev’ds Nigel Daniel and Belinda Manswell Daniel are the proud parents of a baby girl who was born on April 10th, 2007. Both mother and daughter are doing well.
Birthday Greetings are extended to the following persons:
Rev. Elroy Christopher 4
Sis. Gwendolyn Jacobs 8
Sis. Rosalind Prince 26
Sis. Megan Gibbs 22
Rt. Rev. Neville Brown 27
Rev. Mikie Roberts 27
Anniversary Greetings are extended to the following persons:
Mr. Calvin & Pastor Florence Isaac 16
Mr. Rudolph & Rev. Esther Roberts 22