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UCJCI Update

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UCJCI DONATES 155 TABLETS FOR EDUCATION Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
	155 tablets have been donated by the United Church in partnership with Council for World Mission (CWM) to children across Jamaica at the primary school level. With the onset of COVID 19, CWM offered funds, through its COVID19 Mission Initiative Fund, to assist churches and partners in the mission initiatives they are taking in response to the Covid-19 pandemic as a means of offering solidarity, witness and care. Applications were invited for work in community which would address needs of vulnerable groups which could include the recently unemployed, victims of domestic violence, health care workers, children in education and other areas deemed fit. READY, SET, GO...GET READY TO SERVE- - Training of Lay Leaders Resumes Re-branded UCJCI Lay Leaders Certificate Course, training for lay leaders in the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands resumes on Saturday February 13, 2021 and continues on 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month for the next 6 months. In 2020, UCJCI launched a re-vamped programme to prepare laity (members of the church who are not part of the clergy) for the role of leadership through a systematic approach to training in areas considered pertinent to the exercise of ministry in the church and community. please click here for more information (PDF file)

SEEK PEACE, HARMONY AND GOODWILL Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
	In preparing this brief reflection, I engaged a colleague minister on the topic. Consequently, some of the thoughts expressed here, while I am in concert with them, did not originate with me. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica recorded 1,301 killings in 2020 and had the region's highest homicide rate at 46.5 per 100,000 people. Note that the United Nations considers any homicide rate of 10 per 100,000 citizens or above to be an “epidemic.” It would not be far-fetched to state that COVID-19 is not the only pandemic we are currently facing. “NIDS is not the Mark of the Beast.” The National Identification System (NIDS) has been on the lips of many Jamaicans here and in the diaspora in recent years. Much work, time and money have been invested in the project. While there were those who were advocating for its implementation, there was much disquiet in the society as concerns were expressed regarding the invasiveness of some of the measures outlined in the Bill; privacy issues, biblical and theological misgivings, among other issues. please click here for more information (PDF file)

ROOTED, RESILIENT: RESPONDING IN H.O.P.E. Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
	The theme for the 42nd Synod of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands was approved by The Central Mission Council, at it’s sitting in November 2020. The theme, which will be launched at the Ash Wednesday Day of Fellowship, is a declaration of defiance that, despite COVID 19 or any other calamity brought on the modern world, the United Church will actively pursue HOPE – Health, Opportunities, Peace and Evangelism by remaining rooted and working towards resilience. BEYOND THE PULPIT-Are You Concerned About the COVID-19 Vaccine? The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tremendous suffering, devastation and death upon the land. All areas of human life and relationships have been impacted by this health tragedy, at both the local and global level. please click here for more information (PDF file)

WOMEN ON THE MARCH FOR CHRIST Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
	While we face the continued uncertainties of the day, we are constantly assured of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness to us. God reminds us in Deuteronomy 31, verse 6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you”. What a tremendous promise! God did not promise that we would never have challenges in our lives, but the assurance is that God will remain with us, no matter what we are going through. BEYOND THE PULPIT-The Abortion Debate Throughout the centuries there have always been different life issues that have generated dialogue and debate. Most recently across the world, and currently in Jamaica, the topic of abortion has sparked heated debates between the Church and society. please click here for more information (PDF file)

TRANSFORMING THE WORLD THROUGH THE FAMILY - BUILDING THE FAMILY ALTAR Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
	The work to provide material for worship and Christian education in households emphasizes UCJCI’s conviction to seek transformation of the world through Christ. Each week, a liturgy, or order of worship, is prepared by the House Liturgy Team. The material follows the worship themes set out by the Synod for use in congregations. The liturgy is adaptable to different home settings— living room, around the dining table, the verandah, the garden or yard. It is interactive and contains elements for different age groups. It fosters discussion and activity to facilitate deeper understanding. There are object lessons which incorporate items in the home to explain concepts. JANUARY IS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MONTH The United Church Women’s Fellowship will launch their activities for 2021 with Fellowship Week, Sunday, January 24 to 30,2021. All congregations are encouraged to focus on the Women’s Fellowship on that Sunday. During Fellowship Week, the ladies will be engaged in a range of activities throughout Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. please click here for more information (PDF file)

FACING THE NEW YEAR WITH RESILIENCE— FI WI GOD GREAT FI TRUE! Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
	God’s Word had been clear and continues to be clear as to how people ought to live to promote health, wellbeing and fulfillment in the whole human race. The Prophet Micah in chapter 6:8, declares it as succinctly as ever, what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. To make this New Year truly new and different, the church and every Christian, every person must hear and heed this call to justice, mercy and humility. You and I have it within us to help to usher in a new normal in which our neighbour’s wellbeing is as important to us as our own. A new normal in which all our childrenbecome increasing safe because we play our role in that village that it takes to raise a child. please click here for more information (PDF file)

THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
	The miracle of Christmas is the wonderful love of God which was poured out into this world and into every heart that is ready to receive Jesus. He is the love of God in human form, the Love Incarnate, the embodiment of God’s love. The love of God, Jesus, breathes life into the deepest part of our broken and wayward hearts. It changes and transforms us into a new being, a new creation. How comforting and empowering to know, to embrace, and be embraced by this amazing love. THE UCJCI ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS-Consider Your Response The Synod Administrative team paused to celebrate the Christmas season in a celebration planned by the Human and Mission Resource Unit, which combined a carol service, candle lighting, Christmas games, affirmations and lunch. All Regional offices joined in virtually and so did some members of staff from the central office in order to ensure physical distancing protocols could be observed. please click here for more information (PDF file)

YOUTUBE CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION FEATURES THE WORK OF REV. H. EARL THAMES Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
	The Unspeakable Gift is a production of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands which features the creative work of Rev. H. Earl Thames, the House Church writing team and the Performing Arts Ministry of the United Church. Rev. Thames, known as a fierce advocate for youth, was a prolific writer. His work, ‘Zachariah and the Gift with the String’ was penned in the 90‘s. This work has been paired with the liturgy for worship at home which has been prepared for Christmas Day. The liturgy was written by Dr. Jane Dodman, a member of the House Church Writing task group. Both written materials will now be translated into film and will be available on the United Church You Tube channel on Christmas Day at 6 p.m. BRYCE UNITED CALLS FOR ACTION-Support Education for Empowerment and Liberation The call for help for students facing difficulty accessing education has not fallen on deaf ears. At his induction service to the Bryce charge of churches on September 27, 2020, Rev. Gary Harriott, appealed to the community and two months later a member responded by donating 12 tablets. please click here for more information (PDF file)

CAN FAITH SURVIVE COVID 19? Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
	Can faith withstand a crisis such as COVID 19? The United Church responded with a resounding, ‘Yes!’ and took steps to provide members with the tools to build resilient faith through a series of Learning Opportunities in October and November 2020. BREAKING NEW GROUND -The United Church Appoints Performing Arts Minister The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands has appointed a Minister for the Visual and Performing Arts. He is Rev. Kevin Calvert. This is the first time such an appointment has is being made by UCJCI. Recognizing the changing nature of the ministry landscape, and the need to strategically employ non-traditional, creative and innovative ways to engage multi-generations in worship; the leadership of UCJCI deployed personnel to lead in utilizing communication technology and art forms in a needs– specific manner to reach the unchurched and churched in both virtual and non-virtual spaces. please click here for more information (PDF file)

UCJCI NEARS RELIEF RESPONSE TARGET Wednesday Dec 02, 2020
	Members of the United Church have given J$230,658 as we move towards the target of J$250,000 in donations in response to the plea for help for communities in Bloxburgh and Bito in east rural St. Andrew in Jamaica In November, Jamaica experienced heavy rains which caused significant damage to homes, roads and the natural environment. Rev. Carlington Douglas, minister of Harbour View Charge which is located in these communities, reported that persons were marooned and without food. In response, the United Church leadership decided to purchase foodstuff on credit so help could be provided as quickly as possible and then invited the United Church membership to donate funds to pay for the goods which had been secured. BEYOND THE PULPIT-Providing a space for leadership discussion of issues of faith in community Christian economics begins with the theological premise that ultimately it is a good and loving God who supplies all our needs and ends with questions of who is my neighbour and what can we do so that all may have life in abundance? This premise precludes any idea that legitimizes ill-gotten gain or the hoarding of goods please click here for more information (PDF file)