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UCJCI Update

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 [11-20] [21-29]


Spotlight on Church School Ministry Wednesday May 12, 2021
	Perhaps the most familiar expression of ministry with children for most persons is Sunday School. During this time the Christian education and nurture of children take place either while the worship service is attended by the adults or in the afternoon on a Sunday. Many Jamaicans and Caymanians were sent to Sunday School even if parents did not go. This means of engaging children remains at the heart of children’s ministry in the United Church. Although the name transitioned to ‘Church’ School instead of ‘Sunday’ School the purpose is the same—nurturing the church in the Christian faith, especially the children. UNITED CHURCH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2021 What has the United Church targeted for action in 2021 arising from the 42nd Synod? Synodical priorities are the areas of focus which have been identified from the leading of the Holy Spirit through reflection on the reports tendered at the Pre-Synod Consultations in regions, the deliberations in groups and plenary during Synod, discerned through worship, prayer, bible study and sermon challenges during the week of Synod, all impacted by the contextual realities of Cayman, Jamaica and the wider world. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Keeping Children Safe Wednesday May 05, 2021
	The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands launched a Child Care and Protection Policy in May 2016. The policy establishes basic provisions for the protection and safety of children — infants, children up to 12 years of age and young persons, (‘teenagers’) under the age of 18— who are under the care and responsibility of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Scope The Child Protection Policy takes into account the need for directives surrounding the general safety and care-giving of children as well as physical and interpersonal conduct within the church: on its grounds, within its congregations and in all church-related activities including church services, Sunday or Church School, summer camps and church excursions. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Our Ministries With Children Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
	‘But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” ‘ (Matthew 19:14) The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) values the presence and participation of children in the life of the church and recognizes that ministry with children is vital to the advancement of the kingdom of God. UCJCI ministries are therefore targeted towards the nurture of children and involves meeting their needs in ways that are age specific. UCJCI is committed to facilitating tangible means of helping children to have a personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus and to understand and implement the principles of Christian living in their lives. As part of the body of Christ our heart’s desire for our children is for them to have a love and passion for the Jesus Christ and a love that overflows into a love for humankind. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Taking A Stand Against Violence Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
	”Speaking alone will not work; we must also be prepared to act.” Recent reports in Jamaica of increasing violence, especially violence against women, were highlighted for action by the newly inducted UCJCI Moderator, Rt. Rev. Gary Harriott, in his first address to the church after induction. “In the Jamaican context, there is a thick cloud of darkness hovering; a dark cloud of violence; gender-based violence; violence against our women and girls and the abuse of our children. There is deeper concern regarding what is happening with some of our boys and men; what’s going on in their minds and heart. There are voices reaching out to the church for help in this crisis and clearly, we are not immune to these troubling realities. We are a people committed to justice and peace, so let us get ready to roll up our sleeves; step into the social murky waters and be God’s agents of hope and transformation; God’s salt and light. He invited the Synod to wear black on Thursday in the week of the Synod and all other Thursdays to join the worldwide movement inspired by the World Council of Churches, dubbed, “Thursdays in Black.” please click here for more information (PDF file)

HISTORIC UCJCI VIRTUAL SYNOD OPENING SERVICE Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
	Sunday April 11, 2021 has taken its place in the annals of The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands as the day when the first ever virtual Synod Opening Service took place. The pomp and pageantry which normally attend the ceremonial opening of Synod were not evident in the Opening Service on the afternoon of Sunday April 11. However, what was very clear is that God’s presence transcends space and worship in praise, prayer and proclamation of the Word were undeterred by physical distancing. The United Church gathered in the digital space, to God be the glory! The Word was powerfully proclaimed by outgoing Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gordon Cowans. Using three words as the focus of the sermon, “In Christ Alone”, he stated that when confusion and frustration abound, Jesus says: “I am the way” (John 14:6). When deception, duplicity and fake news abound, Jesus says: “I am the truth”. When death, disease, and destruction abound Jesus says “I am the life”. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Life Has The Final Word-By Rt. Rev. Dr. Gordon Cowans Wednesday Apr 07, 2021
	My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This Easter message comes to you in a period in which we have experienced at least a year of pandemic conditions. The corona virus has altered so much of life as we know it with much uncertainty, discomfort and illness and for some the spectre of death has been a haunting reality. We grieve with those who grieve the passing of their loved ones and we stand in solidarity with those who currently face significant health challenges, whether caused or exacerbated by the direct or indirect impact of the pandemic. This Easter message is meant to remind us together that at the heart of our faith is the astounding reality of a God who chooses to live in and among people, bearing and experiencing the challenges of human life and who is in every sense acquainted with grief. Jesus knows all about our trials. Our God does not recoil in the face of trouble. Jesus’ life on earth is the seminal example of how to face disaster. With fortitude, He bore the cross and emerged on the other side of death. Yes, emerged victorious! please click here for more information (PDF file)

A RESILIENT CHURCH: Hard-Pressed But Not Crushed Wednesday Mar 31, 2021
	As we approach the 42nd Synod of The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJI) it is important for every member of our church to understand the theme—Rooted, Resilient: Responding in H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Peace and Evangelism). Engagement of the theme will certainly be demonstrated in understanding and action which offer to the wider community witness to the love of God and the invitation to a saving and life-giving relationship with God. In January 2021, UCJCI Update published excerpts from the document, The Road Map, which outlines the theological underpinning of the theme of the 42nd Synod. Here is the full text of the section related to the word, ‘Resilient’. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Gender Based Violence - Recognize and Re- Position by Rev Donovan Myers Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
	My earliest recollection of violence within families is an incident that I observed one Sunday afternoon when I was about nine years old. The commotion caused by the shouting and crying that emanated from my neighbours, alerted others in the community to peek through their windows or congregate on their verandas to get a first-hand view of Terrence and Wanda (not their real names) ‘at it again’. I was just in time to see him pulling her by the arm down the forty-five-degree gravel driveway to the sounds of her pleading with him to let her go. She grabbed on to an overhanging tree limb (about the size of her arm) that gave way to the force of him pulling her. Halfway down the incline he suddenly let go of her, causing her to fall and skate a few feet before coming to a stop. Bruised and crying, she limped away. I couldn’t understand why no one went over to assist her. A few weeks later I overheard two adults saying that they were back together again, and that Wanda had reported that Terrence only hits her because he loves her. please click here for more information (PDF file)

Now Is The Time To Serve Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
	The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), as part of the worldwide family of Reformed Churches, subscribes to the ‘priesthood of all believers’. By this, we believe that everyone who embraces salvation through Jesus Christ is automatically enlisted in the service of God. In other words, the mission given to the Church by Jesus Christ is the personal responsibility of each Christian and the collective business of all of the people of God. Every UCJCI member belongs to a local congregation. It is here that our service must begin. Each member is invited to use the abilities, gifts, and other resources entrusted by God to enrich and expand the witness of the congregation to which she or he belongs. The UCJCI is currently making a more concerted effort to assist every member to become more actively involved in the life and witness of the church, beginning but not ending at the level of the local congregation. please click here for more information (PDF file)

MEN ON A MISSION Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
	The United Church Men’s Fellowship (UCMF) is an organisation of men—18 years and over— within the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands who aspire to live their motto, ‘Serving Together in Christ’s Name’. OBJECTIVES OF THE MEN’S FELLOWSHIP 1.To unite the men who attend the Church to which the UCMF is attached in Christian fellowship and mission; 2.To promote spiritual birth and growth, particularly in relation to men; 3.To foster human development, particularly through spiritual, social, educational, economic and cultural activities; 4.To foster, identify, develop and utilize leadership potential and qualities in men and boys; 5.To assist in the establishment and development of the Boy’s Brigade Company in the Church to which the UCMF is attached; 6.To provide Christian counselling, guidance and support for boys and girls, men and women of the church and community (whether individually or as an organization) in keeping with the paternal role of men; 7.To promote and engage in activities in response to the needs of the church as they arise from time to time; 8.To promote and engage in community service. please click here for more information (PDF file)