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UCJCI Update

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THE PATH TO A RESPONSE OF H.O.P.E. Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
	In offering the theme—Rooted, Resilient, Responding in H.O.P.E. (Hope, Opportunity, Peace and Evangelism) the United Church recognizes that the journey to responding in HOPE should be traced back to the beginning of the Renewal and Transformation strategic agenda of UCJCI. The theme paper, ‘The Road Map to the Synodical Theme’ states the following: As a Church we started a process fifteen years ago (2005) of rereading our context and discerning the signs of the time, towards meeting the spiritual (wholistic) needs of the people we serve. This led to the Renewal and Transformation (R&T) Agenda of the United Church. At our Synod in 2009 the R& T agenda was enacted and the process has been one of mixed engagement/s and mixed review/s for the most part, for varying reasons. However, what cannot be denied is, given where we found ourselves 12 years ago, it would have been very unproductive and disheartening to remain there. please click here for more information (PDF file)

MODERATOR LAUNCHES THE 42ND UCJCI SYNOD Thursday Feb 25, 2021
	The 42nd Synod of th United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands was officially launched at the Ash Wednesday Day of Fellowship Worship events. In a video presentation shared in all Regions, the plans for the upcoming Synod were outlined by the UCJCI Moderator, Rt. Rev. Gordon Cowans. The Synod has found us in uncharterd waters. We are holding a Synod amidst a pandemic, requirning us to abide b strict protocols of limitations on the number of persons gathering in a space, physical distancing, wearing of masks, hand sanitizing and minimum physical contact. He continue; "The theme for this Synod is 'Rooted, Resilient: Responding in HOPE', and in this regard HOPE means Health, Opportunity, Peace and Evangelism. The call is to be Rooted,Resilient, and Responding by offering HOPE through health, opportunities,peace and evangelism." please click here for more information (PDF file)

A SHOT IN THE ARM The Case for COVID-19 Vaccine for All Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
	The news that Jamaica, as one of the countries that is part of the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, is set to receive its first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine this month is welcome relief. The Government has previously indicated that vaccines would not be available before April 2021, with a target of vaccinating 16% of the population by the end of 2021. Given the widespread nature of COVID-19, its mutation and the exponential rise in cases in Jamaica over the last few weeks, the need for a vaccine is fundamental to bringing the virus under control. This would allow for a reduction in the infection rate and usher in a positive movement towards achieving herd immunity. Beyond The Pulpit - Fasting in a Feasting Culture On this Ash Wednesday, as the Christian Church once again observes the beginning of Lent, a 40-day fast in preparation for Easter, we do so in emulation of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Fasting as defined by the Encyclopaedia Britannica is the “abstinence from food or drink or both for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical purposes”. please click here for more information (PDF file)

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)