ISSUE: MAR- APRIL 2022
The Council for World Mission Caribbean
Caribbean Buzz VISION - “LIFE-FLOURISHING COMMUNITIES, LIVING OUT GOD’S PROMISE OF A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH.”
He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:6, NIV)
Table of
Contents Pause and Ponder - "Fears and Easter Hope(s)" reflection by the Mission Secretary
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Programme Highlight - Caribbean and Europe Region's Gender Justice Working Group, IWD Event
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Mission Story - Collin and Trivanna Morgan – A Ray of Sunshine in the midst of COVID-19
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Easter Prayers: Rise to Life
Pages 10, 11 & 14
Helpful Resources & Announcements
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"Fears & Easter Hope(s)" by Rev. Dr. Michael Jagessar, Mission Secretary Caribbean (Interim)
Pause and Ponder
Security must have been on high alert, given all the reported claims from Jesus about coming back to life. That will be disastrous for the status quo, hence the attempts to make the tomb secure (Matthew 27:64) and to give a sense of having things under control. Control is what we seek today as fears multiply around us. Who will roll the stones of fears away? Whatever location or context you are reading this brief reflection from, we will be grappling with a multiplicity of questions and anxieties. Pause and name them. There is nothing to be ashamed, including those fears and anxieties. Consider also where and in what we would wish to locate our sense of security. This is important given the many around offering the illusion of hope and enticing securities. Easter and resurrection suggest that all our efforts at making the tomb secure and at ‘sealing things’ merely serve to create a greater sense of our own insecurities. In the Easter and post-Easter stories, the Divine breaks through all human attempts to safely contain (Status Quo); to follow from a safe distance (Peter); and to wash our hands from taking responsibility as agents of death (Pilate). There was also that unpredictable earthquake that shattered the security cordon around the tomb, causing some to faint from fright! The women, of course, did manage to maintain consciousness, able to ride the surprises around them, unafraid, and running towards (not from) to share the good news. Easter meant boldness and freedom for them, not having their lives dictated by the agents of death. Death, of course, is so easy to accept as the norm as it is all around us. It is more difficult to believe that life will triumph over death and good over evil.
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Easter affirms that God is not in the business of formulating a strategy for containment, but an adventure of generous abundance. This is the fullness of life project – full and flourishing life for all which is at the heart of our life together as Easter communities. Easter declares: that God is creating a new heaven and a new earth (which we desperately need), that love is working overtime, and that biodegradability is not the final word. Our arising and rising up God reigns! A new day with new possibilities has dawned and now our part in the story of Easter begins! How are we planning to live and practice an Easter life-style, floating with the promise and hope of our rising-up One accompanying us into the present and future?
God-who-rolls-away-the-stones-of-fear: break through the heart of what chains us; deliver us from the pain and grief which drains the colour of life out of us make us realise that what we want and what we need are two different orders of reality. Give us this day saving moments of spaciousness and invitation to take, in faith, daring steps we have never tried before. In the name of the-Lord-of-the-dance embrace our every movement, taking our hands, as we step out not always sure of our next move. Amen. - Michael Jagessar (Rev. Dr.)
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The Council for World Mission Caribbean and Europe Regions
Programme Highlight
Gender Justice Working Group International Women’s Day Online Event – ‘Women Breaking Chains, Nurturing Communities, Planting Seeds of Hope’
Screen view – Participants, resource persons and staff in attendance
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The Gender Justice Working Group of the Council for World Mission Caribbean and Europe regions held an online celebration for International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘Women breaking chains, nurturing communities, planting seeds of hope’ on Tuesday 8th March 2022 via Zoom. Over 139 persons connected to the event, which was described as creative, lively, insightful and challenging. The purpose of the celebration was to commemorate International Women’s Day and to highlight how women in the Caribbean and Europe regions were breaking chains, nurturing their communities, and planting seeds of hope. The event convened with welcome and greetings from CWM staff in the regions and then the pulsating beat of the drums echoed the Zoom platform from Arielle Ghouralal of The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT) worship team. They reminded all that drumming in the Caribbean has history in ceremonial and religious occasions where it was used for communication, entertainment, prayer and worship.
The intern minister at the PCTT Mrs. Cynara Dube-Sookoo Khan beautifully shared in poetry the resistance, spirit and essence of women.
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I am Woman A daughter of resistance I am woman To Spirit alone I dance See how I move, flamboyant and free, Empty wrists, where chains used to be Chains of oppression and patriarchy I am Woman, See how I move, flamboyant and free, Dismantling the structures that stifled me And my voice, And my right to be A daughter of Divine Energy A blessed vessel of thee I am Woman A daughter of resistance I am Woman, To Spirit alone I dance Member of the working group and Moderator of the Synod of the PCTT, Rt. Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan joined in the worship exercise and charged all women to be role models, mentors and sisters. Women were the sources of hope and earth’s rhythm. Worship ended with the stilling chords of the drum and the caution for women to arise and speak, break the silence! From the words of the PCTT team –
“We are women made in the image of the Divine. We are daughters of a Nurturing God... We are filled with unspeakable joy and unimaginable love. The silence is broken and our Creator has spoken.. Therefore, let us plant seeds of hope ... Make haste... Pay heed... Let us be free...”
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The highly anticipated table talk then took centerstage with conversation stirrer, Ms. Karen Campbell from the United Reformed Church (URC) leading the session. Members of the panel were – Rev. Dr. Janet Wootton, a retired minister, and Director of Studies for the Congregational Federation; Rev. Ellen Mulenga, a minister of the United Church of Zambia; Mrs. Linnette Vassell, a civil society activist and member of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI); Miss Vanessa Blissett, President of the UCJCI’s United Church Young People’s Fellowship and Dr. Elizabeth December-Singh, member of the Guyana Presbyterian Church (GPC).
(From top left – Ms. Karen Campbell, Rev. Dr. Janet Wootton, Mrs. Linette Vassell, Ms. Vanessa Blissett, Dr. Elizabeth December-Singh and Rev. Ellen Mulenga)
The key questions addressed in the table talk were What are some achievements made by women in church and society that you wish to highlight? What do you perceive as keeping women in shackles today? What encouraged women to push barriers and break chains? Where can women and girls find strength and inspiration? Where are the areas of silence that needs to broken? From the very lively and animated table conversations women across the member churches were named and the achievements they have toiled hard for. Patriarchy, misogynism, violence, abuse and inherited theology, bible interpretation, church practices and structures were named as continuing barriers to the full participation of women in the life of churches.
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Alongside these main points there were energized conversation around worship and language that continue to extend the shackle of silence. The younger contributors highlighted a generational gap around gender justice matters, the internalizing of oppression and together all advanced the need for renewed solidarity among women and the need for the community of women and men to work intentionally towards the breaking of the silence. There was consensus on the need for intentional ongoing work on gender justice which must be a high priority on the agenda of the church.
There was the nostalgic poetic interlude of Dr. Anna Perkins’, ‘What the Blackbirds Knew’. Those in attendance were chilled by the blows that flew and lamented when they were reminded by Anna to – Say her name! A grim reminder of the cascading reality of gender based and intimate partner violence. Let a thousand flowers bloom! The Moderator of CWM, Rev. Lydia Neshangwe, closed the event with words of advice. She noted that there were different elements of advocacy in the fight for gender justice and cautioned all to be aware of the “all for nothing” activism which says, “my way is the only way”. People all had different areas of passion in the gender justice fight and the Moderator asked that they allow a thousand flowers to bloom where each does their part, in their way, in their contexts. The event ended with the Moderator’s prayer in celebration of all women on International Women’s Day.
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An Easter prayer of hope from the island of Grenada
Creator God In the beginning you created a perfect garden, We wander and marvel at your amazing creation of Grenada, The abundance of so many fruits and vegetables, The amazing views of mountains, rivers and the sea, God we are thankful. Empowering God You created us humans, We wander and marvel at your amazing human creation, Vision, uniqueness, passions and creativity, Communities of people to work together to grow in love, God we are thankful. Disappointed God We are sorry for how we have mistreated our environments, We are sorry for the misuse of your resources, Self-interests and power have corrupted us, God we are sorry. Forgiving God Thank you for coming down to save us, Thank you for teaching us about your kingdom, Thank you for your demonstration of compassion to all, Thank you for your death and resurrection. God we are thankful. Loving God Energise us through your Holy Spirit, To bring hope to our nation and to our peoples, To step out and take action against injustice, To empower those struggling in the margins, You give us Hope through your resurrection, God we are thankful. Faithful God Help us to reflect that hope to all around, To shine in the dark spaces, To encourage when people feel broken, Only through you our God, God we are thankful.
Rev. Nigel Lindsay, a Partner in Mission serving with the Presbyterian Church of Grenada. He is from the Congregational Federation in the United Kingdom.
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Rise to Life Most awesome God; Our loving Saviour. As we, celebrate this season of Easter with joy and hopefulness, may we be mindful that there are many among us who live in loneliness, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. This unjust world makes them feel like they are being crucified every day. We pray for those who are still persecuted for your name’s sake; Our brothers and sisters who suffered because of their beliefs; those who are tormented because of the colour of their skin; forsaken because of political affiliation; ignored because they are different or because they dare to speak out. Faithful God, we acknowledge your sovereignty. We know that you are able to do more than we can ask, think or imagine. So we seek you Lord, for those who are patiently awaiting for your compassionate arms to pull them out of their pains, depression, abuse, and exploitation. To free them from the dark tombs of poverty, hate, bitterness, mistrust and unforgiveness. To free them from the tombs that have held them hostage, for far too long. We ask you to roll away the stones of greed, political interference, selfishness, and prejudice that stifle progress. Lord, remove all obstacles that hinder them from experiencing life in its fullness. Lord, as we boast in your resurrection power, we pray that you breathe life into the dead areas of our existence. Restore those who are sick and dying - not just physically but also spiritually. Strengthen those who are weary and burdened. Let your light shine on those who may be in a dark place in their life or may have lost their way. We acknowledge that nothing is too hard for you to do. You defeated death and sin. So Lord, awake in us, the desire to be like you. Create in us a clean heart and renew that right spirit within us. Raise us up to a new life in you. May we rise to our calling, and accomplish your purpose for us, just as you did on resurrection day. Help us never to take for granted your unconditional love. May we, never miss the opportunity to follow your examples, to love more, to be more compassionate, to forgive more, to pray and to do more. Protect us from anyone or anything that will bring death to your plan and purpose for us. We say thank you Lord, for through your death and resurrection we have this blessed hope that all will be well, for you desire that we have life in abundance. This we ask in the name of our resurrected Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Amen.
Submitted by Mrs. Jewell Sinclair Torrington, of the Guyana Congregational Union (GCU)
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Collin and Trivanna Morgan – A Ray of Sunshine in the midst of COVID-19
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan a young couple with two young children live modestly in West Coast Berbice, Guyana. Mr. Morgan a construction worker and the only wage earner at the time, knew that it was his responsibility to ensure that his wife and children live a comfortable life, which meant appropriate shelter, clothing and food, not forgetting adequate health care and educational needs. The Morgans, who are strong believers in Christ, attend Perseverance Congregational Church within the Guyana Congregational Union (GCU). Mr. Morgan believed that every man must work hard in order to provide for his family; for him this is an expression of the loving nature of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He referenced 1Timothy 5:8 as the foundation of this belief, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This patriarch knows that work is a command of God; hence he lives by this principle. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Morgan managed reasonably. Things changed drastically for many in Guyana with the COVID-19 pandemic, many persons became unemployed and it was no different for Mr. Morgan. He, however, never lost hope, he kept his faith and continued his quest to provide for his family working where ever and whenever he found something to do. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted lives in general, in both negative and positive ways. Among the positives was the creativity which aroused in many persons as they sought to address the challenges. According to Mr. Morgan, he always gave thought to being a businessman. Hence, this was his opportunity when he heard of the CWM COVID-19 Mission Initiative Grant which he saw as a blessing, in this, his time of great need; the Lord was about to answer his prayer and fulfill his dream. Their application found favour with GCU and the needed funding was received. They were ecstatic; what was once a dream has now become a reality.
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The Morgans made full use of this opportunity and now have a very promising poultry business. They have since applied, qualified and received a loan under the GCU Micro Credit Scheme. This loan was to facilitate an expansion of the business which they have since named, Collin and Trivanna Poultry Center. Sometimes it is hard to see the hidden sunshine behind the dark clouds. But, with firm conviction of hope, faith and time, the sunshine will brighten the world all over again! The Morgans never doubted the power of prayers and God, their test has now become a testimony and their world has been made brighter.
Photo contributed
Photo contributed
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Rise to Life Most righteous and eternal God, we acknowledge You as Lord over our lives. You created us in Your image and while we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ died for us. Gracious God, we glorify Your wondrous name and give You the highest praise, Hallelujah, for You never leave us nor forsake us. Lord in this Lenten season, we reflect on the journey of our precious savior Jesus Christ, being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, His life and ministry on earth and then His journey to the cross at Calvary. Lord when we think of the love You have for us, that You sent Your only begotten Son to die for our sins, we marvel, we stand in awe of You Lord and praise You with all our hearts. Father God, when we look around, the state of the world is disheartening. Lord as we watch the news, we hear of murders, wars, violence in our schools and the list goes on. It is often times challenging to remain joyous, optimistic and fearless, but Lord we know that You did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Remind us Lord that the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, dwells in us, (Romans 8:11) and that in his resurrection we have the victory over death, the battle is already won. Lord please help us to stand in that risen power and authority as Your children on earth. Lord help us that we may rise to meet the challenges of the world and bolster us to stand our ground as soldiers in Your army. Remind us to seek You for our strength, direction and sustenance and help us to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with You. We thank You Lord for the hope and promise we have in Jesus Christ, that with him in glory we shall be. Lord help us not to fear the ills of this world, but to look to You and to be ready for Your return. Heavenly Father teach us to walk boldly as Your servants, and guide us as we seek to accomplish Your will. Lord, we pray that all we do will honor You. Grant us peace, joy and hope that we may encourage others as you encourage us, in Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen. Submitted by Miss Anissea Bremmer, newly appointed Human and Mission Resource Manager of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI)
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Helpful Resources, Announcements & Upcoming Events
ACCESSIBLE ONLINE RESOURCES Trees van Montfort, Green theology: an eco-feminist and ecumenical perspective (DLT, 2022) Helen Rappaport, In search of Mary Seacole: the making of a cultural icon (Simon and Schuster, 2022) Robert Thompson, Redemption Song: Reading the Scripture for Social Change (Ian Randle Press, 2021) United Church of Canada (Worship Resources online) https://united-church.ca/worship-resources United Church of Christ (Worship Resources online) https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/justice-local-churchministries/local-church/worship-resources/worship-ways-2/ CWM Caribbean YouTube Resources https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=CWM+Caribbean CWM Europe YouTube Resources https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCItlJ5c5q5Zi1FcS9Y-c8-g/videos
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Conversations on Gender Justice
Remember to visit
Visit YouTube.com - "CWMCARIBBEAN"
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Thank you for viewing this issue of Caribbean Buzz, a bimonthly news feature of CWM Caribbean. Do remember to let us know if you wish to be removed from the mailing list or if you know someone who would like to be added. Share your comments and input at michael.jagessar@cwmission.org or vickeisha.burke@cwmission.org. Images and graphics courtesy of CANVA
Editor: Vickeisha King Burke