The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) is celebrating 250 years of witness and as part of the celebrations here in the Dominica Circuit, a number of events have been planned to commemorate this milestone.
The theme for the celebration is “With Faith, Hope and Joy We Hold Aloft the Light as We Celebrate 250 years”.
The celebrations began on January 5 with the ringing of church bells at all congregations at midday to commemorate the landing of the first missionaries at Portsmouth, the display of banners in February and a press conference to launch the activities on March 1, 2010 at the Bethesda Church Hall.
The activities for the year are as follows:
MARCH
14 Dedication service and unveiling of plaque to celebrate arrival of first Methodist Missionaries (Service will be held on the grounds of the Mt. Wallis (Portsmouth Methodist Church) at 4 p.m.
21 Youth and Young Adults Solo, Duet and Choral Speech Competition
APRIL
23 Preachers’ Banquet
30 Musical Pageant – “It only takes a spark”
MAY
Heritage Month
Launching of Anniversary Magazine
16 Youth and Young Adults – Know your Bible and Know Your Church Competitions and Singspiration
23 Aldersgate Celebrations
JUNE
Family Month
20 Youth and Young Adults Choreography Competition
JULY
4 Youth and Young Adults Choir Singing Competitions and Youth Rally
5 – 8 Revival Services
9 – 17 Missionary Meetings
AUGUST
2 Fun Day Rally
SEPTEMBER
Recognition service for all Dominicans who have served and are serving in the Methodist Ministry.
OCTOBER
Presentation of booklet “The Arrival and growth of Methodism in Dominica” by Rev. William Watty.
NOVEMBER
28 GRAND FINALE – PROCESSION OF WITNESS AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Congratulations! Keep up the good work with the young people.
With Faith, Hope, and Joy we hold aloft the Light. A good theme indeed! It is good also, to know that the young people are well involved.
Adults and leaders of the Church, as you include the young people in that celebration, be sure to remind, or to teach them the Truth and depths of Faith, Hope, Joy, and Light.
For it is importang to know that Faith brings Life; Hope presses on to the fulness of Life; Joy and Peace are the primary products of Life, and Light is the offspring of Love in Jesus Christ–the giver of Life to the soul . Hence, the awakened soul is filled with the Life of Love, for Light is Life–founded in, and built on Love.
As we celebrate let us remember…..
A Charge to keep I have,
A good to glorify
A never dying soul to save
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age
My calling to fulfil
Oh, may it all my powers engage
To do my masters Will.
Methodist – “Friend of all enenmy of none”
Sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Methodist Community. “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).