Cathedral News
BICENTENNIAL GIFT: As the Anglican Church in Barbados prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024, so too will the St. Michael Parish Church celebrate the 200th anniversary of its designation as the Cathedral of the Diocese. Gifts in celebration of this significant milestone would be greatly appreciated. Envelopes are available for everyone’s convenience. Thanks for your generous gift.
response to God‟s generosity. There are several ways to give regularly; in particular, in keeping with the invitation of Paul to the Church of God at Corinth (1 Cor. 16:2), members of the Cathedral can give weekly. However, persons can also do so monthly. Envelopes are provided in both cases. Cheques may also be written to St. Michael’s Cathedral and mailed to the Cathedral’s Office, St. Michael’s Row, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados. In addition, persons may make a Direct Debit to St. Michael’s Cathedral via CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Bridgetown Branch, Account #2719302, Transit #09606.THE DEAN: Members are asked to note that The Dean, The Very Rev’d Dr. Jeffrey D. Gibson is currently on vacation from Sunday, November 10 to 30, 2024 and will resume duties on December 1, 2024. During this period, The Rev’d Erma Ambrose will serve as Priest-in-Charge of the Cathedral. The Rev’d Canon George Knight and The Rev’d Stephanie-Ann Wedderburn will continue to serve in their usual capacities.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY: Please be reminded that the Verger, Mrs. Chloe Grant will be on holiday from today, November 17, to December 1, 2024. During her absence Ms. Harriet Lowe will act as Verger. Let us wish them well.
PINK APPAREL: The Dean has kindly asked that you wear pink on the third Sunday of Advent which represents JOY.
FLEA MARKET: Thanks to all those persons who have contributed and donated to our Flea Market yesterday
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS – CATHEDRAL REVITALIZATION 2024 and BEYOND: Mission – Ministry Maintenance – Money.
DONATION CARDS: Please note that Cards are still available for members to solicit donations from family, friends and well-wishers to support the Cathedral. Your continued generosity and kind cooperation would be greatly appreciated.
FLOWERS: As usual, there will be no floral arrangements during the Advent season; however, members are encouraged to make donations for the supply of flowers for Christmas. Contributions may be made in celebration of a personal event, in commemoration of a departed loved one, or any other occasion in the life of a family. Thanks for your consideration.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: Next Sunday, December 8th , 2024, the Cathedral will host a Blue Christmas Service at 5:00 P.M. Anyone who experienced a bereavement during the year and for whom this would be the first Christmas without their loved ones, is invited to attend. The service is designed to offer comfort and hope at Christmas time; and to affirm the presence of God as revealed in Christ, in the midst of grief.
PERSONS WISHING TO SPONSOR FUTURE EVENTS: Donations can be made through online payments to St. Michael’s Cathedral, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Bridgetown Branch, Account # 2719302; Transit # 09606. All donations are appreciated.
TICKETS: Members are asked to note that tickets for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, to be held on Thursday, December 19th , 2024 at 8:00 P.M., are now available at $30.00 each and can be purchased from the Administrative Office during office hours.
MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY: Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Ashton and Mrs. Margaret King-Austin; and Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Kimone Alleyne on their 1st wedding anniversary, December 2nd and 9th, respectively. God’s blessing for continued growth in love.
BEREAVEMENT: We extend sincere condolences to the families of the late:
• Mrs. Clarissa Carrington (Shut-In)
• Mrs. Celia Gill (New York)
• Mrs. Hazel Norville (St. George Parish Church)
May you know the blessedness of those who mourn.
STEWARDSHIP: Sincere thanks to all who have submitted their Initial Offering. To date, we have received $4,240.00. Please note that this year‘s envelopes cost $3,507.04. Persons who have not made their contribution as yet are asked to do so as soon as possible.
THE DAILY OFFICES: The recitation of Morning and Evening prayers forms part of the discipline of clergy and laity. The Daily Office can also serve as a personal or family discipline. 
Please note the links to the St. Michael’s Cathedral below:
https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelscathedral/
http://www.youtube.com/c/SaintMichaelsCathedralBarbados
Ministry Today: The following basic ministries will be sustained during the emergency period: Administration (Human Resources, Financial and Property management); Christian Education (Bible study, etc.); Pastoral Services (Prayer, Counsel and Bereavement Support); Social Outreach (Deacon’s Cupboard, SMCFA); and Worship (Streaming of services, Family worship, Daily Devotion).
Gift List: In addition to monetary gifts, members and well-wishers are also encouraged to donate towards the Vestments, Paraments and Linens of the Cathedral. The following are needed at this time:
The following are needed at this time:
1. Rose Cope and Stole – $1,200.00
2. Pulpit and Lectern Hangings (Blue/Pink)
3. Altar Frontals
4. Altar Linens (corporals, purificators, towels)
5. Video Equipment (cameras, cabling and monitors) 6. Trays
Thank you for your generosity and may God bless everyone, as together, we work to be faithful stewards of His bounty.
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Stewardship Education and Development through the Year
Christian stewardship involves a responsible management of the financial affairs of the church, as well as those of an individual or family. It also entails the generous use of talents and responsible use of time in the service of God and people.
1. Why should we give? We give in response to the goodness of God, who in creation has given of the Divine self (Genesis 1:26-31); and in redemption, his Son (John 3:16).
2. What should we give? Be a proportionate giver: the Biblical tithe – 10 percent is the benchmark (Genesis 14:18-20) Leviticus 27:30); however, there can be no limit to our generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-9) and (Matthew 23:23-24).
3. How can we persuade others to give? Make a personal commitment to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through regular prayer, attendance at worship, and a daily life of stewardship of God’s creation. We may also follow the example of the early Christians, who pooled their resources and supported the work of other Christian communities (Acts 4:32-5:11; Romans 15:22-29; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15).
4. How are we doing? The Cathedral currently has 150 weekly and 155 registered monthly subscribers, respectively. On September 30th, 2021, the following is the state of affairs: percentage envelopes used and returned: Monthly 75 % and Weekly 54 %. Of the Cathedral givers:
• Monthly: 51 give $100 or more; 26 between $50 and $99; 12 between $20 and $49; 2 between $19 and $10; and none $5 or under.
• Weekly: 5 give over $100 or more; 2 between $50 and $99; 20 between $20 and $49; 13 between $19 and $10; and 11 $5 or under.
Thank you for your 2021 financial contribution to the stewardship of the Cathedral. Offering envelopes for your 2022 commitment are available. The number on the envelope is a means of recording your contributions. Again, sincere thanks for making stewardship a way of life.
1. Thanks! Sincere thanks to the officers and members of the St. Michael’s Cathedral Ushers’ Guild for their contribution of $5,000.00 towards the provision of Video Equipment. It was their Gift-Month donation.
2. The St, Michael Centre for Faith and Action:
i. The Board of Trustees of The Centre would like to place on record their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the successful hosting of the annual Festival Forum on Thursday, October 28th, 2021. The topic was, “Church Unusual: Whosoever Can, Will Come … COVID-19 – Challenges – Changes”. The presentation from the Rt. Rev’d Mark E. W. Edington was enlightening and engaging; the responders Ms. Ella Hoyos and the Rev’d Shaquille Charles grounded the topic in Caribbean reality; and the proceedings were excellently moderated by Dr. Sharon Marshall. It attracted a diverse audience from Barbados, the Caribbean and the Caribbean Diaspora, in North America and Europe. Thanks also to Mr. David Springer for skillfully managing the technical aspects of the event. If you missed the live session, please note that it is available on the Cathedral’s Facebook page.
Parochial Church Council: Further to the recently held Annual Parish Meeting, the Parochial Church Council for the term which will end on February 28, 2023 will comprise the following:
Ex-Officio: Mr. Darwin Clarke, Mr. Samuel Maxwell and Dr. Wendy Sealy, Synod Representatives; and, Ms. Donna Inniss, Alternate Synod Representative
Elected:
Mr. Victor Gittens, Mr. Darnley King, Mr. Trevor King, Mr. David Murray, Ms. Donnah Russell, and Mr. Victor Sylvester.
Appointed:
Ms. Jennifer Benn, Mrs. Juno Burrows, Ms. Deidre Cox, Ms. Harriet Clarke, Mr. Jabari Jones, and Ms. Renee Thomas.
We give thanks for the ministry of Mrs. Judy King and Mr. Ian C. Weekes who served on the Council during the previous term, and we look forward to their ongoing service in other areas of the church’s witness, work, and worship.
Thy Kingdom Come global prayer movement: Members are encouraged to join with other Christians across the globe in praying for people to know Jesus. This is an annual wave of prayer during Ascensiontide. Please see the link below.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/
Diocesan Calendars: The 2021 Diocesan Calendars are available through the offices of the Administrative Assistant, at the price of $6.00 each.
BOOKS ON THE PANDEMIC
Virus as a Summons to Faith; Biblical Reflections in a Time of Loss, Grief, and Uncertainty, Brueggemann, Walter (Paternoster: Thinking Faith, 2020)
We shall be changed. Questions for the Post-Pandemic Church, Edited by Mark D. W. Edington (Church Publishing Incorporated 2020)
God and The Pandemic: A Christian Reflection on the Coronavirus and Its Aftermath, N.T. Wright (Zondervan Reflective 2020)
The Distanced Church: Reflections on Doing Church Online, Heidi A. Campbell, Editor (e-book). College Station, Tx: Digital Religion Publications, 2020.
Candles in the Dark: Faith, hope and love in a time of pandemic, Rowan Williams, SPCK Publishing 2020
Gifts, Memorials and Thanksgiving: Members are invited to donate items for use in worship in memory of loved ones who have passed, and to celebrate birthdays, wedding and confirmation anniversaries and other achievements. Donation options may also include flowers to decorate the church on First Sundays or during the Church’s Festivals.
❖ Flowers $150 – $200 per week
❖ Wafers $55.00 per box
❖ Wine $105.00 per case
❖ Votive Candles $15.00 per set of ten (10)
❖ Votive candle holders $82.50 per case
❖ Water for Dispenser $27.15 per bottle
To offer your donation, you may contact the Administrative Assistant.
Church Army: Ms. Donnah Russell recently assumed the post of Captain of the St. Michael ‘s Cathedral Church Army. She succeeds, her mother, Captain Evelyn Jackman. Congratulations and best wishes in this new role as leader. The ministry of the Church Army involves, among other in things: the proclamation of the Gospel by word as well as by deed; bringing all persons into unity with God and each other in Christ; and promoting justice, peace and love in all places.
Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer as part of their growth in righteousness, and of having a right relationship with God and their neighbours. The Book of Common Prayer is a symbol of unity in the Church in the Province of the West Indies and we stand in solidarity with other believers from across the Anglican Communion. The Cycle of Readings for the Daily Office affords persons the opportunity to read significant portions of Scripture throughout the year. Pray for grace at this time!
Memorials and Thanksgiving: The following may be offered as a memorial or thanksgiving:
Flowers $150.00 – $200 per week
Wafers $ 55.00 per box
Wine (case) $105.00 per case
If you wish to donate any of the above items in memory of your loved ones, flowers to decorate the church for First Sundays or for our Patronal Festival, which will be soon here, you can contact the Administrative Assistant, along with your donation.
Guild of St. Raphael: A branch of the Guild of St. Raphael was commissioned in the Cathedral on Sunday, December 03, 2017. The Convener is Mr. Darwin Clarke and the Secretary is Ms. Kurlyne Alleyne. Members observe a simple rule of prayer, study and work for this ministry
, aiming always to promote Christ’s ministry of healing – healing of the whole person. The Guild will meet in corporate worship on the first Wednesday of each month at the Public Service of Healing.
Fire Wardens: Some measures have been taken to enhance the Safety and Security of the premises: the installation of Electronic Surveillance Cameras, Smoke Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers. The next phase is Emergency Management. Towards that end, the Church has invited members to serve as Fire Wardens in the event of an emergency. The following persons have indicated their willingness to service:
Mrs. Valdine E. Browne Mrs. Judy King
Mrs. Juno Burrows Mr. Trevor King
Mr. Goulbourne Drakes Ms. Coral Riley
Mr. Paul Blackman Mr. Stephen Smith
Mrs. Harriett Blackman Mrs. Margaret Watson
Mr. Keith Worrell
DIOCESAN NEWS
i. Mission: There is a plan to reach the children who were baptized in the Cathedral since September 29, 2006 and to invite them to worship during May, Child-month. Parents, grandparents and godparents are asked to play a key role in this initiative. Ministry: In the month of April, members and friends will be asked to submit their Top 20 Hymns (T20 Hymns) and contribute twenty dollars ($20.00). At a time to be announced, there will be an occasion to sing the favourite hymns of the Cathedral.
ii. Ministry: In the month of April, members and friends will be asked to submit their Top 20 Hymns (T20 Hymns) and contribute twenty dollars ($20.00). At a time to be announced, there will be an occasion to sing the favourite hymns of the Cathedral.
iii. Maintenance: Repairs to the northern balcony and beautification of the graveyard have started.
iv. Money: The Cathedral, like all institutions, needs money in order to fulfil its mission and ministry. The following approaches will be pursued:
A). Proportionate Giving – All members are asked to contribute from their personal resources as a sign of their devotion to the Lords‘ work on a regular schedule. The Biblical Tithe is a standard by which we measure our offerings. However, even if one is not at that level yet, it is the principle of percentage giving that is encouraged.
B). Gifts in celebration of this significant milestone would be greatly appreciated. In particular, there is a two hundred dollar ($200.00) challenge to each member, to be presented at this year‘s Patronal Festival, September 29, 2024.
C). There will be an appeal to the general public to support the Cathedral financially. Donation Cards will be prepared and members will be invited to solicit donations from relatives, friends and wellwishers. Thanks in anticipation of your cooperation and generous gifts.
Diocese of Barbados 200 th Anniversary Celebration
1. Memorabilia: The following items are available for sale at the Diocesan Office, The Ivan Harewood Centre, Church Hill, Christ Church (Telephone 426-2761): Vacuum Bottles – $50.00; Notebooks – $15.00 Travel Mugs – $20.00 and Canvas Tote Bags -$25.00. Your patronage would be appreciated.
2. Deanery Evensong: This evening, at 6:00 p.m., the Christ Church Deanery will host a Service of Solemn Evensong, Sermon and Te Deum, in the Parish Church of St. Philip. It will celebrate the relationship with the Diocese of the Windward Islands, originally part of the Diocese of Barbados.
This Deanery Service will be linked with the Diocese of the Windward Islands; and the visiting preacher will be The Venerable Michael Marshall, Archdeacon of Grenada. All are invited to attend and enjoy fellowship with the Christ Church Deanery. The Diocese of the
30 Windward Island will share with us virtually via a livestream of this service.
3. Anniversary Lecture – Lecturer: The Rev’d Canon Prof. Noel F. Titus. His topic will be “A Hard Nut To Crack: Establishing the Diocese of Barbados and the Windward Islands”. It will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Hugh Springer Auditorium, BWU, Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St. Michael.
4. Bishop’s Leave: The Bishop is currently on vacation and will resume duties on August 24, 2024. During this period, the Canon Missioner, The Rev’d Canon Dr. Von Watson, will serve as the Vicar General.
5. Appointments:
➢ The Rev’d Audrey Griffith has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the St Thomas Parish Church, effective September 1, 2024.
➢ The Rev’d David Yarde will serve as Priest-inCharge of the Church of Holy Cross for the month of September 2024.
Effective October 1, 2024, the following new parochial assignments will come into effect:
➢ The Rev’d Levon Alkins – Priest-in-Charge of the Church of Holy Cross.
➢ The Rev’d Nicholas Small-Warner – Priest-inCharge of the Church of St Patrick.
➢ The Rev’d Hugh Sandiford – Rector of the Parish Church of St Lucy.
➢ The Rev’d Canon Austin Carrington – Priest-inCharge of the Church of St Matthias.
Annual Parish Meeting: The Synod Council at its February meeting passed a resolution which authorised the postponement of the Annual Parish meetings across the Diocese, until they can be lawfully convened and as the Bishop shall direct. This decision was made in view of the current restrictions, which limit the number of people who can assemble in public gatherings. Consequently, the term of the Parochial Church members, including the Lay Synod Representatives, has been extended until such time as the meeting is held. Meantime, any vacancies which might occur before that time, will be filled in accordance with Regulation D4: 17 of the Constitution, Canons and Regulations of the Diocese.
The Appointment of New Chancellor: Ms. Sadie Dixon has been appointed the new Chancellor of Diocese, effective August 1, 2021. Ms. Dixon is an Attorney-at-Law and has been in the practice for some 27 years. She is the Legal Counsel at the Central Bank of Barbados. She holds a Master of Laws with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK), a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of the West Indies as well as a certificate in Legislative Drafting from the University of London’s Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Ms. Dixon is currently a registered communicant and active member of the Church of the Holy Trinity.
The Rev’d Stephanie-Ann Wedderburn: The Rev’d Stephanie-Ann Wedderburn will be appointed Part-time Assistant Priest at St Michael’s Cathedral effective September 1, 2021. We wish her the very best as she transitions to the exercise of her ministry within the context of the city.
Coronavirus, COVID–19 Guidelines: From Sunday, March 8, 2020 the following came into effect until the Bishop indicates otherwise:
1. Physical interaction during services, including the Sign of Peace, shaking hands on entry or departure of religious services/gatherings should be suspended until further notice.
2. Everyone administering Holy Communion should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand gel, before beginning.
3. Holy Communion should be administered in one kind only: under the species of Bread and placed onto the hands of the recipient only and not onto the tongue.
4. Suspend direct physical contact as part of a blessing or ‘laying on of hands.’
5. Clergy will not be visiting members who have influenza-type symptoms; instead, pastoral support for parishioners who are unable to attend church services should be provided by telephone, or social media.
6. Parishioners who feel ill and display influenza-like symptoms should stay at home.
Appointments: Members are asked to note the following appointments of clergy to serve as Priests-in-Charge, as announced by Bishop Maxwell:
• The Rev’d Canon DeVere Murrell – the Parish Church of St. John, January 1 – February 29, 2020.
• The Rev’d Canon Seibert Small – Parish Church of St. Andrew, January 1 – April 30, 2020
• The Rev’d Graveney Bannister – the Parish of St. Clement and St. Swithun, January 1 – April 30, 2020.
• The Rev’d Dr. Michael Clarke – the Parish of Holy Cross, January 1 – April 30, 2020.
• The Rev’d Canon Wayne Isaacs – the Parish of St Mary, January 1 – April 30, 2020.
Ordination To The Diaconate: The Rev’d Roslyn Harper-Johnson, formerly of the Methodist Church, who has been on a three-month period of orientation into our Anglican faith and liturgical practices, will be ordained to the diaconate on the Feast of the Confession of St Peter, Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Church of St. Mary, at 5:00 P.M. Your prayers and presence are requested. Please inform your congregations of this service of ordination.
New Archbishop: During the recently concluded Fortieth Triennial Synod of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, held in Port of Spain in the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago, the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Howard Gregory, Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands was elected as the Archbishop, Primate and Metropolitan of the Province. Before being elected Bishop of Jamaica in 2012, Archbishop Gregory served as the President of his alma mater, the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), and Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay (2002), Please pray for him in his new ministry as leader of the regional church, amidst the worldwide Anglican Communion.