Presidents of the North American Provinces Join the Celebration of of Mission and Ministry in Jamaica

The Moravian - March 2005

Stirring music punctuated by drums, energetic speakers who brought the gospel in all that was spoken, and excellent food marked the start of the celebration of 250 years of mission and ministry in Jamaica. It was a privilege for the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Sawyer and the Rev. David L. Wickmann to represent the North American Provinces, North and South. There were about 4,000 in attendance for the service held at Bethlehem Moravian College on Sunday, December 12, 2004.

The attendance underscored the energy of the Province, which boasts a communicant membership of 6,472 and a total membership of 17,000. The service included a fine representation of youth who sang and provided choral readings of scripture and liturgical dance. Greetings came from many parts of the world including the Eastern West Indies Province.

It was wonderful to hear the Most Honorable Michael Peart, Speaker of the House, who read a statement from The Most Honorable P.J. Patterson, the prime minister, underscoring the accomplishments of the church in the areas of education and social development. Young men and women who graduate from Moravian educational institutions can be looked to as solid citizens and leaders of the future. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Audley Shaw, who represented the Most Honorable Edward Seaga, leader of the opposition. He also pointed to the facilities of the church as places where leaders of the community are developed.

Hymns included “The Right Hand of God” found in the Moravian Book of Worship, page 690. The Rev. Livingston Thompson, president of the Jamaica Province, addressed the group challenging us all to take the gospel beyond our places of worship and into the communities in which we live, into the countries in which we reside, and into the world. With the words of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment as our guide, we will make Jamaica and the rest of the Moravian world a place where the gospel has an impact.

Toward the end of the service, the Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon offered the dedicatory prayer followed by the lighting of a torch, which will be present at each of the Jamaican congregations as they continue the celebration during their 251st year. This torch arrived in the hands of “older brother and sisters” and was passed on to “representatives of the younger generation” who will carry this flame forward representing the light Christ gives to the world.

Brother Sawyer and Brother Wickmann, joined by their wives, Sister Jill Sawyer and Sister Linda Wickmann, were proud to represent the provinces of North America, South and North. As a token of our love, each pastor was provided with a gift copy of the North American version of the 2005 Moravian Daily Texts.

As the jet lifted us up over Montego Bay, Jamaica, music of the day still echoed in our heads, the drumbeat of God’s love was pulsating, and the pictures of the saints were still clear in our minds. May the Holy Spirit grant the provinces of North America, South and North, an equal measure of excitement and energy. To God be the Glory!!!!

The Rev. David Wickmann is the President of the Provincial EldersÕ Conference, Northern Province. Photos by the Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon.