About one hundred students, smartly dressed in their school uniforms, assembled at the Ebenezer Methodist Church in The Valley on the afternoon of Sunday 6 September to participate in the 5th successive ‘Back to School Service’. The service, organised by the Mission and Evangelism Committee of the Congregation, was under the theme ‘Seeking Wisdom’.
Attorney-at-Law and Local Preacher on Note, Sister Merline Barrett, delivered an interactive message which she based on Solomon’s plea to God for wisdom found in 1 Kings: 3. She focused her message on verse 9: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” She emphasised the need for the students to seek God’s will and his wisdom in all situations, and ended the sessions by inviting them to say a prayer of commitment based on the same text.
Sixth-form student, Kenindy Gumbs, was the liturgist for the service while other students also ministered. Chyriki Richardson-Yearwood offered a pledge on behalf of all the students, and Eutonya Browne and Kniquisha Hughes did prayers and scripture reading respectively. The music ministry for the service was offered by students of the ALHCS, with Devaunie Richardson as a guest organist. Other instruments used were trumpet, saxophone, flute, guitar and drums.
The service began with a march of all the students from the old Woodbine building to the Church led by the Ebenezer Boy’s Brigade Drum Band and ended with a drum demonstration by the same group.
Supernumerary Minister, Rev. Dunstan Richardson, offered intercessory prayers on behalf of the children and teachers.
Also present at the service were Rev. Dr. Wycherly Gumbs, Superintendent Minister of the Circuit and Pastor for the Ebenezer congregation; the Honourable Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks; and Rev. Velina Petit, Circuit Minister. Parents of the children and several well-wishers were also in attendance.
At the close of the service all students were presented with educational items in the form of exercise books, pencils and pens, compliments of the Ebenezer congregation. These were distributed by Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who is also an active member of the congregation.
– Contributed
