A question echoed throughout Ebenezer Methodist Church during this year’s Methodist Women’s Lord’s Day celebration: What kind of fruit are we leaving behind?
It was a fitting reflection for a service that not only celebrated the contribution of Methodist women across the Caribbean and the Americas but also marked a significant milestone for the local congregation, as 82 women were officially enrolled into the Ebenezer Women’s Circle (EWC) on Sunday, 28th June, 2026.
Observed as part of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) Women’s Awards Day 2026, this year’s theme, “Go and Bear Fruit: Fruit That Will Last”, drawn from John 15:16, centred on living lives of faith, service and Christian character that leave a lasting impact.
For Ebenezer Methodist Church, the theme was brought to life through the continued growth of the Ebenezer Women’s Circle, a multi-generational ministry established in 2024 to carry forward the legacy of the former Ebenezer United Sisters. Guided by its four pillars—Social, Study, Support and Service—the ministry seeks to nurture women spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically while encouraging them to serve both the church and the wider community.
The enrolment ceremony, led by Evalie Bradley and Rev. Wilmoth Hodge, invited the women to make a public commitment to Christian discipleship and faithful service. Bradley described the purpose of the Women’s Commission and the Ebenezer Women’s Circle as strengthening “the worship and witness of the Church” by encouraging women to serve Christ faithfully in their homes, churches and communities.
Following prayers for wisdom, courage and God’s continued guidance, the women were asked a series of covenant questions by Rev. Hodge, affirming their commitment to follow Christ, remain faithful in prayer and Scripture, support the ministry of the Women’s Circle and serve others. Their response rang out together throughout the sanctuary: “I pledge to serve Christ.”
The service also saw the installation of the Circle’s executive officers. Rev. Hodge encouraged the newly appointed leaders to lead with humility, faithfulness, unity and love, while reminding the congregation of its role in supporting the ministry through prayer and encouragement.
Installed were President Phyllis Fleming-Banks, Vice President Carey Richardson, Secretary Merline Barrett, Assistant Secretary Trevolyn Richards, Treasurer Karen Browne, Assistant Treasurer Heather Ritchie, Public Relations Officer Shakeela Ritchie, and nominated members Joselyn Theophile-Richardson, Janice Hodge and Lauraine Gumbs. Following prayers of blessing, the officers received commemorative certificates and the right hand of fellowship.
Lauraine Gumbs delivered the MCCA Women’s President Sherraine Galbraith’s message on her behalf. Greeting Methodist women across the Church’s districts, Galbraith reminded listeners that Jesus did not simply encourage believers to bear fruit but appointed them to do so, adding that lasting fruit is rooted in obedience, sacrifice and love rather than public recognition.
She also extended prayers and solidarity to Methodist women in Haiti and Jamaica as they continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa, flooding and ongoing social and political challenges, while asking churches across the region to pray for the Caribbean delegation attending the World Federation of Methodist and United Church Women World Assembly in New Zealand from Tuesday, 25th August to Saturday, 29th August, 2026.
The morning’s sermon, delivered by Secretary of the MCCA Leeward Islands District Women’s Commission, Mrs. Charmaine Rey-Richardson, challenged the congregation to think beyond visible achievements and consider the legacy they are building through their daily lives.
Using passages from John 15, Galatians 5, Proverbs 31 and John 16, she reminded worshippers that lasting fruit is not measured by titles, applause, or how busy someone appears to be in church. Instead, she said, it is revealed through the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
“Character matters more than activity,” she emphasised, warning that even active ministries can lose their purpose if they are overshadowed by pride, bitterness or selfishness.
Rey-Richardson also paid tribute to generations of women whose quiet faithfulness has shaped families, churches and communities through prayer, sacrifice and encouragement, often without public recognition. She encouraged the newly enrolled members to continue that legacy by remaining rooted in prayer, worship, Bible study and dependence on the Holy Spirit, reminding them that true success is found not in personal recognition but in making Christ known through service to others.
For the women who stood together to make their commitment, the ceremony represented far more than a formal enrolment. It marked the beginning of a shared journey of faith and service — one that the Ebenezer Women’s Circle hopes will continue bearing fruit not only within the church but throughout the wider Anguillian community for years to come.
By Janissa Fleming
