May 2

We began with a Quiet Morning focused on listening for God’s voice in the words of Scripture from Matthew 13: 44 -46. Archbishop Rowan talked about the two small parables from the point of view of the Hebrew Wisdom language. He asked us to consider what it means for God’s Wisdom to take hold of us, to change our lives. After about 90 minutes of silence for us individually we gathered for another reflection and some silent time together. Archbishop Rowan has a gift for being able to draw people into the Scripture and into reflection. He was the Presider at the Eucharist that followed.

The liturgical music was distinctively Jamaican and the hymns great Anglican favourites.

After lunch we gathered for “Orientation to ACC” in our Discernment Groups (made up of three Bible study groups, each of which has 5 to 7 members). It was an opportunity to meet each other and learn about the settings from which we come. It was surprising to hear that population migration from rural areas to urban (of the sort we experience in our diocese) is happening in many countries, and churches are trying to determine whether to keep church buildings open in the depopulated areas or not. The considerations for young adults, how to pass on the Gospel stories in relation to their lives and how to engage them in the decision making of the church are similar in many parts of the world as well. One of the most entertaining parts of this session was remembering the groups who might be wondering about the Anglican Consultative Council by creating a post card that they might have sent to us here at the meeting. My group had the card from the Diocesan Youth Group. The card said, “Dear ACC: Are there youth delegates at ACC? What do they do? Do you listen to the voices of youth and young clergy? How many women are there?”

Later in the afternoon, we heard more about the how the meetings would be arranged to cover much information in interesting ways. Tomorrow there is a big service in the national arena so that we clearly being in worship. The churches in Jamaica are not having services in the morning and they are all coming to the arena. It will be a grand event.

When we begin with regular days on Monday I will describe them. We watched a DVD about the history of the church in Jamaica. In it, there was mention of St. Monica’s Orphanage, which is one of the outreach missions supported by St. Peter’s Church in Charlottetown. I hope to be able to visit there while I am here.

As various leaders welcomed us, it became very clear that the visit of an international body of Anglicans is incredibly important. There will be receptions with a variety of government and church leaders while we are here. (As I am writing this, the steel drums are playing outside my window, which is open because it is still lovely and warm.)

Tomorrow will be a great day. We were told to eat a good breakfast before the 10am liturgy because lunch will be late! The afternoon session will be about Mission in the Communion and I am looking forward to that.

Have wonderful services tomorrow.

Blessings.

+Sue