Through the Youth Ministry, youth advisors meet weekly with the children and youth to engage them in activities which aim to advance their spiritual growth and increase their knowledge of God’s word for their personal development.
Youth Advisors
The following are the Bethel Circuit Youth Advisors:-
- Bethel - Bro. Robert McDonald and Sis. Dawn Marie Ellis
- South District - Sisters Juliette Atwell, Sandra Moore, Heather Lovell, Mary Forbes and Rochelle Forde
- Dalkeith- Sisters Faith Brewster, Nkwa Daniel, Rochelle Roberts and Bro. Ryan Brewster
- Belmont - Sisters Jacqueline Hope, Lucille Lashley and Shirley Farnum
- Providence - Sisters Lucille Goddard, Thelma Blackman, Sonja King, Michelle Gooding, Sharon Trotman, Laura MCClean and Bro. Hussein Brewster
- Vauxhall - Sisters Zelda Mondere, Felicite Belle, Carol Taylor and Bro. Joseph Hope
Inaugural Youth conference 2021
The First District Youth Conference held on January 12th and 13th, with the youth participating actively with outstanding discussion. Youth empowerment continues to be high on the Agenda of the South Caribbean District and there is a strong view that much emphasis must be placed on the wholistic spiritual and physical growth of our children.
Consequently, the years 2021 to 2030 have been declared as the Decade of Youth Empowerment. Some of the new initiatives will include Youth Mentorship,
District Ambassadors, Youth Pastors, District Youth Commission, Social outreach to the community and Social media outreach. Much emphasis must therefore be placed all circuits on the development of youth’
Our Youth representatives were Sis Rayne Inniss and bro Alex Atwell. The following is a short bio on each and their impressions of the Conference
Alex Atwell
My name is Alexander Atwell, I am a member of the South District Methodist Church. My family and church family have always encouraged me in extra-curricular activities. As a child I was always an active member of my congregation, often reading lessons or leading the service, with the encouragement, advice and when needed assistance of my mother. At the age of 15, I was confirmed as a member of the Bethel Circuit of the South Caribbean District in the MCCA. At the age of 17 I had the ability to be a delegate to the 5th MCCA Youth Encuentro held in St. Kitts. This experience connected me with many youth across the Connexion and invigorated my passion for Christ. At the beginning of 2021, I was chosen as a delegate to the 1st SCD Youth Conference. This was an invaluable experience and I was honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent my circuit.
Experience at the 1st SCD Youth & Young Adults Conference:
The 1st South Caribbean District Youth Conference brought together delegates and invited guests from around the region to discuss issues facing the youth and the Methodist Church in the district. The discussions were of a high standard and showed that the youth of the district had been conscious of, and deliberated over, some of the issues facing the Church. Creative solutions were proposed, refined and compiled into a list of resolutions that were then sent forward to the District Conference. These resolutions recommended the formation of a youth commission as well as a youth ministry recognising that specific responsibility and attention should be given to youth. The resolutions also encouraged that youth participate in outreach activities and dedicate time to the Church. It was also resolved that the Church should become more active in the virtual space where more youth can be engaged. The resolutions were well received by the District Conference.
A word to our Youth
It is important that we as youth stand up as ambassadors of Christ and the Methodist Church. It is important that we play a positive role in our schools, occupations, and communities. We can be a light in the darkness, leading others to Christ, but we have to become active, we have to participate and raise our voice on issues that concern us. We are the current influencers and leaders and we will determine the future of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. Let us make it a good one!
Sis. Rayne Inniss (Bethel Circuit)
Rayne Inniss is a nineteen-year-old youth from Bethel Church of the Bethel Circuit in Barbados. Her grandfather is a Methodist Minister, Rev. Colton Bennett and has been attending worship services her entire life. She became an avid member of the Bethel Sunday School, Bethel Youth Choir and United Dance Ministry. She is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce, specialising in Culinary Management in Canada.
Experience at the 1st SCD Youth & Young Adults Conference:
“It was amazing to connect with other Methodist youth and young adults from across the South Caribbean District which I otherwise would have never met nor maybe have met, but never knew were Methodists. It was very eye- opening experience to learn of the statistics shared with us as it is not information that is normally shared with the members of our congregations during services. It was then also very interesting to hear the knowledge and opinions of the other youth in the district pertaining to matters of the church and how the focus should not only be to increase membership, but engage and encourage participation from the members we currently have. Overall, it was a great experience and wonderful opportunity I look forward to our suggestions being taken on board.”
Activities
Programmes and activities which seek to assist the youth in strengthening their relationship with God and develop positive self-esteem are as follows:
Youth Bible Study
Bible Study for the Youth in the Circuit is scheduled once per month on Friday, beginning September until March 2021. The theme for the Youth Bible Study for the period, September – November was “Vengeance and Mercy” while the theme for January – March is “Salvation and Christian Civics” and the Sub-themes are “Save my life”, “Save my Soul” and “Dual Citizenship”.
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Youth Retreat
The Youth Retreat is scheduled for Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Training
Bro. Edmund Grimes has agreed to conduct a session on Financial Budgeting and Financing Tertiary Education for the Youth in the Circuit on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Youth Forum to be conducted by Bro. Raphael Saul on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The topic is “Personal Leadership: Promoting Personal Excellence”.
Youth Forum to be conducted by Rev. Dr. Kenroy Burke on Saturday, April 30, 2021.
There are four sessions scheduled on the Pearls of Wisdom Concept which will focus on “Creating Your Image: Building Your Brand as a Christian” are scheduled for every Friday evening during the months of July and August, 2021. The Facilitator is Mr Carl Applewaite.
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Youth Bible Study on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom Platform. The topic is "Dual Citizenship".
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Youth Forum on March 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.- Bro. Raphael Saul- "Personal Leadership: Promoting Personal Excellence". Zoom Platform.
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Youth Forum on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.- Rev. Dr. Kenroy Burke -" Spiritually hungry: Taking a stand as youth". Zoom Platform.
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Prayer and Encouragement Evening on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Zoom Platform.
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Youth Forum- Creating your brand as a young Christian on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.- Mr. Carl Applewaite. Zoom Platform.
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Youth Forum- Creating your brand as a Christian on Friday, August 13, 2021at 7:00 p.m.- Mr. Carl Applewaite. Zoom Platform.
Our Youth Speak
My name is Jeremiah Brewster I am 11 years old I am the last of three brothers and my parents are Faith and Ryan Brewster. I go to Deighton Griffith School and I am in 1st form.
My favorite subjects are Math and Grammar and my hobby is playing football and I am a member of Kick Start Football club and I will like one day to be a professional footballer.
I attend Dalkeith Methodist Church every Sunday
“So far my life has been influenced by the beliefs of my parents’ relationship with God and I have therefore learnt that giving my life to Jesus is important. But I have not made that personal decision yet, but it is my desire to do so. Sunday school has taught me not to do wrong and to worship him because he died for me on the cross to save me of my sins. And so I will like to encourage all to love God the way he loves us.”
My name is Zinedine Brewster I am 13 years old , I am the second of three brothers and my parents are Faith and Ryan Brewster. I attend Dalkeith Methodist church . I go to The Lodge School and I am in second form, I am a member of the lodge football u14 team and Kickstart Football team.
I have been brought up in a Christian home and because of that I have been going church all my life. I have so far learnt that Jesus Christ died for me.
One day I hope I can give my life to Jesus Christ. I pray that one day persons like myself will be able to make that decision .
“My Christian journey has been influenced by my parents teaching me strong Christian values. Attending church and church school on Sundays my teachers and older members of the church have showed me and taught me how great God truly is by the love expressed to me.
With all my achievements in life and opportunities that I experienced so far I know I could not have achieved it without God so I would encourage young people to seek God and to live for him.”
Youth Blog
Talents and Expressions