United Theological College of the West Indies presents a Disaster Preparedness and Management Workshop on Saturday, September 2, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m. Presenters include Dr. Angela Gordon Stair, clinical psychologist, Steve Hodges, civil engineer and the president of UTCWI, Dr. Lewin Williams.

Rev Authur Edgar honoured

Rev. Authur Edgar was recently honoured in Trinidad at the meeting of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship for 26 years as director of the Caribbean Christian Publications (CCP). CCP is well-known within the Caribbean for publishing Sunday School materials that are used by many denominations. His wife Lynette also served the CCP faithfully. Before taking up this assignment, Arthur Edgar served as principal of Calabar High School from 1972-80.

53 years of marriage

Congratulations to Canon the Honourable Weeville Gordon and Mrs. Gordon who celebrated on August 19, 53 years of marriage. The Gordons are parents to Dr. Peter John Gordon, economist at PIOJ and Dr. Angela Gordon Stair, clinical psychologist.

Fund-raising drive launch

On Monday, September 4, at 6:00 p.m., the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) will bless the construction site and launch the fund-raising drive for an expansion of the library and a new education wing. The Rev. Dr. Rupert Young will be the preacher at the worship. The president of the College, Rev. Dr. Lewin Williams, has undertaken this expansion of the college facilities, with the financial assistance of the UTCWI Foundation, in order to provide space for student computers, a centre for the study of Caribbean religion, adequate facilities for the graduate programme, and office space. All UTCWI alumni and friends are invited to attend and lend their support.

Public recognition and commissioning services

There will be a public recognition and commissioning service for the Rev. Dayne Grant at the Gregory Park Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 5, at 3 p.m.. He will function as an assistant to the President of the Jamaica Baptist Union, Rev. Karl Henlin who is also the pastor for the Gregory Park Circuit of Baptist Churches.

There will be a public recognition and commissioning service for the Rev. Sheldon Ashman at the Fellowship Baptist Church, Portland, today at 3:00 p.m.

40 years in full-time Christian ministry

Congratulations to Canon Ernle Gordon of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Anglican) who celebrated 40 years in full-time Christian ministry.

Preacher at the thanksgiving service was the Rev. Dr. Roderick Hewitt, moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and Cayman.

Jamaica Yearly Meeting of Friends

The 65th annual session of the Jamaica Yearly Meeting of Friends, that is, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) was held from August 17-20, at the Shortwood Teachers' College, St. Andrew. Delegates from all over the island were in attendance and the service was led by Dr. Horace Hall, presiding clerk while his brother Dr. Kenneth Hall, area minister, Disciples of Christ, Texas, preached the sermon under the theme "I will pour out my Sprit." He challenged the congregation not just to rehearse the promises of God but also to re-claim the promises in order to do the work of mission empowered by the Spirit. Sylvia Greaves, interim general secretary for the Friends United Meeting, Richmond, Indiana, brought greetings. She said that her organisation was willing to help the local body in the areas of evangelism, global partnership and leadership skills development.

Prayer for new school year

Almighty God you are all wise and all knowing. We acknowledge that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and knowledge is understanding.

We confess that we have not sought your wisdom or pursued knowledge. We have misinformed and manipulated others. Forgive us O Lord.

Father, as we face a new school year, we thank you that our educational system, despite its many inadequacies, is committed to every child and there is the belief and confidence that every child can learn.

We pray for this new school year that every child will benefit from wholesome education. We pray for the Minister of Education, Maxine Henry-Wilson and all who design and implement the educational policies. We pray for the president of the JTA, Hopeton Henry and all teachers; for all parents and for all who will play a significant role in the educational enterprise. O God, may all stakeholders co-operate for the advancement of God's children as you "Teach us true respect for all."

Amen.