GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Hundreds of Congregants will gather this month in one auditorium to learn more about the Great Commission and the discipline and dedication needed to answer the call from Christ.

Members of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will gather on Sunday, 24 April, at the Cayman Prep and High School Auditorium, Walkers Road, to celebrate Convocation 2016.

Convocation is held every two years when the whole Church comes together to worship and fellowship. The theme this year is ‘Discipleship: Discipline and Dedication’.

“In Christianity, the Great Commission is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to His Disciples that they spread His teachings to all the nations of the world,” said Regional Deputy General Secretary Rev. Dr. Yvette Bloomfield. “On 24 April we will delve more into the dedication and discipline needed for us to heed Christ’s instruction.”

Moderator, the Rt. Rev. L Christopher Mason will be the Guest Preacher. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be dispensed. In the afternoon the General Secretary, Rev. Norbert Stephens will give the Charge to the gathering.

The Cayman Islands Regional Mission Council Convocation will bring together the nine Congregations in Cayman to celebrate the 170^th anniversary of mission and ministry in the Cayman Islands. The Rev. James Elmslie started the Cayman Mission in 1846 and over the years the United Church has continued to proclaim the Gospel with fervour and to respond to the needs of the wider community. In addition to the nine Congregations, the Church also owns and operates Cayman Prep and High School and the Bethesda Counselling Centre.

During the Convocation, Lay Pastors Herbert Crawford and Tom Mason will be commissioned and the Youth Leadership Nation Executive and the Council Executive will be inducted. Also being commissioned are the Governors for Cayman Prep and High School Board and Rev. Bloomfield will be installed. We will also receive Ordination Credentials during the Convocation.

There will be a special Children’s Village, which is a ministry to the children of the Church led by Rev. Donovan Myers.

A display wall highlighting the mission and ministry in all the Congregations and entities that belong to the Church will be available for viewing throughout the Convocation.

The main Convocation for the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will be held on 17 April at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

About the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands was formed following an historic ceremony held on the grounds of Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on 13 December, 1992. This ceremony marked the union of the Disciples of Christ in Jamaica and the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman.