The Tribune

PARISHIONERS from Long Island celebrate the first Patronal Festival of the year at St Johns Buckley's Church. Anglican members from St Peter's in the North and St Paul's in the South came together at St John's, located centrally in the settlement of Buckley's. The members lifted their voices as they sang ancient hymns of the church venerating the legacy of St John the Evangelist the beloved disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Father Johnathon Archer rector of St Paul's Parish preached the sermon at the Patronal Festival. His sermons was based on the gospel of John chapter 21:19-24. With this biblical passage as the backdrop, which talks about Peter being concerned about John as a disciple, Fr Archer encouraged members of the congregation to do their best not to criticise others Christians. Fr Archer stated in his sermon that the progress in any given church is impeded by members looking around and criticising or critiquing the effort of a Christian who is willing to try and work for God, whilst the critic sits back and laughs to him or herself. He said people in the Christian community seem to shun attending church fearing what people whom are considered Christians would say about them or to them. After the Eucharist celebration members congregated to the Francis Darville parish hall located adjacent to the church to share in table fellowship. Many waited for the Feast of Title of Holy Family in Mortimer's celebration. The Patronal Festival of St Paul's will take place the last Sunday of January.