The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

THE youngest members of the Transfiguration Baptist Church were the ones who turned heads as the church's Usher Board held its first ever Lenten Tea Party and Fashion Show.

Under the theme, "A Spring Affair", the event culminated in a grand finale which saw several children participate in a fashion show held on the church grounds, located on Market and Vesey Streets.

Ingrid Sears, a member of the church, said the children gave the event a "special touch" and reminded all who were in attendance that you must become like a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.

"Children can be loving, kind, have great faith, often forgive easily, fall down and get up, heal quickly and can teach us lots," she said.

To reflect God's creation, church members Paulamae Rollins and Patricia Newry said they decorated the venue with plants, bird and butterfly motifs, and with all the colours of the rainbow.

The tables were decorated by members of the Usher Board, and the parents and other family members of children participating assisted with the outfits, Ms Sears said.

Shantell McDonald and Marlene Hall said they enjoyed being the hostesses of the evening as they welcomed church members to taste the sweet treats and bush teas made by Faye Delancy, the event organiser.

Speaking about the turnout for the event, Ms Delancy said: "I was happy to see the outcome. Springtime is when everything comes into bloom. It was ideal, especially after celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. I look forward to next Easter. The infusion and celebration of life is wonderful."

Rev Dr Stephen Enoch Thompson, pastor of the church, has oversees various ministries that cater to children, women, men and families, Ms Sears said.

"They all help individuals to come into fellowship with Christ and develop responsible church membership."

The Usher Board ministry, she said, allows individuals to serve as doorkeepers for the church and to prepare the sanctuary for visitors and members to worship.

"As David said in Psalm 84:10, 'I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness'," said Ms Sears.

Additionally, she said the ushers also act as special assistants to the pastor and ministers of the church, assisting with the orderly flow of the service, providing comfort and support, handing out programmes and directing people to their seats.

"Their role does not stop there, and like everyone else they embrace opportunities for Christian fellowship, love and laughter. This time around they decided to not just embrace the opportunity to enjoy the assembling of the saints, but to allow the children to lead the way. As firm believers that we must suffer the little children to come, they do their best to ensure that the children are comfortable and feel welcome in church," Ms Sears said.

The young models included Andria Astwood, Anthonique Hall, Anthony Hall, Charlise Gaitor, Charnae Gaitor, Rihanna Gibson, D'Asia Bain, Deandrea Johnson, Dermott Sawyer II, Ebony Taylor, and Mashan McDonald.

"The children were humble and brave, and despite challenges, kept going; it was a job well done," Ms Sears said.

In his closing remarks, president of the Usher Board, Richard Sands, thanked everyone for attending and participating in the event.

Before giving the closing prayer, Rev Sherma Bowe, associate minister, reminded guests that "the whole man consists of mind, body, spirit and soul". She further reminded all in attendance that they must be as children to enter the kingdom of God.

• See page 36 for more photos from the fashion show