The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AS SCHOOL bells were ready to be rung all over the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for the start of the fall semester, Anglican members from St Peter’s parish in North Long Island gathered for corporate eucharistic celebrations at St Andrew’s in Whymm’s for a family service last week.

The fifth Sunday of every month is considered ‘Family Sunday’ in the church.

Father Chester Burton, Rector of Anglican Churches in Long Island, said most youngsters assembled with their parents and guardians to invoke God’s blessings on this new academic year.
In his sermon, he preached words from Matthew’s gospel (Matt 16:21-27) in which Jesus condemns Peter for telling Him, He wouldn’t die the way of the cross.

“Jesus asserted that if anyone wants to become a follower they must take up their cross and follow Him,” Father Burton read.

He admonished his young parishioners to be humble in and out of season, emphasising that humility is gift from God and the scripture should remind them that a humble child will taste the grace of God.

Father Burton also addressed the teachers in attendance, saying they have not changed in that they still prefer respectful, well-disciplined and mannerly students over those who go around creating mischief and confusion.

He told the students to be respectful towards the administrative staff and teachers who are set in authority over them. He concurred with Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald that it should be a tripartite approach to education involving parents, teachers and students.

“The future and success of Long Island and the Bahamas lies in the hands of young people, so this time should be used wisely and it begins with academics. I strongly encourage students to pick up your text books and stop texting with your cell phones; sign off Facebook and start doing your homework on time and not in the morning before school commences,” said Father Burton.

At the conclusion of the service, students received exercise books donated by members from St Anne’s Parish in Fox Hill. This was an effort established and undertaken by Canon Crosley Walkine, Rector of St Matthew’s on Shirley Street in Nassau.

Father Walkine worked closely with Father Burton and Father Jonathan Archer, former Rector of St Paul’s in South Long Island, who now serves in South Florida. They both are products of St Anne’s Church in Fox Hill where they served as curates under the auspices of Father Walkine.

“I am thankful for their generous donation and look forward to the continued parochial bonds between St Matthew’s and St Peter’s, North Long Island,” said Father Burton.