Church ‘here to care’

MEMBERS?OF?Anglican congregations and families living in neighbourhoods close to the various churches will not have to bear the burden resulting from any layoffs alone.
This assurance came from Bishop Dr John Holder while speaking at the New Year’s Eve service at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Charnocks, Christ Church, where he was preacher and celebrant.
This was but one of the many church services held across the island as Barbadians kept to the tradition of attending watchnight services to welcome the new year.
The theme at many of the services reflected the prevailing times, with several preachers urging congregations not to lose hope despite the economic uncertainties. As 2013 began to fade into history, worshippers were reminded that God was the solution to any challenges.
Holder said he would be instructing priests in the diocese to seek out people in their districts to see how the church could assist those who would be among the 3 000 Government workers due to be laid off in the drive to reduce costs.
The bishop acknowledged that the church would not be able to take care of all the needs of all the affected families but a helping hand would minimize the negative effects.
Holder’s sermon offered the congregation a sense of hope and better things for 2014, saying that regardless of whatever happened this year, God was in control.