OUTSIDE THE PULPIT: Another successful Crop Over

We give God thanks and praise for a very successful, peaceful and accident-free Crop Over Festival.
We also give God thanks that we were once again saved from the ravages of a storm/hurricane, as Bertha moved elsewhere through the region.
The Pic-O-De-Crop Finals were postponed from last Friday to Saturday, because of rain which did not come. As a result of the postponement I was forced to miss the finals this year in my usual stand at Bedstead and Mattress Corner, St Joseph Rectory, Horse Hill, St Joseph, because I normally go to bed very early on Saturday nights and seldom attend functions because I have to celebrate Mass the next day.
Congratulations to Ian Webster who retained his crown with his renditions – Karaoke and Barbados Is Still My Home. 
Kadooment Day was the usual.  That is the bands were beautiful and some of the females wore a little more clothing, but there is still much room for improvement. When we look at it, Kadooment Day affords the opportunity for us to showcase Barbados’ best creative talents to the world without depending on the Barbados Tourism Authority. 
I must also give praise to the workers of the Sanitation Service Authority for a job well done. As soon as the last band (Robert’s Band) passed, they were seen on the streets cleaning.
 
Feast of Titles and Dedication
The Christ Church Parish Church Feast of Titles and Dedication Festival continues. The festival theme is Disciples of Christ Valuing Worship, Service and Fellowship.
Today will be youth service and address. Speaker is Denise Nurse, deputy director, Child Care Board. Tomorrow there will be a free community health fair.
 
Concert
The League of Friends at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be holding a concert tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Frank Collymore Hall. All proceeds will go towards purchasing a machine for the hospital. Featured on the Programme are Professor David Corbin, Dr Raymond Maughan, Dr Mike Krimholtz and the Crustaceans (jazz band). 
 
An Affair With Flair
The Church of Christ the King will be holding An Affair With Flair on Queen’s College grounds tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds are in aid of the parish centre restoration project.
 
Anniversary celebration service
The Bethlehem Moravian Church 50th anniversary service takes place on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The preacher is Bishop Kingsley Lewis.
 
Anniversary concert
The Bethlehem Moravian Church Anniversary Concert entitled An Evening of Music under the patronage of Justice Peter Williams will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Frank Collymore Hall.
 
Death
It is with regret that we learnt of the death of Mrs Arthur E. Clarke, mother of Rev. Dr Michael Clarke and wife of retired police Sergeant Oscar Clarke.  The funeral took place on July 31, at the St Matthew Anglican Church.  This column expresses its deepest sympathy to her husband, Rev. Clarke and her other children.
Also we learnt of the death of Mrs Kora Maxwell who was a member of the St Barnabas Anglican Church where she served as a member of the Mothers’ Union.
During her time here on earth she did a fantastic job as a needleworker where she made robes for a number of clergymen and servers as well. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Orville and her son.
 
Congratulations 
Congratulations are extended to the Rev Joel Cumberbatch who was elected as general superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in the Caribbean.