There appears to be a flurry of social, cultural and religious initiatives these days springing from the imaginative ability of groups and individuals to preserve and revive various traditions, practices and beliefs that have helped to shape the lives of the people of Anguilla in the past and even at present.

The Ebenezer United Sisters with some Brethren. Foreground: Nativity scene

In addition to the cultural events still in progress by The Valley Community’s Festival of Lights Committee, and the organisers of Festival D’Noel at East End, The Ebenezer United Singers of the Methodist Church in the Valley has come up with a Christmas Pageant featuring a programme of International Singing under the theme Christmas Tree. It was presented on Sunday, December 14 with a planned repeat performance on Sunday, December 28.

Foreground: Nativity scene

It should be noted that the long-established St. Augustine’s Chorale at East End, has announced the staging of its 2008 Christmas production entitled The Heart of Christmas under the direction of accomplished musician, Lennox Vanterpool. This is scheduled for Sunday, December 21 to be repeated on Sunday, January 4, 2009. There is also A Re-enactment of an ‘ole time’ wedding to take place at the Ebenezer Methodist Church Hall on Saturday, December 20.

This blend of social, cultural and religious performances is not only symbolic of the season of the year, but augurs well for our history, mutual understanding, patriotism and spirit of goodwill.

Section of congregation

The Christmas Pageant of The Ebenezer United Sisters, the subject of this article, has as its main presenter, Mrs. Veronica Gumbs, wife of the Reverend John Gumbs. She told The Anguillian that the funds from the pageant would go towards the purchase of a tent to provide a place for youngsters in the Valley area, as well as their friends, to spend time rather than loitering or sitting around aimlessly along walls in the area. The plan is to set up the tent in the Church’s schoolyard and to provide up to 100 chairs for seating accommodation. Funds are being solicited towards this noble cause.

L-R: Mrs. Ruth Niles, Mrs. Jean Hodge, Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles and Hon. David Carty

Persons making donations should address them to the Methodist Church/Ebenezer United Sisters. It will be arranged for responsible persons connected with the Ebenezer United Sisters and others to conduct leadership and motivational sessions for the youth aimed at encouraging them to be good and productive citizens of Anguilla. “I think it is time for the Church to reach out to our youth since they are not coming in to us,” the innovative Mrs. Gumbs told The Anguillian.

Another section of the congregation

The 29-item well-organised and executed pageant programme involved songs and other presentations by a number of individuals and groups including the Choir, Church School and the Church Band. One of the memorable highlights was a manger scene surrounded by children, thus passing on to them the Christmas story. Another presentation was an instrumental by Reverend Careen White, whose vigorous but melodious strumming of the guitar in between the passionate singing of her own composition, The Meaning of Christmas, attracted resounding applause in the small but packed church building.

Reverend Careen White - More Than A Preacher!

In a short Christmas mediation, the Reverend Dr. H. Clifton Niles, said in part: “One of the very important messages of Christmas is the message of giving and receiving. We cannot have Christmas unless there is giving and receiving. Some gifts that we give or expensive; some are not so expensive; some look beautiful and we cherish them and some gifts we accept because they were given. The most important gift that has been given to us is the Baby Jesus.”

He said that the gift of the Christ Child was a reminder of God’s generosity, initiative, faithfulness and trust-worthiness and was also an example of how generous all persons should be to each other.

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