Yorkshire Baptists welcome Jamaica delegation

Baptists in Yorkshire are offering a warm welcome to visitors from Jamaica to celebrate 200 years of friendship

There are events in both Sheffield and Yorkshire this week.

'Yorkshire Baptists are thrilled to be welcoming members of the Jamaican Baptist Union to celebrate 200 years of associating between the Jamaican Baptists, BMS and the Baptist Union of Great Britain,' said a statement on the Yorkshire Baptist Association website.

'There is joy and partnership along with challenging conflict in this history, set against the background of slavery and colonialism. Maybe you think this history doesn’t have any relevance to your own church situation, but the organisers of these events believe the journey of this relationship has much to teach us about God’s justice in every church and community.

'The events in Sheffield and Huddersfield will celebrate the power of God to lead his people; with music, story, food and preaching.'

The Yorkshire events kick off on Monday night (20 October) at the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association with an evening of praise, worship and celebration featuring stories, drama, reflection, discussion and fellowship.

Still in Sheffield on Tuesday morning there will be a leaders’ discussion on ‘What makes for a healthy and inclusive church?’ at Cemetery Road Baptist Church.

The Jamaican delegation will then travel to Huddersfield, where there will be a seminar at New North Road Baptist Church about women leaders from the black and minority ethnic community, a topic that has been highlighted by both Jamaican and British Baptist leaders as being important for the future growth of their church life.

An evening celebration at Oakes Baptist Church will include performances by the Huddersfield Caribbean Choir, Gospel singer Rachel Modest and singer Jasmine Wong.
 
The minister at New North Road, the Revd Wayne Clarke, said that this relationship was important to them. 'Our church has been enriched for at least 50 years by the number of Jamaicans who have been part of the congregation', he said, 'it’s something worth celebrating'.