Fr. Sheldon Hamblin, eighth from left, on the Barbados desk.
Photograph by Nelson A. King
The bells of St. Paul’s Church within the Village of Flatbush resonated with pleasure on Sunday in welcoming parishioners, pals and guests, as they gathered to have fun Homecoming Sunday and Worldwide Day.
The wealthy tapestry of cultural traditions that make up this vibrant neighborhood was showcased, in keeping with the church’s Barbadian-born Rector the Rev. Sheldon N.N. Hamblin.
Rev. Hamblin advised Caribbean Life that it was the 15th Sunday after Pentecost and likewise the commemoration of Alexander Crummell, the primary Black pupil to graduate from Queens Faculty, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Union of Black Episcopalian (UBE) Sunday.
“Signaling the shut of summer season, Homecoming Sunday at St. Paul’s Flatbush is historically a day to welcome again members of the church neighborhood after their summer season travels,” Rev. Hamblin stated. “It’s uniquely paired with Worldwide Day to spotlight the unity in range that the congregation shares.”
He stated the service of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist comprised a libation ceremony, hymns and Negro Spirituals, accompanied by organ, drums and metal pan.
Rev. Gregory S. Livingston delivered the sermon, basing his message on “Forgiveness because the Basis,” with Rev. Hamblin as presider.
“On this celebration of Homecoming Sunday and Worldwide Day, we have fun not solely our religion however the mosaic of cultures that enrich our congregation and neighborhood,” Fr. Hamblin stated. “In these attempting instances, it’s important for us to seek out energy in unity, to grasp and recognize the tales and traditions that every of us brings individually and collectively to this glorious and blessed house in Flatbush and its environs.
The Worldwide Day Meals Pageant adopted the Eucharist within the auditorium.
On coming into the auditorium, Fr. Hamblin stated attendees had been greeted by “a carnivalesque amalgam of colours, sounds and fragrances.”
He stated cubicles had been draped in nationwide flags that represented Caribbean and different international locations, such international locations as Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.
“Every station supplied a glimpse into the respective nation’s African heritage and readily supplied plates of luxurious conventional delicacies, and shows of fascinating, handcrafted items and merchandise,” Rev. Hamblin stated.
To high off the occasion, he stated attendees had been serenaded by the candy sounds of the Eruption Metal Orchestra.
“The church auditorium resounded with laughter, merriment, music and dance,” Rev. Hamblin stated. “Certainly, this was really a beautiful and memorable celebration.
“As parishioners and pals and guests bid their goodbyes, many expressed an overflowing pleasure to have been current within the second, and shared their hopes that Homecoming Sunday and Worldwide Day would proceed for years to come back,” he added.
“For many who missed this heart-swarming event, St. Paul’s Church within the Village of Flatbush extends an open invitation to affix them for his or her common Sunday providers and upcoming neighborhood occasions,” Fr. Hamblin continued.
