The Tribune

LAST Sunday was a grand occasion which saw many Long Islanders who are committed Anglicans, and who reside in the northern Long Island area, attend St Peter’s Anglican Church in Simms. The proverbial stage was set and Rector Father Chester Burton said he was elated and ecstatic to welcome the newly formed Long Island Cancer Society Chapter to his Eucharistic celebration.

The members that comprise the Long Island Cancer Society travelled miles to the settlement to make this historic service worthwhile. Carpooling was the order of the day because the majority of the membership body resides in the southern area of Long Island.

Iris Pinder, former Director of Education, is the newly elected president of the Cancer Society who hit the ground running.

Ms Pinder, along with her executive body, had planned this service from weeks in advance. She is no stranger to Anglican liturgics and worship as she is an avid Anglican from birth, “born and bred”, and is also the parish treasurer for St Paul’s in southern Long Island.

The last Sunday in the church’s liturgical calendar is known as Christ the King Sunday. Therefore, all the hymns were in tribute of Jesus Christ’s triumphant rule over earth, sky and sea.

The Introit hymn was “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” and the gradual hymn was “The Head that Once was Crowned with Thorns”.

Father Burton’s sermon to a packed church came from Matthew’s gospel 25 verse 31 to 46. In Jesus’ discourse He tells his listeners how it would be at the end of the time; He requires that followers should offer food, drink, clothing and even visit the sick and imprisoned when necessary.

Father Burton told the parishioners that it is appropriate that the gospel reading is applicable to the mission of the Cancer Society.

He posited that the efficient workings of any organisation is done through competent leadership. In Father Burton’s estimation, Long Island is full of intelligent, industrious and resourceful people, and because of this many organisations blossom and flourish, fulfilling their earthly mission and thus by extension rendering service to Almighty God.

Father Burton also recalled that the Cancer Society held a ball in September of this year and that it was a resounding success.

This event cemented the tireless work undertaken by the committee for educating and promoting cancer awareness throughout the length and breadth of Long Island, he said.

The scourge of cancer, Father Burton said, has affected every Bahamian household, therefore it should be every Christian person’s duty to offer food, drink, clothing or even visit a sick friend or relative.

In Ms Pinder’s welcome address she espoused the tenets emphasised by Father Burton in his sermon and thanked him for his warm welcome and kind hospitality. She also shared that she is a 20-year cancer survivor, so the passion and drive runs in her veins. She acknowledged that it is only by the grace and power of Almighty God that she is still alive.

Ms Pinder said all Long Island Cancer Society T-shirts have a distinguishing feature unique to Long Island on the back of the shirt which states: “Early Detection is Key.”

She said the funds raised from the first Cancer Society Ball in Long Island are earmarked for assistance to persons diagnosed with cancer. The money will assist with airlift from Long Island, ground transportation and hotel accommodation.

After the Eucharistic service, members were provided with a brunch catered by Joan Knowles Catering Services. Residents from the northern district of Long Island were encouraged to join the Cancer Society.