Abiding in Christ
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In our journey of faith, there are moments when the words of Scripture resonate deeply with our spirits, challenging us to explore the depths of our relationship with God. This week's reflection is inspired by John 6:56-69, a passage that invites us to ponder what it truly means to abide in Christ.
In this passage, Jesus speaks with profound intimacy, saying, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them" (John 6:56). This statement, startling and radical to many who heard it, captures the heart of Christian discipleship, abiding in Christ. But what does it mean to "eat His flesh and drink His blood"? And why did these words cause so many to turn away?
Jesus was not speaking literally but was instead inviting His followers into a deep, spiritual communion with Him. To eat His flesh and drink His blood symbolizes accepting Jesus wholly, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His very life. It’s a call to allow Him to nourish our souls, to be so united with Him that His life becomes ours.
However, this teaching was hard for many to accept. The Gospel tells us that "many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him" (John 6:66). They were offended, perhaps overwhelmed by the depth of commitment for which Jesus was asking. Following Jesus is not merely about admiration from a distance; it requires a willingness to be transformed by Him, to let go of our own ways, and to embrace the life He offers.
This passage challenges us to examine our own responses to Jesus' teachings. Are we like those who turned away when the message became difficult, or do we, like Peter, respond with faith even when we don't fully understand? Peter's words, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68), express a pro-found truth: There is no other source of life and hope but in Christ.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that abiding in Christ is a daily commitment. It means choosing Him above all else, allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. It means trusting in His promise that "the one who feeds on me will live because of me" (John 6:57).
In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, may we hold fast and stand firm to Christ, the Bread of Life. Let us not be discouraged by the challenges of discipleship, but be strengthened by the truth that in Him, we find true life.
As we continue our walk with the Lord, let us encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith, even when the path is difficult. Jesus offers us not only sustenance for this life but the promise of eternal life. Let us, therefore, choose to abide in Him, knowing that He is our source of strength, hope and peace.
In Christ's love,
Rev Kamar Prendergast
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
