Faith Beyond the Ruins

Fellow Saints,

 

Hurricane Melissa has left devastation in its wake: houses flattened, churches destroyed, families displaced, and hearts heavy with grief.  We are bruised and in sorrow, but not broken.  Though the storm has shaken our homes and hearts, we are together in worship, together in hope. We are reminded that God is our refuge and strength.

 

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a God who exchanges ashes for beauty, mourning for joy, and despair for praise. This is not poetic comfort - it is a divine promise.  We serve a God who specializes in restoration.  The same God who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee still speaks peace into our chaos today: “Peace, be still.”

Brothers and sisters, let us not underestimate the power and importance of our gathering today.  Our worship is an act of resistance against despair.  It is a declaration that love still reigns, that we walk by faith, and that God is with us.  In these distressing times, remember, the Church is more than a building and, amid a disaster, it becomes a refuge, a rallying point, a lighthouse.  As we sing, pray and reflect, may we also commit ourselves to action.  Let our hands be extensions of Christ’s compassion and love.  Let our voices speak comfort to the weary.  Let's share our resources with those in need.  And let our churches rise again - not just in sand and cement but in spirit and service.

 

As the Body of Christ, we grieve with those who have experienced loss and should commit ourselves to helping them.  Now is the time to show empathy and give sacrificially to relieve the burden of our brothers and sisters.

So today, we worship not in denial of our pain, but in defiance of hopelessness.  We lift our eyes to the hills; from where is our help to come? Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. And we trust that the God who brought us through the storm will also lead us into a season of rebuilding, renewal, and resurrection.

 

As you are aware, many churches have been destroyed with little hope of rebuilding them. But we will not despair because God does not reside in buildings but in the hearts of his people. So, the building may be down, but the body of Christ is alive and well, so we will rise.

 

“Faith is a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain.” Dave Willis

 

Have a blessed week.

Patrick+

Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 24, 2025
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.
Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 3, 2025
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.
By Patricia Reid-Waugh October 31, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 23, 2025
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
By St Luke's Anglican Church, Cross Roads October 22, 2025
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.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
By St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cross Roads, October 19, 2025
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.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 18, 2025
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
By Colin Barnett October 13, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 13, 2025
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.

Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 24, 2025
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.
Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 3, 2025
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.
By Patricia Reid-Waugh October 31, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 23, 2025
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
By St Luke's Anglican Church, Cross Roads October 22, 2025
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.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
By St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cross Roads, October 19, 2025
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.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 18, 2025
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
By Colin Barnett October 13, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 13, 2025
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 10, 2025
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
By Icy Porter October 10, 2025
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
By Father Kamar Prendergast October 6, 2025
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
Bishop wearing a mitre, touching a person's head in an outdoor setting with other people present.
By St Luke's Church September 30, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham September 29, 2025
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
By Colin Barrett September 24, 2025
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.
By Father Kamar Prendergast September 15, 2025
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.
By Peter DePass September 15, 2025
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
By Allison Fenton September 15, 2025
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
By Sonia Stewart-Gordon September 4, 2025
We all carry hidden scars from past hurts. True healing comes through Christ, who cares, heals, and sets us free when we surrender all to Him.

Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 24, 2025
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.
Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 3, 2025
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.
By Patricia Reid-Waugh October 31, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 23, 2025
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
By St Luke's Anglican Church, Cross Roads October 22, 2025
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.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
By St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cross Roads, October 19, 2025
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.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 18, 2025
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
By Colin Barnett October 13, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 13, 2025
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 10, 2025
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
By Icy Porter October 10, 2025
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
By Father Kamar Prendergast October 6, 2025
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
Bishop wearing a mitre, touching a person's head in an outdoor setting with other people present.
By St Luke's Church September 30, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham September 29, 2025
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
By Colin Barrett September 24, 2025
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.
By Father Kamar Prendergast September 15, 2025
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.
By Peter DePass September 15, 2025
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
By Allison Fenton September 15, 2025
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
By Sonia Stewart-Gordon September 4, 2025
We all carry hidden scars from past hurts. True healing comes through Christ, who cares, heals, and sets us free when we surrender all to Him.

Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 24, 2025
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.
Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 3, 2025
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.
By Patricia Reid-Waugh October 31, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 23, 2025
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
By St Luke's Anglican Church, Cross Roads October 22, 2025
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.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
By St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cross Roads, October 19, 2025
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.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 18, 2025
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
By Colin Barnett October 13, 2025
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.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 13, 2025
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.