Using Your God-Given Talents

My Brothers and Sisters 

 

Today, we are recognizing the value of sports and its significance in the life of Jamaicans and its value in developing positive attitudes and values in our young people. Although some persons may see sports as merely a game, good for passing time, others see it as nearly a god to be worshipped and to provide wealth.  At the altar of winning at all cost, there can be a middle ground in which athletic talent can be seen as a gift from God and can be used to give glory to God. It is interesting to note that many of our athletes ascribe praise to God for taking them through an event injury-free. 

 

While endorsing sports, track and field in particular, as an activity that can be used to develop the athletes' natural abilities and promote positive values of fair play and sportsmanship, there is a danger lurking in the dark. That is the danger that sports in schools could become “professional” as schools “buy” athletes from as far as Africa to win championships. 

 

Sports should not be about winning at all costs but about developing character and shaping one's life for good. The Apostle Paul would concur with the above as he used athletic metaphors such as running the race (1 Cor. 9:24), fighting the good fight, (1 Tim. 6:12), and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). 

 

As our athletes run, jump, throw, and strive to do their best, we pray that they may appreciate the opportunity to participate in “Champs” as a time to showcase their God-given talents with humility and to demonstrate respect for their fellow competitors. This can be an opportunity to demonstrate God’s tremendous love and grace in bestowing the gifts of athletic prowess. We pray that the coaches and other support staff will give proper guidance to their charges and provide comfort and encouragement for those who do not “medal.” May the championship be held in a spirit of friendly rivalry and the athletes compete injury-free.

 

I ask your prayers for the people of Haiti and for all nations that are experiencing unrest, turmoil and war. 

 

Your fellow servant in Christ, 

Patrick+

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By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
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By Deaconess Elaine Cunningham February 16, 2026
Looking to God, not the mountains, we find help. In silence and solitude, we feel God’s love and are shaped to live love over power.

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By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
Easter reminds us we are God’s family - called to love, support, and care for one another, especially our homebound brothers and sisters.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
Christ’s resurrection is a present reality offering life, hope, and faith today, calling the Church to embrace change, inclusivity, and inspire hope through faithful leadership.
By The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding April 10, 2026
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection, bringing salvation and hope, and calls us to live out our faith by spreading love, justice, and transformation in the world.
By Beverley March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus came in humility, not power. True greatness is serving others - follow Him, surrender pride, and walk in love.
By Denelle March 28, 2026
God brings life to hopeless situations. Trusting the Spirit leads to peace, renewal, and hope, even in life’s lowest moments.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 16, 2026
Laetare Sunday pauses Lent to rejoice in hope and light. It reminds us of Christ’s coming resurrection and calls the Church to nurture faith with compassion.
By Dr. Jean Lee March 9, 2026
God provides living water through Jesus Christ. Those who come to Jesus and believe in Him will have their spiritual thirst satisfied and receive eternal life.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 2, 2026
God’s love, shown in Jesus, offers eternal life and calls us to love God and one another as we journey through the Lenten season.
By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
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Pastor in green religious vestment smiles in a church setting.
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Grilled chicken wings on flatbread, with side dishes of salad and tomatoes.
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Woman in church, greeting others. Others sit or stand in pews. Yellow walls, wood benches.
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Wooden ornament on a Christmas tree that says Merry Christmas.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 29, 2025
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By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 22, 2025
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On this Third Sunday of Advent, let us focus on Joy rooted in Emmanuel - God with us - who brings hope, healing, and light beyond suffering.
Hands cupped around a lit candle in a dark setting, flame glowing.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
Advent wreath with four lit candles, purple and pink, with greenery and lights.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
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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.

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By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
Easter reminds us we are God’s family - called to love, support, and care for one another, especially our homebound brothers and sisters.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
Christ’s resurrection is a present reality offering life, hope, and faith today, calling the Church to embrace change, inclusivity, and inspire hope through faithful leadership.
By The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding April 10, 2026
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection, bringing salvation and hope, and calls us to live out our faith by spreading love, justice, and transformation in the world.
By Beverley March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus came in humility, not power. True greatness is serving others - follow Him, surrender pride, and walk in love.
By Denelle March 28, 2026
God brings life to hopeless situations. Trusting the Spirit leads to peace, renewal, and hope, even in life’s lowest moments.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 16, 2026
Laetare Sunday pauses Lent to rejoice in hope and light. It reminds us of Christ’s coming resurrection and calls the Church to nurture faith with compassion.
By Dr. Jean Lee March 9, 2026
God provides living water through Jesus Christ. Those who come to Jesus and believe in Him will have their spiritual thirst satisfied and receive eternal life.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 2, 2026
God’s love, shown in Jesus, offers eternal life and calls us to love God and one another as we journey through the Lenten season.
By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
Lent is a 40-day season of preparation, repentance, and renewal, rooted in early Church practice, calling Christians to self-reflection, baptismal readiness, and almsgiving.
By Deaconess Elaine Cunningham February 16, 2026
Looking to God, not the mountains, we find help. In silence and solitude, we feel God’s love and are shaped to live love over power.
Pastor in green religious vestment smiles in a church setting.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham February 8, 2026
Discover how Jesus’ call to be salt and light shapes discipleship beyond Sunday worship, uniting faith, service, and witness at St. Luke’s Church.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham February 2, 2026
Jesus’ Beatitudes provides us a manifesto for Christian living, revealing God’s favor, our calling in Christ, and attitudes shaped by grace.
Grilled chicken wings on flatbread, with side dishes of salad and tomatoes.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham January 5, 2026
Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the Church year, and the Day of Epiphany is one of the Church’s great festivals.
Woman in church, greeting others. Others sit or stand in pews. Yellow walls, wood benches.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham January 5, 2026
It is with mixed emotions that we welcome the New Year, 2026, after the western part of our island experienced the devastation of the Category 5 hurricane Melissa.
Wooden ornament on a Christmas tree that says Merry Christmas.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 29, 2025
Christmas embodies hope, peace, joy and love, reminding us God works through humility, sustains us in hardship, and offers hope and peace to all.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 22, 2025
Advent calls us to Emmanuel—God with us—bringing hope after Hurricane Melissa as we share Christ’s love through compassion and service.
By Reverend Elizabeth Riley December 15, 2025
On this Third Sunday of Advent, let us focus on Joy rooted in Emmanuel - God with us - who brings hope, healing, and light beyond suffering.
Hands cupped around a lit candle in a dark setting, flame glowing.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
Advent wreath with four lit candles, purple and pink, with greenery and lights.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
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.

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

By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
Easter reminds us we are God’s family - called to love, support, and care for one another, especially our homebound brothers and sisters.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
Christ’s resurrection is a present reality offering life, hope, and faith today, calling the Church to embrace change, inclusivity, and inspire hope through faithful leadership.
By The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding April 10, 2026
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection, bringing salvation and hope, and calls us to live out our faith by spreading love, justice, and transformation in the world.
By Beverley March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus came in humility, not power. True greatness is serving others - follow Him, surrender pride, and walk in love.
By Denelle March 28, 2026
God brings life to hopeless situations. Trusting the Spirit leads to peace, renewal, and hope, even in life’s lowest moments.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 16, 2026
Laetare Sunday pauses Lent to rejoice in hope and light. It reminds us of Christ’s coming resurrection and calls the Church to nurture faith with compassion.
By Dr. Jean Lee March 9, 2026
God provides living water through Jesus Christ. Those who come to Jesus and believe in Him will have their spiritual thirst satisfied and receive eternal life.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 2, 2026
God’s love, shown in Jesus, offers eternal life and calls us to love God and one another as we journey through the Lenten season.
By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
Lent is a 40-day season of preparation, repentance, and renewal, rooted in early Church practice, calling Christians to self-reflection, baptismal readiness, and almsgiving.
By Deaconess Elaine Cunningham February 16, 2026
Looking to God, not the mountains, we find help. In silence and solitude, we feel God’s love and are shaped to live love over power.