Healthy social gatherings are becoming a rarity these days. While there is an abundance of cultural and entertainment shows, sports
gatherings and exhibitionism events, the older and traditional events are not held as often as in the olden days.
The other day I saw an advertisement for a High Tea party gathering somewhere in Berbice. Curiosity may lead many persons to that event so as to see what is being served and what the atmosphere at such an event would be like.
But where can families and friends enjoy each other’s company in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere without worrying about the dangers of societal influences on their family members especially the young ones? Where can our young people go and still feel safe as if they never left home?
Recently, the All Saints’ Anglican Church in New Amsterdam organised a prayer breakfast. Parishioners, friends and well-wishers gathered early Saturday morning at the Berbician Patio, just aback of Demico House for the breakfast.
The event was organised by veteran educator and well- known community leader in New Amsterdam, Ms Catherine ‘Kate’ Archer, who’s had quite a lot of experience with regards to gatherings like these. Ms Archer was motivated to raise funds for the restoration project ongoing at the moment at All Saints’ Anglican. She thought that the idea would be a fitting one, and a nice way of getting together with people in a healthy atmosphere.
“It’s a religious thing,” she told Kaieteur News. “It’s always a fund-raiser. The religious slant is kept in. It’s something more than a coffee morning. It’s not a brunch.”
She said that prayer breakfasts are usually held on Saturdays and holidays so that the people who work can participate and share in the fellowship.
This one was held in a religious setting. Roman Catholic priest, Rev Terrence Montrose was invited to conduct a brief song service. The Anglican priest, the Venerable Archdeacon George Spencer could not have graced the occasion.
Since his appointment as Archdeacon in the Diocese of Guyana, he has additional duties some of which saw him visiting the Rupununi the same weekend the breakfast was held. Fr Montrose gave an inspiring talk at the event. He beckoned those who attended to sit at the table and talk to each other at mealtimes. For too long, the priest said, families have not been sharing meals together.
People today, he said, are too busy to take stock of the quality of their own lives—the way they live, the way they eat and take care of their bodies, and most importantly, the way they relate to each other. The menu featured mouth-watering and succulent treats. They were the variety of breads— coconut bread, white bread, sweet bread, raisin bread, corn bread and bakes.
The main course included salt fish, chicken puffs, sausage salad, boiled eggs, and scrambled eggs. (Leon Suseran)