Life at Christ Church, Warwick

Christ Church, Warwick
The Church of Scotland in Bermuda
(Founded 1719)
Member of the International Presbytery
Congregational Profile
&
Basics of Bermuda
June 2015
With great anticipation, the Christ
Church, Warwick family is eager to
welcome our 30th minister to help
guide us as servants of Christ as we
approach our 300th birthday!
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CONGREGATIONAL
PROFILE
OUR MISSION
To proclaim the word of God and the Good News of Jesus
Christ and to embrace all who come to worship.
To nurture the entire Church family and to encourage
Christian commitment and spiritual growth through
Sunday School, Bible Study and other programmes.
To build a caring Church community through fellowship
which will give all the opportunity to contribute their
differing gifts in service.
To be an effective witness in Bermuda, demonstrating faith
in action and to share Christian outreach worldwide.
OUR VISION
We strive to be a caring, diverse and vibrant
congregation with a Vision to grow and expand
our ministry to youth and adults of all ages.
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History of Christ Church
As the precise date on which Christ Church was opened
is unknown, we have chosen as our birthday 24th April.
It was on or about that day in 1719 that Thomas Gilbert
executed a deed of trust granting one-half acre of land
so that the “people of the Presbyterian persuasion”
might erect a “Meeting House”. This tract has since
been enlarged by gifts of land from Mr. and Mrs.
William Obadiah Dunscombe and their heirs and from
Mr. Copeland Stamers as well as by purchases.
The walls of the original Meeting House still stand.
Christ Church has the honour of an unbroken
Presbyterian descent from the earliest settlers who first
set foot upon the Islands.
In 1844 the Session adopted the name “Christ’s
Church”, which was shortened by usage to Christ
Church. In 1845, Christ Church opted to become part of
the Free Church of Scotland which in 1901 became the
United Free Church of Scotland. It remained so until the split in the Church of Scotland was
healed in 1929. The “Model Constitution” was adopted in 1982 and is still in effect.
The relationship with the Church of Scotland
changed with the passing of the Act Anent
Overseas Charges 2001. A review in Edinburgh of
overseas charges in 2005/7 led to a reorganization
and as a result Christ Church became a member of
the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Europe in
2008. This has recently become the Church of
Scotland International Presbytery.
We are approaching our 300th birthday as
Presbyterians in Bermuda and the next Minister
will be the 30th to serve Christ Church.
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Congregation, Kirk Session, Board and Staff
Christ Church has around 600 members and adherents with an
attendance of approximately 150 each week. Our members
are from all parts of the island and the 2012 Presbytery
Survey showed attendees from 17 different countries on the
day the survey was conducted.
Our Kirk Session has approximately 35 active elders. The
work of our Kirk Session is divided amongst 6 Ministries,
with our Congregational Board for practical purposes,
functioning as a 7th Ministry. These Ministries and their roles
are outlined on the following pages and additional
information is available on our
website. A key concept for us is
that every Ministry team has both
elders and non-elders working
together on the team.
The Minister is assisted by a staff of a full time Sexton and part-time
Church Administrator, Choir Director and Organist.
Pictured: Liz Parker – part-time Church Administrator; Randy Bakabak – full time Sexton; Kirk Session
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Life at Christ Church, Warwick
The Kirk Session has, over a number of years, developed a system of Ministries, each of which is
responsible for a particular aspect of the life and mission of the congregation, and all of which
report to the Kirk Session.
The Ministries are:
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Care Ministry;
Communication Ministry;
Congregational Board;
Fellowship Ministry;
Nurture Ministry;
Outreach Ministry;
Worship Ministry.
Care Ministry
Members of this Ministry visit the sick and infirm
whether they are at home or in hospital. The Ministry
distributes the church flowers to the sick, bereaved and
housebound following the Sunday morning service. The
Ministry also provides transport to and from church for
those who are not able to drive and also to visitors
following the Sunday service. There is a weekly
collection of non-perishable food to support families
through the Salvation Army.
This Ministry provides
“Care Notes”, which are helpful booklets on everything from how
to cope with depression to questioning one’s faith.
This Ministry hopes to expand in the coming months working
closely with the Minister to more warmly welcome visitors and
potential new members and help all members of our congregation
feel part of Christ Church.
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Loads of Love
Loads of Love is part of Christ Church’s
Ministry for the homeless and needy. The
facility, which provides shower and laundry
facilities and a cooked breakfast, is in its 5th
year. The number of people using the facility,
which is operated by up to 7 volunteers each
week, is growing. Volunteers operate the
laundry and complete between 12 and 16
loads of laundry a week. Towels, soap,
shampoo, razors and toothpaste are provided
for those who wish to wash or use the shower. Second hand
clothes are also available for anyone in need. More than 25
people regularly share in breakfast which includes juice, cereal,
scrambled egg, beans and sausages, toast and jam, coffee or tea.
There are 53 loyal and hard working volunteers on the rota at
this time.
Loads of Love has proved to be a much needed facility, which is
greatly appreciated by our clients. It not only helps their hunger
pangs, it restores a modicum of dignity to their lives.
Loads of Love is self-governing and comes under the aegis of
the Care and Outreach Ministries.
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Communication Ministry
This Ministry has oversight of many aspects of communication – from the technical side of the
systems to the maintenance of the website and Facebook pages.
www.christchurch.bm
www.facebook.com/Christ.Church.Warwick
An "Assistive Listening" facility is available during the service for persons with hearing
challenges.
The Church's video equipment allows for all services in the Church to be simultaneously
broadcast in the Thorburn Hall. Services are video
recorded and posted on the Church website so anyone
unable to attend may still connect with the Church on
a weekly basis. Audio CDs are also made available.
The Church publishes a quarterly Newsletter, which
includes a message from the Minister and updates
from the various Ministries. Past issues can be viewed
on our website.
An Order of Service is tailored for each service.
Congregational Board
The Board consists of 12 members of the Kirk Session and 12 members elected from the
congregation.
The Congregational Board deals with matters of finance and property and this function, normally
seen within the Church as a temporal function, is now viewed as a Ministry in its own right.
Christ Church Warwick is blessed with an impressive suite of buildings. It has a South Hall,
which houses the Church office, a West Hall and the main Thorburn Hall. The Thorburn Hall is
rented out to a nursery school that uses the facilities Monday through Friday. This generates
revenue for the congregation and also provides a service to the community. The South Hall is
used by a local health club and houses gym and fitness facilities. Again, this facility generates
income for the congregation and gives some profile within the community beyond normal
congregational activity.
In 2011 a significant upgrade to the whole Church Hall complex was carried out. New windows
were fitted, paint-work was refreshed and cedar wood restored. It is estimated that 2000
volunteer hours were donated to complete this work.
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In 2012 a further upgrade of the Thorburn Hall was carried out to provide an extendable stage
area and new professional audio-visual facilities were installed in the balcony. The property
team has installed acoustic treatment and a theatrical lighting system, which has further enhanced
the facility. It is hoped that these upgraded facilities will provide a more flexible space for the
congregation and also attract external groups to use the hall.
The congregation now has a licence to serve food from the large industrial kitchen and the Kirk
Session has agreed to allow alcohol to be served on the premises on special occasions, such as
the events staged by our Music and Drama Group (MAD).
The Manse has a large garden, part of which has been turned into community allotments. Excess
produce is brought to the Church for sharing.
The property team has plans to refurbish the external masonry of the Church building, to repair
or replace the floor and to completely rewire the electrical systems, in time for the 300th
anniversary of Christ Church in 2019. The work is estimated to cost around $300,000. They
hope to use a team of volunteers to help reduce labour costs and reach their goal.
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Church Fair
This important fundraiser for the Church features the time and talent
of the entire congregation. From resale of treasures (golden
elephants) to a popular bake sale, books, crafts, garden plants,
children’s games/activities and fabulous food, this is an important
fixture in the calendar of Christ Church and is normally held in
November.
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Church Finances
The Church is fortunate to count among its assets a fine Church building and meeting halls on
two acres of land and a large Manse on five acres of land. Unfortunately Bermuda's climate is
not kind to buildings and a significant portion of the Church's finances are deployed maintaining
these capital assets. In the past few years weekly offerings, the largest source of income, have
decreased for a variety of reasons, principally due to members of the congregation leaving the
island for career opportunities. In addition, many of the Church's other expenses have increased.
These items have all contributed to a deteriorating financial position. The congregation has
responded with donations of time, to assist with maintenance and renovation projects, social
fundraising activities and financially with
donations. We, not unlike other congregations and
churches, face financial challenges. We need to
improve the current financial situation and we
wish to complete a number of projects in the near
future, not least of which is for the Church's 300th
anniversary in 2019.
Pictured: Annual AGM along with
Soup & Sandwich Lunch for Charity
Bi-annual Clean Up
This event, held in the Spring and Autumn, is a work party on the church properties
involving all willing hands.
Pictured: Even the children can help
with our bi-annual cleanups.
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Fellowship Ministry
The Church o r g a n i s e s a variety of events a n n u a l l y to enhance our fellowship and our
fund raising efforts, including an annual barbecue at the Manse, a popular Safari dinner, an
annual Church picnic, garden fete, movie nights, a dinner/dance, quiz nights, senior teas,
Christmas dinners, sandwich and bake sale fund raisers, and even the occasional car rally and a
variety of ad hoc fund raising events.
With the 300th anniversary of the Church soon approaching, we are working to augment the
restoration fund with the Music and Drama group (MAD) which puts on quarterly shows (music,
fashion etc.) with the purpose of raising funds for re-furbishing our beautiful church.
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Nurture Ministry
A team of 11 supports this active Ministry with the remit to encourage growth and commitment
in the faith, through programmes for both youth and adults.
Christ Church Youth (CCY) is our Sunday School programme with close to 60 children on the
roll. There are four classes: Bubbles (3-5yrs); Splash (6-8yrs); X-treme (9-12 yrs) and then the
teens for 13+. Gospel Light www.gospellight.com is used as the foundation for the curriculum.
CCY takes place during the 11 a.m. service and typically there are about 30 children aged 3-16
in attendance. CCY actively contributes to the life of the Church in worship through
participation in special services, and in other activities, such as fundraiser bake sales. A very
successful Christmas 2014 Nativity programme saw CCY launch a production of "Unfrozen"
www.childrens-ministry-deals.com , drawing inspiration from the well-known and very popular
movie “Frozen”. During the summer months an all-age activity-based program is offered and run
by parent volunteers to give the regular teachers a break over the school holiday. A creche is
provided year round for children under 3 years of age. The Nurture Ministry also sponsors family
movie nights in the Church hall, which have proved popular.
Adult programmes include a regular Wednesday evening Bible study under the leadership of the
Minister, a Sunday morning fellowship breakfast, as well as other ad-hoc programmes. In the
past the Church has organized special conferences and this is something the Nurture Ministry
would like to revisit again in the future.
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Outreach Ministry
This Ministry is concerned with helping the
island and global communities that are in
need. Projects include raising funds and
awareness for local and overseas relief work,
such as natural disasters.
The Ministry supports a local rest home for
seniors in Warwick. Residents attend church
on a monthly basis, facilitated by a mini-bus purchased with funds largely raised by Christ
Church.
Funds are also raised by the Ministry to buy school uniforms for families in need. The Ministry
also organizes “Spaghetti Sunday”, which is a collection of pasta and sauces etc. on the first
Sunday of each month. All donations go to the Salvation Army for distribution.
Bermuda Overseas Missions (BOM), while being a separate registered
charity, has its roots in Christ Church. Founded in 2002 the programme
was established to help put faith into action and seek outreach activities to
help the global community. The group focused on a partnership with
Habitat for Humanity in their Global Village programme helping to
construct homes for the needy. Initially the first trip in 2003 was with
Church members to Montana, USA. The following year a trip to Bolivia was announced and the
group expanded to include the community of Bermuda. To date there have been 17 trips made to
three continents of the globe visiting over 16 different countries. The trips focus on helping the
youth of Bermuda experience other countries that are more impoverished than Bermuda and help
to make a difference by constructing homes for the needy.
BOM appeals to the whole community of Bermuda including
the schools, Government programmes to help “at risk
students” and mentoring groups across the island. The group
size on these trips started at around 20 volunteers, but
continues to grow and one year took 50 volunteers to
Romania. In 2015 a total of 32 volunteers went to
Malawi. So far BOM has collectively taken more than 500
volunteers from Bermuda, helping to construct over 90
houses providing homes for more than 450 people. The
programme continues to grow and some years have more
than one trip. It is supported through fundraising activities at
Christ Church, such as Fish Fries and Roti sales as well as
corporate donors.
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Worship Ministry
This Ministry works closely with the Minister in
reviewing and planning worship throughout the
Christian year and in making proposals to the Kirk
Session as to service times. It supports and
encourages the Worship Teams (comprising lay
members of the congregation) in their
participation in and leading of worship
(particularly when the Minister is on holiday or at
Presbytery meetings). It also liaises with the
Chancel Choir and the Bell Choir in their
contribution to worship and, generally, in
developing music in the Church; as well as
coordinating the involvement of other Ministries
in worship on specific occasions.
Pictured (clockwise) : Worship Team and
Chancel Choir; Easter Sunrise Service at
Elbow Beach; Youth musicians sharing
talents before the worship service.
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THE FABRIC OF THE CHURCH
Scottish Presbyterianism in Bermuda has existed since 1612 through strength of numbers when
the first boatload of colonists arrived safely with a Scottish Minister. It became more organized
in 1620, using the Parish Churches during the first 100 years and then building their own
‘meeting house’ in Warwick in 1719. This building was upgraded in 1837 into the major
structure that we use today. Minor additions have been made over the years to provide for the
needs of the day. Currently we are replacing all the sills and shutters as we restore the windows.
The Church seats approximately 360 persons. It is equipped for sound and video recording.
Christ Church Warwick is a very important historical building and being the second oldest
Presbyterian ‘structure’ in continuous service to its congregation in this hemisphere. Only the
Rehoboth Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth, Maryland USA built in 1706 appears to be older.
The Bermuda Presbyterian congregation has been active and ongoing since they arrived in 1612.
The only other existing continuous Presbyterian congregation, located in New York in the USA,
dates back to 1662 some fifty years later.
Our next Minister will be well and truly historically linked to the ‘New World’ past as we begin
the Church restoration process towards the 300th Anniversary of Christ Church in April 2019.
The Church properties are in relatively good condition, but, due to the climate, require constant
maintenance. They consist of:
1. The Manse (which comprises lounge, dining room, study, family room, master bedroom
with en-suite bathroom, double bedroom, single bedroom, kitchen and shower-room) and
small out buildings in Paget Parish was built in 1862 on five acres of property with
amazing views of Hamilton Harbour and a large garden, part of which is presently
farmed in small allotments by Church Members and people from Warwick and Paget
Parishes. The Manse is a Grade Three listed building;
2. The Church, built in 1719 in Warwick Parish; The Church is a Grade One listed building.
3. The Thorburn Hall, built next door, in 1890-93 and extended in 1979 to provide
accommodation for a variety of functions, and including new classrooms and a full
commercial kitchen;
4. The West Hall, adjacent to the Thorburn Hall;
5. The South Hall and Loads of Love laundry/storage building were built in 2005.
Significant renovations took place to the complex of Halls in 2011 transforming them
into more useable and attractive facilities, most of which earn excellent rents; and
6. The attractive graveyard area surrounds the Church as part of the two acre site.
The main Thorburn Hall is used now on a quarterly basis for ‘musical shows’ to raise funds over
the next four years for the Restoration Programme.
We hope, with ongoing encouragement by the Minister, the Congregation will work as a unified
force to get the work done by volunteering directly and supporting many of the 300th
Anniversary Committee events and other activities planned during the next four years.
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Above: The Manse
Below: Spectacular view from the Manse front patio.
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Above: Christ Church,
Warwick from Middle
Road;
Right: Back of church
coming from parking
areas;
Below-left: Storage
facility & “Loads of Love”
– showers and laundry;
Below-right: Lower level
of West Halls – Church
office and 2 classrooms;
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Above: West Hall, Kitchen facilities, Entrance to Thoburn Hall; Inside Thorburn Hall
Below: Inside Christ Church, Warwick.
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Christ Church,
Warwick
Basics of Bermuda
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Overview
Geography
Bermuda (32° north, 64° west) is located 640 miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina or some
774 miles S.E. of New York. Bermuda was born as a result of tumultuous volcanic activity that
took place millions of years ago. The island is perched on the summit of a submarine mountain
that rises from the seabed far below. Beyond the reefs that protect the island from natural
erosion, the ocean floor sinks to a depth of three miles.
Bermuda is shaped like a large fish hook. The overall length is 21 miles from St. George in the
east to Dockyard in the west. Bermuda comprises 9 parishes for a total area of 20 square miles.
The warm Gulf Stream ocean current passing near Bermuda keeps the climate sub-tropical and
promotes coral to grow at the highest latitude in the world.
The Manse
Christ Church,
Warwick
Bermuda’s History
The island was first sighted by Juan de Bermudez in 1505. In 1609 Sir George Somers was on
his way to Jamestown in Virginia when one of his fleet of ships was shipwrecked off Bermuda.
Somers claimed the uninhabited islands for Britain and Bermuda celebrated its 400th anniversary
in 2009. It is now the most populous remaining British Overseas Territory.
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Population
Bermuda has a residential population of 64,239 (2010 Census) yet with only 20.6 sq. miles it
ranks as one of the world’s highest in population density. The population is fairly evenly
distributed around the island, with 18% of the residents living in Pembroke Parish, which
contains the City of Hamilton. The Bermuda population is 61% Black, with 39% classed as
White and other.
Multiculturalism
The island’s demography is changing. Guest workers who are needed for international insurance,
wealth management business, construction, domestic help, landscaping, health care, hotels and
restaurants, etc. now come from all over the world.
With 46% of the population claiming Bermudian ancestry, 11% have British ancestry, 13% are
of West Indian descent and 7% reporting Portuguese heritage. Americans, Canadians and
Filipinos also contribute to Bermuda’s multicultural environment. For further information,
consult the Bermuda Census at
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/2010_phc/bermuda/Bermuda_new.pdf
Government in Bermuda
Outside of Britain, Bermuda’s House of Assembly is the oldest Westminster model in existence,
dating back to 1620. Bermuda is officially a British overseas territory, but we enjoy a high
degree of self-rule. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and appoints a Governor,
currently Mr. George Fergusson, a member and elder of Christ Church, to represent her in
Bermuda.
Our Government consists of the Governor, a Premier, a Cabinet and a Parliament comprised of
an appointed Senate and the elected House of Assembly. The Senate is comprised of 11 members
appointed by His Excellency the Governor. Five members of Senate are appointed on the
recommendation of the Premier and represent the governing party. Three members are appointed
on the recommendation of the Leader of the Opposition and represent the official opposition
party. The three remaining Senators are appointed as Independents. Bermuda is divided into 36
constituencies. Each constituency elects one member to the House of Assembly. Bermuda last
held an election in 2012 in which approximately 80% of the population turned out to vote. The
Honourable Michael Dunkley, MP JP is the Premier.
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Economy
International Business and Tourism are the main revenue generators for the Bermuda
Government. Bermuda is the third largest reinsurance jurisdiction in the world after London and
New York. Neither International Business nor Tourism can exist however without a significant
supply of guest workers, who are primarily from the USA, the UK and Canada.
Economic Position
The Workplace
Total Workforce
Jobs held by
- Bermudians, spouses, perm. residents
- Expatriates
Average Employment Income
Unemployment
35,478
72%
28%
$60,560
9%
Poor
19%
Near poor
11%
Middle
46%
Well-to-do
24%
Cost of Living
Bermuda’s cost of living is higher in relation to other countries. Bermuda’s Taxation System is
consumer/goods based and most items attract an ad valorem duty on importation. The high cost
of living is offset by there being no direct form of income tax.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications are sophisticated with high-speed Internet, e-mail, mobile phones, text
messages etc. Overseas calls are relatively inexpensive, e.g. Bermuda to UK 9 cents per minute.
Internet access is expensive, although deregulation is causing rates to decline slowly, e.g. an 8mb
connection including pipeline and ISP is approximately $108 per month.
Currency
The currency is the Bermuda dollar which is pegged, at par, with the US dollar. Currently the
exchange rate is about BM$1.53 to £1.00 sterling.
Payroll Deductions
Although there is no Income Tax, there is a payroll tax of up to 14.5% and mandatory health
insurance cover, payment of which is shared between the employee and the employer. Christ
Church pays the Minister’s share. Payroll tax for religious organisations is 5.5%.
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Immigration
Work Permits
All non-Bermudians who intend to live and work in Bermuda must obtain a work permit from
the Bermuda Department of Immigration. For our next Minister the process is expected to take
twenty working days and the Session Clerk will be responsible for this.
Documentation Requirements
Your application for immigration permission will require you to obtain several documents. You
and each member of your household over 12 years of age will be required to have a full size
chest X-Ray taken if you are from or have resided for more than three months in a jurisdiction
identified by the World Health Organization as high risk for tuberculosis. You will need a police
certificate, a medical clearance certificate, employment and character references and copies of
other important personal certificates such as marriage, birth, citizenship and personal
qualifications for the position.
Animals
Before importing an animal, you will need a permit from the Department of Environmental
Protection in Bermuda. Imported animals are subject to customs duty. One should also check the
requirements of your country of departure and the airline used to travel to Bermuda.
Customs Duty
If you plan to bring household goods with you, they will be inspected by Customs. Personal
clothing (used) and books are duty free and everything else is levied at 25% of the assessed
value. There is also a wharfage duty of 1.11% of the total value. Customs duty on the Minister’s
goods is paid by the church.
Sponsored Dependants
Sponsored dependants include the spouse (or partner) and children under the age of 18 (or 25 if
the child is attending college/university) of a work permit holder, though the Department of
Immigration may first require evidence of adequate remuneration to support the number of
sponsored dependants. A sponsored dependant may seek employment when they are issued an
entry/re-entry permit, but must go through a separate work permit process. Children over 18 (or
25 if attending college/university) are required to apply for permission in their own right to
reside in Bermuda.
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Living in Bermuda
As you drive around Bermuda, you will notice a large number of churches, many of them adding
considerable charm to the scenery. There are more than 115 of them. Most Christian faiths are
represented here.
The church congregations tend to be quite active in the community, giving strong voice and
sphere of influence to Bermuda’s religious leaders. The Saturday news- paper lists dozens of
church services one can attend.
The majority of Bermudians are Christians but there is a shift taking place from the established
old guard sects to the more charismatic evangelical churches.
The number of people affiliated with the Anglican Church has dropped to 15.8% from 45% in
1970 and 23% in 2008, though it remains the largest denomination. This is followed by Roman
Catholic at 14.5%, African Methodist Episcopal at 8.6% and Seventh Day Adventist at 6.7%.
Other denominations and faiths in Bermuda include Methodist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptist,
Pentecostal, Christian Science, Church of God, Canadian Presbyterians, Baha’i, Muslim and
many others.
Schooling
There is a public and a private system. The public system is free and the private system charges
fees. Present school fees are between $10,500 to $20,000 Bermuda Dollars per year. Many
middle-class Bermudians and guest workers send their children to private schools. Presently
approximately 60% of Bermudian children attend public schools. Members of the Nominating
Committee are available to answer specific questions about schooling in Bermuda for those
applicants with younger children.
Sports
Athletic pursuits are an integral part of island life. Bermuda residents play a great deal of sports
as there are more than 30 organized sports on the island. Sports also play a key role in
Bermuda’s tourism industry.
Nine spectacular golf courses (3 public and 6 private), natural sailing venues and excellent
fishing are among Bermuda’s major tourist attractions. Bermuda recently won its bid to host the
prestigious America’s Cup races to be held here in 2017.
The sports pages of the newspaper reflect the cosmopolitan interest in world sports and
Bermudians themselves often compete at an international standard that belies the island’s size
and relative isolation. Cricket, football, running, biking, sailing and golf are among the most
popular sports. Cricket and football have been declared Bermuda’s national sports. One of
Bermuda’s best kept secrets is Rugby. For 25 years the World Rugby Classic has been held in
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Bermuda. 12 teams from all over the world participate in this week-long event. The week is
sponsored by over 30 local and non-local companies.
April to September is advertised as our beach season. November to March is our golf season.
The National Sports Centre is Bermuda’s premier sport, athletic and large scale outdoor
entertainment complex. The complex features the National Track (a 400m 8 lane competitive
track with a covered 2,000 seat grandstand), an additional 2,300 seat open-air grandstand, a grass
field for cricket and 2 rugby and football fields, an additional 600m walking track, an artificial
turf hockey pitch and multi purpose pavilion hall. The complex also includes the National
Aquatics Facility featuring a 50m 8 lane swimming pool with a 10m dive tower and springboards
(1m and 3m).
Music, Dance and Drama
Bermuda’s cultural scene builds to a peak in mid-winter with the Bermuda Festival. For six or
seven weeks in January and February, residents and visitors can sample a fare of music, dance
and drama by international talent. Other events are the International Film Festival, Bermuda
Guitar Festival, Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society productions, Gilbert & Sullivan Society
productions, Bermuda Chamber Choir productions to name a few.
Health Care
Bermuda has an excellent health care system which is a unique combination of socialized and
private coverage. The Bermuda Hospitals Board operates both the King Edward VII Memorial
Hospital and the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. They offer a full range of standard care
services. When patients have severe or complicated medical conditions that can not be treated in
Bermuda, their health insurance pays for transportation, lodging and treatment at an overseas
medical centre. Some patients choose not to have hospital treatments that are available on the
island. Those patients may choose to receive treatment abroad but their transportation and
lodging will not be covered by their insurance carrier. Most patients seeking medical care
outside of Bermuda go to the United States or Canada for treatment. Employees receive a
schedule of benefits and explanations of coverage from the insurance carrier upon employment.
This document should be reviewed to avoid any confusion.
Allergies
Ragweed is non-existent in Bermuda and pollens of other weeds used to quickly get blown out to
sea. In the past three to five years that has changed and pollens have been a major cause of
allergy outbreaks. Also, because of our high humidity, moulds and mildews may cause problems
as well.
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Smoking/Drugs
On 1st April 2006 Bermuda banned smoking in public buildings. Bermuda also operates a zero
tolerance policy on illegal drugs and marijuana. The use of marijuana for medical purposes is
currently being debated by the Bermuda government.
Firearms
Firearms are tightly controlled and are not allowed for personal use or ownership in Bermuda.
Crime
Bermuda has a moderate crime rate. There was a time when crime was almost non-existent here
but this is no longer the case. Examples of common crimes include theft of bags and items from
rental motorbikes. More serious crimes are conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Violent crime does exist (rarely) but mostly involves disputes between gangs of local youths.
When in Bermuda, it is advisable to take the same precautions that you would use in any
country.
Electricity Service
Same as in the USA and Canada. 110 volts, 60 cycle alternating current. Equipment from Europe
and the UK may need adaptors. Power is produced by the Bermuda Electric Light Company
Limited, with 98.2% from fossil fuel, while the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility produces
1.8% of electric energy. Other renewable options are also being considered.
Postal Services
Airmail takes about a week to arrive from the USA, Canada, UK and Europe. International
courier service is available.
Gratuities
Gratuities are usually between 15% and 18%, which in most restaurants are automatically added
to your bill. Other services such as taxis expect the same tip. Check your bill to make sure you
don’t add another tip on top of one which has already been added.
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News Media
Bermuda has one newspaper and a number of radio and TV stations. Cable and wireless TV
services are also available.
Bermuda Time
Normally 4 hours behind the UK. Daylight Saving Time is operated on the same basis as in the
USA.
Transportation
Bermuda has a fairly good bus and ferry system. The closest bus stop is a 2 minute walk from the
Manse and there is a direct ferry to Hamilton about 5 minutes from the Manse.
Private cars are limited to one per household, therefore only one car is provided to the Minister
who will be required to pass a driving test to obtain a driver’s licence, as overseas licences are
not valid in Bermuda. Taxis are plentiful should one be needed but are also expensive. There are
approximately 22,000 licensed cars operating on Bermuda’s narrow roads, where the speed limit
is 35 k.p.h.
Motorcycles and mopeds are the secondary form of transport, when one does not wish to use
public transportation.
Entry into Bermuda
There is one airport at the eastern end of the island (BDA) and three seaports in Hamilton,
Ireland Island and St. George.
Public Holidays
New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Bermuda Day, National Heroes Day, Emancipation Day, Somers
Day (2 day cricket match), Labour Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
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Searching Bermuda on the Internet
Christ Church
Bermuda Dept of Tourism
www.christchurch.bm
www.gotobermuda.com
Christ Church information
Official guide for tourists
Bermuda Government
www.gov.bm
Departments and Services
Bermuda National Trust
www.bnt.bm
Guide to Bermuda’s
heritage and environment
Bermuda Online
www.bermuda-online.org
Bermuda.com
www.bermuda.com
Island facts and information
Island information
Diving
www.bermudadiving.com
Bermuda events
www.Nothingtodoinbermuda.com
Diving and shipwreck
information
Upcoming events
Royal Gazette
www.royalgazette.com
Daily newspaper
Bernews
www.bernews.com
Web-based breaking news
Bermuda Weather
www.weather.bm
Bermuda weather service
Sharkoil
www.sharkoil.bm
Hurricane tracking
eMoo
www.e-moo.com
Yellow Pages
www.bermudayp.com
Online marketplace
for secondhand items
Commercial listings
Chamber of Commerce
www.bermudachamber.bm
General information
Weather Report
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature
63 F
63
64
67
72
77
81
80
79
81
72
67
Rainfall
5.30 in
5.10
3.20
2.48
3.60
2.37
5.46
6.12
2.05
7.22
2.82
2.66
Humidity
73%
73
71
74
79
80
81
80
72
73
72
70
Sea Temp
65 F
64
66
68
74
79
83
83
82
77
74
68
Source: www.bermuda-online.org/climateweather.htm
Hurricane Season – June 1 to November 30
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Final Thoughts
Should you be successful in being appointed the Minister of Christ Church, Warwick, Bermuda,
we hope it will lead to one of the happiest periods of your life. Not only will you be welcomed
by our congregation but you will find that Bermudians, as a whole, are amongst the warmest and
friendliest people you could wish to meet.
We look forward to receiving your application. Rest assured that it will receive the utmost
consideration as we seek the person who will become our 30th minister.
For additional information, please contact either:
Martha Kirkland, Clerk to the Nominating Committee
E-mail: marthadkirkland@gmail.com
or
Rev Derek Lawson, Interim Moderator
E-mail: derek.lawson@sfr.fr
or look at our website
www.christchurch.bm
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