Presiding Bishop Assures GMF-UK New Chaplain

The Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo has assured the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy a new chaplain soon. The Presiding Bishop made the assurance while preaching at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster in London. The Presiding Bishop was in England to attend the British Methodist Conference and took the opportunity to worship with the fellowship on 14 July.

The Presiding Bishop: Most Rev Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo

The Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship hasn’t had a chaplain for closer to a year since the previous chaplain Rev William Davis’s tenure ended in August 2018. This is the first time the fellowship hasn’t had a chaplain since its formal formation in 2002.

The Presiding Bishop thanked the Ghanaian Methodist Ministers in London and the executives of the fellowship for holding the fort for the past ten months.

Some members of the clergy

While in London, the Presiding Bishop also took the opportunity to have interactions with the executives of the various organisations within the fellowship.

This is the first time the Presiding Bishop has visited the fellowship since elected the twelfth Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana in 2018.

A section of Christ Little Band during the service

Delivering the sermon, Most Reverend Paul Boafo told the congregation to make their experience with Jesus effective as no one encounters Jesus and remain the same.

Story by Felix Kobina Adoko Otabil

Ghana High Commissioner Visits Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship

His Excellency the Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom & Ireland Papa Owusu-Ankomah yesterday joined the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. The High Commissioner who only arrived in London about four weeks ago was accompanied by his wife Mrs Augustina Owusu-Ankomah.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said he has heard a lot about the fellowship and though he had received several invitations in the past to come and visit he couldn’t honour the invitations. He is therefore pleased that he is able to come with his wife to fellowship. He said he shouldn’t be regarded as a guest but rather a member of the fellowship. The High Commissioner recounted his experience with some of the members of the fellowship at Wesley Methodist Church, Sekondi, Ghana.

The High Commissioner said he would seek to deepen the engagement with the Ghanaians in the diaspora and the UK diplomatic mission. He said there are lots of competent Ghanaians in the diasopora and he would be talking to them about investment in Ghana.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah asked the members of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship to pray for him and Ghana. The Chaplain of the fellowship Rev William Davis who was a junior of Papa Owusu-Ankomah at Mfantsipim School CapeCoast, Ghana assured the High Commissioner that the fellowship will always pray for him to be successful.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah is a staunch member of the Methodist Church Ghana and has served in many offices.

 

   High Commissioner to UK & Ireland,

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

 

Rev Tony Miles (Middle) welcoming the High Commissioner and his wife to the Methodist Central Hall

SUWMA UK visits SUWMA Modena, Italy

During the summer of 2016, information reached SUWMA-UK Executives and membership, of a branch formation in Modena, an Italian town in Europe by some female members of a Ghanaian Methodist congregation under Methodist Church Italy: Opera Per Le Chiese Evangeliche Metodiste, within the Bologna District.

The ladies had learnt of an existing SUWMA branch in UK and sought to seek out the ‘mother branch’ for support and direction.

Having verified their existence, Rev. William Davis and CMC were informed accordingly, who in turn fully directed and supported any positive initiative/s that presented themselves. Communication was established over a period, which necessitated a visit to Modena by SUWMA-UK.

A five Executive-member delegation from SUWMA-UK led by Sister Elizabeth Owoo-President, including Sisters Ama Brehene-Ankah, Eve Degraft, Nana Aba Hamoah Dormon and Agnes Bemma Tawiah armed with experience and knowledge of the Organisation, undertook the trip to Modena from Friday 18th–Sunday 20th November 2016

Delegation were met by members of SUWMA-Modena at Bologna Airport, accorded the unmatchable Ghanaian hospitality, albeit, away from home.

Both branches’ representatives observed the necessary protocol and set to work on the same evening.

Friday Prayer Meeting: Attended the church’s scheduled prayer meeting with a delegation member as the Guest Preacher. She gave a very inspiring sermon on leadership.

Saturday Morning: Curtesy calls were made on Rev. Michel Charbonnier-Chair of Bologna District and Rev. Dominic K Danso, newly appointed Chaplain to the Ghanaian congregation. The District Chair was particularly pleased about the visit, applauded such fostering of relations which serve to cement integration.

He stated his delight and support to church organisations among congregations that enrich fortunes of churches and members’ lives through diversity. The latter, was just as delighted to see such strong ties built, was looking forward to many such inspiring exchanges on various fronts in times ahead on both sides.

Return from Bologna to Modena: A structured programme with topics on SUWMA presentations were delivered by each delegate. Topics covered were:

• Opening Prayer and Devotion
• Welcome and Introductions by both branches
• Fraternal Greetings from Rev. William Davis, CMC and GMF-UK Chaplaincy
• Life of Mrs. Susanna Wesley
• History of SUWMA-Ghana and SUWMA-UK to-date
• Aims and Objectives, Ideals, Charity Works
• Roles and Responsibilities of Officers
• Achievements and Challenges (Handling same)
• Preparation towards Elections, Inauguration and Inductions
• Forum for Questions and Answers
• Learning of Hymns and Songs
• Gift Presentations by both Branches
• General Advice
• Benediction and Close

Patrons/nesses’ High: At the end of the symposium, delegates were spoiled with a feast of every pizza variety available in Modena, washed down with as many drinks as possible. SUWMA-Modena Patrons, YOU ROCK!! Thank you.

Sunday-Final Day of Trip:  Delegates attended and fully participated in a pre-service bible study class. A highly spirit-charged devotion, thanksgiving and praises session preceded an inspiring service with sermon on integration, unity and leadership from Rev. Michel, the District Chair who purposely preached on this day in honour of the UK visiting team-in this case, “five wise women” come in search of a baby born in Italy.

Another spread of lunch feast followed service, then farewells were bid and return to UK. Thank God for travel mercies.

Feedback from Church elders, congregation, SUWMA-Modena membership, patrons/nesses and other organisations were positive, people had been inspired.

SUWMA Modena’s fervent prayers are not to rest on their laurels, but to work assiduously with the information, knowledge and experience imparted to them, to aid their growth spiritually to become committed members of SUWMA, co-operate and support ministers, church elders, other organisations.

To recognize the organisation as a branch of the church body. To undertake charity works which is the hallmark of SUWMA. To work diligently towards Inauguration in the summer of 2017, hoping as many SUWMA-UK and GMF-UK members could attend.

Appreciation: On behalf of SUWMA-UK and SUWMA-Modena, A BIG THANK YOU to:

Rev. William Davis, CMC, Revd. Michel, Rev. Dominic Danso, Bro. Richard Kofi Ampofo-Lay-Chair of Methodist Church-Italy, Mr. Roy Crowder-World Church Relations Office Britain, for their immense support before and after the trip.

To mention a few very outstanding personalities: Auntie Mary and husband, Evangelist Obotan and Sister Sabina, Bro. Emmanuel Agyepong-Chairman MF-Modena and patron to SUWMA-Modena, Sis. Hannah Asieduwaa-Frempong, Sister Victoria Klu, Nana Agyeiwaa, Sis. Sophia, Nana Gyimah-Damptey, the audio operating young men, who made our electronic presentations possible and many more. We say thank you.

‘Beloved, Let Us Love’

Farewell service held for Rev.Daniel Kodjo French

The Wigan circuit of the Methodist Church held a farewell service for Rev Daniel French who is returning to Ghana to continue his ministry. The service was held on 31 July 2016.

The service which took place at  Wigan Parish Church was well attended by members of the circuit and churches together in Wigan. In attendance were 30 members of Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship, Glasgow branch and delegates from Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship Nottingham branch.

(Left) Rev Kodjo French with some members of the congregation, (Right) Rev Kodjo French holding a present.

The sermon was delivered by the Chair of Bolton & Rochdale Methodist District, Rev Paul Martin. In his sermon he acknowledged the contributions of ministers from Africa in the UK and advised them to bear in mind that they are missionaries who are giving back to British Methodist Church. He thanked Rev French for his immense contributions over the last 7 years and wished him well.

In return Rev French also acknowledged that being a minister in the circuit was great joy and it has shaped every aspect his life. He thanked them for the support and love received from the leaders of the church and encouraged the congregation not to rely on their past achievements in missions but to continue to pursue missions as missionary work keeps growing and the world should be their parish.

The service was graced with Akan praises sang by members of GMF present and was very uplifting.

We wish Osofo French and his family all the best and pray for God’s blessings on his life.

 

 

 

 

 

GMF WF raise funds for a good cause

The Women’s Fellowship of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship– UK Chaplaincy has organised a dinner to raise funds for the Methodist Women’s Vocational Institute-Kwadaso, in Kumasi, Ghana. The feast was held at the Walworth Methodist Church, Camberwell on 30 January 2016

The dinner was mainly sponsored by one member of the women’s fellowship, Mrs Hilda Amoo- Gottfried as part of her 70th birthday celebration. Explaining her reasons for the invitation, Hilda said, I have invited you to help raise money for the Methodist Women’s Vocational Institute, and “to glorify God and thank Him for 70 years of life, nearly 42 of happy marriage and three wonderful sons”.

The chaplain of the fellowship Rev William Davis explained the poor state of the toilet facilities of the institute to the guests and urged them to give generously towards the renovation of the toilet facilities.

The guests were served with variety sea foods and many traditional Ghanaian foods.

The dinner was attended by many members of the women’s fellowship, members of the Ghanaian Fellowship and family and friends of Mrs Hilda Amoo-Gottfried.

Over thousand pounds was raised on the day with more pledges to be received later.

The Methodist Women’s Vocational Institute was established in 1946 through the collaborative effort of the Women’s Fellowship of the Methodist Mission Society in Britain to train Ministers’ spouses. Currently, the institutes run secretarial courses and technical, vocational, and educational training.

Story by Felix Adoko Otabil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MHA Receives Support

The Christ Little Band– an organisation within the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship –UK Chaplaincy has donated a cheque of two hundred and fifty pounds (£250.00) to the Methodist Homes for the Aged (MHA). The cheque was presented at the Founders’ Day Celebration of the Christ Little Band on 24 January 2016 at St Mark’s Methodist Church, Tottenham.

Stoke Mandeville Hospital also received a cheque of £250.00 pounds. This was in recognition of excellent treatment Mr Kojo Hagan– a patron of Christ Little Band and staunch member of the Ghanaian Fellowship had some years ago when he was admitted to the hospital.

Christ Little Band was founded 130 years ago in Cape Coast, Ghana (then, Gold Coast), to deepen Christian faith through; Bible study, and to promote practical Christian values. The founders’ day celebration was also used to launch the 10th anniversary celebration of Christ Little Band– GMF-UK branch.

Though can’t boast of great numbers, the band which has a motto: “Together we stand, divided we fall”, has over the past years contributed significantly to many organisations including Methodist Hospital, Wenchi and Methodist Clinic, Amakom, both in Ghana. Having made some contributions to organisation in Ghana, the band has now shifted focus to organisations in Britain, and it is their hope and prayer that they would continue to help such organisations in the years ahead.

The Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship UK branch of the band is taking the challenge to set up more branches across London in the coming years. The outgoing leader of the band-Opanyin Esther Opoku- Gyimah was honoured at the service for her support and service to the band.

Photo: Godfried Gyasi-Addo (Left) receiving cheque on behalf of MHA, Esther Opoku-Gyimah (Right) outgoing leader of Christ Little Band.

Story by Felix Adoko Otabil

Sustain the seed of evangelism

The Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy has been urged to sustain the seed of evangelism.

Stephanie Badu-Boateng, a local preacher on-note in the New River Circuit, London, told the congregation to rekindle the fire that once brought some missionaries from Britain to the shores of Ghana. “It is as a result of those seeds that we are Methodists today”, says Stephanie.

Stephanie was speaking at the children and youth service of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship on the theme: “Methodist as Christians-Helping faith grow”, on 14 February 2016 at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster.

Recalling her recent visit to Ghana with other youth on a mission trip, Stephanie said she was impressed with the zeal and faith exhibited by children and youth in Ghana. She said such zeal and faith was as a result of the good seed sown by some people and called on the fellowship to help sustain the seeds amongst the youth of the church. “We have to sustain the seeds and sow more to increase the crops”, she said.

Many children and youth featured in the service through reading scripture, prayers, and play sketch. An amount of over thousand pounds was raised to help the work of the children and youth.

 

 

https://gmfuk.wordpress.com/2015/annual-report/

https://gmfuk.wordpress.com/2015/annual-report/

Tottenham GMF donates £2,500 towards a new manse

The Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship in Tottenham has donated Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds (£2,500), towards the building of a new manse in Nalogni in Yendi circuit, Northern Ghana Diocese.

The need for the manse came to light during the ministerial trip organised by the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy in conjunction with the London District of the Methodist Church in January. The ministerial trip is an opportunity for ministers in Britain and other European countries to travel to Ghana to exchange ideas with their Ghanaian colleagues and learn the Ghanaian culture. Since the trip in January many ministers have helped in various ways towards the building of the manse. In August, Rev David Hardman, Walworth Methodist church cycled 100 mile to raise money towards the building of the manse. The new manse is estimated to cost around £8,000.

The Tottenham Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship was moved by the gesture of the ministers and decided to join in the fund raising. The money was raised at a Thanksgiving service to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the fellowship.

The afternoon service held at St Mark’s Methodist church, Tottenham on 26 July was attended by many local Ghanaian Methodist fellowships across the city of London. The fellowship which was started with 50 members currently has 110 members.

Some members of the Tottenham Fellowship

Speaking on the theme– Rekindle the Fire, Rev William Davis, the chaplain of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy said the choice of the theme means the fellowship accepts that the fire it once had is quenched and needs to be rekindled. He told the fellowship that to rekindle the fire they must first do a post mortem to find out what quenched the fire. Once the causes are found they would be able to take steps to get the fire back.

A full church service

The congregation was entertained by David’s Harp-the music group of the fellowship.

 

GMF Glasgow branch raise money through car boot sale

The Glasgow branch of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship-UK Chaplaincy has raised money through car boot sale to support the fellowship’s charity- Go for Ghana. The Go for Ghana Charity is an initiative of GMF Glasgow and is supported by the Strathclyde Circuit of the Methodist Church. The aim of the GO for Ghana charity is to support less privileged communities in Ghana. The Charity was officially launched on 29^th August 2014 by Rev Alan Anderson, Superintendent Minister of the circuit.

Some of the items on sale  

Various items ranging from clothes, books, toys, shoes, etc. are collected on an ongoing basis to be sent to Ghana. Currently, 30 boxes of items are collected awaiting to be will shipped to Ghana. On Saturday 8^th August 201, the fellowship organised a Car Boot Sale and Fun Day to raise funds to pay for the shipping of the items collected. The car boot sale was held at the Clydebank Methodist Church.

The event being the first was well attended on a dry and sunny day in Glasgow. Folks from all over Glasgow were there to contribute their quota. Many non -Ghanaians who took part in the event enjoyed the Ghanaian dishes especially the fried yam, Kelewele and Bofrot.

The kids were also treated with face painting, bouncy castle and musical chairs.

The event was very successful and were are planning to organise another one in November.

Some of the items on sale