METHODISTS IN ACCRA CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH A CALL FOR PEACE

This was the case last December as Christians across the world attended masses to mark the birth of the Saviour. It was no different in Ghana as members of the Methodist Church in the Accra Diocese participated in church services at the various Societies. 

From the Mt Olivet Methodist Chapel in Dansoman, Emmanuel Ashong reports that, church members filled the chapel in their resplendent white apparel to celebrate ‘Christ, the new born king’. Delivering a sermon on the theme Peace, the Methodist Bishop of Accra, The Rt Rev Samuel Kofi Osabutey, observed that, “Peace originates from God. This Peace is manifest in the life and work of Jesus, the Christ.” He noted that, “For this Peace to be meaningful, it must manifest in each and every one of us in Character, in Fellowship, in Action, and in Service. 

Bishop Osabutey admonished Ghanaians to “Be Agents of Peace as you have received God's gift of Peace in Jesus, the Christ”. At the Gethsemane Methodist Chapel, Mamprobi, a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was held to celebrate the day, Prince Attah reports. Members of the Gethsemane Victory Singers ministered various hymns and contemporary carols to treat congregants to a great Christmas celebration. 

In a short homily, the Superintendent Minister for the Mamprobi South Circuit, The Very Rev Aaron Gaisie-Amoah explained that Jesus Christ was the center of peace and urged members to live by Jesus’ example of peace, which he stressed surpasses all understanding. Cynthia Gilbert reports from the Macedonia Methodist Chapel, Kwashieman, that the Superintendent Minister of the Kwashieman Circuit, The Very Rev Emmanuel W. Otoo performed baptism for some infants and adult members of the church. The jubilant worshipers were mostly clad in white clothing with the strict enforcement of Covid-19 protocol. 

The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Rev Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo led the Christmas Day Service at the Calvary Methodist Chapel, Adabraka, Evangel Arko-Mensah reports. The head of the Methodist Church disclosed that the joy Christ Jesus’ birth brings is for all people and not a few. He encouraged the congregants not to be afraid as a result of Covid-19 and its attendant job losses, adding “Jesus was born to restore the joy of all people”. 

Most Rev Dr Boafo who is also the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana affirmed that “Christmas comes to change, to transform and to reform our minds and our mentalities and our situations”. Church Services were held in all the 24 Circuits in the Accra Diocese.