METHODISTS IN ACCRA HOLD CHURCH SERVICES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

Story: Emmanuel Ashong, Accra

The birth of Jesus is one the most important activities on the Christian calendar.

December 25 is celebrated annually among Christians all over the world to mark the birth of the man considered the founder of the largest religious sect globally - Christianity.

In Ghana, Christians mark the day with various activities including church conventions, donations to the needy, parties etc.

Among the people called Methodists in Ghana, Christmas Day is traditionally celebrated with Church Services across the connexion.

In the Accra Diocese of The Methodist Church Ghana, Church Services were organised by the various Societies in all the 24 Circuits within the Diocese.

At the Maranatha Methodist Chapel in the Dansoman Circuit, where the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt Rev Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey worshipped, members sang Christmas carols and danced to thank God for the gift of His Son to humanity.

In a sermon, the Rt Rev Borlabi Bortey cautioned members to be mindful of the Covid-19 pandemic and to adhere to the safety protocols in place amidst the celebrations.

He advised the congregants to avoid organising parties as that could be a conduit for the spread of the virus, explaining, "The real essence of Christmas is not merely making merry but recognising that God has given us His Son to save us from our sins". 

At the Gethsemane Society in the Mamprobi South Circuit, some new members were baptised and confirmed into the Church. The Superintendent Minister, the Very Rev Aaron Gaisie-Amoah prayed for them and admonished them to keep the faith.

A similar exercise took place at the Wesley Cathedral in the Accra Circuit where the Very Rev Dr Nana Kwesi Bart-Plange is the Superintendent Minister. Certificates were presented to the newly baptised and confirmed members.

At the Mt Zion Society in the Korle Gonno Circuit, Christmas gifts were distributed to widows in the Church.

The Good Shepherd Society in the Kaneshie North Circuit organised a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to mark the day. Delivering a sermon on the theme, "Christ our Saviour has come", the Superintendent Minister, the Very Rev Bennett Ato Wilson requested the congregants to not "Despair or give up" but "Fix your eyes on Christ Jesus".

Worshippers at the Macedonia Society in the Kwashieman Circuit were encouraged to be receptive of the poor and needy in society. The Superintendent Minister, the Very Rev Emmanuel W. Otoo advised members to give their best to the poor and not leftovers.