Post on 25-Mar-2016
description
1
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LONDON
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
2
[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
3
CONTENTS
1. SESSION CLERK’S REPORT ....................... 4
2. MEN’S FELLOWSHIP .............................. 9
3. WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP ....................... 11
4. YOUNG PEOPLE’S GUILD ....................... 12
5. CHURCH CHOIR ..................................... 13
6. SINGING BAND ..................................... 14
7. BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER GROUP ........ 15
4
SESSION CLERK’S REPORT - 2012
PREAMBLE
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corithians 13 : 4-7,13
INTRODUCTION
Trinity Presbyterian Church, London Congregation is located at the South Lee Christian Centre in the
London Borough of Lewisham. It is one of the nine Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) congregations in
London and environs. In fact, it is the only PCG church in London that has acquired its place of worship. We
also own a manse which is just five minutes’ walk from the church building. This manse houses the District
Minister. Services are held twice every Sunday. The first service conducted in English starts at 11:00am and
ends at 12:30pm. The second service is conducted in Twi and is 2:00pm to 5:30pm. Our Caretaker is Mr
Samuel Asiedu Sasu who works under the supervision of the District minister-Rev Ben Larsey.
As at the last count, church membership stood at 409.
CURRENT OFFICES (PRESBYTERS)
The church is a United Kingdom Registered Charity which has seventeen elected Session Members
forming the Board of Trustees. They are:
Dr. Israel Nartey (Senior Presbyter), Mr. Akwasi Adu-Larbi (Treasurer), Mr. Frank Akoto (Session Clerk), Madam Adwoa Konadu Yiadom (Assistant Session Clerk) Mrs. Doris Owusu (Financial Secretary) Miss Beatrice Nunoo, Mr. David Ofori Mrs. Cecilia Akuffo Mr. Steve Ofei, Mr. Ike Quist Arcton, Mrs. Georgina Abrafi Oduro, Mrs. Victoria Kotei, Mrs. Abena Marfoah Hemans, Mrs. Felicia Owusu Amoakwah, Mr. George Commodore, Mr. Ebenezer Odame Bekoe,
Mr. David Ansah.
5
CURRENT OFFICES (GROUPS) MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
President : Steve Ofei,
Vice President : Emmanuel Amponsah,
Acting Secretary : Felix Ankrah,
Assistant Secretary : Joseph Kwasi Botchway,
Treasurer: Seth Bernard Appiah
Assistant Treasurer : Samuel Appiah,
Financial Secretary: Ernest Osei,
Assistant Financial Secretary - Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe,
Chaplain: Simon Adu Henaku,
Assistant Chaplain : Alex Anim Annor,
Music Master : Alwyn Fleischer Djoleto,
Assistant Music Master: Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe,
Welfare Officer: Christopher O Amoako.
Independent Auditor: Akwasi Adu Larbi
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
President : Madam Adwoa Konadu Yiadom,
Vice President : Ms. Kinful Abbey,
Secretary : Mrs. Rose Akrofi,
Asst. Secretary : Mrs. Dorothy Opoku-Attah
Treasurer : Miss Beatrice Mettle-Nunoo
Financial Secretary: Mrs. Stella Kyeremanteng-Adarkwah
Protocol Officers : Mrs. Georgina Abrafi Oduro, Madam Victoria Asoh Adonteng & Miss Ivy Thompson
YOUNG ADULT’S FELLOWSHIP
President: Ms Rebecca Asantewaa Darko,
Secretary: Nana Kwame Ampadu-Badu,
Financial Secretary: Mrs Ruth Antwi Marfo,
Treasurer: Ms Leticia Asah,
Male Organiser: Mr Prosper Defor,
Women Organiser: Ms Felicia Asante
YOUNG PEOPLE’S GUILD
President: William Asiama Bekoe
Vice President Yaa Obuo-Dadzie
Secretary Dinah Ofosu-Asante
Asst. Secretary Rebecca Opoku-Attah
Treasurer Eugene Ntow Atiemo
Female Organiser Lydia Opoku-Attah
Male Organiser Stanley Kotei
Financial Secretary Lucy Osafo
Evangelism Secretary Phyllis Asiama-Bekoe
Executive Advisor David Ansah
6
CHURCH CHOIR
President : Mrs. Comfort Ofei
Vice President : Mr. Ebenzer Odame-Bekoe
Secretary : Mr. Kweku Annan
Assistant secretary: Mr. Eugene Ntow Atiemo
Treasurer : Mrs. Rejoice Amekudzi
Organiser : Mrs. Lucy Tannor
Welfare Secretary : Mrs Mary Tannor
Chaplain : Ms Beatrice Adu-Pobi
Custodians : Mr. David Aninakwa & Mrs Alice Adomako
Choir Master : Mr. Isaac Owusu Antwi
Vice Choir Master : Mr. Alwyn Djoleto
Choir Mother : Mrs. Christina Graham
SINGING BAND
President : Mr. Jonas Hemans
Secretary: Mrs. Georgina Abrafi Oduro
Asst. secretary: Ms Christiana Odartey
Treasurer: Ms Ivy Thompson
Welfare Secretary: Madam Florence Osafo Gyarteng
Mother: Matilda Twum Barima
Porter: Alice Asantewaa Gyarteng
Choir Master: Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe
Chaplian: Mrs. Lucy Addai-Nkansah
BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER GROUP
President: Mr. Kofi Marfo
Vice President: Mr. Kofi Abrokwa
Secretary: Mrs. Joyce Addo-Yobo
Vice Secretary: Mrs. Eleanora Abrokwa
Treasurer: Mrs. Grace Nartey
Financial Secretary: Ms. Kinful Abbey
Protocol Officer: Mrs. Charity Serbeh Kyei
Chaplain: Mr. Kwame Boakye (Transferred to North London as Caretaker)
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS OBJECTIVES
Our vision is to be Christ-centered, Evangelistic, Disciplined, Democratic, United, Self-Sustaining and
Growing Church. We are on course to achieving these objectives.
At the beginning of the year, with the absence of a Minister to guide us, the church was in dire
need of spiritual leadership. By the Almighty’s abundant Grace we were blessed with the arrival of
Rev. Benjamin Okpoti Larsey, the District Minister in June. Our eyes have been opened to the right
way of going about business in the church and the church is adapting to this trend.
7
MAJOR GOALS
To build a gallery in the church;
To increase the membership of the church;
To create satellite churches to cater for the increasing numbers;
To improve commitment and dedication of members;
To organise quarterly meetings between new members and elders of the church. This is to
provide feedback and make the elders accessible and the church democratic.
To organise a series of various programs and evangelise to all;
To actively involve the youth in the spreading of the gospel;
To involve other congregations in various activities and improve inter-congregational
harmony.
To run the church with adopted workable sections in the constitutions of both the
Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Charity Commission of the UK, removing conflicting
clauses and clarifying policies. We do this to operate within the legal framework of the UK.
To streamline the running of the congregation in accordance with the constitution and
conventions of the church.
By the Almighty’s abundant Grace, we have seen the end of yet another year. Glory be to the Almighty’s Name.
The year 2012 has also been an eventful year and we thank the Almighty for seeing us through all the trials and tribulations.
There were changes in the leadership of the church. In May, Dr. Israel Nartey replaced Mrs. Cecilia Akuffo as the Senior Presbyter of the church while Mr. Akwasi Adu-Larbi took over as Treasurer of the church when Mr. David Ofori resigned.
The marriages of Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Boakye and Mr. and Mrs. Nana Darko were blessed in the church during the year.
In May, the five-day 2nd Overseas Missionary Field Conference of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana was hosted by Trinity in May. Among the dignitaries who attended were: Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG, Rev. Herbert Anim Opong, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the PCG and Rev. William Ofosu-Addo, the Director of Mission and evangelism of the PCG. In attendance were delegates from Italy, Germany, the USA, UK, Norway, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Australia and Ghana.
In June, the Grace Evangelical Team which is made up of Evangelist Dr. Abboah-Offei, Mrs. Faustina Abboah-Offei and Paster Charles Ofosu-Ayarkwa, held a two-week revival program to spiritually empower the congregants. This program was patronised by members of all other PCG congregations in London. The programme ended on 17th June with a mini-Harvest for the church.
On 14th October, we were privileged to host the Queen mother and her entourage of the Akyem traditional area in Ghana at our church service. They were on a visit to London and chose to worship with us on that day.
8
On the 4th of November, Trinity hosted a PCG District-wide joint service for the formal induction of Rev. Ben Larsey as the District Minister of the London PCG. It was a grad occasion which was officiated by no less a person than Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, the Moderator of the General Assemble of the PCG.
Trinity’s Annual Harvest was held on the 11th of November and it turned out to be the most successful harvest ever organised by the church.
This year we are saddened by the loss of six of our members who passed away. They are Mr. Mr. William Sarkodie (Paa Willie), Mr. Sampson Mireku, Nana Owiredu Akyeampong, Mr.Victor Mante, Mrs. Lucy Addai-Nkansah and Mrs. Grace Sowah. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
All in all, Trinity, we are Blessed. Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endure forever. Ewurade asomdwee nka mo nyinaa.
FRANK AKOTO
SESSION CLERK
9
GROUPS’ REPORTS
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
PREAMBLE: “Lord Jesus make this Men’s Fellowship Group a candle shinning with your light, Steadfastly unflinching,
Standing tall for you, Strong and Free and Holy and above all be humble in everything we do”.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership of the group as at today stood at 50 compared with last year of 46. On records we
managed to stabilize our membership with a fairly high retention. However on activity level our core membership
dropped to an average of 20 – 24. This is a great concern to the Executive Committee.
OFFICERS: The Officers who serve on the governing body of the group form the executive committee and are made up
of 14 members, consisting of 7 principal officers and 7 deputies. Current officers are; Steve Ofei President, Emmanuel
Amponsah Vice President, Joseph Kwasi Botchway Secretary, Felix Ankrah Anobah Acting Secretary, Seth Bernard
Appiah Treasurer, Samuel Appiah Assistant Treasurer, Ernest Osei Financial Secretary, Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe
Assistant Financial Secretary, Simion Adu Henaku Chaplain, Alex Anim Annor Assistant Chaplain, Alwyn Offei Fleischer
Music Master, Ebenezer Odame-Bekoe Assistant Music Master, Christopher O Amoako Welfare Officer. Independent
Examiner (Auditor) Akwasi Adu Larbi
Messrs Emmanuel Amponsah and Felix Ankrah are the only officers who have not served their three years fixed term in
office. Election of new officers is scheduled on 18 November 2012.
MEETINGS: The group meets once in every Third Sunday of the month for general meeting at 12.30pm just after the
Sunday English Service. Executive Committee meetings are held occasionally prior to the general meetings.
ACTIVITIES: Programmes such as Bible study, Songs rehearsal and Visitations to the sick and bereaved members of
the group were undertaking.
Our programmes of activities upholds the principal goals in our constitution and included
Wining souls for Christ and enriching people spiritually
Rebuilding individual and Church relationships through evangelism
Rebuilding our spiritual growth and development through prayer and fasting
10
ACHIEVEMENTS:
1. We are proud again to state that the group held its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28th July this year. This A. G. M. is seen as a matter of good governance to bring about accountability and transparency on the part of the executive committee. Debatable topics for discussion at the Conference during the A. G. M. were
a. What does it mean to be a Christian? b. Is there life after death and does Heaven and Hell really exist?
These discussion topics were led by Rev Ben Larsey and Rev E. Aggrey Ogoe.
2. Also proud to announce that the group chaired the Trinity P.C. G. 2012 Annual Church Harvest and Fund Raising with a donation of 4250.00 pounds.
3. Our Chief Patron, Dr. I. Nartey was elected as the Senior Presbyter of Trinity P. C. G. London Congregation in May 2012.
PROBLEMS:
1. Continuous dropping in number of Core member’s participation in group programmes and church service attendance is a great cause for concern to the executive committee.
PROJECTIONS:
1. To meet one of our objectives in rebuilding our spiritual growth and development through prayer and fasting, we wish to organize a weekend trip to a place such as Ash Burner for retreat.
2. Intensify bible study and an effective membership drive in the coming year 3. A mission to support the church in her worship and to be the driving force in the Church to take up the
challenges and responsibilities to assist with the development and growth of the Church.
FINANCE: The group is managed financially through monthly membership dues of 5 pounds each and voluntary
contributions. Income from these has never been good in 2012 compared to previous year’s income generations.
Another source of funding the group is through Fund Raising activity in the church but we never had the opportunity to
hold anniversary nor fund raising in the year 2012. We humble request the Session to allow us hold such event next
year.
DEATH: We recorded one death during the year: The late Mr. Victor Mantey. May His Soul Rest in perfect peace
CONCLUSION: It is our prayer that the Almighty God will make this Men’s Fellowship group a river of water pure and
sweet and its member’s servants of the Church and to serve everyone we meet.
Signed: Felix Ankrah Anobah
Acting secretary.
11
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
No on roll: 90
Active members 45 – 50
Preamble
We welcomed the year 2012 with a covenant service. We followed the scheme of work provided from Head
Office. This encompassed various activities, talks, debates on topical and health issues, Bible study, home
economics and cookery demonstrations.
Achievements
We embarked upon intensive evangelism, an outreach programme visiting the housebound, and the sick,
infirm and backsliders of the entire congregation. This has proved to be successful. We continue to provide
support where necessary.
Recruitment
Recruitment has been low this year. Only a handful of new members joined. Peraps this is due to the increase
in the age of the YAF. However, we are pleased to receive Rev. and Mrs. Larsey later in the year. Mrs. Larsey
has automatically enrolled in our class
Welfare
As always, where we are able to assist, we do our best. This yearwe donated a small amount to three charities
in Ghana: Children’s home in Kumasi, School for the Blind in Akropong and School for the Deaf.
Conclusion
We have enjoyed a very fruitful year. Sadly, two of our dynamic members have been called to glory.
God willing we hope to continue with the outreach programme for the benefit of all.
Secretary
Women’s Fellowship
12
YOUNG PEOPLE’S GUILD
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the
Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations... Amen... Psalm
100:4-5
The aim of the Y.P.G is to promote the spiritual, moral and social welfare of the youth of the Presbyterian
Church so they can accept their responsibilities.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH
The total number of the guild currently stands at 20, comprising of 15 females and 10 males. We wish to
entreat all the young people in the congregation to join the guild so that together we can build a better and a
strong church in the future. As we the young ones are the future leaders of this church, we need to prepare
now as a stitch in time saves nine.
MEETINGS
The guild meets the third Saturday of every month at 3pm-5pm.
ACTIVITIES
We try to satisfy both the spiritual and physical needs of its members; among numerous engagements by the
guild are Bible studies, Talk shows, Symposia, Trips, Learning of songs etc. We look forward to improving
upon this in the coming year with activities like praise and worship night. We therefore entreat every member
of the church to support us.
Last year the guild hosted a praise and worship night which invited the church. The aim was to encourage the
youth. The guild is looking at hosting more shows like that as a way of evangelism.
FINANCIAL STRENGTH
The guild is financed by monthly dues by its members and occasional donations from its patrons, friends and
well wishers
FUTURE PLANS
Future plans of the guild include re-registration of all its members, more ways of encouraging the youth in the
church, more evangelism, prayer meetings and bible studies.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we will like to take this opportunity to thank our patrons, session representatives who have been
there to guide us throughout the year; we cherish your support with all our hearts. And to all who in one or
another have been friends of the group we say thank you. But like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more.
Therefore we wish to receive more of those and frequent visits to our meetings as we trust this will boost our
morals.
Long live Trinity Presby and long live YPG.
Y! Y!! YPG!!! Service all the way.
God bless you all.
Vice- President: Maame Yaa Obuo-Dadzie
13
CHURCH CHOIR
NUMERICAL STRENGTH(MEMBERSHIP):
Numerical strength of the Choir stands at thirty eight (38 which consist of 16 males and 22 females. Twenty five of the
members are regular. This represents an increase in our membership as compared to the previous year. The choir
continues to embark on a recruitment drive to increase our membership especially male singers in the church by inviting
people to our meetings.
ACTIVITIES OF THE CHOIR:
The Church Choir has been actively involved in most of the activities organised by the church and in the District. Leading
in singing during all local church activities such as nine lesson and carol services, as well as other programmes
organised outside the church.
The Choir has also introduced Bible study as part of our monthly meeting programmes to enhance our spiritual life as
choristers
The Choir has seen a number of bereavements which some members have suffered by losing their loved ones. In such
circumstances, we provide moral as well as financial support to members.
The Choir has initiated consultation with local Choirs towards the formation of District Choir’s Union which will be
inaugurated next year, and Trinity choir plays a major role in this.
FINANCE:
The Choir finances are carefully managed through good book keeping by our financial secretary. The only source of the
choir income is through membership dues of five pounds (£5.00) a month, anniversary proceeds and donations from our
patrons and other well-wishers.
DIFFICULTIES:
Due to work commitments some members finds it very difficult to attend Choir rehearsals and also problems with Choir
masters which has a lot of effect on the Choir’s performance.
CONCLUSION
The Church Choir take this opportunity to thank the session, patrons and all who in diverse ways have been supporting
the Choir. The Choir will continue to be strong and effective group within the Church to fulfil its purpose in serving the
living God. We wish the Session and the entire Congregation Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Eugene Ntow A
Assistant Church Choir secretary.
14
SINGING BAND
The Singing band was founded in 1996 with fifteen members. Since its creation, our aim has been to uplift souls through
gospel song ministration. Out of 30 registered members, 15 are very active so we call upon all to join. We meet twice a
month on Saturdays between the hours of 3 to 5pm
In 2010 we were delighted to celebrate our 5th anniversary which was very successful. Based on this success we invited
other sister bands to join hands with us to form a district. We are yet to get replies regarding out invitation. If this vision is
realised, we plan to send delegates each year to the National conference which is held in Ghana to propagate our work
in the UK.
All funds in our coffers are generated from membership dues, which is support by the church. We call upon all with kind
heart to donate whatever they can to propagate our course. In deed the most important resource to us is dedicated
members, and again we call on all to join especially the young members of the church who love to sing. Don’t worry
about you voice cause we will give you full voice training. Amen
We deeply regret to announce the death of our chaplain Mrs Lucy Addai Nkansah which happened in London on the 5th
of October 2012. May the good Lord grant her soul perfect peace.
We wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. God bless you all
Thank you.
Secretary
Georgina Abrafi Oduro
15
Bible Study and Prayer Group
Preamble:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Act 1:8
Membership:
The total number of members currently on record is about forty (47), however at our regular meetings; the average
attendance is about 25. One of our members has relocated to Ghana and is now on our record as a distance member.
Sadly, two (2) of our members; Mad. Lucy Addae Nkansah and Mad. Grace Sowah are now resting in the Lord. May
their souls rest in perfect peace!
Objective:
Our Theme for this year has been ‘The Holy Spirit and the Believer: Our Response’. This was the National BSPG Theme
for the year 2012. The focus of the group this year has been to: promote the spiritual growth of members; increase the
knowledge of Spiritual Gifting; increase membership; raise the profile of the group in the church; assist in the work of
evangelism; and to promote the numerical and spiritual growth of the congregation. Members were actively encouraged
to get closer to God, identify their gift areas and to be active in the church.
Activities:
In order to achieve the above objective, the group carried out a number of activities during the year. These activities
include:
Fasting and Prayer: In January, the group liaised with Evangelism Committee and The Prayer Team to organize a
3 weeks long session of prayer and fasting for the congregation, to seek the face of the Lord and also to pray for the
church. It started on the 9th and crowned it with an All-Night Service on the 27th. The theme for this program was
‘Rain Down Your Blessings’ (Ezekiel 34:26).
Bible Studies: The group has held regular Bible Studies in a verse-by-verse study method of the Book of
Romans. Members have also been actively involved in leading the Bible studies on Sundays.
Prayer meetings: As a group, we have been organizing prayer meetings to enable us pray across a wide range of
topics. Some of which are:
o Spiritual growth and Unity of Trinity Congregation
o Unity of the District PCG in London
o PCG and the universal church
o The sick and needy and individual needs among group members
o Social issues in the country and world peace
16
Evangelism: the group organized two Welcome Lunches for people who had visited the church and expressed the
desire to join the church during the year. These allowed the leadership of the church to interact with them and to
listen to their feedback; and to help them settle into the Trinity family.
Grace Team Program: In June, the church invited the Grace Team from Ghana over for a period of two
weeks to lead a revival meeting for the Church. Some members of the BSPG formed a team of Intercessors to pray
and fast for the success of the revival. This served as a backbone for the Revival.
Night vigils: The group, teamed up with Evangelism Committee has continued to be instrumental in organizing
monthly all-night prayer vigils for the church.
Socialization: The group organized a couple of food and refreshments for its members including a barbecue in the
summer at the church premises.
Visitations: We continue to visit and call the sick to pray for them and also to encourage them. The people we visit
and call are grateful because of the encouragements we give them.
Anniversary Celebration: By the grace God, the group celebrated their anniversary after the last one in May 2009.
The theme for the anniversary was: Empowered for Evangelism. We were able to raise funds which will go toward
evangelism.
Achievements:
2012 has been a good year for the Bible Study and Prayer Group and by God’s grace; we have achieved a lot as a
group and as individuals. Some notable achievements are:
The Group supports the growth of the church by organizing quarterly lunch meetings between new members of
the church and the minister and some elders of the church. This year, we organized 2 of such meetings. At the
function, the new members were introduced to the organization and structures of the church (Trinity & PCG);
church groups and their activities; rules governing membership and the elders of the church. The meeting was
concluded with a formal welcome ceremony for the new members. Lunch and drinks were provided and served
by the BSPG and the feedback from all participants was very good.
Five new members joined the group in 2012.
Even though we are a small group, members continue to play key roles in all the church’s activities. For
example, members can be found on the Session (4 members), Bible Study leaders (about 90%), Sunday school
and JY (30%), Lay Preachers, Mission & Evangelism committee, Prayer Team and many others.
Members have actively been involved in the running of the Morning (English) Service.
The group this year has been blessed with two (2) Births and Glory be to God!
The mobile library in the Church has now been opened to the Glory of God. Individuals have been encouraged
to borrow or buy gospel literature and other materials to enable them grow spiritually.
17
Shortcomings:
We have not been very active in the area of evangelism. One of our main targets at the beginning of the year was to
get on the radio but this has not been achieved so far. We look to rectify this in the coming year.
Way Forward:
We are aiming to intensify Evangelism, especially on a ‘one-to-one’ basis.
Encourage inactive members to fully participate in the group’s activities.
Encourage more people to join, especially the youth.
Though there have been shortfalls, the group is aiming to be consistent in organising the quarterly lunch
meetings between new members and the Elders of the Church.
Acknowledgment:
We give God all the praise for His guidance and strength.
We thank all those who have supported the group in diverse ways, especially our patrons.
President Secretary
Signature: K. E. Marfo Signature: J. Addo-Yobo
Name: Kofi Marfo Name: Joyce Addo-Yobo
Collated by
Frank Akoto
Session Clerk
20th November 2012