Ghanaian Celebration

Last Sunday, 10th March, a special Mothering Sunday service, was organised by a team of Ghanaians. Led by Rev Dr Hayford Ofori-Attah, the service was a celebration of mothers all over the world and Mother Ghana's 67th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.

It had "the Ghanaian colourful style" of Methodist worship and praise characterised by high tempo rhythmic Methodist hymn singing and dancing, with bible readings in Ghanaian and English languages. Members of the congregation were introduced to and happily participated in a new form of colourful dancing and singing procession. It was orchestrated for them to march forward and put their offerings into a collection box which was placed in front of the pulpit.

The congregation also enjoyed special refreshments including Ghanaian style doughnuts at the end of the service. A total of £673.49 was raised from the offertory of which £300 was designated as charitable donation to the spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where Baba Yara, a top international football player from Ghana, received medical care when he was involved in a car accident in 1963.

Some initial feedback from the congregation included such comments as the following:
"it was very nice to experience something different and dynamic with freedom for self-expression and praise in worship"
" I found the orchestrated dancing offertory procession very unique and joyful"
"May be an occasional organisation of such style of worship would be a good idea"

Our special thanks go to Steve Kemp for his excellent technical help and support.