ASSOCIATION OF METHODIST MEN’S FELLOWSHIPS NATIONAL SECRETARIAT ………………………………….. January, 2015 DISTRIBUTION: BRANCH FELLOWSHIPS CIRCUIT COUNCILS DIOCESAN COUNCILS NEC MEMBERS PAST NATIONAL CHAIRMEN Dear Brothers, NEWSLETTER – VOL 1, JANUARY, 2015 1.0 PREAMBLE “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).” 2.0 INTRODUCTION On this special New Year season, I bring you greetings from the National Chairman and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships. It is our fervent hope that year 2015 brings good tidings to all men. 3.0 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) The current membership of the National Executive Committee is as follows: 3.1 NATIONAL OFFICERS • Bro. Hayford Asare-Bekoe - National Chairman • Bro. George Omane - Immediate Past National Chairman • Bro. George Opare-Baidu - National Vice Chairman • Bro. Edward Kwame Ofori - National Secretary • Bro. Charles Mensah-Onumah - National Treasurer • Bro. Ebenezer K. Anowih - National Public Relations Officer • Bro. George Tweneboah-Kodua - National Assistant Secretary • Bro. Poku-Karikari Mensah - National Assistant Treasurer • Bro. Agyenim Boaten Agyei - National Assistant Public Rels. Officer • Very Rev. John Quayson - National Chaplain 3.2 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (DIOCESAN CHAIRMEN) • Cape Coast - Bro. Daniel Kwaku Arhin • Accra - Bro. Bennett Quist-Awumee • Kumasi - Bro. Edward Nketia Asante • Sekondi - Bro. Abraham A. Aikins • Winneba - Bro. Godfred Essuman • Koforidua - Bro. Kwabena Boakye Antwi • Sunyani - Bro. John Attah Ameyaw • Tarkwa - Bro. Dr. V.B. Arthur • Northern Ghana - Bro Johnson Yaw Blay • Akim Oda - Bro. Samuel Amparbin • Effiduase - Bro. George Padmore Mensah • Obuasi - Bro. Evang. Gabriel Nyamekye-Odum • Tema - Bro. Charles Darko • Wenchi - BroCharles Obeng Yeboah • Somanya - Bro. R. A. Duodu • Sefwi Bekwai - Bro. Benjamin Gyamfi • North America Mission- Bro. Daniel Acheampong Duah Your prayer support and maximum cooperation are required to enable the National Executive Committee (NEC) successfully steer the affairs of the Association. 4.0 8TH NON-CONFERENCE SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING(SGM 2015) The 2015 Special General Meeting is scheduled for Wenchi Senior High School from April 10-12, 2015. Delegates to attend the SGM include the following; • Diocesan Secretaries (16) • Diocesan Treasurers (16) • Circuit Chairmen in the Diocese (199) • NEC Members (including Diocesan Chairmen (26)) • Past National Chairmen (6) Each delegate would be expected to pay a fee of GH₵100 to cover accommodation, meals and brochure. The draft programme covering the 2015 Special General Meeting (SGM) is attached for guidance. All Circuits should have by now submitted their Annual reports to the Dioceses for them to compile and forward them to the National Secretariat. NOTE:The 2014 Annual Diocesan Reports should be submitted to the National Secretariat latest by30th January 2015. The SGM Brochure would then be compiled and made available for printing by 15th February 2015. You are all required to comply with the dates indicated without fail. All Diocesan Accounts must be audited and submitted in addition to the Annual Reports. However, if the accounts have not been audited by the end of January 2015, the Annual Report MUST be submitted to the National Secretariat. In this circumstance, we shall only allow up to the 10th of February, 2014for the Audit report to be finalized and submitted to the National Secretariat. 5.0 COMPILATION OF DIOCESAN REPORTS FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY DOSSIER. Diocesan Chairmen are reminded of the Diocesan history / Reports they are required to compile and submit for the publication of the 30thAnniversary dossier. The history of the Diocesan Men’s Fellowship should be well updated including dates of the inauguration of Branches, Circuits and Dioceses. Diocesan Reports are to be finalized for submission by 31st January 2015. 6.0 STRATEGIC PLANNING (2010-2015) The teams composed to project ideas on the nine thematic areas would be required to submit their reports for consideration by the next NEC meeting in February 2015. Diocesan Chairmen are also expected to present a report on their achievements and weaknesses on the nine(9) thematic areas for consideration by the next NEC meeting. The various reports received would be carefully studied and reviewed by a technical committee (to be composed) for the re-launch of the new strategic plan (2016-2021). 7.0 DRAFT RULES AND REGULATIONS There are a number of conventions and practices which are not captured in the Association Bye-laws. These have been carefully compiled into rules and regulations for incorporation into the Fellowship’s bye-laws in future.Kumasi Diocese has submitted their comments on the draft rules and regulations. The remaining Dioceses are expected to study the document and submit their comments as soon as possible. 8.0 FELLOWSHIP’S PARAPHERNALIA The Fellowship’s paraphernalia should only be ordered through the National Treasurer: These include cloth, badges, t-shirts, neck ties, etc. The dress code of the Fellowship shall remain as follows: • Formal Occasions (e.g. Opening of Connexional, Diocesan, Circuit and Special General Meetings:National, Diocesan, Circuit or Branch Officers shall be in Blue-Black Lounge suit and other members shall be in Blue-Black Lounge suit or political suit (with black shoe and blue black socks),or Safari over Blue-Black trousers (with Black shoe and blue black socks). • Thanksgiving Services of Conferences and Special General Meetings, Inauguration of Branches & Circuits; Opening of Connexional, Diocesan programmes (e.g. Synods and Inductions etc.): BLUE- BLACK LOUNGE SUITOR POLITICAL SUIT • Funerals: BLUE- BLACK LOUNGE SUIT OR POLITICAL SUIT • Communion services: EITHER BLUE-BLACK LOUNGE SUIT OR POLITICAL SUIT OR FELLOWSHIP’S CLOTH WITH JUMPER/ NATIVE SANDALS.Note: In situations where the Blue- Black/Political Suit has been used for funeral on the day before the Communion Sunday, the Fellowship’s Cloth should be used. • Covenant Service/Easter Sunday: FELLOWSHIP’S CLOTH WITH WHITE JUMPER AND NATIVE SANDALS. • Diocesan, Circuit or Branch Meetings: FELLOWSHIP’S WHITE POLO SHIRT • Revival, Retreats, Rallies (at all levels): FELLOWSHIP’S T-SHIRT OR SAFARI ON BLUE-BLACK TROUSER. • In situations where the Fellowship’s cloth is worn, NEC members shall wear their pendants. Until further notice, no other unapproved uniform(s) shall be tolerated by the National Executive Committee. 9.0USE OF SASHES / PENDANTS The use of sashes/ pendants has been streamlined to promote the business of the Association. During Inaugurations and Inductions, sashes should be worn by officiating officers/representatives. The officers to be inducted should also be sashed after their induction. • Formal Programmes (Anniversaries of the Branch Fellowship and other Branch organizations, Harvests,etc.) at the Branch level- sashes should be worn by the Branch executives only. Visiting executives from the Circuits/Diocese/NEC should also wear their sashes. • Formal Programmes (Anniversaries of Circuit Councils and other Circuit Organizations, Lay Movement Sundays, etc.) at the Circuit level- Sashes should be worn by the Circuit executives only. Visiting executives from the Diocese/NEC should also wear their sashes. • Formal Programmes (AGM Sundays, Synod Sundays, Lay Movement Sundays, Induction of Bishops/ Lay Chairmen etc.) at the Diocesan level – Sashes should be worn by the Diocesan Executives only. Visiting NEC members should also wear their sashes. 10.0 HANDING OVER NOTES Handing over notes shall be prepared by the out-going officers and signed by both out-going and in-coming officers at the National, Diocesan, Circuit and Branch Levels. Copies of the Diocesan Chairmen’s Handing-Over-Notes shall be forwarded to the National Secretariat whiles copies of the Circuit Chairmen’s Handing-Over Notes shall be sent to the Diocesan Chairmen for study and filing. Copies of the Branch Chairmen’s Handing-Over Notes shall be sent to the Circuit Chairmen. 11.0 NATIONAL OFFICERS AND PAST NATIONAL CHAIRMENRESPONSIBILITIES TheNational Officers and Past National Chairmen have been assigned responsibilities over the 16 Dioceses as follows: DIOCESE Past National Chairmen (Grandpas) assigned National Officersassigned CAPE COAST Bro. J. A. Abadoo-Brew Bro. Charles Mensah-Onumah KUMASI Bro. Evang. Charles Mensah Bros. Poku-Karikari/H.Asare-Bekoe ACCRA Bro. I N Kwofie Bro. George Opare-Baidu SEKONDI Bro. J. A. Abadoo-Brew Bro. George Tweneboah-Kodua SUNYANI Bro. Evang. Charles Mensah Agyenim Boaten Agyei KOFORIDUA Bro. Major Dan Ablor- Quarcoo Bro. E. K. Ofori TARKWA Bro. J. A. Abadoo-Brew Bro. George Tweneboah- Kodua TEMA Bro. Major Dan Ablor- Quarcoo Bro. Charles Mensah-Onumah WINNEBA Bro. T. E. Osam Duodu Bro. Ebenezer K. Anowih WENCHI Bro. Evag.Charles Mensah Bro. George Omane AKIM ODA Bro. T. E. Osam Duodu Bro. Ebenezer K. Anowih N. GHANA Bro.I N Kwofie Bro. Hayford Asare-Bekoe EFFIDUASI Bro.I N Kwofie Bro. Agyenim Boaten Agyei OBUASI Bro. J. A. Abadoo-Brew Bro. George Opare-Baidu SOMANYA Bro. Major Dan Ablor-. Quarcoo Bro. E. K. Ofori SEFWI BEKWAI Bro. Charles Mensah Bro. George Omane 12.0 2015 HANDBOOK The 2015 Handbooks had been printed for distribution. The National Executive Committee is grateful to the National Chaplain, Very Rev. John Quayson for the wonderful editorial work and publication. The 2015 Handbook has introduced a new Chapter in the Handbook: -7days Fasting and Prayer by all members of the Fellowship (scheduled for the second week in January, 2014). Diocesan/Circuit/Branch Chairmen should ensure full participation by all members in their respective areas. Diocesan Chairmen would be required to give a full report on the week-long programme to NEC. 13.0 LAY MOVEMENT QUIZ The Lay Movement Quiz for 2015 is scheduled for June, 2015.Each Circuit and Diocese would be required to organize a quiz to select their representatives. Diocesan representatives would have their Quiz before the final selection would be made to represent the Association at the Lay Movement Quiz in June 2015. The study documents include the following: • The Book of Nehemiah • The Constitution/Standing Orders of the Methodist Church – SO 10-15, 286 &520 • Lay Movement at 60: Chapters 1 & 2 14.0 CALENDAR OF MEETINGS -2015 No. DATE ACTIVITY VENUE 1 JANUARY 23, 2015 OFFICERS MEETING ACCRA 2. FEBRUARY 13 , 2015 NEC MEETING KUMASI 3. APRIL 10-11/12, 2015 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING WENCHI 3. MAY 11-15, 2015 MEN’S WEEK ALL DIOCESES 4. MAY 17, 2015 MEN’S SUNDAY ALL DIOCESES 5 JUNE 12, 2015 OFFICERS MEETING KUMASI 6. JULY 10, 2015 NEC MEETING ACCRA 7. SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 OFFICERS / NEC MEETINGS KUMASI 8. DECEMBER 11, 2015 OFFICERS / NEC MEETINGS ACCRA 15.0 UPDATE ON THE METHODIST RETREAT CENTER PROJECT ETC. The three (3) Chalets and the multi-purpose Auditorium are still being managed to generate income for the Association. The Restaurant Project is almost complete with the kitchen works progressing steadily. The two projects are all scheduled for commissioning by the end of June, 2015. The Inter-Organizational Consultative Committee (IOCC) established by the leadership of the Church to pool all organizational resources together for the project to be completed on time is not functioning as expected. As of now, it is only the Women’s Fellowship that has paid part of their assessment (in the sum of GH₵ 500.00). A report would be made on this for a decision to be taken. However, the Association is using its own resources to continue the project in phases. The National Chairman, National Vice-Chairman and some Tema Executives inspected the Dawhenya land during the last quarter in 2014. The Tema executives have being requested to facilitate the early execution of the title deeds. 16.0 DONATION TO RAFIKI SATELITE VILLAGE The National Chairman, National PRO, Winneba Diocesan Chairman and some members of the Winneba Diocese represented the Association to present a cheque donation of GHC5, 000.00 and some Christmas gifts worth Seven Hundred Ghana Cedis to the Management of Methodist Rafiki Satellite Village at Jihaadze, Winneba on Monday 22nd December 2014. The Director of the Village, Very Rev. Ekow Sey received the cheque on behalf of the management of the Village. He thanked the Fellowship for the gesture and recounted the numerous donations/support received from the Association over the years. He concluded that like Oliver Twist, he would expect more from the Fellowship as fathers of the Church. On this occasion, we extend our sincere appreciation to all the Dioceses for making this presentation a reality. 17.0 FINANCES • 2015 DUES Dues for the year 2015 remain GHC5.00 per member per year to the Connexion. All Branches are to pay these monies through their Circuits to Diocese for onward transmission to the Connexion latest by the end of the first quarter. March 2015 • ARREARS Dioceses are being reminded to settle their outstanding obligations before the NEC meeting onFebruary 13, 2015. These include arrears on 2014 Conference Delegate fees, Men’s Day Proceeds, 2014 dues (GH₵5.00 per member), 2014 handbooks, and IOCC assessment to Dioceses,Project Levy, among others. All monies collected are to be paid into the Fellowship’s Account as follows: ACCOUNT NAME: ASSOCIATION OF METHODIST MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BANK: BARCLAYS BANK BRANCH: HIGH STREET, ACCRA ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0481797764 18.0 BEREAVEMENT One of the illustrious sons of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships and the Methodist Church Ghana, Bro. Samuel K. Antwi was called to higher service on November 28, 2014. The late Bro. Samuel K. Antwi was a Past National Chairman of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships from 1996 to 1999. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Saturday 24th January 2015 - Pre-burial and Burial Service at Trinity Theological Seminary Chapel, Legon Accra at 7.30 a.m. and thence to Gethsemane Cemetery, Shiashie, Accra for interment. Funeral Rites will follow at Lizzie Complex, East Legon, Accra after burial. Sunday 25th January 2015 - Thanksgiving Service at Good Shepherd Methodist Church, Bubuashie Accra. Final Funeral Rites and Reception follow at his residence, East Legon, Accra. All are cordially invited to attend the burial service on Saturday in full to give our final respect to our Grand pa. The dress code is our Blue Black Lounge suit or Political suit Diocesan Chairmen are enjoined to attend this all important ceremony with their donations. Accra and Tema Dioceses are kindly requested to mobilize their members from all the Branches to attend the funeral ceremony without fail. NEC members would therefore be in full attendance. All members are required to be seated at the Trinity Theological Seminary by 7.00 a.m. to avoid any inconvenience. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE 19.0CONCLUSION Diocesan Chairmen are kindly requested to print or email copies of the NEWSLETTER to Branches and Circuit, and all Diocesan Executives. On behalf of the National Executive Committee, I wish all members and our most revered Past National Chairmen a belated Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year. May the Almighty God continue to bless and protect us all in 2015 and the years ahead. AFENHYIAPA OOO!!! NATIONAL SECRETARY (Bro. Edward Kwame Ofori) FOR CHRIST,WE LIVE.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 03:54:54 +0000
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