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20 ANNIVERSARY / YOUTH WEEK CELEBRATION REPORT PRESENTED TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (P.C.C) ST. STEPHEN ANGLICAN CHURCH, TEMA
TH
AUGUST, 2012
Content
Introduction
Page
Report on activities
20
Acknowledgements
21
Financial Statement
22
Appendices
25
About A.Y.P.A
27
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INTRODUCTION This document presents a report to the Parochial Church Council of St. Stephen Anglican church on the year 2012 youth week/20th Anniversary celebrations of the Anglican Young Peoples Association (A.Y.P.A).
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The question of how to attract and keep our young people close to the Church is one of major concern in our troubled age. To remain indifferent to this problem can only be regarded as a grave sin and is an indication of soul-destroying self-love. Every year special programmes are organized with focus on; Promoting Christian fellowship and unity amongst the Youth. Providing and offering effective leadership to the Youth of the Church. Fulfilling the tenets of the Great Commission through Evangelism. Building and enhancing the capacities of the Youth through its programmes
The year 2012 took a different mix. Apart from the annual youth week celebrations, the year also marked the 20th anniversary of the formation of A.Y.P.A in the St. Stephen Anglican Church Tema. We believe that two decades in the life of the youth and the association is no mean a small achievement. This calls for celebrations. Activities were held to commemorate this milestone. The 20th anniversary / Youth week was held on the theme Ebenezer; Thus how far the Lord has brought us in his vineyard, two decades and beyond
ACTIVITIES Events for the 20th Anniversary/Youth week included: health walk, revival, family summit, performing arts, study tour and youth church service. Various resource persons spoke on various topics and addressed many issues. They urged participants to be committed to the work of God and serve the church in their fullest capacity. Topics discussed were: experiencing the miracle of God, how to access the Glory of God, the oil of joy/gladness, etc. The youth were praised by all and sundry for their dedicated service and commitment to the church over the years. The 20th Anniversary/youth week brought together other parishioners within the Tema Metropolis. They included; St. Albans Anglican Church, Holy Gabriel Anglican Church, Christ the King Anglican Church, St. Mary Anglican Church, Presbyterian Churches in Tema, Bethel Methodist, Central Assemblies of God, Pentecost, First Baptist, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Christ Embassy, Tema Joint Church etc. We are very grateful for their presence.
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The 20th anniversary/youth week was officially launched on 1st July 2012 at the first and second mass respectively. Programmes outlined for the celebrations were made known to the congregation. The theme for the celebration was Ebenezer; Thus how far the Lord has brought us in his vineyard, two decades and beyond. The official logo for the 20th anniversary was unveiled.
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HEALTH WALK Good health and physical fitness is needed to go through any activity. As a result, a health walk was organised on the 21st of July 2012 to put them in good shape and fit to go through the 20th anniversary/youth week. Participants walked through the principal streets of Tema with a brass band possession and police escort. There was an ambulance from Port Clinic to provide medical assistance for any unforeseen contingency. The walk was used as a platform to publicize the programmes for the anniversary. Flyers and handbills were shared to the public.
After the walk, participants were taken through aerobics at the forecourt of the church with Mr. Blankson and John Essien as instructors.
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REVIVAL
A three-day powerful revival dubbed Spiritual
Empowerment was organised for the church. It was also used as a plat form to thank God for how far He has brought us. The preacher for the revival was Prophet Joseph Adongo. The revival attracted people from various churches within the Tema Metropolis. Prophet Joseph Adongos message was on three main areas; your miracle is at the door, seeing the Glory of the Lord and The oil of joy. He said every great door has enemies (1st Cor 16:9), and in other to overcome our enemies, we should pray and be empowered spiritually. In other to access Gods glory, he said we should have faith, speak it out for our words are seeds, act our faith out, give willingly and live a good life.
He said there are issues that provide miracles and one of them is joy or gladness. Anytime you become joyful you become Godful. When you are joyful, life gets better but if you are depressed life gets bitter. Those who celebrate problems do not get out of it (Deut. 28:47-48). In other to secure the joy or gladness of God Prophet Page 5
Adongo gave seven steps to take. These are; singing and praising God, Being content with what you have, being appreciative, getting rid of negative feelings and thoughts, refusing to dwell on the past, forgiving each other, and enjoying life.
Special prayers were said for the nation, the Anglican Communion and the church. Healing and Anointing service was held on the third day. Prayers were also said for the youth who volunteered to paint the Tema General Hospital. The Parish priests and the congregation prayed for Gods blessings on Prophet Joseph Adongo.
Participants described the revival as relevant and successful because of the total transformation they experienced in their lives and how it brought together various church congregations under one roof.
The room was filled with Gods Glory and the presence of the Holy Ghost was felt
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Before
After
Before
After
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Before
After We are very proud to say that, the Female Medical Ward, which we renovated, was adjudged the best ward in the Hospital and the Hospital came first in the Peer review an assessment of all government hospitals in the greater Accra region by the Ghana Health Service.
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The donation and clean up exercise was broadcasted on the evening news of TV3 (12th August 2012) and published in the Daily Graphic and the Diocesan Voice. We are very grateful to everyone who made this happen.
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Francis Kofi Somuah interacts with the media (TV3 and Daily graphic)
A group picture of the priest, patron, youth and hospital officials after the donation
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YOUTH SERVICE
In the twenty-year history of the Anglican Young Peoples Association of the church, no youth from the association has been allowed to preach during church service. We felt very elated when the parish priests gave us the nod to give the sermon during the Youth service. We could not wait but seize the opportunity to adequately prepare and deliver the sermon. The preacher for the day was John Essien. His sermon was on the topic Celebrating the Goodness of the Lord. Sermon for the day was taken from 1st Samuel 7:12, which talks about how Samuel together with the Israelites acknowledged how far the Lord has brought them. The Israelites had great difficulty with the Philistines, but God rescued them. In response, the people set up a large stone as a memorial for Gods great help and deliverance. He said during tough times, we may need to remember the crucial turning points in our past to help us through the present; as memorials can help us remember Gods past victories and gain confidence and strength for the present. Therefore as youth of the church the memorials we leave to mark our 20th anniversary are the renovation at Tema General Hospital and the refurbishment of the Churchs Youth hall. The youth was charged to be more involved in Gods work as it will bring blessings and grace upon their lives. The day was used to congratulate all past presidents and executives who had held the mantle over the past two decades. We constantly appreciate their efforts in building a strong foundation for the youth upon which we stand today. The first President of the A.Y.P.A, Mr. De-cardi Nelson who is in his old age was there to grace the occasion. We thank him very much for His presence and offering himself to lead the association during its genesis. The youth virtually took over all the roles of the church. Officiant for the day was Bro. Andrew Nii Attram.
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We are very grateful to the parish priests of the church for permitting us to exhibit our God given talent by sharing the word of God to the congregation. We ask for Gods blessings upon the lives of our patrons, all past Presidents (Mr. De-Cardi Nelson, Mrs. Lydia Wilson, Mrs. Grace Akwa, Bro. Robert Larbi-Mensah, Bro. Edward Ofori Adjei, and Bro. Kofi Anderson) and executives for holding the mantle until this day and we commit all present and future executives into Gods vineyard. The day coincided with a fraternal visit of the National Executives of the National Union of Anglican Students (N.U.A.S) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, who had come to raise funds for the evangelistic ministry. We ask for Gods blessings upon and may He strengthen them to win more souls to Christ for the growth of the church. PERFORMING ARTS In line with the new youth policy of the Anglican diocese of Accra, a day was set aside for the children to stage a performance to mark the youth week/20th anniversary. The new youth policy seeks to bring the following youth associations [Anglican Young People Association (A.Y.P.A), Anglican Sunday Schools Association
(A.S.S.A) and National Union of Anglican Students (N.U.A.S)] together each time any of the mentioned associations organises a programme. In recent years, there have not been enough collaboration in programmes and activities amongst these associations. The new youth policy seeks to correct this. To achieve this objective of the policy, the children service was offered a slot on our program to perform and be fully part of our youth week celebrations. The children came in their numbers. Other parishes including the children service of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church attended.
Choreography
Drama
Traditional Dance
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Performances for the evening included drama, choreography, poetry recitals and singing. We appreciate the children service for honouring our invitation and thank all participants. Participants were refreshed after the programme.
Poetry recitals
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FAMILY SUMMIT
The resource person for the evening was Mrs. Barbara Asempa social worker and parishioner at Ascension Presbyterian Church, Community 9, Tema. She touched on the misunderstandings between the youth and parents or guardians. Participants asked several questions and they were duly answered.
A section of participants
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STUDY TOUR
In our effort to encourage the youth to learn more about their natural environment, we embarked on a study tour to the Aka and Boti waterfalls located in the Akuapem and Yilo Krobo Districts of the Eastern region respectively. Tour guides were at hand to take us through the rich history of these areas and observe other fascinating features around.
Aside the waterfalls located at these areas, there are umbrella rocks, magnificent rock formations and features, various trees and caves.
Strange tree
obour asabea
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well-structured rocks
After hiking through the forest and rocks, we converged to make merry, network and share ideas.
Cutting of cake
Popping of champagne
Brief History of Boti waterfall Boti falls is a 30m high waterfall in the Boti Forest Reserve about thirty minute east of Koforidua. A small hike down stone steps takes you to the waterfall with a pool at the base, which is safe for swimming. Boti falls is actually made up of two waterfalls. According to the local people, the big one is the male and the smaller one a female. When the two merge, it is said that they are mating. The waterfall was discovered by a white Roman Catholic Father, who was very instrumental in the construction of the Roman Catholic school in the Boti area.
The popularity of the Boti falls began in the early 1960s when Ghanas first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah visited the falls, and upon realising the potential and beauty the falls, he requested that a two room guesthouse be built to accommodate visitors.
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Traditional beliefs and practices have it that, the following are prohibited in the Boti falls. Women in their menstrual cycle Golden ornaments should not be worn to the falls side No soap bath should be done at the waterfall side Goats are not be slaughtered at the waterfall side
Brief History of Aka waterfall Little is known of the Aka waterfall, as it has not gain popularity amongst many tourists. The Aka waterfall was discovered just nine years ago. Oral account has it that, the Aka fall was a chance discovery. One of the forefathers of the inhabitants got lost in the forest. Upon vigorous search for days in the forest, they found the bone remains of their forefather locked in the rocks of the waterfall. They realised that, their ancestor fell into the river, which is the source of the Aka fall. That is how they discovered the Aka waterfall. The name Aka which literally means stack in English came as a result of the bone remains of their ancestor getting stacked in the waterfall. They therefore named the waterfall AKA fall.
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THANKSGIVING SERVICE A thanks giving service was held on Sunday, 5th August 2012, to show
appreciation to the almighty God for our lives and good health throughout the 20th anniversary/Youth week activities. All those who in diverse ways contributed to the success of the 20th anniversary/youth week celebrations were appreciated.
His Grace Rt.Rev.Fr.Dr. Offei Akrofi Archbishop of West Africa and Bishop of Accra giving the sermon at the thanks giving service
The day coincided with the send-off ceremony for the Archbishop of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra as He retires from office. He gave the sermon for the day and prayed for the nation, the church and the youth. Assorted items were presented as a form of appreciation to God on the alter at a great entrance.
Parishioners who had contributed significantly to the church, the Tema Archdeaconry and the Accra Diocese were honoured with the Bishop medal the highest award of the Bishop. The Bishop and church thanked them for their several years of dedicated service and selfless sacrifice. Their family members, friends and well-wishers were present to grace the occasion.
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Dr. Nii Aryeh, Director of Port Medical Center and a parishioner congratulated the youth and asked the church to give the youth the chance to perform but with control. Other parishioners who spoke encouraged the youth to keep up with the good works they are doing. The church pledged its continuous support to the youth.
(Everyone was grateful to the youth for their good works especially with the refurbishment of the youth hall.)
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His Grace Rr. Rev. Dr. Offei Akrofi Archbishop and Primate of Africa in a pose with the youth at their 20th anniversary thanksgiving service
THANK YOU
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are very much grateful to the under listed persons for their contributions in kind and cash. Parochial Church Council Parish Priests Church wardens Dr. Nii Aryeh and Port Medical Center Miss Delphina Jones Mr. Isaac Blankson Miss. Anniemarie Mensah Mrs. Felicia Aggrey Mr. Abraham Essien Abel Acquaye David Acquaye Felix Palm Fredrick Palm Isaac Atumueku Rose Blankson Miss. Aba Essien Miss Helen Lamptey Nana Poma Premaxks Communications Limited 29-29 Solutions limited Tigies Decorations Tema General Hospital TV 3 Ghana Limited Graphic Communication Group Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) - Tema Regional Office All the Guilds and Associations of the Church
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANGLICAN YOUNG PEOPLE ASSOCIATION ST STEPHEN BRANCH TEMA COMMUNITY 10 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY/YOUTH WEEK CELEBRATIONS
RECEIPTS
Total receipts
NOTES
1
GH 15,112.35
EXPENSES
Transfer of fund for refurbishment of Youth hall 2,190.50 2 1,410.00
3 4 5 6 7
12,597.60 2,514.75
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1. RECEIPTS
From church Collection from revival Collection from drama Collection from family summit Proceeds from trip Realization from the sale of T'Shirt Donation from Mr A. Essien
GH
5585.00 7011.50 100.85 85.00 1630.00 600.00 100.00
15112.35
1,410.00
TOTAL 4.TRANSPORTATION
For errands
3,678.00
For trip
Emergency for new buses Extra errands of Yutong bus To arrange bus for trip Protocol for 10 members for trip Protocol for 5 parents for trip
100.00
2,465.00
1,198.00
6. REFRESHMENT
Fruits for walk After donation at Tema General Hospital Performing arts Sobolo drink Light soup 90.00 140.00 50.00 105.00 150.00
535.00
1,121.10
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 PROGRAMMES FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY/YOUTH WEEK
Date
Programme
Resource Person
Time/Venue
Sun. Sat.
9:00am/Church Hall 6:00am/Church forecourt 6:00pm/Church Hall 6:00am Tema General Hospital
Mon. Wed.
Sun. 29th July Tue. Thu. 31st July 2nd August Performing arts Family summit
Y O U T H
Children Service Uncle Ebo White/ Mrs. Barbera Asempa AKA/BOTI Falls Youth of the Church
Sat. Sun.
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APPENDIX 2 BUDGET
Item
Break down
Unit Price GH
Amount GH 100
Health walk/fair
Fruits
30
Publicity
Posters, Banners, handbills For resource persons Hiring of two Yutong buses Clean up exercise, Children service refurbishment of female medical ward, bed sheets and pillow cases
800
Honorarium
1,100
Study tour
1,500
Refreshment
350 5,000
420
9,300
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THE GENESIS Formed in Canada in 1902, the Anglican Young Peoples Association (A.Y.P.A) was introduced to Ghana in 1951 by Rev. Fr. Haruna Nelson. The first branch was established at the Saint Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Korle Gonno where he was the parish priest. From a very humble beginning, the association grew very rapidly and by 1956, more branches had been formed. The association was organised on national level and today has presence in eight dioceses (Accra, Koforidua, Ho, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Wiawso, Sunyani and Tamale) in the country. It is present in almost all Anglican parishes throughout the country.
WHAT WE DO We focus on increasing the effectiveness of the individuals, programmes and systems that support youth development. We understand youth development principles and the need of young people. We build capacity in educational, career, relationship, peer, marriage and health counselling. We also develop capacity to handle troubled young people. The association sets out to make young people firm in faith and ready to serve our Lord and His Church. The association is centred on four principles work, edification, fellowship and worship. Our Motto is For Christ and the Church.
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