GHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ghana United Methodist Women’s Fellowship (GUMCWF), Bronx, was established in 1991 with approximately six members. The Fellowship was founded through the vision and dedication of Sister Grace Oteng-Sarkodie, Sister Charity Dede Campbell, Asafo Maame Elizabeth Sarfo, Mrs. Sakyi Armah and the late Sister Evelyn Parker. These women initially participated in United Methodist Women programs and recognized the need to establish a Women’s Fellowship specifically tailored to the needs of the Ghana United Methodist Church congregation.

The Fellowship's early meetings were held at Broadway Temple before or after Sunday worship services. Due to limited availability of meeting space, Sister Charity Dede Campbell generously opened her apartment for Fellowship meetings, which were held on the first and last Tuesdays of each month. Sister Perpetual Coffie served as the first Secretary of the Fellowship.

Over the years, the Fellowship has experienced remarkable growth and continues to be a vital ministry within Ghana United Methodist Church.

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Name of Presidents and Years of Service

Sis. Grace Oteng-Sarkodie    1991 – 1994

Sis. Elizabeth Sarfo      1994 – 1996

Sis. Charity Dede Campbell   1996 – 2000

Sis. Joyce Donkor   2000 – 2003

Sis. Rebecca Adjei-Ofori   2004 – 2010

Sis. Esther Abu Carr-Okrah   2010 – 2016

Sis. Jocelyn Adusei Banahene   2016 – 2021

Sis. Victoria Kusi   2021 – Present

 

Mission: 

To empower women to grow spiritually, serve faithfully, and build a Christ-centered community through Faith, Hope, and Love in Action; supporting one another while reaching out to the needy in Ghana and within our local communities.

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Vision: 

To nurture spiritually strong women who faithfully serve God, strengthen families, support the church, and positively impact society through Christian fellowship and service.

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Aim (Botae): 

The aim of the Women’s Fellowship is to unite Christian women of the Connection in fellowship with one another and with Jesus Christ, so that the spiritual life of each member may be enriched and that, working together, all members will joyfully give their fullest support to the Church of Christ.

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Promises (Anohoba): 

As members of the Women’s Fellowship, we pledge the following:

I promise to obey Jesus Christ.

I promise to make my home a Christian home.

I promise to be loyal to the Women’s Fellowship.

I promise to take part in some definite Christian service.

 

Motto: 

The Fellowship's motto is derived from the final two lines of Methodist Hymn Book 427, based on Psalm 37:4: - "Make you His service your delight, and He'll make your wants His care."

Akan Translation: "Nyame N’edwuma Na Hwɛ, Na Wodze Akɔ Do."

 

Membership

Membership is open to all women of Ghana United Methodist Church who desire Christian fellowship, spiritual growth, and service to God and humanity.

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Emblem (Symbol of Our Cloth)

The official emblem of the Women’s Fellowship is The Tree of Life, the symbol of the World Federation of Methodist Women, which originated in China. The Tree of Life is an evergreen tree symbolizing continuous life, vitality, and growth. Its branches extend both upward and downward, representing our relationship with God and our responsibility toward our neighbors.

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The tree bears twelve fruits, representing:

• Evangelism

• Medical Work

• Education

• Literature

• Children

• Youth

• Home

• Rural Development

• Economic Development

• International Friendship

• Temperance

• World Peace

 

Uniform (Twum): The Fellowship's uniform carries significant spiritual symbolism:

White Attire symbolizes purity.

Blue Headgear represents the love and glory of God.

Black Footwear symbolizes our commitment to stamping out sin in an evil world.

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Major Accomplishments

One of the Fellowship's most significant achievements occurred in 2016, when members identified the church's transportation needs and successfully purchased the church's first van. The Women’s Fellowship has also remained actively involved in charitable works, providing support to the needy in Ghana and within the local community through donations, outreach programs, and mission projects. Today, the Fellowship continues to play a vital role in supporting the ministries and growth of Ghana United Methodist Church.

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Current Executive Officers

President: Opanin Victoria Okyere Manu

Vice President: Asafo Maame Joyce Mensah Kotei

Secretary: Sis. Linda Arhin

Assistant Secretary: Sis. Beatrice Nkestia

Treasurer: Sis. Elizabeth Otibo

Financial Secretary: Sis. Lesley Asaase Keteni

Spiritual Growth Coordinator: Sis. Dorcas Bedford

Social Action Coordinator: Sis. Martha Mensah

Porter: Sis. Margaret Serwaah Manu

Nominations Committee Chair: Sis. Sarah Aboagyewaa

 

Group Leaders

Sis. Frances Green Group

Sis. Gladys Frimpong

Sis. Mya Agyemang

Sis. Kathleen White Group

Sis. Afia Dankwaa Agyapong

Sis. Queenster Sarpong

Sis. Jane Noom Group

Sis. Gladys Donkor

Sis. Monica Boakye Asirifi

Sis. Rose Little Group

Sis. Catharine Darkwa

Sis. Akosua Kyeremaa

 

Current Membership

The Fellowship currently has a membership of approximately 140 women and continues to encourage the participation of all women in the church, especially young women, to ensure the continued growth and vitality of the organization.

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Long-Term and Short-Term Programs

• The Women’s Fellowship celebrates Biennial Anniversaries to raise funds for missions and support various church projects. The Fellowship also remains committed to:

• Supporting church development projects

• Assisting the needy in Ghana and the local community

• Promoting spiritual growth among members

• Encouraging evangelism and Christian service

• Participating actively in District, Conference, and National Methodist Women’s Fellowship programs

• Mentoring and nurturing younger women within the church

 

Looking Ahead

As Ghana United Methodist Women’s Fellowship continues its journey of faith and service, members remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ, the church, and the community. Guided by faith, united in fellowship, and strengthened by God's grace, the Fellowship looks forward to many more years of fruitful ministry and service.

“Make you His service your delight, and He'll make your wants His care.”  Methodist Hymn Book 427 vs. 6