“All Methodist Societies To Hold First Service On 14th June 2020” – Presiding Bishop Of Methodist Church Ghana

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The presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul K. Boafo has directed that the societies of the methodist church Ghana hold their first services on 14th June 2020 even as the president of the republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given churches the green light to starting worshiping in their churches effective 5th June 2020 though an hourly service per at most 100 congregants.

In a release from the office of the conference of the methodist church Ghana dated June 2 2020 and signed by the Administrative Bishop of the renowned Church, Rt Rev. Michael A. Bossman, members of the church are kindly advised to follow the directives of the church for the best of all.

Following the 10th update by the president on measures to mitigate the effects of the deadly coronavirus pandemic with directives to ease the restrictions, the church sets below the directives to all societies of the church;

First Service: All Societies would hold their first service on June 14 2020

Preparation Before Opening Of Chapel: All societies shall use the week preceding sunday 14th June 2020 to prepare for; disinfecting chapels, training ushers/stewards to receive and record data and provide the necessary protocols needed for ensuring hygiene.

Multiple Services: The methodist church Ghana has advised that societies organise services on 6am, 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. It also added that the said times must be posted for congregants to register and choose when they can make it.

25% and not exceeding 100 membership: The church however advises that the sociesties comply with the directive even to the societies whose members are not up to 100 should also practice the 25% membership spelt out by the president.

Collection Of Data (Records): There is also a directive to take records of all attendants in each service. Their names, telephone numbers and residential addresses. The release also advised that where possible they should store the data on a computer.

Observing The Protocols: Societies are advised to post on the entrances that No Face Mask, No Entry and also provide veronica buckets, tissue papers, hand sanitisers, waste bins and the entrances and ensure congregants wash their hands before entering.

Service Attendance Times: Members are to be present 30 mins before time and also have 1 hour break in multiple church services.

Duration Of Service: Ministers and stewards are advised to ensure each service does not exceed one hour and attendants do not exceed the 100 congregants as directed by the president including weddings and funerals.

Offertory: Societies are advised to take offertory by placing offertory bowls at vantage points. It is however noted that bowls should nod not be passed over to others for collecting the offering.

That not alone, the church has advised that there should be no more procession, no more robing, no more children service, no more organisational meetings. However, where there are multiple meetings leaders can include family meetings where parents will cater for their children and where facilities suit, there can be timothy class.

Societies are therefore entreated to train Covid-19 task force, Medical personnel or team for the services, train people to be record keepers and also train ushers on the necessary observance of the protocols to keep the church safe.

The president of Ghana after easing the restriction appealed that the religious bodies use their first services to pray for the nation.

By: Nana Gyasi | Radio 1 | Ghana