Excitement, Dancing, Euphoria and plain Happy Enthusiasm of the
Ecclesiastical dimension are what characterized the Annual Harvest of the
Ghana United Methodist Church of the Bronx, New York on October 28 th,
2007. This Sunday was different from all the other Sundays when the
congregation usually worships. The harvest was a celebration to give thanks
to God and an occasion for a major fundraising event for the church.
It was the end of the year, and everybody was blessed to be alive and to
celebrate the Annual Harvest with other members of the congregation. More
importantly, it was special because church members are undertaking a massive
renovation project of the church building purchased for about $800,000 some
two years ago. The estimated cost of the renovation, including the
furniture and equipment is $2,500,000. That is why this year's harvest was
so special and dear to the hearts of all the church members. With the
cooperation and support of enthusiastic church members, the Annual Harvest
was able to raise over $100,000 towards the renovation project. Hitherto,
members have made, and continue to make contributions of $500 each to create
a building fund.
The Harvest Committee under the chairmanship of Bro. Sampson Adjei mobilized
all resources, both human and material, to raise the heartbeat of the
harvest to new heights. The decoration of the otherwise drab Lee Hall was
magnificent, and put the whole occasion in a festive mood. The chairperson
of the occasion was George Kuntu Blankson, Esq. who was ably supported by
Dr. Yao Kaledzi, and Nana Amponsah, the Asantefuohene of New York. Some
prominent church members did not allow themselves to be outdone, and threw
their full support behind the invited guests. Special mention should be
made of Mr. Eddie Somuah of Prestige Tour and Travel Promotion, Inc. who in
addition to a generous donation, was very instrumental in securing two
business class roundtrip tickets to Ghana from Delta Airlines to be raffled
to raise more funds for the renovation project. Tickets for the raffle are
on sale now, and the drawing will be on Sunday, February 24, 2008.
It was difficult for church members to embrace the building/harvest levy of
$200 that was imposed this year. However, the import and the efficacy of
the project, and the dedication of the members prevailed, and in spite of
the 100% increase in the levy from last year's levy, most members have paid
and many are continuing to pay. It is anticipated that if and when all
members pay their levies, proceeds from the harvest will reach $150,000.
The Church Administrative Council wishes to thank all church members who
have paid, and appeal to those who have not to endeavor to pay.
As we rejoice and celebrate the success of the Annual Harvest, we want to
appeal to all Ghanaians and friends of Ghanaians, especially those of the
Methodist dispensation, to make generous donations for the completion of the
renovation project. The three-storey magnificent edifice is situated at
Reiss Place in the Bronx. The renovation will raise the capacity of the
sanctuary to 750 congregants, and have additional space for a Social Hall as
well as meeting rooms and extra space for community cultural and educational
programs when completed.
With the support of the Bishop of the United Methodist Church of the New
York Metropolitan Annual Conference, we hope to complete renovation works in
2008. Donations/Checks should be made to the Ghana United Methodist Church,
and mailed to The Pastor, Ghana United Methodist Church, 1951 Washington
Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10457.
For further information, you may call the Pastor Rev. Dr. Victor
Acquaah-Harrison (347-657-1535 or 646-401-9970); or Mr. Sampson Adjei
(646-427-5655); Harvest Committee Chairperson) or Dr. Samuel K. Amoako
(718-824-1562 or 347-513-0295) (Administrative Council Chairperson) or Mr.
Samuel Addo (Lay Leader) 718-684-6418 or 917-443-6956.
Once again, the Pastor, the Administrative Council and the entire
memberships of the church wish to thank all those who made this year's
harvest such a magnificent success. May the Lord be with you all and bless
you in all your endeavors. A M E N !
