By Geneba BM Koroma, Roving Reporter
On Sunday July 30th., 2023, the women of the Mount Zion United African Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held their annual Women’s Thanksgiving service, under the Senior Leadership of Reverend Joseph C. Abu.
The women of God sang joyfully into the House of the Lord, clad in blue and white regalia, the colors for this year’s celebration.
This was no ordinary service; it showed an increased sense of purpose and fulfillment not only with church members, but with families and friends in the community that attended the service.
Mt Zion children were not left behind in this glorious celebration. They joined in with “Praise Dance”, dancing gracefully for the Lord. The theme song was sang by Mt. Zion women and Mt Zion Praise and worship team. Sister churches also contributed to this unique celebration by special contribution.
The theme for the Thanksgiving service was “Deeply rooted and rounded in love and unity" Ephesians 3:17-19 , preached by Minister Michael K. Gbenga, introduced by Sis Edna. Minister Gbenga identified the unity among the women, but admonished them to continue to serve in love for one another, as they have shown. He applauded them for that. He also added that the wind will come, but if they are anchored in the Lord, it will not divide them and should be able to forbear one another in love and unity. Minister Gbenga ended his sermon by praying for the women.
The climax of the occasion was the “Woman of the Year” fundraising competition between Mama Kadijah London, former Women’s Leader Sis Adella Sangarie and outgoing Women’s Leader, Sister Josephine Kargbo. Sister Josephine Kargbo ) the winner was announced by Reverend Kabangai followed by the other competitors. This was a healthy competition to raise funds for the church and the work of the Lord. Min. Ernestine Mustapha thanked all the competitors by giving them gifts as tokens of appreciation from the women as they have contributed to the financial strength of the church. Mama Marjorie, Mama Lavalie, Mama Delores, Sis Matta, Mama Kpanga, Mama Shaw and Mama Denis were also recognized and appreciated.
Earlier, Sis Loveness Conteh called to Worship and Invocation, Pastoral Prayer offered by Sis Victoria Kabba, Scripture reading “Ephesians 3 14-19, by Sis Marian Vincent,, Sis Harriet Clay, worship through giving. Later announcements were made by Sis Aminata Kargbo, and welcoming of visitors by Sis Abie Aruna.
At the end, the blessing and benediction were given by Senior Pastor, Reverend Joseph Abu. In his closing remarks, he reminded the church about the trip to the Holy Land, March 2024. He anointed all in the congregation and proclaimed prosperity in their lives as they go home that day.
The Thanksgiving service would not have been successful without the extensive work by the current executive members listed below:
1. Betty Gbenga- President
2. Abie Aruna - VP
3. Rose K. Stevens-Sec. Gen.
4. Fatmata Sandy- Asst. Sec. Gen.
5. Edna Lavalie- Treasurer
6. Patricia Abu
7. Alice Koddah- Sillah ( Social Sec)
8. Ramatu Kanu- Asst. Social Sec
9. Victoria Kabbah- Chaplain
10. Sia Murray- Asst. Chaplain
11. Whips: Salloh Swarray and Hellen Komba
The outgoing Executive members who were honorably mentioned for their services were:
1. Josephine Kargbo - President
2. Tutu Sonii- VP
3. Betty Gbenga- Sec. Gen
4. Patricia Abu- Asst. Sec. Gen
5. Abie Aruna- Treasurer
6. Salloh Swarray- Social Sec
7. Victoria Conteh- Asst. Social Sec
8. Sia Murray- Chaplain
9. Victoria Kabbah- Asst. Chaplain.
The Mt Zion United African Church is also asking everyone to join them on Men’s Day, August 27th, Mt. Zion 31st Anniversary September 17th, first adult Prom night August 25th.
The women of Mt Zion United African Church have contributed to the church in immense and diverse ways, invigorated by the leadership of the church. This invigoration allows women to act in significant roles in the church, equips them, which was shown in the manner the service was conducted.
Current executive members
Outgoing executived members
Comments