Winneba (C/R), May 12, GNA - The 49th Synod of the Winneba Diocese of the Methodist Church opened at the Ebenezer Cathedral at Winneba on Thursday. The four-day Synod coincides with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Methodist Church in Ghana becoming autonomous. Though the Church was established in Ghana in the January 1835, it was under the British Administration until 1961 when it became autonomous with a Ghanaian becoming the head.

The Right Reverend Dr Joseph Kow Ghunney, Bishop of the Diocese, acknowledged the contribution of the sons and daughters of the diocese in getting the Church to become autonomous. He said the seed for the autonomy was conceived in the Diocese and was followed through by the majority of the people from the Diocese.

The Bishop called for team work in church activities, saying that no individual could do the work of the church alone. He urged them not to forget Jesus in their dealings because 91he is the finisher' of all good things and it is the finishing touches, which makes a building beautiful".

Madam Araba Attah Sam Lay, President of the Church in Ghana, delivering a message from the Presiding Bishop of the Church, the Very Reverend Professor Emmanuel K. Asante, called for team work. Rt Rev Prof Asante urged the synod to make a policy to reduce cost on funerals and also called for support for the Rafikki Village (Orphanage) project started by the Church at Gyahadze in the Effutu Municipality.

Mr Emmanuel Yaw Sakyi Hagan, Winneba Circuit Steward said the Circuit had 21 societies and three preaching posts. He said the establishment of the University of Education, Winneba, the Police Training School and the Nurses Training School in Winneba, had promoted the growth of the Church and also enhanced the economic activities of the people.

Mr George Kuntu Blankson, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman East and Deputy Majority Chief Whip, said some people had contributed to the building of the Church up to the present status and asked the congregation what they would do for the Church so that they would be remembered with by the next generation. He urged them to let God live in them to enable them to do what was right for the Church and the nation.

Mr Kuntu Blankson pledged to replace the carpet in the church and also donated GH¢100 towards defraying part of the expenses incurred on the synod.