The spotlight has been put on The Ghana Calvary Methodist Church located on
844 Sanford Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey. What is interesting is, the
membership of the church has increased 90% within its first year. it has a 9
year old as a Choirester who goes by the name; Emmanuel Yeboah following his
father's footsteps (The youngest in the Choir and Dad is also a
Choirester). The church celebrated its first Anniversary/Harvest and
Thanksgiving on Sunday; November 18th. The theme of the occasion was:
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness". The Preacher was Rev. Willie Mae Nanton and
other speakers also included; Bishop Nana Oprim Kwansa & Rev. Akosua Oprim
Kwansa. The Host Pastor is Rev. Nathan Addo-Nartey. Appeal for Funds was
made by Rev. Akosua Oprim Kwansa. The church also used the occasion to
launch their newsletter; THE CALVARY POST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Harvest Committee
Rev Dr Acquah- Arhin
Rev Dr Obiri-Addo
Rev Nana Oprim Quansah
Rev Mrs Akosua Oprim Quansah
Rev Martin
Mrs Antionnette Duah
Mr & Mrs Mensah
Mr Kofi Frempong
Mr Waren Tackie
Mr DicK Nsiah-Amoako
And all other Invited Special Guests.
CONGRATULATIONS TO GHANA CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH, NJ.
History of Ghana Calvary Methodist Church
Conception
"God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform." This quote aptly
describes how Ghana Calvary Methodist Church came into being. The church was
born on Sunday, October 1st 2006. But the idea for a new church was
conceived back in July that same year, when a group of members from Ghana
Emmanuel Methodist Church in Newark, New Jersey became dissatisfied and
disillusioned about the state of affairs in that church. When efforts at
resolving conflicts between a section of the leaders and some members on one
side and another section on the other side proved futile, resulting in an
increasing atmosphere of discord and anarchy, the idea of "let's move out
and start something new" became an ideal option.
Being let by the Lord through guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Pastor, Rev.
Nathan Addo-Nartey resigned from Ghana Emmanuel Methodist Church on Sunday
September 24th, 2006 and decided to start a new church. At the same instant
a group in favor of the pastor's position approached him and asked him to
lead them to start a new congregation. Two ideas merged and the result was
the birth of Ghana Calvary Methodist Church. These original members who held
strategic offices and positions in the Ghana Emmanuel Methodist Church, all
resigned following the pastor's resignation and joined resources with him to
begin this new church.
At first, we didn't know where to begin therefore we agreed to meet in
individual homes on Saturday mornings to pray, study scriptures and plan for
the way forward. It was not an easy process as we still were not certain how
this idea could become a reality. But through faith, we all resolved to
trust the Lord to lead us wherever He deems appropriate for us.
House Meetings
These house meetings formed the nucleus of our being. Modeled after the
Wesleyan concept of class/cell groups it generated an atmosphere of freedom
of expression, great joy in the Spirit, strong bond of fellowship and
togetherness, and a genuine sense of belonging among us. The objectives for
these meetings were for Bible studies, planning and strategizing for the
task ahead. We resolved to let the Holy Spirit guide us in all we did and
God did work miracles.
Maiden meeting: Saturday, July 15th, 2006
This was held at the Yeboah family household. Brother Daniel, his wife
Christie and the family were generous enough to host our first meeting. Not
only did we have a successful meeting, but they provided food and drinks as
well. Everyone was on fire and looked forward to the first Sunday worship
service.
Second meeting: Saturday July 29th, 2006
Held at Sister Mary Adjei's house; she and her family did wonderfully well
hosting us, and continuing the process begun at Bro Yeboah's household. From
this time going, numbers kept increasing each time we met and every house we
went served us not snacks but real meal with some leftovers to take away. It
was here that our motto, "Oneness and Peace in Christ" was agreed upon.
Third Meeting: Saturday August 5th, 2006
We met again for the second time, at the Yeboahs on Saturday, August 5th,
2006 for our third meeting. Again, it was a meeting of great joy and
spirit-filled discussion. The anticipation of a new beginning continued to
fill us with exceedingly great joy and enthusiasm.
Fourth Meeting: Saturday August 17th, 2006
Sister Mary Adjei and family agreed to host us for the second time. So our
fourth meeting took place in her house. As usual, we were filled
spiritually, physically and emotionally, as everyone freely contributed to
the discussions and the planning.
Fifth Meeting: Saturday, September 2nd, 2006
We met at Sister Kate Owusu's house for our fifth meeting on Saturday,
September 2nd, 2006. Though her husband Brother Grant had not identified
himself as part of us, he was extremely supportive of us and actively
participated in the meeting and the hosting of the guests. On this day, we
had good news. The 1st Presbyterian Church at Irvington was in-charge of
renovating a church facility 844 Sanford Avenue, Irvington with the hope of
renting it out for International Ministries. We quickly contacted them and
an application was sent. At the meeting it was announced that we were
invited to participate in the communal cleaning exercise at the site, to
which we heartily responded after our meeting. This continued for a few more
weeks till we finally got the place for worship.
Sixth Meeting: Saturday, September 9th, 2006
Next, we met at Bro Yeboah-Kordie family house for the sixth meeting. It was
another exciting time as Brother Bismarck, his wife Freda and family
combined resources to host an ever-increasing number of members. The
excitement and enthusiasm kept pumping up as people took the initiative to
pledge financial support for the work of the Lord to take off. With our
place of worship now secure, we began to plan for our first service and what
form it would take. We decided to have a simple worship service full of
praises and joy.
Seventh Meeting: Saturday, September 16th, 2006
Sister Felicia Edusei Sarpong volunteered to host our seventh meeting in her
house. Her husband, Nana Asensu, a Catholic has been a staunch supporter of
our course every step along the way. Therefore, it was to our dismay that
work schedule did not permit him to be present at the meeting. Yet he made
provision for our stay to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Again,
new faces joined us at this meeting, thanks to God.
Eight and Final Meeting: Saturday, September 23rd, 2006
Our eighth and final meeting coincided with Pastor Nathan's birthday on
Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. We met at the Brefos in Parlin, New Jersey.
Led by Sister Mary Adjei, the group organized a beautiful surprise birthday
gift for the Pastor. Again, Mr. & Mrs. Brefo did not lower the standard of
reception set before; they kept the level of cordiality as high as possible,
making our last meeting a memorable one. Final preparation was made for the
first Sunday service to be held on October 1, 2006. With great expectation,
we all prayed and thanked the Lord for the way He had led us.
Maiden Service
Words are not enough to describe the atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm that
filled the sanctuary of Sanford Heights Presbyterian Church. We were made to
understand that we would be meeting in the evenings from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
because the facility was being used by two other churches (later became
three). The Pastor, Rev. Nathan Addo-Nartey Preached on the theme, "Delayed
Gratification" from Mark 9:38-50. The attendance on the first day was 87. On
this day, all those who had filled membership application forms and had
attended some of the House Meetings were received into full membership. We
continued to meet in the evenings till December 7th, when our designated
place was ready for use. We are now at the well-furnished and fully
decorated basement of Sanford Heights, where we meet at 10:30 for Sunday
services; 7:00 pm to 9:00pm for Friday Prayer & Healing Services and 7:00pm
on Wednesday for Bible Studies, choir rehearsals and general cleaning. Our
Saturday Bible study meetings continued for sometime till other commitments
required that we changed it to Wednesday. Even now some members have
requested that we return to the Saturdays.
Harvest and Thanksgiving Service
By the recommendation of Rev. Dr. Samuel Arhin, a true friend and supporter
of Ghana Calvary Methodist Church, we embarked on organizing our first
Annual Harvest and Thanksgiving Service. It was four weeks before Christmas
therefore we were left with three weeks to plan something. Only God knows
how that could be possible, but with faith and prayers, led by Pastor
Nathan, a committee was quickly formed headed by Brother Brefo. Members
willingly started pledging in thousands to support the harvest. A week of
teaching and prayers was set aside prior to the harvest day. Speakers were
Rev. Dr. Samuel A. Arhin, Pastor Martinson Sarfo and Pastor Nathan, the
host. The Harvest service was on December 17th, 2006; the service was
spirit-filled as members genuinely expressed their faith and gratitude to
God through giving; singing and dancing abounded. The sermon, "Of Nose-Ring
and Bracelets" based on Genesis 24:10-33 was delivered by Rev. Dr. Ebenezer
Obiri Addo, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Irvington.
End of Year Get-Together
This idea came to be as we saw the fruitfulness of our joint-labor in
Christ. The church therefore decided to reward the members for their
commitment and hard work. On Saturday, December 30, 2006, we met together
again, invited friends and loved ones to join us celebrate Christmas and
thank the Lord for the good things He has done for us. There was more than
enough food to eat; the place was charged with music and dancing. All thanks
go to the Almighty God, through His Son Jesus Christ our Savior and the
Power of the Holy Spirit, for bringing us into being. We look forward to
more exciting and challenging years of growth in ministry and outreach.
If you would like to worship with the church or become a member, please call
973-371-4420. For more information on the church log on to:
www.njcalvarymethodist.com .