The Department of Church Life and Nurture (CLAN) has held a special ceremony to honour three key groups whose contributions have significantly shaped the church’s mission and outreach over the years.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Andrew Shardow, Director of CLAN, emphasised the importance of recognising individuals who have laboured faithfully within the church’s various committees. “This ceremony is to recognise some people who have worked very hard over the years,” he said.
He noted that the honourees came from three distinct groups: translators, the senior citizens committee, and the National Youth Education Committee. Rev. Shardow highlighted the role of translators in the church’s mission to reach diverse linguistic communities. “When we talk of translators as a church, we develop materials and are sensitive to the needs of people of all tribes and languages,” he explained.
He added that the church produces Bible study outlines and almanacs in multiple languages, including Ga, Twi, Ewe, and Dangme, thanks to the tireless efforts of its translation team. According to him, the translation work dates to 2007 when the first translator was engaged. “They’ve worked till now, so today, we brought all these translators together to acknowledge them for the good work they have done,” he said.
In addition to the translators, the church also recognised members of the Senior Citizens Committee. Rev. Shardow explained that the committee comprises three representatives from different presbyteries who serve on a rotational basis. “Those three representatives are those who have done their work and have completed their term,” he noted.
The third group honoured was the National Youth Education Committee, a subcommittee under the Christian Education Committee. Rev. Shardow acknowledged their successful completion of service, saying, “By God’s grace, having successfully completed their work, we brought them together to reach them as well.”
He stressed the growing importance of acknowledging contributions within the church, stating, “Over the years, it’s becoming increasingly important that we keep track of people’s efforts and make sure that we recognize them as such.”
He concluded by affirming the church’s commitment to regular recognition ceremonies, saying, “We believe this should happen from time to time for all committees and groups as well.” The ceremony served not only as a moment of appreciation but also as a reaffirmation of the church’s dedication to inclusivity, service, and intergenerational collaboration.
