Accra Ridge Church | Accra's Local Church

The Sidespersons continued faithfully and diligently in their duties of:
• Ensuring that worshippers are guided to their seats, especially after services had begun;
• Collection of offertory for presentation at the altar for blessing;
• Counting of offering, booking them in the register and submitting the money to the Administrative Secretary;
• Reading of Notices;
• Directing Communicants at the Communion rail and generally assisting worshippers in various ways, e.g., with hymn books.

To enhance the operation of the Sidespersons, leaders for each of the services were appointed. Periodic meetings were also instituted to iron out any areas of difficulty. In the period under review, representation at Weekday Special Services, e.g., burials, was streamlined so that there are Church Sidespersons as far as possible at each funeral, wedding, or memorial service/requiem mass. The group assisted in various ways to gel the Manet Sidespersons on their feet when the Chapel was opened.

Membership of the group has improved slightly. Younger members of the Church have joined the fold. The Sidespersons decided to wear a sash instead of rosette for easy identification. A probation period of six months and an orientation session have been instituted for new members to ensure that they fully appreciate what is expected of a Sidesperson.

An annual Quiz competition has become a regular activity of the Sidespersons and this is enjoyed by the entire Church. End of year get-togethers are also held.

Some members of the Congregation still refuse to cooperate with the Sidespersons when they are asked not to enter the church during prayers, reading of lessons, reading of notices and during the singing of Introit, and some even use unapproved entry points, such as the vestry entrance.

More Sidespersons are needed, and an appeal is being made to male members to avail themselves for this opportunity to serve the Lord.
We remember with gratitude to God, the services provided by long-serving Sides persons, such as Mad. Effia Mercy Amonoo-Neizer and Prof Ayodele Akiwumi who have been called to Higher Service.