In Awka, Ang. Church of Redemption Inaugurates New P.C.C. Members

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The newly elected members of the Parochial Church Committee (P.C.C.) of the Anglican Church of Redemption Parish, Awka, Anambra State, have been officially inaugurated.

Performing the inauguration during church service on Sunday, the Archdeacon of Awka Archdeaconry and Clerical Synod Secretary of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Venerable Clement Mgbemena congratulated the P.C.C. members, whom, he noted, have made history as the first set of P.C.C. members of the Church in its new and current status as a parish.

Venerable Mgbemena, who had earlier during the sermon cited Joshua 1:6—9 as a very important Bible passage relevant to the successful operation of the P.C.C. members, also cited some relevant portions of the Constitution of the Diocese to remind them of their duties, as well as the scope and purview of their operations.

“And remember that your duties are mainly advisory. There are some functions that are purely sacramental; and that place is a no-go area for you, because they are exclusively reserved for the priests. For instance, you don't have to tell the Vicar when or how many times he would give holy communion. It is a no-go area for the lay people,” he said.

“And your duties should not be confrontation or controversial, since it advisory. Be prayerful. And the good Lord will see you through in all your deliberations in order to make this new parish succeed beyond expectations,” he added.

He appreciated the Vicar of the Church, Ven. Dr. Obiora Alokwu, and the Curate, Rev. Lucky Onebunne for their good works in the Church and urged the new P.C.C. members and the entire congregation to consolidate their efforts.

In his remarks, the Vicar, Anglican Church of Redemption Parish, Awka, Ven. Dr. Obiora Alokwu recalled that the church was formerly a Chapel and use to have Chapel Council as its governing and apex decision-making body, until it was recently upgraded to a parish by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, which necessitated formation of P.C.C. as is obtainable in the Anglican Communion.

While noting that the election of the P.C.C. members, which held last two Sundays, was successful, transparent and divinely-inspired, he once again congratulated the members elected and appointed members of the Committee, reminded them of the tasks that lie ahead of them, and prayed God to give them the grace to function effectively and submit totally to his will and direction in the discharge of their duties.

The Holy Communion service was preceded by a special retreat organized on Saturday for the members of the P.C.C. and leaders and secretaries of all the organizations in the church. 

Highpoints of the Sunday church service include the official oath taking by the inaugurated members of the P.C.C., inauguration of the Building Committee of the Church, praises and worship by the Redemption Gospel Band, special rendition and performance by the Redemption Choir; as well as special thanksgiving by the family of Mr. and Mrs. Chuka Awunor for the life and one-year birthday of their child, Victor Awunor, whose mother, Mrs. Blessing Awunor suffered serious fire accident few weeks to his delivery last year, but miraculously came out alive and salubrious, all to the glory of God.