On Sunday, 8th December 2024, The Arena Of Liberty was full of colour and excitement as worshippers gathered from across the world for The SCOAN Thanksgiving Service. It was a special day of worship, a unique moment of praise and an uncommon time of giving to the Lord. Dressed in more than their ‘Sunday best’, the people made out time to sing and dance for their Creator while blessing His house with their substance.

Led by a grandly dressed SCOAN Choir, congregants sang many songs of praise and worship, with joy unspeakable in their hearts. They understood clearly that the extent of their thanksgiving was the extent of their blessings. They sang with passion: “O Lord, How We Love The Way You Father Us!”

Anchoring the event were Chioma and KC Brown, who spiced up the event with church-themed jokes.
For the opening prayer, Pastor Polite Rankgomo from Botswana was on hand.

Evangelist Ope then gave the opening remarks, noting how God has been leading The Synagogue. “We are not the ones fighting,” he said, “but we are the ones winning because God is with us.”
Evangelist Ope ended the opener with prophetic prayer: “By the grace of the Lord on Pastor Evelyn Joshua, as you sing to the Lord with all your heart, as you dance like David danced, as you sacrifice like Solomon sacrificed, every wall of barrenness, every wall of delay, every wall of unpleasant situations shall crumble, in the name of Jesus!”

Opening the performance session was Esther Oputteh, followed by Doris Osuagwu, with both singers being supported by the Signature Accompaniment Orchestra.

Next to come on stage was Pastor Luke Chivasa from Zimbabwe, who took the Bible reading from Psalm 105:1-8, where the theme of the thanksgiving service – “Rejoice In His Glory” – was taken.

To prepare the way for the leader of The SCOAN, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, the choristers did a special number from their rich repertoire. “O Give Thanks/For The Lord Is Good!” they sang.

“We Have Remained Constant As The Northern Star”

Pastor Evelyn Joshua started by thanking everyone for their support. Next she highlighted the series of activities that marked the year 2024 in The Synagogue. “It has been a year of immense blessings, mercy, favour, faithfulness, newness and breakthrough for us all,” Pastor Evelyn Joshua reported.

Among other things, The SCOAN leader talked about God’s constant presence in His church through difficult times. In her words: “Despite some initial challenges through which satan and his agents wanted to create tension and soil our name, we have remained as constant as the Northern Star because of God’s strong involvement in our foundations and daily affairs as a family.”

Guest Appearances

Thereafter followed a series of guest appearances under the skillful moderation of the event anchors.

Gospel artiste Henry Praise was on the ground.

So also was gospel artiste Sarah Oshaji Olukemi….

As well as gospel artiste Busolami Johnson….

There was equally an appearance by the I For Christ dance drama group….

SCOAN Youths Showcase Talent

At The SCOAN Thanksgiving Service 2024 there were also various performances by the youth of the church. While some sang, others danced for the glory of the Lord.

Thanksgiving Offering

Pastor Evelyn Joshua and family, alongside The SCOAN Evangelists, danced in gratitude as they gave their thanksgiving offering.

Subsequently, the various church groups took their turn, starting with Joshua Reigns and Saviour First….
As they danced, international visitors sang, “Every Praise To Our God!”

Next was the turn of the Simon Peter and Matthew groups….

Then came the Andrew group….

The Stephen group was not left out….

Various other groups, including the nursing mothers, rendered their thanks….

The media crew, alongside the ushers and other church workers, also celebrated the Lord’s faithfulness at The SCOAN Thanksgiving Service 2024.

For sure, the Old Testament group played their part….

So also did the youth of The SCOAN give thanks….

At The SCOAN Ghana Branch, worshippers also assembled for the Thanksgiving Service.

A Time For Everything …

For the closing remarks and the vote of thanks, Mr. Venkant Viswanathan from the United States of America took charge. He ended insightfully: “The Synagogue is not just a place but a movement of God’s power and His glory.”

Evangelist Chisom then gave the closing prayer at The SCOAN Thanksgiving Service 2024. He assured the people: “Everything that has a beginning has an end, but one thing that will not come to an end is the joy of the Lord you have received today.”