DLW BISHOP ODEDEJI INDUCTS NEW DIOCESAN GUILD OF STEWARDS EXECUTIVES.

Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji has described those who serve in God’s vineyard as privileged people.

He made this assertion at the rededication service and investiture of the new executive members of the Diocese of Lagos West Guild of Stewards held on Sunday 7th July 2024 at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja Lagos. This service also

Bishop Odedeji who preached at the service spoke on the topic, “Faithful Service” .

Making copious reference to the Bible, the Anglican Bishop said, “When it comes to service to God, one thing is very fundamental. That thing is faithfulness”. He continued by saying that “Service in God’s house is nobody’s right.  We are the ones that cannot do without God. He can do without us. The call to Christian service is a privilege”.

He highlighted that everything about the Guild of Stewards is service to be faithful; to be devoted; to be honest; to be sincere and not dubious. It is to be trustworthy”. He pleaded with those who serve in God’s vineyard to do it wholeheartedly without reservations. He affirmed that in all they do, they should serve heartily. “We must be dedicated, committed, and attached to God’s work. We must see it as a matter of life and death.”

Odedeji warned against pride and arrogance, adding that such attitudes are corrupters of service in God’s vineyard.

On the elected officials, Bishop Odedeji expressed his optimism that the newly elected Guild President Mr. Adewale Olalekan Bolaji will do well especially considering the way and manner the election process went and also the popular acceptability by members of the Guild, his antecedents and activities within in the Church. Bishop Odedeji, described him as “The most dedicated servant of the most High God who, over the years, has been deeply committed to the work of God”.

Other newly inaugurated Principal Officers of the Guild of Stewards include Folashade Oderinde as 1st Vice-President, Victoria Mojisola Mabawonku as 2nd Vice-President and Olamide Funmilayo Amos-Adams as Secretary.

The Rt. Revd. Odedeji in the same token admonished the President and his cabinet members to consider their elevation to the new status as a call to serve God more faithfully with excitement, dedication, reverence, willingness, sacrifice and above all with utmost humility”. He urged them to remain steadfast in their service by being responsible to the people but accountable to God who will reward them accordingly. He called on members of the Guild to support the president and work together in the interest of the Church of God.

In his response, the newly elected President, Adewale Bolaji dedicated his election and induction as the 9th President of the Guild of Stewards to the Glory of God and trust reposed in him by the entire members of the body. In his words he said, “My investiture today as the 9th President, Guild of Stewards is first and foremost, to the Glory of God. It is also a reflection, recognition and reward for many years of my commitment and dedication to God’s work. I am very grateful for the confidence and trust reposed in me by all our members who have unanimously elected me as their president, this is a big honour to me and my family which will not be taken for granted”.

The investiture service which also included the rededication of other members of the guild attracted guests from across the dioceses of Lagos under the Anglican Communion.