Mothers’ Union

Mother's Union meets on First Thursdays at 8.00 pm in The Mitchell Room: Further details below.

Welcome to our Branch

The Mothers' Union theme for 2017 is 'Faith in Action', and we hope to be starting some practical projects to help in the wider community.

Mary Hewitt

About our Mothers' Union

MU seeks to encourage members as they support both their own families, and families everywhere. We do this both by providing an opportunity for friendship where parents and grandparents and those involved in supporting families in any other way can meet together. And in the course of a varied and interesting programme to help members and their friends relax and enjoy what's on offer. Talks and presentations are varied including some relating to living a Christian life well, and others dealing with some of the practicalities of life. In recent years we have learnt about MU in South Sudan, discovered a local painter's work, helped make Christmas Cards, learnt about Talking Dogs . . . . the list goes on!

Whatever age you are you will be made to feel welcome, and, if you want to, you can become a Member of Mothers' Union. It is perfectly possible to go and NEVER join as full members, but we will be happy to explain all about that a few months after you arrive!

Every evening ends with a refreshing and talkative cuppa, and you will enjoy being there. As the name suggests mostly women attend but membership is open to men and women and we have one male member: Stephen, our rector!

See you soon

Mary Hewitt, Branch Leader

The Big MU Sing

This year the Mothers' Union marks 130 years in Ireland. To mark this wonderful milestone, "The Big Sing" and other events are planned. It will be run like the BBC version of the 'Big Sing' in the Royal Albert Hall, and for the event, the National Concert Hall in Dublin has been booked for Saturday, 9 September 2017. As well as top class performances and presentations, the 'Big Sing’ will reveal the top 10 favourite hymns of Mothers' Union members in Ireland. Please write on a piece of paper your favourite three hymns and return it to me or any member of the committee by Friday, November 11, 2016. These selections could be brought to our next meeting and will be forwarded to Margaret Conn, MU diocesan secretary.

Mary Hewitt.

Gillian Neill SAMS

This month, on Thursday 6th October, Gillian Neill will tell us about local connections to the South American Mission Society. As the parish supports SAMS, we will be interested in what she has to say. Everyone is welcome to join us at 8.00 pm in the Mitchell Room.

It was great to see so many at our September meeting. We enjoyed meeting Paula, Kirstan and, of course, Kip, and wish Kirstan well in her nal year at University.

Annual Trip May 2016

In May we have planned an outing and meal beginning with a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol! The trip includes an hour and a quarter long guided tour of this old prison in Belfast. We will later be enjoying a meal at The Secret Garden in Dundonald as part of our trip. Costs vary depending on your choice of meal. (The guided tour, refreshments etc cost £25 inc. 2 course meal, or £29.50 inc. a three course meal).

We leave the Church Hall Car park together in shared cars at 2.30 pm on Saturday 21st May and the meal will be served at 6.30 pm as our final event of the day. Home afterwards.

Report from April 2016

At our April meeting all of us were impressed with the ingenuity, skill and creativity in costume-making shown by Margaret Mehaffey, who works behind the scenes at the Opera House in Belfast. She showed us how costumes are often made using scraps of material or remodelling old clothes. A rummage through boxes in the attic often unearths 'valuable' items for use in future productions.

Report from March 2016

At our visitors' meeting in March we will heard Linda Patterson talking on the theme of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day, 'Don't stand by'. She spoke in the church referring to a wonderful project, in which she and the children and people of Millisle School were involved. Jewish refugees were welcomed to the community during the Second World War.

To see the video she told members about in her talk visit here

Report from February 2016

None of us knows when our life will undergo a dramatic change. At our last meeting in February, Barbara Deane asked, "What were you doing in 1971?" All of us could remember some of the events she recalled from that year. However, we were shocked when Barbara described the bomb explosion in a fashion shop on the Ormeau Road, which almost claimed her life and left her with serious injuries. The effects were life-changing; she could no longer pursue her sporting activities and piano playing, and she was now an amputee. The skill of the medical team and Barbara's indomitable spirit enabled her to overcome many of the obstacles she faced in the months which followed. Despite the difficulties, Barbara has lived life to the full, contributing much to teaching, church and the community, and her many interests reflect her undoubted ability. Underpinning her remarkable life is her Christian faith and the power of prayer. We were moved and inspired by her courage and conviction. Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your story with us.

Women's World Day of Prayer

WWDoP is on Friday, 4th March 2016. This year the service will be held in 1st Saintfield Presbyterian Church at 8.00pm. It has been written by Christian women in Cuba. The Speaker is Rosemary Spires, who is a deaconess in Antrim Presbyterian Church. Everyone is welcome.

Spring Festival Service

This will be held in Bangor Parish Church on Monday, 4th April 2016 at 8.00pm. A bus will leave the car park at Knockbreda Parish Church at 7.00pm. Cost is £5.00.