NEWS FROM THE MOTHERS’ UNION written by Sheila Auld (Branch Leader), Anne Abbott (Secretary) and Anne Pickering (Treasurer)

The last three meetings before our summer break have been interesting, varied and enjoyable. We have been delighted to see some new faces, people who may be interested in becoming members in due course. Everyone interested to know more about St Gabriel’s Mothers’ Union would be most welcome at our meetings which are usually held on the second Thursday of each month at 2pm in the Parish Centre. We expect to meet in September, October, November and December so anyone interested would have time to join us then consider whether or not to become members for the start of the New Year in January.

Paul Knox, a former member of our congregation who has been ordained as a priest, came in May to tell us about his life in north Northumberland as he ministers in the rural parishes of Bamburgh, Belford and Lucker, each bringing its unique challenges and opportunities. We were so pleased to welcome Paul back to St Gabriel’s and to learn about his new life and work. 

At our June meeting, we explored the Footsteps in Faith theme. This is a Newcastle Diocese initiative, explained as follows: Mothers’ Union is all about Footsteps in Faith. We make them .We look ahead to judge the terrain. We look back to see where we have come from. We journey together, though sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes the light illuminates our pathway; sometimes we stumble in the dimness; but always, like the saints of old, we mark the landscape with our footsteps in faith.

Here at St Gabriel’s we talked about our Mothers’ Union journey as we drew round our feet to make card footsteps then wrote our thoughts and prayers on them. Rev Sheila compiled and distributed some prayers centred on Music in the Garden, At Garden Gates and Doors, Flourishing in the Light of the Lord, Heaven and Earth; they inspired our reflections, thanks and praise as we moved around in our church’s beautiful grounds.

Our last meeting of the season in July offered time to discuss the past year’s programme and fundraising alongside our aims and hopes for the future as we begin to compile our programme for the next twelve months. We were delighted Anne Blight, Vice President Northumberland Archdeaconry, was able to join us. We concluded with a delicious afternoon tea and further conversations.