“God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us” (1 Corinthians 12 v6)

Our Annual General meeting was held in the Memorial Hall on Thursday January 4th. Annual subscriptions were collected , members welcomed and apologies received from some members unable to attend.

Items on the agenda included; a report of our activities in 2023, a financial statement, correspondence and the Mothers’ Union special focus for the coming year which is to raise awareness about Domestic Abuse. We have had a focus each year when we have collected for the Women’s Refuge but it is hoped to make it a whole year focus when we are reminded that 1 in 3 women will be affected by some form of domestic abuse during their lifetime. Branch tasks for the year were shared out so, that everyone can use their particular skills to share in the work of Mother’s Union to support marriage and family life. We looked through our planned programme for the year which I am sure is as varied and interesting as ever. We hope to take an active part in Mothering Sunday celebrations. One major change is our plan to have our annual outing in May this year to avoid the August crowds. Several regular meetings outside our own group will go ahead as usual when we have the chance to meet with other MU members. One new exciting proposal to which we are all invited , is to attend a Canterbury gathering on Saturday June 22nd. A quiz provided by Rosie made an amusing end to our meeting as the subject was “catch phrases” when we had to try to identify which well known people were recognised by these expressions. Tess knew more than anyone else, so maybe she spent more time watching TV as she grew up!! Our meeting concluded with prayers when we thought about the many suffering peoples around the world as well as giving tanks for all the blessings we receive. Our next meeting is our “Soup Lunch and Wave of Prayer” which will be in Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday February 7th at 12 noon. 

Enid Holbrow.

Reflection;

I am only one,

But still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

But still I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something I can do.

Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909)