Mothers' Union 2008
As I write this at the end of May 2008 I think we can say that the year so far
for our Mothers'Union group has been a varied and most interesting one. The
group is growing steadily and we now have 36 members from all 5 parishes in our
Benefice. 36 is a wonderful number, but new members are always very welcome! If
you're not quite sure whether you would like to be an enrolled member but
often wonder what our group is about, please do come along to any of our
meetings to get a "flavour"! We have a very interesting Programme and
we all find that our monthly meetings are an afternoon of fellowship and
friendship and are very enjoyable. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month in
the comfort of Lode Chapel at 2.30pm.
Emma and Jonathan Dowman (our Curate and his wife) came to our February meeting and told us all about themselves, their background and about their Church in Bristol where Emma worked as a Youth Worker while Jonathan was at Theological College there. We were all so impressed by their energy and enthusiasm and a good afternoon was had by all!
In March we went "Worldwide"and learned with great interest as Liz Elson spoke of her own work abroad and the worldwide work of Mothers'Union, reminding us that it's not just in this country that they work. What a dedicated organisation it is and it deserves all our support.
In April we all sat riveted as John from the "Emmaus"Community in Landbeach came to talk to us about the work that takes place there. Not only did he tell us about the work, but the background behind the work and how he came to be there himself. It was the most moving testimony of how he was taken into the Emmaus Community 10 years ago and with their help and support was "put back on his feet" after being a homeless alcoholic and living "rough"on the streets of London. Such was his gratitude and admiration for the way that the Community exists that he is still there and is now the Deputy Leader of the community. We were delighted that he brought along his wife whom he met while they were both companions in the community - to hear about their Wedding was a delightful end to a moving story.
In April was had a "surprise"speaker! Anna Crofts from the Sue Ryder home in Ely was booked to come and speak to us but unfortunately she has left and they were unable to provide us with a replacement speaker. However, with less than 48 hours' notice we had an offer from a speaker and that was my husband the Revd. David Lewis! He came and spoke about his trip to Russia where he went as a Curate 15 years ago, and showed us slides of that trip. It was a most interesting afternoon learning about the way of life in that country, the poverty, the grand buildings, and the sheer diversity of it all. We are deeply indebted to David for coming at such short notice and we all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
In August we are having a Branch Outing to Old Hunstanton where we will visit the Flower Festival at St. Mary's Church. Anybody from the Benefice is very welcome to come along on that trip - we are in the process of filling the coach but still have places available so do come if you enjoy flowers and would also like some sea air!
Our next Meeting is on June 19th when Mr. Paul Hawes comes to speak to us about Burwell Museum. We look forward to hearing him!