Saint Luke's
Mothers' Union - News.
Welcome to the News-page for Saint Luke's Mothers' Union.
This "Millennium" year has been quite busy for us. As well as our regular meetings and normal events we have been very busy with a number of Special Events for the Millennium.
Saturday February 5th. Saw us taking part in the Candlemas 2000 family day at Chester Cathedral.
Just a week later, on Saturday 12th. we sponsored a Renewal of Marriage Vows service in Saint Luke's. With the Anglican, Methodist and Catholic ministers officiating, we were heartened to have a total of 31 couples from the three churches taking part. The Mothers' Union arranged a small "Reception" in the Church Hall afterwards.
Chester Cathedral was once again the venue on Saturday 25th. March. The Diocesan Festival for 2000 was celebrated with a Eucharist for Lady Day. It was hoped that every cathedral in the land held a Mothers' Union service at that time - as a corporate witness. Presiding over the service were Peter and Geoffrey, Bishops of Chester and Stockport respectively, and Bishop William Pwaisiho from the Province of Melanesia. Bishop Geoffrey's sermon gave cause to "Wonder, Ponder and be Amazed." His words were aimed to strengthen the resolve of all MU members as they strive to meet their aims in a world, which seems further than ever from the ideals of the Mothers' Union. Following the sermon a new Mothers' Union Diocesan Banner, in memory of Mary Speedy, and Clerical Stoles for use in the Province of Melanesia were Dedicated. The Eucharist ended with the newly Dedicated Banner leading the procession of banners, clergy and dignitaries out to the strains of Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary" - played on Handbells. Saint Luke's MU had the honour of carrying the new Congleton Deanery Banner; We were hosting the banner at this time during its "tour" of the diocese. The banner was carried for us by Mr. Alan Watkins, husband to Joan, our retiring secretary. He carried the banner again for us on Saturday 27th. May at Alsager when we attended a "Walk of Witness." Eight of our members attended the event, which culminated in a Eucharist Service of Praise conducted by Rev. Robin Isherwood at the church of Saint Mary Magdelane in Alsager.
Our project for Lent and Easter was our "Resurrection Cross." Using the trunk from last years' Christmas tree we formed the cross and then throughout Lent items are added - a robe, a crown of thorns etc. All helping to focus on the meaning of Easter. On Easter Sunday we cover the cross in flowers as you can see here. This is our third Resurrection Cross. It has become a regular part of our worship for Lent. It is something we in the MU are happy to be associated with.
On Sunday 28th. June we joined some 28,000 Christians from the Northwest, and Wales at Tatton Park in Cheshire to "Catch the Dream." A bus, provided by Saint Luke's MU took 35 people, on a hot summers day to join with the multitude in attending workshops, demonstrations and fun groups to give witness to our faith. All those present at the event joined in worship to "Catch the Dream" at the end of a fantastic day out.
July saw us out and about, yet again. When, on Wednesday 19th. 34 members visited Norton Priory. We enjoyed learning a little of the history of the Priory, and then a stroll around the gardens followed by tea and biscuits. A very interesting and enjoyable afternoon.
Wednesday 16th. August saw 7 members joining members from the Wirral and Congleton Deanery MU on a visit to Mary Sumner House in London. Headquarters of the Mothers' Union worldwide. During the tour of the building some members were fortunate enough to meet Lady Eames, the Worldwide President. She paused to welcome us and state how pleased she was to meet us. We attended a small service in the chapel at Mary Sumner House. Luncheon was taken in Covent Garden, and the day ended with an evening service at Westminster Abbey, before returning home.
Saturday 16th. September saw members helping at the Deanery "Rainbow Fair" which was held in Sandbach beside the Old Saxon Crosses. The event was quite successful.
Monday 27th. November was the Advent Service at Mossley. Now, we in Saint Luke's Mothers' Union look forward to December when we will have our Christmas Meal on Tuesday 5th. at 7.45p.m. And then our Christmas Happening takes place on Wednesday 20th. at 1.30p.m.
May we all in Saint Luke's Mothers' Union take this opportunity to wish you all:
A very Merry and Joyous Christmastime
And
A Happy and Prosperous New Year.
With effect from January 2001 this News page will be updated BI-monthly.