Holy Trinity Mothers’ Union has continued to enjoy a variety of meetings and events over the past year and we Praise God that we have been able to contribute to Church life as well as support the various projects and aims of the Mothers’ Union worldwide. We now have thirty- two active members in our branch following the enrolments last year and the recent death of Eileen Mully, who will be sadly missed after serving for many years in our branch and in the congregation. Two of our members also serve on the Deanery committee and Pam Broomfield continues in her role as Diocesan Vice President.
The afternoon group, which is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm, has enjoyed such speakers as Michael Gilham telling us about the history of the City Livery Companies, Father Malcolm telling of his journey with Christ, Ngozy recalling her childhood days in Biafra and the difficulties her family endured when becoming refugees, and Joanne Maronda , who gave an emotional talk on the sufferings in Zimbabwe at this time. Our social evening in July was well attended by other branches from within the Deanery as well as our neighbours from other churches. Our “Twenty Something” group provided us with a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment this year. The December meeting was the time of our annual Carol Service in Church followed by Tea and Mince Pies in Parish Hall, and again we were blessed with over 80 members from around the Deanery joining us in this Spiritual preparation for the Christmas Season.
The evening group, which meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 8pm, has continued to meet and although numbers are still low the fellowship and friendship has continued to grow through the grace of God. They have held various study evenings for Pentecost, Advent and Lent, challenged other members of the church to a Ten Pin Bowling evening, been on an evening ramble, held a social evening at a members home, covered and filled the shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, made advent calendars and held a games evening.
Other M U activities have included attending the Deanery Morning at St Andrew’s vicarage, the quiet hour at the Hospital Chapel Ilford as well as various diocesan events throughout the year.
The M U Outing to Anglesey Abbey took place in June, on one of the only dry and sunny days of last summer, and once again our thanks must go to Mary Fabb for organising a most enjoyable day.
Our Coffee Mornings, which moved from Trinity Hall into the Church in September, have again been well attended on the second Tuesday of each month. These provide a relaxed meeting place and a warm welcome for all who wish to come along, and our thanks go to all members who so willingly give up their time to make them such a success.
M U members have again had the privilege to help organise and lead the Mothering Sunday Services, and lastly, but my no means least, we have continued to support the Church Activities throughout the year such as the Garden Fete, Bazaar, Lent Lunches etc. etc. by organising and providing the catering, donating articles for the various stalls and generally giving a helping hand where needed.
Future events include our branch hosting the Deanery Festival service in April, a talk by Mrs Ivy Southgate entitled “God in Creation Celtic Style” in May and an outing to a Norfolk Steam Railway and Gardens in July.
Our meetings are open to all, including men, so please come and join us and become part of the worldwide family that is Mothers Union.
Tricia McCarthy.
Holy Trinity Church Barkingside, north Ilford, is a friendly lively church in the London borough of Redbridge. Anglo Catholic Charismatic in Churchmanship, multi-racial in makeup, with services aimed at all ages. We look forward to your visit.