Centenary of St. John’s Mother’s Union

We had a splendid day celebrating our centenary on 19th November,

This was the nearest suitable day to our founding day which was16th November 1922. Our early records and minutes are lost, but a reference in minutes of 2nd November 1989 records the fact that this is the starting point. It quotes Jean McBryde (mother of Pat) remembering that her mother carried the Banner when it was dedicated. This was the old banner which was replaced by our present banner in 1990.

The Thanksgiving service was joyful and uplifting and we were glad to welcome visitors from other congregations within Dumfries, MU members from around the Diocese, and members of other Episcopal congregations in the South West of Scotland. Bishop Kevin presided and Revd Dom Ind preached a lively sermon based on Saint Hilda of Whitby.

A message from the World Wide President, Sheran Harper was read by Deborah Munday, the Provincial President, congratulating the Branch on the anniversary. Deborah then presented the Branch with a gift from Sheran of an inscribed glass plaque to commemorate the occasion. A unique and thoughtful gift, considering we are one of many thousand Branches in the world.

We were delighted also to add some new members, as the Bishop, Andrew MacKenzie and Raymond Budd were enrolled by Deborah, after that the Bishop gave a special blessing to the members of MU present.

The choir sang a joyful anthem “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and then we all went in to have lunch.

There was a slight pause after the anniversary cake was cut, as one of the ovens refused to co-operate and the cottage pie remained cold. However with the help of the Rectory oven all was remedied and 80 people sat down and enjoyed a lovely lunch finished off with a medley of puddings provided by members and then a slice of cake and coffee.

We felt that we had honoured all those members who had gone before us and shown our visitors that we are alive and kicking and ready for the next 100 years. We have planted a Magnolia stellata in the church garden to mark our anniversary. It is a very long lived plant so perhaps will survive for the next centenary celebration.

Any member of the congregation is welcome to join us and help with the work of prayer, projects and protest that MU is all about.

Carolynne Sorrell

Branch Leader

 Mothers’ Union have begun their autumn session with an interesting and informative presentation about the Allanton Peace Sanctuary near Auldgirth: one of only three such Sanctuaries in the world. Their mission statement is “ May Peace prevail on Earth” and this statement is referred to in all that they do.

Allanton is a large house set in capacious grounds where there are quiet places for meditation, trails for exploration, circles of ‘Peace Poles’ beautifully decorated in many different languages and picnic areas for fellowship and fun.

They have flags for every nation beautifully hand made by volunteers who prayed for peace whilst they sewed and which they use for peace ceremonies. Our speaker, Caroline Uchima, was thanked on behalf of all members by Lizanne McKenzie and everyone was presented with a small paper origami doll bearing the message”May Peace prevail on Earth”.

Our prayerful day “A Conversation with God”, led by Sue Brough, the diocesan prayer chain co-ordinator, was well attended with members and friends. It was a thoughtful and reflective day and we were aware of the research and planning by Sue which made the day so effective. The day was closed with a said evensong service In the church.

We welcome all those Interested in our aims to support family life and help those who are in distress and to be Christ’s hands and feet in this world.

Carolynne