Carnmoney MU branch celebrates 120th anniversary
The MU branch in Carnmoney parish celebrated its 120th anniversary at a service of Morning Prayer on Sunday 14th September. The service was led by the rector, the Revd Andy Heber, and the special speaker was Alison Skillen, Connor MU Diocesan President.
Also present were Valerie Ash, East Connor Area Chair, members of Connor MU Trustee Board, including Moira Thom, Diocesan Secretary, and Wendy Halligan, Action and Outreach Unit Coordinator, with former and present members and office-bearers of the branch.
The service was organised by Anne Campbell, branch secretary, and members of the committee in conjunction with the rector. She particularly arranged items representing various projects in which branch members are involved and had displays of these beneath some of the stained glass windows in church.
Anne also used small stones and candles in a short act of worship to illustrate a number of the branch’s outreach initiatives, such as knitting hats for seafarers and also for chemotherapy patients, knitting baby clothes and blankets for the Neo-natal Unit, items for Women’s Aid and Care Homes, and emergency packs of toiletries for the local hospital.
Taking as her theme ‘living stones’, referencing some verses from Joshus 4, Alison reminded present-day branch members that they were visible, living stones of MU called to keep alive its aims and objectives; to build firmly on the legacy and example of those who had gone before; and to be a strong foundation for the present and for those who will follow.
She commended members for their faithfulness, dedication and commitment and encouraged them to look forward with hope to the future, adding: “Continue to profess and proclaim…the unconditional love of God and live out your faith in practical action, service and prayer, as Mary Sumner did all those years ago.”
Following the service, a meal was served in the parish hall and a celebratory anniversary cake was cut. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Alison following the lunch.
Article by Alison Skillen
Photographs by Wendy Halligan
