The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Connor MU Festival Service 2018

Thursday March 22nd 2018

At the MU Festival Service in St Anne’s are, from left: Bishop John McDowell, preacher; Dean Stephen Forde; the Rev Clifford Skillen; Mrs Valerie Ash, Diocesan President; the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor; and the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, MU Chaplain.

The Rt Rev John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, was the preacher at the Diocese of Connor Mothers’ Union Festival service held in Belfast Cathedral on Sunday March 18.

MU branches from across the diocese were present for this annual service when banners from 39 branches paraded

In his sermon, Bishop McDowell spoke on the theme which was ‘In Mary Sumner’s Footsteps.’

He showed a pair of MU socks knit by his mother which were awarded 4th place in a Mothers’ Union competition, and encouraged the members to find the fun in Mothers’ Union.

This was the first Festival service with the new Dean of Belfast Cathedral, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, and the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, was also present.

The Lambeg banner at the MU Festival Service.

The opening hymn In the name of Christ rejoicing was new to Connor. It was written by Timothy Dudley-Smith at the request of MU Winchester Diocese, and sung at the General Meeting in Edinburgh last year.

Diocesan President, Mrs Valerie Ash, said: “It was a very uplifting service, enjoyed by members. The music, as usual, was wonderful. I especially enjoyed The Lord’s my Shepherd, sung to the tune of the Bishop of Dudley.

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