‘Transformation Now’ is theme of Mothers’ Union Festival Service

Monday March 13th 2023

At the 2023 Connor Mothers’ Union Festival Service in Belfast Cathedral on March 12 are, from left: Irene Gates, Connor Mothers’ Union Diocesan Secretary; Archdeacon Stephen McBride, Connor and All Ireland Mothers’ Union Chaplain; Sally Cotter, Connor Mothers’ Union Diocesan President; the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor; the Very Rev Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast; and Alberta Miskimmin, Belfast Cathedral branch of Mothers’ Union.

Connor Mothers’ Union held its annual Festival Service in Belfast Cathedral on Sunday March 12, with guest preacher the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Connor Mothers’ Union Diocesan Chaplain and recently appointed All Ireland Chaplain. [PICTURE GALLERY BELOW]

The service included the commissioning of members of the Trustee Board and Executive Committee.

The theme of the service was ‘Transformation Now,’ and worship was led by the Mothers’ Union Festival Choir and the Choir of Lancaster Bible College from Pennsylvania, USA. Soloist was Janine Burnside and the organist was Brenda Pateman, Belfast Cathedral Mothers’ Union branch.

The readings were by Alberta Miskimmin, Belfast Cathedral branch (Ruth 1: 1-18) and Moira Thom, a former Diocesan President (1 Corinthians 12: 12-31).

Sally Cotter, Connor Diocesan President, read the Mothers’ Union Aims and Objectives, and the Prayers of Intercession were led by Margaret Nelson, Lisburn and Derriaghy Area Chairperson and Jacquie McLoughlin, Social Policy Contact.

The colourful Diocesan and Cathedral Banners processed down the aisle of the Cathedral at the beginning of the service and were received by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde.