Commissionings and anniversary celebrated in Mothers’ Union Festival Service
At the Connor Mothers’ Union Festival Service and Commissioning, held in St Anne’s Cathedral on March 23, are, from left: The Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor; Irene Gates, commissioned as Unit Co-ordinator and Trustee; the Rev Louise Stewart, commissioned as Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain; Alison Skillen, commissioned as Diocesan President; Moira Thom, commissioned as Diocesan Secretary and Trustee; and the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde.
Report by the Rev Clifford Skillen
The annual Connor Mothers’ Union (MU) Festival Service took place in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday March 23. See our photo gallery below.
The service included a number of commissionings, all of which were carried out by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison.
Alison Skillen was commissioned as the new Connor MU Diocesan President for the triennium 2025-2027, in succession to Sally Cotter.
Also commissioned were Moira Thom as Diocesan Secretary and Irene Gates as Finance and Administration Unit Co-ordinator.
In addition, the Rev Louise Stewart, rector of Finaghy and Upper Malone, was commissioned as Connor MU Diocesan Chaplain, succeeding the Ven Dr Stephen McBride who has stepped down after 12 years in the role and to whom the Diocesan President later paid tribute for his ‘unstinting spiritual and practical support, encouragement and friendship over his time in office which all members deeply valued and appreciated.’
The 125th anniversary of the founding of Belfast Cathedral’s MU branch coincided with the service, and prior to refreshments which were served at the end of the service, Alison conveyed congratulations and good wishes to office-bearers and members of the branch, and an anniversary cake was cut by the Bishop, Alberta Miskimmin (branch chair) and Alison.
The service began with a procession of colourful branch banners, led by the Cathedral banner to mark the branch’s anniversary and carried by Karen Miles, branch committee member. The Diocesan banner was carried by Hilary Boddy, Prayer Contact, and both banners were received by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde.
LESSONS AND INTERCESSIONS
Nadine Davison, Honorary Vice-President, read the Old Testament lesson – Genesis 28: 10-19a – with Wendy Halligan, Action and Outreach Unit Co-ordinator, reading the New Testament lesson – John 1: 35-51.
The Intercessions were led by Melanie McAlister, Young Member Contact, and Jacqui McLoughlin, Social Policy Contact.
The theme of the service, and the MU theme for the next triennium, was ‘Join Us and Join In!’
Worship was led by the Cathedral Choir, conducted by Jack Wilson, Master of Music, accompanied by Stephen Hamill, Assistant Organist, with Finn Sloan, Cathedral Organ Scholar.
Following her commissioning, Alison read the Mothers’ Union Aims and Objectives.
A PART FOR EACH
In his address, Bishop Davison related the theme of ‘Join Us and Join In!’ to the reading from St John’s Gospel, where some of the disciples were called to come and join what God was doing through Jesus and in turn to invite others in.
The Bishop drew a comparison between this and the idea contained in the MU triennium theme of inviting and joining. He suggested each member encourage one person to join MU in Connor Diocese, saying that ‘… we are not all called to be office-bearers … [but] to be active members … there is a part for each to play.’
He challenged members to ask themselves ‘what task could I do to make my contribution so that my branch becomes even more effective and loving in making a difference and changing lives on our doorsteps and across the world.’
MEMORABLE OCCASION
After the service, the newly-commissioned Diocesan President and Chaplain spoke of the service as being uplifting and joyful.
Alison said: “For me personally, the service was a moving and memorable occasion and it was greatly encouraging to have been surrounded by the presence and prayers of so many MU members, friends and colleagues from many different walks of life.”
Louise commented: “I am looking forward to this new aspect of my ministry and working closely with Alison and the Connor MU team.
“I see my role as being one of spiritual guidance and support for members who do such hard work in the activities and projects they support, a lot of it behind the scenes.”
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