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Reflections on the 2012 General Meeting in Llandudno
The Mothers’ Union General Meeting
Llandudno 2012
This beautiful North Welsh Beach Resort hosted this years MU meeting in somewhat inclement weather, but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the leadership or the membership.
Both the Dioceses of St Asaph’s and Bangor held magnificent services in both Welsh and English on the evening prior to the General Meeting. More members wanted to attend than there were tickets available, but fortunately extra accommodation was provided both for the meeting and for the services.
The service at St Asaph’s opened with “Guide me O thou great Jehovah” printed in Welsh but the vast number of English who knew the words sang lustily in English, providing a wonderful combination of uplifting sound!
The Rt Rev Gregory Cameron opened his sermon with these words “ People on this side are radiators and those on that side are drains…or may be the other way round”
He explained that radiators are those peoplewho exude warmth, love, care, friendship,
concern, whilst the drains are those who drag you down with their constant complaints,
self centred-
It was quite a challenge for I guess all of us have a share of both of these attributes!
The meeting itself was held in the Venue Cymri, a theatre and conference centre. The use of our gifts and talents was the main theme and we were urged to do all that we can to heighten the profile of the MU in our Dioceses so that its work and witness may flourish into the future.
The Unit Co-
Reg Baillie interviewed 4 members from different parts of the country asking them why they joined the Mothers’ Union and what was important to them. One stressed that she felt that being a member was “A way of life.”
We were asked to share what we do with others, again in our areas, to encourage growth, and to get the message home we were given a packet of seeds to plant seeds of hope and expectation. It was suggested that it is crucial to have courage to move forward, to embody change, to be flexible and to use initiatives to change the pattern of meetings so as to attract new and younger members, so that the MU in the UK will not wither on the vine.
Those in our Diocese who were not able to attend the General Meeting will be able to be encouraged and inspired when Rosemary Kempsell comes to Aberdeen in August. (The Festival Service is on Saturday 11th August at 3.00pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral Aberdeen.)
On reflection, I feel that in our Diocese we are already putting into practise many of the suggestions given at the Meeting, by raising the profile of the MU by Church visits, distributing the literature etc. and we have enrolled 28 new members this year. We must not be complacent. There is still much that we could / should do but we all need to play our part.
Altogether this was a great time sharing, fellowship, worship and encouragement.
This was my overall view of the General meeting 2012.
Sheila George
Photos: Paul Hindle
