Connor Mothers’ Union held a Service of Thanksgiving and Commissioning of Trustees and Executive Members in All Saints’ Parish Church, Antrim recently.
The service, with the theme Building Hope and Confidence, was conducted within Covid-19 guidelines and was attended by Trustees and Executive members only.
Diocesan President Sally Cotter said: “The Trustees and Executive members of Connor MU were delighted to be able to worship together again in person, despite all the advantages that virtual meetings via Zoom have brought in recent months.”
The service was conducted by Connor MU Chaplain, the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, vicar of Antrim and Archdeacon of Connor. He was assisted by Clare Thompson, who is in training for the Local Ordained Ministry. It was livestreamed for others to follow online.
The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, offered members much encouragement in his address. The lessons and prayers were read by members of Executive.
Sally said: “Referring to the Old Testament lesson from Joshua, the Bishop drew our attention to the challenges that Joshua faced as Moses’ successor, as the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. The advice he was given, to be strong and courageous and to step out in faith to lead to the people, was very appropriate for all in leadership in MU at present. This message was summed up in the rousing words of the final hymn, Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go.”
The service was brought to a close by the Diocesan President, who thanked all who had taken part in the service and addressed those watching and listening online, after what she said had been a most inspiring and uplifting time together.
Sally’s own contribution extended to accompanying the hymns and playing a selection of other pieces at the beginning and end of the service.
Read more from Connor Diocese on their website here.