 |
 |
News
Mothers' Union World President meets members in Clogher Diocese
The World President of the Mothers' Union with Clogher Diocesan members in Enniskillen
Mothers’ Union members from Clogher Diocese who attended their annual Festival Service in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen on Friday 12th May had the honour of welcoming the World Wide President, Lynne Tembey as well as the Ireland President, Mrs Phyllis Grothier.
The occasion was marking the 130th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union in Ireland this year. Worldwide, the Mothers’ Union has over 4 million members.
Lynne was born in West Cumbria and is now living in the Diocese of York where her husband, David, a former accountant, is parish priest of St. Mark’s Parish Church, Marske by the Sea in the Diocese of York.
Lynne said: “I have been a member of the Mothers’ Union for 37 years and a branch member for 37 years. I do not get to many meetings but they are praying for me which is so phenomenal.
“I am in my second three-year term as Worldwide President. I was elected in 2012 and will step down on 31 December 2018.
“For the first three years I just kept thinking, 'Wow, this is such a privilege and honour to serve God in his church as Worldwide President. I have seen members in a place where they call home and see what they are achieving through such difficult circumstances,” she said.
During her Presidency so far, Lynne has travelled to countries such as Kenya, Barbados, Madagascar, Myanmar (formerly Burma), New Zealand, Tongo, Canada, Congo, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and is based at Mothers’ Union headquarters in London.
Regarding her trip to Ireland, and Clogher Diocese, Lynne said; “I just love this beautiful island of Ireland, the warmth and friendship and the welcome everyone has given me and trying to make sure I am ok.”
During her visit to the Clogher Diocese, Lynne met members in Co. Monaghan as well as in Newtownbutler before making her way to Enniskillen.
Lynne Tembey was the speaker at the service and the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell, who is Chaplain to the MU in Clogher Diocese, gave the blessing.
At the Festival Service, led by the Very Revd Kenneth Hall, Dean of Clogher, members of the Cathedral Choir led the singing and performed a piece called 'Hallelujah Chorus'.
The Old Testament was read by Stephanie Hamilton, Branch Leader of St Macartin’s Cathedral; the Epistle was read by Dr Margaret Knox, a past President, and the Gospel was read by Phyllis Grothier. The intercessions were read by Ivy Edwards, Heather Harper, Muriel Treacy and Liane Armstrong.
Mrs Tembey spoke about the vision of Mary Sumner and how she had responded to God’s calling in founding Mothers Union over 140 years ago. She also informed those present of the need to continue this work and to use this year’s motto 'Faith in Action' to make a difference in our parishes and community.
Geraldine Beatty, a past President gave a vote of thanks and the blessing was given by the Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher and Mothers’ Union Chaplain.
After the service all were invited to the newly refurbished Cathedral Hall for supper.
The amount collected in the Worldwide Donations was £12,704.18 and €1,438.00. Last year £160,000 was sent from Ireland for Overseas Missions. At the moment funds from the Relief Fund are going to Sudan where there is much starvation and suffering.