Members of MU branches from across the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe were in Limavady on Sunday 22nd September 2024 for MU’s Diocesan Festival Service, which was held in Christ Church, Drumachose.

Among those in the congregation were the Provincial President-elect, Kay Clarke (who takes up office in January); Diocesan MU President, Jacqui Armstrong; one of her predecessors, Jean Fox; and MU Zonal Trustee Iris Suitor, who gave the address.

Worship was led by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster and the Rector of Drumachose, Rev Canon Aonghus Mayes. They were assisted by the Curate at Christ Church, Rev Andrew Neill.

Mrs Suitor told the congregation that it was a privilege to speak at their Festival Service. She explained that her role as a member of the worldwide Zonal Trustee board involved responsibility for governance, financial accountability and staffing issues. Mothers’ Union has 3.4m members in 84 countries, she pointed out, and Ireland has enough members to be classed as one of the 11 zones worldwide.

In her address, she reminded those present of the work MU has done to raise literacy levels, combat poverty and tackle gender-based violence around the globe. “At the last worldwide conference, which I was privileged to attend, we came away – remember now, we’re all a diverse lot – we came away saying we’re going to try and stop poverty, we’re going to try and stop inequality and we’re going to try and stop injustice.”

Mrs Suitor urged her fellow members to be generous. “Generosity, of course, is not all about money,” she said. “There are many ways in which we can be generous. Today’s society expects a return, but the Bible tells us to give quietly and expect nothing in return.” She encouraged members to be kind, to complement someone, to thank their Mothers’ Union leaders, speak kindly to their rectors at the church door and to help others. “If you love Jesus, you will want to spend time with those in need, you will want to spend time with others.” Mrs Suitor also called on MU members – especially the older members present – to help young mothers by sharing their time and expertise.

The Prayers of the People were read by members of five MU branches: Liz Davison (Maghera and Upperlands); Kaye Stewart (Convoy, Monellan and Donaghmore); Hazel Magilligan (Aghadowey); Shirley Grundon (Macosquin); and Charlotte Johnston (Killowen).

Near the end of the service, two diocesan awards were presented by Ms Armstrong. The Eileen Moore Memorial Award – for the branch which raises most money per member – went to Clondehorkey MU, whose 13 members collected €1,686.49 (which worked out at over €129 each). The honour was accepted on their behalf by Mrs May Boyd.

The Helen Livingston Award for Best Annual Programme was awarded to Edenderry and Clanabogan MU, and accepted by Ann Orr.

The organist for today’s service was Peter Livingstone, and the Christ Church Choir led the hymn-singing.

Following the service, MU members and guests enjoyed refreshments in Drumachose parish hall.