My Dear Parishioners:         

“Caring for Families Worldwide”  -MU  Global Theme

Mothers’ Union Communique from the  Diocesan 

MU Conference 2016

Sixty-six  members of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA) met on Montserrat for the Second Triennial Conference under the theme :
“A Celebration of Faith.”   The  conference which extended  for a period of four  days,
March 31 - April 3, comprised representatives  from Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Montserrat, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and Saba

It started with corporate worship at St. James Church, Salem.  Present were the Mothers’ Union patron, The  Rt. Rev. Leroy Errol Brooks, Archdeacons Alson Percival and Franklin Reid,  the Rev. Canon Isaiah Phillip  - the MU Chaplain , who delivered the sermon, and the Rev. Fr.  Carlisle Vyphus, Parish Priest, Montserrat.

In his address Canon Phillip combined selected bible passages from Deuteronomy 7, Hebrews 11: 29-39, Ps. 15, and  Mt 15:16-21 to highlight the theme: “A  Celebration of Faith.” The delegates were reminded of the importance of understanding faith, appreciating  faith , affirming faith, nurturing faith as well as exercising faith
similar to the examples of the heroes and heroines of faith recorded in Hebrews.

In  his congratulatory remarks, Bishop Brooks noted that it was important for everyone to allow faith to impact their lives at all levels and cautioned that, ’faith is not an object to be possessed. - it is a gift to be shared.”

The business session of the conference took place at the Loot Out Primary School Auditorium. Archdeacon Percival declared the conference open and  the Deputy Governor, Mr. Alric Taylor gave the Feature Address. Presentations and interactive discussions on “Promoting Gift-based  Ministry,” Developing strategies to retain and grow Membership” and “Using Technology to Enhance Ministry and Promote Sustainable Development.” were conducted by Canon Philip, Archdeacon Reid and MU  Member Mrs. Aldean Williams respectively.

Other aspects of the conference included reports from the various islands, the Diocesan President and the Diocesan Treasurer; a keenly contested quiz for the Mary Cornwall Trophy that was won by Anguilla; and elections of officers to manage the affairs of the Diocesan Council for the next triennial,  2017-2019. Mrs. Ephena Matthew of Antigua was elected President and Mrs. Claudia Williams of St. Kitts , Vice President. The  other positions will Planned enrichment activities included a cocktail party hosted by the Church, a concert featuring items from the various islands including Montserrat, and an island tour with Visits to Richmond Hill and the Montserrat Volcanic Observatory as well as a beach picnic at Little Bay.
The group worshipped at St. James Church on Sunday 3rd April. Plaques  of Appreciation for invaluable contribution to the development of the Mothers’ Union on Montserrat were distributed to members 80 years and older. Following  the service, visits were made to centenarian Josephine Pond who is 107 years old and Esther Hogan who will be celebrating her ninetieth birthday in September.

All delegates described Conference 2916 as a resounding success. Credit must be given to the diocesan Council for its thoughtfulness in planning, the Montserrat Mothers’ Union, in particular its  leader, Ms. Veronica Hickson,  Fr. Carlisle Vyphus and the  Parish Vestry; indeed the entire community of Montserrat. It was a wonderful collaborative effort  that ensured the success of the conference and demonstrated to all of us that “Montserrat is simply amazing”.
Let us continue to pray for, and support our Mothers’ Union branches in our Parishes.

With all good wishes and prayers                                              Archdeacon Emeritus  -