Humble Lifted High

This was the theme for the Lady Day Service held by the Mothers’ Union members, Havant Deanery, at St George’s Church on March 26th.

This service is held annually by the MU (normally on March 25th) to commemorate the Annunciation. At that occasion Mary made a free choice to be the bearer of a child who would bring freedom to the entire world. Mary was in fact the first spokesperson for oppressed people. In the Magnificat, Mary takes Christianity into the sphere of justice, rejoicing because God is lifting the humble high.

This year we also remembered and reflected on the Bicentenary of the Abolition of Slavery Act that was passed by the UK Parliament on 25th March 1807. At the same time acknowledging that sadly modern slavery still exists.

Words adapted from the Eastern Orthodox Hymn for the Annunciation were used for the Gathering at the beginning of the service.

The Reading, Luke 1 26-38 was a modern adaptation by Gillian Barker, and was read by Norma Gibney, MU Vice-President for the Portsdown Archdeaconry. Three members of our branch read the Magnificat, adapted from Luke 2 46-54.

Canon Bruce Carpenter, MU Diocesan Chaplain, preached a contemporary and memorable sermon.
The Intercession had been composed by Sue Smith and was read by two members of her branch at St Wilfrid’s Cowplain, whilst Christchurch, Portsdown provided the sidespersons.

The collection was donated to the MU Overseas and Development Fund. We thank Fr Mike for presiding and Mr Wilman for playing the organ. Over 70 people attended and we all enjoyed a splendid tea, provided by the members of St George’s Branch. Sales of MU cards were brisk as people appreciated their quality and fair prices.

Margaret Symonds