The Parish Church of St George the Martyr, Waterlooville
Wheels Appeal
With a grateful offer from the Wednesday morning team to serve the drinks, the Mothers' Union set up their stalls to support their Wheels Appeal event on October 22nd, money raised came to £115 which provides transport to remote places in poorer countries, this transport is often the only way to get supplies & medicines to these needy people.
The money was raised from a raffle, Bring & Buy and a cake stall selling cakes made by our members.
We also had our old favourite a Treasure Hunt, a comic map with funny sounding places where treasure of a box of chocolates was hidden, despite running the stall I had no knowledge of the prize or location so I could show no favouritism to my family, only embarrassment when my mum found the location under Red Herring Island which Margaret thought would put people off the scent or should that be Plaice!
Thank you to everyone for supporting the work of the Mothers' Union.
Fiona Ross
Quiet Day at St Faith’s
A memorable Quiet Day, organized by the MU, was held at St Faith’s Church Hall, Lee-
For each season appropriate poems, bible readings and prayers were read. The relevant section of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ was played, before we dispersed, either to stroll in the spacious grounds or to sit and read or pray in the church. This beautiful church was partially decorated for the traditional Harvest Festival and looked and smelled delicious.
About 35 members attended from all over the diocese and old friendships were renewed over coffee before we commenced the Quiet Day in silence. This lovely day was concluded with a service of Holy Communion in the church.
Margaret Symonds and Audrey Mentor attended from St George’s.
Quiet Day at Portsmouth Cathedral
Earlier in the month we also went to a Quiet Day at Portsmouth Cathedral. The subject chosen was ‘Autumn’ and was beautifully led by Marion Syms. We find it very beneficial to take time out from our everyday lives to be closer to God.
Margaret Symonds
Iona
The speaker at our November meeting was Rev Sandie Osborne. She spoke about Iona, its history and present day life there.
It is a 12 hour journey from Portsmouth to Oban, from there a ferry to Mull and then a smaller ferry to Iona itself. The Island is 6 miles by 4 miles, inhabited by crofters, sheep and an abundance of wildlife.
There is a primary school but the older children have to go to secondary school in Oban.
Iona has flourished recently with craft and gift shops opening as more visitors arrive, some from small cruise ships which are able to negotiate the Sound.
The Abbey, founded by St Columba in 563AD, was restored and renovated after the 2nd World War. It is owned today by Scottish Heritage who took over its maintenance from the Iona Community.
The Iona Community work together for peace, justice and equality for all. Pilgrimages to Iona are International and Ecumenical. The Rev Osborne had brought a laptop on which she showed us slides of this beautiful and very spiritual island.
Janet Johnson
Christmas Edition 2014