2022-12-31-annual-report - Armagh Diocesan Mothers' Union

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Annual Report 2022

NI Charity No 102695 RoI Charity No: 20007331

MAIN OFFICE BEARERS (Correspondence)

Diocesan President Mrs Sophia Dillon to 24[th] March, 2022, then Mrs Debbie Davidson

Mrs Yvonne Woods

Secretary Mrs Yvonne Woods Treasurer Mrs Yvonne McFarland

FINANCIAL DETAILS

Bank

Ulster Bank 20 High Street Portadown BT62 1HU Membership 873

Subscriptions Paid - £20.00 per member General Fund £1.00 per member All Ireland Fund £3.00 per member Diocesan Fund Total £20952

Armagh Diocesan Mothers’ Union is a charity for tax purposes under HM Revenue & Customs, Ref. NIC 102965 & ROI 20007331.

ARMAGH DIOCESAN MOTHERS` UNION

Diocesan Trustees 2022

PRESIDENT

Mrs Debbie Davidson replaced Sophia Dillon 24/03/2022

Public Relations Rep Mrs Joy Greer

FINANCE AND CENTRAL SERVICES UNIT

Vice-President

Mrs Ann Anderson replacedMrs Betty Williamson Autumn 2022

Unit Co-ordinator

Mrs Ann Anderson

Secretary

Mrs Yvonne Woods

Treasurer Mrs Yvonne McFarland

ACTION AND OUTREACH UNIT

Vice-President

Mrs Irene Dawson

Unit Co-ordinator Mrs Irenee Hewitt

Young Members’ Rep. Mrs Lynda Galway replaced Mrs Juliana Wade

Overseas/ Links Mrs Teresa Duncan replaced Mrs Alyson Scott

FAITH AND POLICY UNIT

Vice-President

Mrs Juliana Wade replaced Mrs Evelyn Love Autumn 2022

Unit Co-ordinator Mrs Claire Smith replaced Mrs Debbie Davidson

Prayer Rep. Mrs Claire Smith

I.M.P.C. Mrs Teresa Duncan

Social Policy Rep Mrs Beth Wortley

Chaplain

Rev Alan Cross

FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION UNIT

Vice-President Mrs Gillian Patterson

Unit Co-ordinator Mrs Linda Douglas

Editor of M.U.S.T. Mrs Joy Greer

Enterprise Rep. Mrs Heather Montgomery replaced Margaret Booth

TRUSTEES RETIRED/RESIGNED 2022

Sophia Dillon retired as DP March 2022

Mrs Margaret Booth retired asEnterprise Rep for Fundraising & Communication Unit

Mrs Evelyn Love retired as- Vice-Presidentfor Faith & Policy Unit

Mrs Alyson Scott retired as Overseas Repfor Action & Outreach Unit

Mrs Betty Williamson retired as Vice- President for Finance & Central Services

Mrs Jennifer Hagan retired as Database Co-ordinator for Faith & Policy Unit

Mrs Juliana Wade retired as Young Members’ Rep for Action & Outreach Unit

Mrs Ann Anderson retired as Unit Co-ordinator for Finance & Central Services

Mrs Debbie Davidson retired as Faith & Policy Prayer Rep and Unit Co-ordinator

New Appointments 2022

Debbie Davidson - Diocesan President

Heather Montgomery – Enterprise Rep for Fundraising & Communication Unit

Mrs Ann Anderson – Vice-President for Finance & Central Services Unit

Mrs Juliana Wade - Vice-President for Faith & Policy Unit

Mrs Lynda Galway – Young Members’ Rep for Action & Outreach Unit

Mrs Davina McAllister – Overseas Rep for Action & Outreach Unit

Mrs Eleanor Orr - Database Co-ordinator for Faith & Policy Unit

Mrs Claire Smith – Prayer Rep and Unit Co-ordinator for Faith & Policy

Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity that aims to demonstrate the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide.

Our aims and objects are:

To promote and support married life.
To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children.
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

Our vision

Our vision is of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. This is not a vague hope, but a goal we actively pursue by praying, campaigning and enabling.

Our values

Mothers’ Union is a Christian mission organisation working with people of all faiths and none. Mothers’ Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos centered on mutual respect and collaboration. Our governance, leadership and programmes are undertaken and driven by members within their own communities worldwide.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbour as yourself.”Luke 10:27

Our membership

Our members are not all mothers, or even all women. They are single, married, parents, grandparents, or young adults just beginning to express their social conscience. Mothers' Union provides, for all four million members, a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community - through prayer, financial support and actively working at the grassroots level in programmes that meet local needs.

BYE LAWS

These Bye Laws shall come into effect on the First day of January 2016 and on that date the Bye Laws heretofore in operation shall be revoked.

PATRON

The Archbishop of Armagh.

DIOCESAN CHAPLAIN

The Diocesan Chaplain shall be appointed for a term of three years and may serve a further three years even if retired, but still living with the Diocese.

The appointment shall be made by the Archbishop in consultation with the Diocesan President. The Chaplain shall be entitled to participate in meetings of the Trustee Body and Diocesan Council.

The Chaplain shall be invited to formally open Diocesan Council with prayers and/or a time of worship.

DIOCESAN PRESIDENT

The Diocesan President, in accordance with the direction of All Ireland Council, shall be elected to commence the term of office on the first day of January in the year preceding the triennial elections. This appointment shall be agreed by the Archbishop of Armagh. A term of office shall be three years with possible election for a further three years.

DIOCESAN VICE PRESIDENTS

There shall be four Vice-Presidents each one elected to a specific unit.

If still resident in Armagh Diocese the immediate Past Diocesan President shall be invited to attend meetings of the Trustee Body for one year following her completed term of office.

The spouse of the Archbishop of Armagh shall be invited to be an ex-officio Vice President and shall be invited to attend both Trustee meetings and Diocesan Council meetings.

DIOCESAN TRUSTEE BODY

Membership

The Diocesan Trustee Body shall take office triennially on the 1[st] January and consist of the following:

The Diocesan President, Diocesan Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Unit Co-ordinators and Representatives.

The Trustee Body shall have power to invite members to attend for a specific purpose and for a specific period, in order to report, advise or represent Mothers’ Union policy.

Representation on other organisations shall be determined by the Trustee Body.

Election of Members to Trustee Body

All Diocesan Officials, excluding the Treasurer, shall serve for a term of three years and shall be eligible to serve for a further term. They shall be ineligible for re-election to the same office if they have already served in it six years either consecutively or at intervals. All voting must be completed by 31[st] July and subsequently at three-year intervals. Each name included in the voting paper must have received a minimum of three nominations. Only votes received by post will be accepted.

The Diocesan Officials with the exception of the President shall commence their term of office on the first day of January in the year following their elections.

Trustee Meetings

The Trustee Body shall meet as required but not less than twice per year. Any additional meetings of the Trustee Body may be called at the discretion of the Diocesan President. Most of the meetings are on Zoom which leaves it convenient for most Trustees.

Agenda for Trustee meetings

If a member wishes a specific item to be discussed at a Trustee meeting, notice must be given to the Diocesan Secretary at least three weeks in advance of the meeting.

Working Parties

The Trustee Body shall have the power to form working parties which may include persons other than members of the Mothers’ Union to be used in an advisory capacity.

Working parties shall have specific aims and completion dates.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL

Membership

The Diocesan Council shall consist of the following: The Diocesan President, the Immediate Past Diocesan President, the spouse of the Archbishop of Armagh, the Trustee Body, Diocesan Members, Branch Leaders, Branch Secretaries and one other representative from each Branch.

Diocesan Members

Diocesan members are those who wish to remain in touch with the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese and would like to become involved in Mothers’ Union work in the local area without having to commit to regular meetings. Diocesan members pay a subscription each year which entitles them to attend Council meetings, receive invitations to all special services and events, and receive Diocesan and All Ireland magazines.

Notice of Meetings

Not less than fourteen days’ notice shall be given of a meeting of the Diocesan Council.

Management

The Trustee Body elected by Council shall manage the affairs and finance of the diocese. The Trustee Body shall debate, consider and determine all matters of policy and strategy to be effected on behalf of Armagh Diocese and bring decisions to Council for approval. They will monitor, review and evaluate the work of the Mothers’ Union in the diocese.

BRANCH ELECTIONS

The Branch Leader may be appointed by the Incumbent of the Parish or elected by the members of the Branch, with the appointment approved by the Incumbent. The Branch Secretaries, Treasurers, and Branch Unit Representatives shall be elected triennially by the Branch members and shall commence their term of office on the First day of January. Their term of office should be three years and they will be eligible to continue for a further three years.

WORSHIP

All Mothers’ Union meetings and events shall include a time of worship. The Mothers’ Union Prayer and the Wave of Prayer should be included regularly.

Branches are encouraged to have a service of corporate communion when appropriate during the year.

INVITATIONS TO THE WORLD-WIDE PRESIDENT

Before any invitation is extended to the World-Wide President, the Chief Executive or any member of staff of Mary Sumner House, the advice and guidance of the Diocesan President should always be sought. The All Ireland President should then be informed before any invitation is sent out. This is not only courtesy but also good practice.

According to guidelines issued by Mary Sumner House invitations should only be issued for a diocesan event.

INVITATIONS TO ALL IRELAND AND OTHER DIOCESAN PRESIDENTS

The Diocesan President should always be informed before any invitation is issued to the All- Ireland President. Similarly, she should be informed of invitations to any other Diocesan President.

FINANCE

It is in keeping with our ethos, and in line with Charity Commission legislation, that best practice shall be maintained in all areas.

Any two of three signatories are required on all cheques and where possible one should be the Diocesan President.

At Branch level, the annual accounts shall be audited by an independent person, presented annually at a Branch meeting and forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer.

At Diocesan level, all accounts shall be audited by a person approved by the Trustee Body and presented annually to the Trustees.

Once in each triennial period, the expenses of the members of the Trustee Body shall be reviewed to make sure all expenses are covered.

CHARITABLE APPEALS

The Mothers’ Union is a charity and is not in a position to be used as a channel for appeals by other Charitable Organisations unless sanctioned by the Diocesan President (Reg. 12 MU Constitution 2002). A Branch may support the needs of its own parish but subject to the Aims, Purpose and Objects of the Society.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

A Health and Safety policy including child protection shall be in place and reviewed annually. All activities and initiatives shall be in accordance with the guidelines as specified in the Church of Ireland’s Safeguarding Trust.

INCONSISTENCY

In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Constitution of the Mothers’ Union in Ireland and the provisions of these Bye-Laws, the provisions of the Constitution shall prevail.

REVIEW OF BYE LAWS

A Sub-Committee appointed by the Trustee Body shall review the Bye-Laws as and when deemed necessary.

REPORT UP UNTIL DECEMBER 2022

Training

Due to the Covid19 pandemic there was little or no training for this year. However some training was delivered via Zoom.

Friday 6[th] May, 2022 – Replacement Trustee Training

Monday 30[th] May, 2022 – Safeguarding Training

Diocesan President Activities

On Saturday 5[th] February Sophia attended an online Zoom breakfast, to make arrangements for the Women’s’ Getaway weekend.

Commissioning Service for All Ireland in Armagh Cathedral - Sophia attended this with reduced attendance on Sunday 27[th] February when some Trustees and our new Diocesan Chaplain, Rev Alan Cross were commissioned. There was some socially distanced food for those who wanted it in Armagh City Hotel. Monday 4[th] April – met Trustees at Moy Parish Hall in preparation for Armagh Diocesan Spring Council. This was a wonderful event and we all felt like normality was returning.

Overseas Meeting held in Killyman Parish Hall on Thursday 24th March at 7.30pm where All Ireland President, June Butler and Iris Suitor, Zonal Trustee spoke about their trip to South Africa.

Armagh Diocese raised £. This amount was sent to Overseas in 2022.(Need details of this!!!) This was Sophia’s last official engagement as DP. Sophia handed over the DP Badge and passed it on to Debbie Davidson

Armagh Diocesan Spring Council held in Moy Parish Hall on Tuesday 5[th] April – first solo meeting as DP for Debbie – great attendance.

Meeting in Gosford Forest Park onThursday 7[th] April to make arrangements for MU Baby Changing & Feeding facilities at Armagh County Show in June 2022

Summer Gatherings: Walks to encourage members from the Diocese to join with each other for a walk and chat, a lovely social time of fun and fellowship – Tues 10[th] May, Palace Demesne, Armagh Tues 24[th] May, Clare Glen, Tandragee Tues 7[th] June, Dungannon Park Tues 21[st] June, Gosford Forest Park

Tuesday 17[th] May – meeting in Bank in Portadown to sort signatures and getting a Debit Card for MU account.

Armagh Trustees meal in Killymoon Castle, Cookstown on Friday 20[th] May – social night to finish for summer.

Safeguarding Training via Zoom 7-9pm on Monday 30[th] May

Diocesan Festival Service with Commissioning of new Trustees and DP on Wednesday 1[st] June.

A packed Cathedral after missing having our Festival Service for 2 years due of Covid. We also made this a celebration for our now late Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee – supper was served which included Individual Royal Jubilee Trifle.

Armagh County Show onSaturday 11[th] June 10am – 5pm. The MU from Armagh Diocese provide a baby changing and feeding facility which is greatly appreciated by parent and we receive beautiful comments of thanks.

All Ireland Trustee Zoom meeting on Mon 20[th] June.

Zoom Prayer Vigil for Ukraine onTuesday 4[th] July at 9pm for All Ireland MU.

Training in Liverpool 8[th] -10[th] July - Debbie Davidson and Iris Suitor attended this very informative conference.

Armagh Diocesan MU created an A5 leaflet called ‘Sshh!! MU, Best Kept Secret’ – this was given to each branch to promote MU in every area of the Diocese. These were received with interest and a great way of showcasing MU.

Rural Deanery Services

Our DP, Debbie attended, along with members of Trustees, all five Rural Deanery services in September 2022.

Following the lifting of restrictions to do with Covid it was great to be able to have the usual collection at each Service for the local Women’s Aid Branches. Some of the Rural Deanery Services had to be postponed and rearranged following the passing of our late Queen.

RURAL DEANARY	DATE	VENUE
Mullabrack	Wednesday 7th September	Mullaghglass Parish Church
Kilmore	Wednesday 21st September	Richhill Parish Church
Dungannon	Tuesday 27th September	Moy Parish Church
Tynan	Wednesday 12th October	St Mary’s Aghavilly
Tullyhogue	Thursday 3rd November	Woodschapel Parish Church

Young Members

No events had been planned but looking forward to starting these events in 2023.

Members’ Weekend Away

Friday 4[th] & 5[th] November - Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. This was well attended and enjoyed by all who attended.

Some members had to leave before lunchtime on Saturday to go to the RTE Recording for 16 Days of Activism Service, which was aired on RTE TV on Sunday 4[th] December.

Enniskillen Cathedral – MU service and Commissioning of All Ireland Trustees which included Debbie and a meal followed afterwards in St Macartin’s Hall.

Indoor Members 2022

In Armagh Diocese there are25 Indoor Members, which is a drop of 3 Indoor Members who sadly passed away.

The Indoor Members Rep. Mrs. Teresa Duncan sent cards for birthdays, Christmas and Easter. Teresa kept in touch with the members by writing to them on a regular basis. Indoor members receive copies of MUST, Focus and Connected publications. Sympathy cards are sent to the family on the death of a member.

Indoor Members Tea Party – St Anne’s Parish Hall, Drumglass Parish, Dungannon – 60 ladies attended

Mary Sumner Day Prayer Walk

9[th] August – Mary Sumner Day – Prayer Walk and supper at Lissan House, Cookstown. It was a gloriously sunny evening and this event and service was well attended. We enjoyed the music provided by Claire on her mandolin.

Annual Gathering – Waterfront Hall, Belfast- Friday 23[rd] &24[th] September…. Belfast hosted the Annual Gathering for All Ireland and UK, this event was well attended and there were beautiful services in St Anne’s Cathedral on Friday afternoon and evening.

There were interesting speakers and our Archbishop John McDowell was one of the main speakers and delivered an inspiring message about Reimagining MU.

All Ireland Trustee Meetings via Zoom–Wednesday 5[th] October – Debbie found this useful to learn all about what AI Trustees do.

Autumn Council in Church House, Armagh – Tuesday 22[nd] November at 7pm – Four of our Trustees retired at this event and were presented with gifts to end the meeting.

Prayer Breakfast and Gender Based Violence Prayer Vigil.

A very successful Prayer breakfast was held in Royal Hotel, Cookstown on Saturday 26[h] November, when 93 members attended. Debbie welcomed everyone, introduced the speakers who were The Archbishop, the Chaplain and Lesley Bailey and thanked everyone especially Claire and Beth for organizing the breakfast and especially members of the faith and policy team for taking part. The prayer breakfast was sponsored by Mums in May grant.

Gift bags from Armagh Diocese MU for Craigavon Area Hospital and Southern Area Hospice – Trustees met in Dobbin Parish Hall on 21[st] December to pack the bags for people in hospital or hospice during Christmas. Irenee delivered bags to the hospital and Rev Hagan delivered bags to the hospice. All were greatly received.

All bags had toiletries, sweet treats, inspirational verses and Bible texts, little note books and pens.

Contribution to website for Prayer and Reflection

Claire our Faith and Policy Coordinator contributed a reflection and Prayer for the Mothers’ Union All

Ireland website.

AFIA

Afia was slightly re-imaged to include food and heating vouchers, travel to hospital appointments and school supplies. In 2022 - families received funding. (Need details of this!!!)

Invitations for DP to attend Branch Meetings.

Debbie attended some local branches where she was asked to speak about her new role in MU. She also attended a Carol Service.

Crossdernott MU Branch 26[th] October

Benburb MU Branch 9[th] November

Killylea MU Branch 23[rd] April – attended a coffee morning and 7[th] December Carol Service

Practical Projects

Various branches have been doing individual projects within their own parishes such as:

Knitting baby clothes for the neo natal unit and trauma teddies for the Children’s Ward.
Provide baby essentials for the ‘Baby Basics’ project.
Supply a young mum with pram, cot, stroller and other essentials for a new baby.
Providing essential items for the Woman’s Aid Centres, and responded to an urgent call for food for the womens’ refuge centre in Portadown
Making ‘Happy Bags’ for children in Church.
Organising supplies to Food Banks.
The Child Contact Centre in Armagh, which is now well established and has three to four families attending each Wednesday and Saturday. This continues to provide a vital link for families to meet. Many of the volunteers are MU members.
Our ‘Prayer Chain’ co-ordinated by Claire Smith is also working well with many people requesting prayer.
Sewing keepsake hearts for Covid patients and their families.
Supply gifts to patients in hospital and hospice who wouldn’t see any visitors over the Christmas period.