Co-Chair North, Ruth’s Blog: 16th October 2023
Greetings!
It has been quite a couple of busy weeks!
On the first weekend in October, we held our first Trustees meeting at Swanwick. It was a joy to meet, to have time to get to know one another and to discuss how the new strategy is working. There were times of worship, lively discussions, and agreements on this year’s Empowerment Gifts.
Last weekend, we held our World Federation Day at Trinity Methodist Church, Congleton, in the Chester and Stoke-on-Trent District, addressing the sixth United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’. The theme was ‘Encounters at the Well’. I led the Opening Worship on ‘Living Water’, Barbara Easton, our Unit President, inspired us with her Bible Study and John Evans (husband of Hilary Evans), shared his expertise and gave a talk about Water and how climate change is affecting the world.
After a wonderful lunch, provided by the Dane and Trent Circuit ladies, there were workshops – Prayer Stations run by Madeleine Reed , our Helen Kim Memorial Scholar, ‘Our use of Language’ led by Maggie Woods, Co-Chair South, All We Can ran a workshop led by Victoria Hill and my workshop was based on the people I have met during my role as President. We were privileged to have Alison Judd (WFMUCW President Emerita) to lead our closing devotions.
It was a wonderful day which was enjoyed by nearly 90 women and men who had travelled from all over the country to join us. It was lovely to meet you all. Our thanks go to all those who were involved with leading the day, Trinity Methodist Church, the ladies who provided all the refreshments, the technical assistants – Alan and Sylvia – the stall holders, and to Margaret Lindley, the Trustee for Chester and Stoke, Manchester and Stockport, Liverpool and North Wales, for all her organisation.
I do hope you will all join us next year!
Blessings
Ruth
