St. George’s Cullercoats MU Branch Leader’s report to St. George’s Annual Parish Meeting for year ended 31 December 2024
I completed my 3rd year as Branch Leader, following a theme of Transformation Now!
Our branch programme for 2024 included 5 afternoon or evening meetings with a speaker and discussion, plus our usual Preparation for Advent to which we invited ladies from several of our neighbouring churches.
Branch members attended an Afternoon Tea on Shrove Tuesday at Tynemouth Golf Club, and an evening meal at Border Terrier on Marden Estate in September. In June our Footsteps in Faith took five of us (via Metro) to visit Sunderland Minster, and also to view the Knife Angel. In November four of us went to Hexham Abbey to see the 12 amazing textile panels on the theme of Creation.
Branch members remain involved in the life of the church and the local community, and support diocesan and national MU projects. Many thank to members of St. George’s congregation who have supported us, in particular with the MU Annual Christmas Appeal for the Newcastle People’s Kitchen.
In our Parish, MU support at Baptism services has continued, together with serving light refreshments after the weekly Thursday morning Eucharist. Both these activities provide valuable outreach. As Branch Leader, I was invited to sit on PCC, and subsequently on the Pastoral Committee. Before Fr. Adrian retired in June, he asked me to respond to baptism inquiries and arrange dates for the ceremony. Helen Brunton has also taken on the more onerous task of managing church wedding bookings.
We started the year with 34 members and said farewell to Mavis Martin when she died in May. Our average attendance at meetings is still under 20, but we are very good between us at keeping in touch with all members with communications, visits, and most importantly our prayers.
Ann Lilley