See Photo Album here
Our MU gathering in Morpeth on Friday was a really enjoyable time. We sang, prayed and even danced together; we shared personal stories and appreciated all the aspects of the journey of life in the display of shoes and footprints.
Huge thanks are due to all who helped to shape the day:
…the VPs and Morpeth MU Branch members for their exemplary welcome, hospitality and tea & coffee;
…P&P and Marketing trustees for ship activities, prayers, saints quiz and prizes, card sales;
…those members and friends who managed the raffle and helped to set out and replace the chairs;
…the many who wrote prayers on footprints and everyone who brought shoes and stories of their own ‘Footsteps in Faith’.
Thanks also to those who were not able to make it to Morpeth but who found their own creative ways to make Footsteps in Faith and who joined us in spirit.
Not least thanks to St Georges URC who allowed us to use their premises for ‘mates rates’ as brothers and sisters in Christ.
May our footsteps go on in faith as we unfold the coming months.
Every blessing,
Anne M
'One More Step Along the Word I go'-
Reflections by VP Anne Blight on her Footsteps in Faith
In 2021 after a sombre time during Covid I decided to do a fund raising event and I passed the idea to Pam Alderson and Dorothy Walker who were both up for it, I couldn’t have done it without them. We asked West Deanery MU if they would support us and they did. We planned our walk starting each time at our St John’s Church Whorlton and the first walk with members from our Branch’s including our Chaplain Anne and Derek, walked to Holy Nativity in Chapel House, not far but a good start. We were met by lovely members who gave us a warm welcome with Coffee etc. Together we then had our Mothers Union Midday Prayers and finished by singing “One more step along the world …”
We always had a rest day/days in between helping us to recover. Our next stop was at Holy Cross where no workers joined but they were there coming forward to welcome us with welcoming smiles and refreshments. Again prayer time followed by Midday prayer time and then singing “One more step”
Venerable Bede Church on the West Rd a very busy thoroughfare. The ladies were out in force with refreshments in their small frontal area on the West Road fully exposed to all and so glad to see us and yes you guessed it we worshipped and sang. We then walked to St Matthews a very old Church on the West Road and the ladies, only a handful of members, had our refreshments ready and again we finished with our normal pattern.
Ponteland was our last one the longest. It was amazing on the walks the support of Trustees walking with us or joining us en route to the resting place, it empowered and supported us. Captain Paul with the members were waiting for us and we had refreshments and worship in their beautiful church. The last time to sing “One more step” but then the walk home which is what we did if folks felt able to. Poor Dorothy sprained her ankle on the way home on the one before so had to be careful and didn’t do it but Pam and I soldiered on.
We were so supported by you all and a had wonderful time in achieving this, thank you friends.
This year we had an idea springing from a few of us and the plan was worked out slowly with others in tow when needed and it grew from a small seed…Footsteps in Faith….which our Chaplain Anne embraced and used her many talents helping us on our small committee to make plans.
I was absolutely delighted that so many of you took part in one way or another. Our Cathedral display was amazing – it was warmly received in our Cathedral and many visitors were seen looking/reading leaving comments on the “fishes”. Our Mary Sumner Day celebrated on 1st August with Midday Prayers and followed by the Cathedral daily Eucharist which was a joy.
Then culminating in Morpeth wow what a day. You came from North, South, East and West you embraced it thank you members. Rev Anne again surpassed herself and the worship that Jackie Moore, our F&P Leader, and Anne with your help was beautiful. And what did we sing “One more step”
I opened my hymn book today, two days later, for our Sunday service and what did I see the first Hymn “One more Step”
I want to thank God for leading me on my “Footsteps in Faith” and for others led by God to bring us together and enjoy the riches we received.
Our first Venture was a money raiser and the last one only if that was the way anyone wanted to do it, we had a wide variety of ideas. Looking back for me now the money raised was a bonus we experienced so much love and joy and hopefully our Diocese will continue their journey in this way, all inclusive ….continuing the work of our founder Mary Sumner.
Anne Blight (soon to be retiring VP Northumberland Archdeaconry)
