Mothers' Union

Meet 4th Tuesday afternoon of every month
Contact: Shirley Earley
Tel: 028 9084 2008

Carnmoney Parish Mother's Union is a long established branch. The earliest mention of it is in the 1905 Annual Report for Down, Dromore & Connor (as they were then), and we are very proud that it continues to thrive today.

Currently we have 20 active members who meet in the Memorial Room at 2.30pm - 4.30pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

The Mother's Union is a worldwide charity bringing support and care for family life to the heart of every community, and works through 4 million members in over 83 countries.

We have a varied programme with lots of fun and fellowship, and afternoon tea, so please come along and take part, you will be most welcome.

August 2026

Mothers’ Union Festival Eucharist
On Sunday 9th August 2026, members of our Parish Mothers’ Union joined with fellow members from across Ireland in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, for the All-Ireland Mothers’ Union Festival Eucharist marking Mary Sumner Day. This year's service held special significance as it formed part of the celebrations marking 150 years of Mothers’ Union, giving thanks for the organisation's worldwide ministry of Christian care, prayer and outreach.

The Festival Eucharist was a joyful and uplifting occasion, bringing together members from every diocese in worship and thanksgiving. It was also an opportunity to reaffirm Mothers’ Union's commitment to strengthening family life, supporting communities and sharing God's love through practical service.

We give thanks for all who represented our parish at this memorable service and pray that God will continue to bless the work of Mothers’ Union in our parish, throughout Ireland and across the world.

You can download the Order of Service for this tremendous event by clicking HERE.

june 2026

On Tuesday 23rd June Mothers' Union held their last meeting before the summer break. We had a fun-filled afternoon with a quiz, followed by hilarious stories read by Shirley Earley.

After refreshments were served, we all enjoyed ice creams which were very welcome in this hot spell of weather.

Mothers' Union resumes on Tuesday 29th September and we wish everyone a peaceful and happy summer.

may 2026

Members of Mothers' Union traveled to St Patrick's Parish, Ballymena, on Thursday 28th May for an evening of music and country dancing with Blazing Bellows and a guest piper. It was a great night enjoyed by all.

April 2026

Many thanks to our Mothers’ Union members who truly pulled out all the stops during our April meeting.

After hearing that Women's Aid ABCLN in Ballymena was in urgent need of bedding and other essential items for women and families staying in the refuge, an impromptu fundraising effort was organised there and then.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, an impressive £155 was raised. This enabled us to purchase much-needed bedding, along with a number of additional items and 15 Emergency Toiletry Packs.

These supplies were delivered to the refuge, where Alison and her staff were delighted to receive them. The items will provide practical support and comfort to those facing very difficult circumstances.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed so generously and responded so quickly to this urgent appeal. This was a wonderful example of Christian compassion in action and of the Mothers’ Union commitment to reaching out to those in need.

Some of our Mothers’ Union members recently attended the Spring Diocesan Council meeting at St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena.

We were privileged to hear an engaging and informative talk from Rev. Mark Reid, chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers, who shared valuable insights into the vital work being carried out in support of those working at sea.

Our photos show a selection of hats, gloves, and scarves lovingly knitted by our members and friends, along with Rev. Reid receiving these items from Victoria McFarland. These practical gifts will be greatly appreciated by seafarers, offering both warmth and a reminder that they are remembered and cared for.

The Mothers' Union met on Tuesday 28th April when we were delighted to welcome our speaker, Rev. Chris Bennett.

Chris and his wife Susan travelled around the UK and Europe in their camper van for 364 days! He showed us photographs from every country they visited and shared funny and interesting stories from their year long adventure.

Susan’s book “One Year - a true story of hope and healing”. Will be launched next week at the Belfast Arts Centre.

Refreshments were then served with delicious home baked treats provided by Sheila Harper. We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon.

march 2026

The Mothers’ Union met on Tuesday 24 March, when we were delighted to welcome Melanie McAllister, Young Members’ representative for Connor.

Melanie gave an informative and inspiring talk about the Dock Cafe, which was established in March 2012 and is located in the Titanic Quarter. The Dock Cafe is a charity-run initiative, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and we look forward to arranging a visit in the future.

february 2026

At our Mothers' Union meeting on Tuesday 24th February we held our A.G.M. After various posts were duly elected, Helen Eccles entertained us with stories and poems.

Refreshments followed with lovely home baked treats provided by Sheila Harper. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

Mothers' Union resumed on Tuesday 3rd February 2026. We had a lovely service in church led by Rev. Andy and Curate Carol. Three of our lovely ladies, Helen, Lorna, and Jackie, were enrolled as new members. Following this we had refreshments and Anne announced our new programme for the year.

Mothers' Union is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and we would warmly welcome new members so please come along and join us.

december 2025

On Tuesday 9th December, Mother's Union met in the Memorial Room for Christmas lunch and we were joined by Rev. Andy.

Following grace, we remembered our long time faithful member Jean Scott and we also shared stories and memories of Jean.

We all enjoyed a delicious meal and this was followed by games and storytelling from Helen Eccles. It was a lovely afternoon and we wish all our members a Happy Christmas and peaceful new year.

Other news this month...

A delivery has been made, on behalf of Carnmoney Parish Mothers' Union, to ABCLN Women's Aid at Ballymena. Thank you to all our members for your donations of toiletries, kitchenware, bedlinen, pyjamas, also 'moving on' basins and emergency toiletry packs.

The much needed items were gratefully received by Alison and her staff.

november 2025

Our Mothers’ Union Branch has completed another delivery of Emergency Toiletry Packs and hand-knitted baby items for the A&E and Neonatal Departments at Antrim Area Hospital. Several of our members who contributed to these projects are pictured opposite.

Sincere thanks to all our members for your generosity and commitment throughout 2025. Over the course of the year, we supplied 120 Emergency Toiletry Packs along with 140 baby hats, 17 cardigans and 9 blankets, all of which are gratefully received by the staff to give to patients.

october 2025

Mothers’ Union Craft Afternoon

At our Mothers’ Union meeting on Tuesday, 28th October, we enjoyed a wonderful craft afternoon.

With Anne’s help, we made Christmas tree decorations in the shape of snowmen and snowwomen. Everyone had a fun afternoon filled with laughter and fellowship.

A big thank you to Anne for another great idea!

september 2025

The Mothers’ Union met on Tuesday, 30th September, when we were delighted to welcome Don Howe from Divine Healing Ministries.

Don gave a fascinating and inspiring talk about his personal journey of faith and the wonderful work carried out by Divine Healing Ministries. His words offered encouragement and insight into the ministry’s mission and achievements.

It was a most enjoyable and uplifting afternoon for everyone who attended.

september 2025

The MU branch in Carnmoney parish celebrated its 120th anniversary at a service of Morning Prayer on Sunday 14th September. The service was led by the rector, the Revd Andy Heber, and the special speaker was Alison Skillen, Connor MU Diocesan President.

Also present were Valerie Ash, East Connor Area Chair, members of Connor MU Trustee Board, including Moira Thom, Diocesan Secretary, and Wendy Halligan, Action and Outreach Unit Coordinator, with former and present members and office-bearers of the branch.

The service was organised by Anne Campbell, branch secretary, and members of the committee in conjunction with the rector. She particularly arranged items representing various projects in which branch members are involved and had displays of these beneath some of the stained glass windows in church.

Anne also used small stones and candles in a short act of worship to illustrate a number of the branch’s outreach initiatives, such as knitting hats for seafarers and also for chemotherapy patients, knitting baby clothes and blankets for the Neo-natal Unit, items for Women’s Aid and Care Homes, and emergency packs of toiletries for the local hospital.

Taking as her theme ‘living stones’, referencing some verses from Joshus 4, Alison reminded present-day branch members that they were visible, living stones of MU called to keep alive its aims and objectives; to build firmly on the legacy and example of those who had gone before; and to be a strong foundation for the present and for those who will follow.

She commended members for their faithfulness, dedication and commitment and encouraged them to look forward with hope to the future, adding: “Continue to profess and proclaim…the unconditional love of God and live out your faith in practical action, service and prayer, as Mary Sumner did all those years ago.”

Following the service, a meal was served in the parish hall and a celebratory anniversary cake was cut. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Alison following the lunch. Alison Skillen

June 2025

Thanks to the generosity of our MU Members, a delivery of 60 Emergency Toiletry Packs has been made to the A & E Dept. at Antrim Area Hospital.

As always, these packs were gratefully received by staff there on behalf of their patients. Also, staff at the Neonatal Department were pleased to receive 80 baby hats, cardigans and incubator blankets which were knit by our members and friends.

Very many thanks to everyone who supports us in these very worthwhile projects.

June 2025

Our Mothers' Union outing on the 29th May was to St Patrick's church in Ballymena. The theme was "Puddings with a twist". We started with a very enjoyable quiz and this was followed by tea/coffee and a large variety of delicious puddings. We enjoyed our evening very much and the icing on the cake was Carnmoney MU winning the quiz.

Mothers' Union resumes in September and Carnmoney Parish Mothers' Union is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. To mark this special occasion we are having a service on 14th September at 11am. Afterwards we are planning a lunch in the Church Hall.

More details will follow.

MARCH 2025

At Mothers Union March meeting our speaker was Helen Eccles, one of our members .

Helen entertained us with stories about her life - there was a lot of reminiscing and laughter and a great afternoon was had by all.

Helen you are a very talented storyteller and we thank you for sharing your story with us - we look forward to more stories in the future

February 2025

Mothers' Union members had an enjoyable afternoon when Rev. Mark Reid, Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers, came to tell us all about his work and the amazing work of this worldwide organisation, formerly known as The Mission to Seamen, which was established in Belfast in 1860.

Mark was pleased to receive our donations of hats, scarves, gloves and blankets, lovingly knit by our members and friends which will be greatfully received by the seafarers.

January 2025

On Tuesday 28th January, Mothers' Union resumed for a new year with a lovely church service.

This was followed by our AGM and the announcement of our programme for the year. The Mothers' Union triennium theme is "Join in Join up" and we would encourage, and be delighted, to welcome new members to join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm in the Church Hall.

december 2024

Carnmoney Parish Mothers' Union Members enjoying a lovely Christmas meal at Corr’s on Tuesday 10th December. A great start to the Christmas festivities!

november 2024

At our Mothers' Union meeting, on Tuesday 26th November, we made Christmas candle arrangements - these were judged by Alan Titchmarsh, aka Lorinda.

A great time was had by all and many thanks for Anne’s guidance and help.

September 2024

Mothers' Union resumed after the summer break and we were welcomed back by Anne with a delicious afternoon tea followed by a beetle drive. We all enjoyed the fun and fellowship.

Any ladies that would like to join us would be most welcome.

July 2024

Our Mothers' Union members have been busy over the past few months, buying items for emergency toiletry packs which are given to patients being admitted to hospital through A&E.

Our members have also been busy knitting baby items.

Today 60 emergency toiletry packs were delivered to A&E at Antrim Area Hospital and 100 baby hats, cardigans and incubator blankets were delivered to the Neonatal Department. The staff at both departments were delighted to receive these items on behalf of the patients and really appreciated these contributions.

11TH MAY 2024

The Mothers Union trip was to Killead Parish Church “St Catherine’s”.

We had a lovely lunch,followed by “Yarns from the Bible” - This was an exhibition of handcrafted knitted tableaux and patchworks depicting familiar scenes from the Bible.

The craftwork was amazing and we all enjoyed our afternoon very much.

30TH APRIL 2024

On Tuesday 30th April our guest speaker at Mother's
Union was Eileen Roulston, who gave a very interesting and informative talk about her travels in South Africa. This was enjoyed very much by all the ladies.

Thank you Eileen

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse