Llandaff Diocesan General Meeting 2018

The Llandaff Diocesan General Meeting was held on Tuesday 20 November at the City United Reformed Church in Cardiff.
It was good to see so many members attending the meeting and enjoy faith and fellowship.
The opening worship was led by Rev Gareth Coombes, Priest in Charge of Treharris, Trelewis, Bedlinog and Llanfabon. As usual, Mothers’ Union members united in a rousing rendition of Calon Lan.

Kay Warrington, Mothers’ Union Provincial President addressed the meeting and praised the work of Llandaff Diocese.

Lynne Davies, Diocesan President gave her address which celebrated the many highlights of the Triennium.
The service was followed by Unit Reports from the Unit Coordinators of Marketing, Action and Outreach, Faith and Policy and Finance and Administration.
Midday prayers were led by Penny Snowden.
Four speakers gave different accounts on Mothers’ Union issues.
Ruth Roberts, Diocesan President of Swansea and Brecon Diocese related the benefits of supporting families with Away From It All (AFIA) holidays in the caravan in Porthcawl.
Beth Jones from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) gave a very interesting and moving account of how a one-week holiday in a caravan can provide hope to mothers who have reached rock bottom in all aspects of their life. She related stories of how a holiday can provide a spur to enable mothers to support their families and aspire to a better way of living with God’s help.
Reverend Gareth Coombes talked about how members of Mothers’ Union in his parish are involved in all aspects of Church life and how membership has increased by going out into the community and forging links with individuals.
Ann-Mari Bennett from Gwalia Housing spoke about the Cynon Valley project where members support young people by providing the ingredients necessary to cook a Sunday meal, allowing the young people to socialise over a home cooked meal. Members also provide starter packs for young people for when they leave the Gwalia accommodation and set up in their own accommodation. Ann-Mari told us of the impact this wonderful initiative has on the young people.
Margaret Jarvis from Rhondda Valley Kids told us how Mothers’ Union members contribute to ‘Making a Difference’ at Christmas by providing toys at this special time and other initiatives to support children throughout the year.
All the speakers were inspirational and made us feel so humble in acknowledging the part we play in making a difference to a range of individuals and families across the Diocese.
Lynne Davies, Diocesan President, was thanked for all that she had done during the past Triennium and told that she should be justifiably proud of all that had been achieved under her leadership in last three years.
The closing Grace was led by Rev Sue Stevens and was followed by singing the hymn: One More Step Along the World I Go.
A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.