World Federation News for the Methodist Newsletter - July 2009

The Joint European Area Seminar took place at Erskine Bridge Hotel on 19-23 May where about 220 ladies from 22 countries, including 22 from Ireland, had the opportunity to share in the theme "Be Salt! Be Light.

During the weekend following the Seminar members of the World Executive Committee, including the World Officers who attended the Seminar, arrived in Belfast to for the 3rd World Executive Meeting of the quinquennium, from the 11th World Assembly in South Korea 2006 until the 12th World Assembly in South Africa 2011. Four World Officers, one WF UN Representative, nine Area Presidents, one Vice President and a translator were present.

The meetings took place at the Grosvenor House Conference Centre from 25th to 29th May. A rota of MWI ladies kindly provided the morning and afternoon breaks and served the lunch provided by the restaurant, this was co-ordinated by Irene McKeown, the Unit Correspondent. On the Sunday evening the Grosvenor Hall Congregation welcomed the World Executive and provided a lovely meal which was greatly appreciated by all.

The main business of the World Executive was deciding the venue for the 12th World Assembly in South Africa. It will take place in Fourways, Johannesburg at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in August 2011. There was an intense five days of meetings with highlights.
On Tuesday 26 May there was a "Welcome" event in the Grosvenor Hall when the World Executive met the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tom Hartley, the President of the Methodist Church, Rev Aian Ferguson , the Secretary of the Methodist Church, Rev Donald Ker, the Superintendant of the Grosvenor Hall, Rev. Richard Johnston, the President of MWI and Ireland Unit President, Mrs Hazel Loney, the Methodist Church Press Officer, Rev Roy Cooper , William Carson of the Container Ministries also members of the World Federation Ireland Unit Committee and MWI Executive Committee and other invited guests.

After a most enjoyable meal Patchwork Praise from Bloomfield Methodist Church led by Natasha Mudd gave a presentation of music, song, dance and drama followed by Louise Wilson who presented a power point set to "Be Thou My Vision" showing Irish culture and scenes. The evening was drawn to a close by the Rev Aian Ferguson inviting all to share in "The Grace".

The Executive was taken on a "Prayer Drive" on Thursday 28 May, to see "Belfast on the Peace Line" at Springfield Road Methodist Church and Forthspring. After a lovely lunch a presentation was given by Maura Moore the Director of the Forthspring Inter Community Group and also by Rev John Wonnacott. Sister Bridget of the Curragh Community and Mrs Elsie Kirkpatrick of the Springfield Road Congregation shared their experiences. Dr Chitta Millan, the World President expressed on behalf of the Executive appreciation and thanks to all who made the visit possible. After viewing some local murals they returned to Grosvenor House.

All the members of the World Executive expressed how much they had enjoyed their visit to Belfast and were greatly impressed by the warmth of hospitality and kindness shown by so many. They certainly received a true Irish welcome and even the weather improved.

MDG 5 - Project 3

Everyone has been very generous in their support for the VVF operations performed by Dr Alan Millar at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in Ghana. The project closes at the end of August and it is hoped that as much money as possible is raised in order that Dr Millar can perform as many operations as possible and save many lives, this will make a difference. Please forward donations to the Ireland Unit Treasurer, Mrs Jean Moreland, 1B Woodland House, Rushpark, Newtownabbey, BT37 9SG

Cheques to be made payable to "WFM&UCW - Ireland Unit".

Sheelagh Wonnacott
World Federation Area President