EASTERN REGION
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The Eastern Region which is aligned with the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne's Episcopal Eastern Region was created in 2014 and incorporates the old MU Deaneries of Box Hill, Camberwell and Croydon.
Co-ordinator: Rosemary Hicks Branches Ashburton St Matthew’s MU 2nd Wednesday 12noon Balwyn St Barnabas’ MU 1st Thursday 10.30am Balwyn North St Silas’ & St Hilary’s MU 2nd Thursday 1.30pm Blackburn South St Edward's Caritas 1st Tuesday 1.30pm Boronia St Paul’s MU 3rd Tuesday 12.30pm Box Hill Anglican Parish MU 4th Wednesday 1.30pm Burwood St Faith’s MU 4th Wednesday 1.00pm Camberwell St Dunstan’s MU 2nd Wednesday 1.30pm & 2nd Thursday 2.30pm alternating Camberwell St Dunstan’s Caritas 4th Tuesday 8.0pm Canterbury St Paul’s Caritas 3rd Tuesday 8.00pm Croydon St John’s MU 1st Thursday 12noon Glen Iris St Oswald’s MU 1st Monday 10.30am Glen Iris St Oswald’s Caritas 4th Monday 8.00pm Glen Waverley St Barnabas MU & Friends 4th Monday 7.45pm Ivanhoe St James’ MU 4th Wednesday 1.30pm Mitcham All Saints MU 1st Wednesday 1.30pm Mooroolbark St Francis MU 1st Wednesday 12 noon Mount Waverley St Stephen’s & St Mary’s MU 4th Monday 1.30pm except Feb and Sept 4th Tuesday Ringwood St Paul’s MU 3rd Thursday 12noon Surrey Hills Holy Trinity MU 3rd Wednesday 10.00am ( 11.00am in May) |
News from Eastern Region taken from the 2020 Diocesan Annual Report-
It has been a very different year for all of us, and we have needed to communicate through different means. In general, branches seem to have managed the stay-at-home restrictions, and have kept in touch with their MU members, church and friends, through a variety of ways - phone calls, cards, post, newsletters, e-mail, MU websites, on-line services, recorded worship services, some zoom meetings, meeting another outside for a walk, or while shopping, keeping social distance. People were generous with their donations for the Mary Sumner House appeal. Group members have continued to keep their contact with each other, and their continual care and concern for the well-being of their members and friends. Several members have reached their 50 years membership. Some members have had to cope with health issues and hospital visits. Some moved into nursing homes. People have had various concerns about other family members and friends. Sadly, several of our faithful MU members passed away this year. A number of members have been able to watch church services from their church, possibly attend a group or morning tea via zoom, and view other recorded services that can be accessed. Mary Sumner Day was celebrated very differently this year, for most of us, as was our ‘Wave of Prayer’ service. Members went to a lot of effort to try to get copies of the service to others, and maybe observed it alone, or at an arranged time, with other members, alone, but knowing others were also participating. Resources we can tap into have helped keep us connected. I watched the Mothers’ Union virtual gathering for worldwide members, and found it very interesting, informative, and helpful in appreciating how MU members in other countries have been coping through the pandemic. Our MU members have continued to keep staying connected and encouraging. Many of our usual fundraising efforts have had to be put on hold, but some groups have been quite creative and managed to raise some funds. Many of the usual programmes and commitments have of necessity had to cease, but groups have continued doing projects where they can - knitting rugs, beanies, baby blankets, teddies; contributing to food banks; keeping in touch with each other, supporting family and friends; giving prayerful support. Restrictions are gradually easing, and we can look forward to next year, when it will be so good to see each other again, return to a more normal life and continue with trying to fulfil the aims and values of Mothers’ Union. Rosemary Hicks. Eastern Region Coordinator. |