EASTERN REGION

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 (updated May 2021)

Ashburton St Matthew’s MU                            

Boronia St Paul’s MU                                     
3rd Tuesday 12.30pm

Box Hill Anglican Parish MU                        
4th Wednesday 1.10pm

Burwood St Faith’s MU                                    

Camberwell St Dunstan’s MU                              
1st Thursday 2.30pm 

Glen Waverley St Barnabas MU & Friends             
4th Thursday 1.30pm

Ivanhoe St James’ MU                                   
1st Monday 8pm

Mitcham  All Saints MU                                    

Mooroolbark St Francis  (Mountain Views) MU                                  
Mount Waverley St Stephen’s & St Mary’s MU       
 
Ringwood St Paul’s MU                                     
3rd Thursday 12noon

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.