The Women’s Network of the Methodist Church aims to encourage, enable and equip women to participate fully in the life of the Church and in society.

District President: Jan Harrison, 20 Applerigg, Kendal LA9 6EA
Tel: 01539 720513

District Vice-President: Pat Staley

District Secretary: Gwyneth Smith, Westgate Barn, Sandford, Appleby, CA16 6NR
Tel: 017683 53498

District Treasurer: Elaine Pears, 59 Croslands Park, Barrow-in-Furness LA13 9LB
Tel: 01229 821815

Cumbria Network Spring Meeting, 5 March 2008

A good crowd of ladies gathered for the Spring Meeting in the new, spacious Ambleside Parish Centre with its large windows giving panoramic views of the Lakeland fells.

The Rev David Crouchley welcomed us and the District President, Mrs Jan Harrison led the times of worship. Through hymns and scripture Jan threw a challenge to us that no matter what our age God has something more for us to do. There is potential in all of us to do more for than we ever dare dream if we have ears to hear and a willing heart. Moses said, “I can’t.” God said, “You can, with me.”

For our visiting speaker, Mrs Pat Harrison (Wright) MBE, the challenge came when asked to help raise funds to bring a group of Ukrainian children suffering from the effects of the Chernobyl disaster to Kendal for some healthy air, nourishing food and a fun time.

From this grew Pat’s strong link with their country. Visits followed that revealed disturbing, heart rending scenarios of abandoned children and teenagers living on the streets and in sewers, hospitals lacking basic facilities, orphanages full. With hard work and generous donations “New Beginnings” emerged and Genesis House with its Christian basis and loving foster parents became the safe haven, family and life-changing home of those who otherwise might never reach adulthood or know any kindness, love and care.

Pat knocks loudly on doors then pushes with God given courage until they open. One such was into the local authorities in Kiev who now want to talk about the problems of children living in institutions and ways of establishing more foster homes. Another door led into a partnership with an independent Ukrainian TV company who were brave enough to film programmes highlighting social problems that affect the lives of children and who have finished a film featuring Genesis House to encourage more foster families to come forward.

Support is always needed to continue the work and provide for new ventures, the aim is always to help children and families in crisis. So no cosy retirement package for Pat. She accepted the challenge and found herself travelling with much trepidation down strange and uncharted paths but knowing that if God calls then he faithfully equips and enables with the power of his holy spirit, and people are blessed. Thank you Pat and Jan for your challenge to each of us.

DISTRICT DIARY for 2008

Event:	District Autumn Day and induction of our new president, Pat Staley
Date:	October 15th, 2008
Leader:	Rev Richard Teal, our new district chairman
Venue:	Wigton Road, Carlisle
Event:	Abbot Hall Conference
Date:	November 3rd-5th, 2008
Leader:	Pamela Turner (current connexional president of Women’s Network
Venue:	Abbott Hall