DIOCESE of CANBERRA and GOULBURN  

All Saints', Ainslie 

Our branch has met each month except January on the second Tuesday of the month, joining in the 10am Parish Eucharist in the Lady Chapel and adjourning to the Church Hall Library for a cuppa and meeting. Our membership number has increased by one as our new Rector, The Venerable Dr. Sarah Macneil joined us. 

The monthly Baptism Teas, held the Friday night before Baptism Sunday, continues to be supported by our members. Greg or Elaine also act as Deacon for the Baptism and other members assisted by David Chen and James Thet assist in other ways at the service. Each family receives a Baptism Kit produced by Mothers' Union. This is one way in which our branch is helping to support MU Australia's vision statement of "sharing Christ's love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life. 

Our meetings this year have been very informal and have included bible studies, planning a banner for the branch and discussions on various topics.  

Members have also journeyed to other parts of the Diocese for Diocesan events, Lady Day in Goulburn, AGM, Link Day, Quiet Day, and the Country Festival in Bungendore. This year our branch hosted the Advent Service and Lunch. The day went very well, and many members from other branches appreciated having lunch in the parish. 

I would like to thank Marg Minnis who has continued her valuable work as Secretary, Peter Minnis as Treasurer, Madeline Grannall, who looks after the Parish Office during meetings, Anne Downing who has shared Diocesan details with us, and all the other members who have assisted with preparation for meetings and provision of morning tea. Their support during the year has been a blessing to me and to the other members of the Branch. 

Elaine Jones
Branch Leader