AMS News
No stars and stripes
The Annual General Meeting of AMS Tasmania was held at Ross on Saturday, July 4 – but no Stars and Stripes displayed!
There was a very good attendance of members from every branch and Diocesan – and several wives came along as well. We also welcomed a new member, Frank Vaughan from the Moonah Branch and we are confident he will enjoy being a part of the Anglican Men’s Society.
Our Chaplain, the Revd Josephine Pyecroft celebrated Holy Communion with members arranged at a long table so that each passed the consecrated elements to the next in line-it was a very affecting process. We sang-unaccompanied – two hymns and our Chaplain inspired us with words of faith and encouragement.
This a non-election of office bearers year so the Annual Meeting proceeding pretty quickly.
Reports from the State Lay-President, Herbert Harding and each branch suggested that although AMS branches are few in number and total membership is modest there is great activity in the parishes in support of domestic missions and beyond our shores.
Tasmania’s contributions to the Hearts for Africa scheme weighs in at a very solid level and we made a substantial donation towards those affected by the Victorian bush fires.
After an excellent lunch the General Meeting dealt with the business of AMS Tasmania including noting those who are planning to be at Bathurst in November this year – maybe six from Tasmania.
St Oswald’s Day – August 5 – was recognised at a gathering at St Andrew’s Church, Westbury in Tasmania’s north.Chaplain Jo celebrated Holy Communion for over 20 members plus others who attended and a marvellous lunch was prepared and served by ladies of that (Quamby) Parish. A terrific day!
Two members (Secretary/Treasurer Max and Trevor) were absent due to medical matters and both expressed their great regret at missing this celebration. We are in prayer for our Chaplain Jo and especially her husband Martin who is undergoing difficult medical procedures. Jo is an outstanding Chaplain and encourages AMS at every opportunity.
Our next State Council Meeting will be at St Anne’s, Lutana on Friday, October 9 from 10am.
T G Cowell