How beautiful the love that women give,
How strong the faith that women share,
How gentle the hands of women prayer,
How precious is the time in which we live.
These are the words, written by Mary Sumner House, that Laurel Brook has kept close to her heart since she found them in a greeting card many years ago.
Last week they rang ever true when the kind-hearted parishioner became a Life Member of Mothers Union Diocese of Newcastle.
Surprised by the news while at a Lady Day service at Christ Church Cathedral on March 25, the CA Brown resident was then honoured with a celebratory morning tea at St Thomas Anglican Cardiff on Friday 2nd May.
As an array of delightful treats filled the church hall trestle tables, more than four dozen Mothers Union members enjoyed a morning of companionship, stories and laughter.
Sandwiches, cakes, chocolate slice, cheese, biscuits, tea and coffee flowed while those gathered shared memories of Laurel’s many decades of service.
Festivities included the cutting of a cake, decorated with a congratulatory message in its icing.
Laurel’s faith journey is one that began at the age of 12 when she played piano for the Sunday School at her local Anglican church in south Sydney.
At 18 she joined Girls Friendly Society (GFS), a worldwide organisation within the Anglican Communion that was formed out of concern for the welfare of young women and girls from the country who moved to the cities for work.
Laurel’s Newcastle chapter began at St Albans in Warners Bay before a return to Church of England meant she became the parish’s first Sunday School Superintendent.
By the early eighties she was asked to establish a GFS which had more than 50 girls in regular attendance.
In December 1981 Laurel joined Mothers Union while attending a Christmas Carols service at Boolaroo.
“I remember it quite well,” Laurel says.
“There were about five of us that became members that evening. There were lots of people around the MU flag which was flying that night.”
By 1995 Laurel had become Hospital Visiting Coordinator.
Since then, she has taken on the role of Caretaker Deanery Leader and Diocesan Secretary, worked in home communions, and at Lady Day events.
Laurel has also served God through music for more than 65 years.
Mothers Union Chaplain Reverend Nicole Baldwin says honouring Laurel’s commitment to the community is well-deserved.
“Laurel is a delightful, special, funny, and talented lady, who loves God and God’s people. She has offered her gifts over many years, not only to Mothers Union, but to her Parish and wider community,” Reverend Nicole says.
“It was a privilege for me to admit her as a Life Member of Mothers Union Diocese of Newcastle.
“Laurel is a blessing to us all.”
Visit munewcastle.org.au to learn more about Mothers Union Newcastle.
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