The Melanesian Mission’s 2024 Annual General Meeting & Festival Day

On the 21st of September, the Chapel of St Michael’s Within, Bath, hosted the Melanesian Mission’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event saw a gathering of over 40 supporters from across the UK attending in person and online. The Archbishop of Melanesia, the Most Revd Leonard Dawea and the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s General Secretary, Dr Abraham Hauriasi, sent specially recorded greetings and blessings for the meeting.

The AGM marked a significant transition in leadership. Bishop Mark Rylands, Canon Jane Brooke, and Revd Catherine Duce stepped down as Trustees, having served with dedication and passion. Their contributions were warmly acknowledged by all present. Stepping into their roles and additional vacancies, Bishop Sam Corley, Revd Dr Arabella Milbank Robinson, Revd Sam Rylands, and Mrs Jen McIlveen were elected as the new Trustees, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the mission.

A key highlight of the meeting was the acceptance of the charity’s accounts for the 2023-2024 financial year. The ongoing need for additional funding for activities, was highlighted in the ongoing search for a Fundraising Trustee.

Following the formal proceedings, a Eucharist service was held, providing a moment of spiritual reflection and unity with our sisters and brothers in Melanesia. This included the admittance of Bishop Sam Corley as a Companion to the Melanesian Brotherhood. In the afternoon guest speakers shared reflections from their recent placements in Solomon Islands, offering insights into the spiritual life and mission in the region. Trustees outlined future plans for the charity, aiming to expand and deepen its reach, including more placements both ways, increasing supporter numbers, and raising funds for the Mothers’ Union and the ministry to women in the region.

The Still Waters group led a time of silence and reflection, allowing attendees to contemplate the mission’s work and their personal connection to it. The day concluded with Compline and with a heartfelt invitation to next year’s AGM, scheduled for the 20th of September.

Many thanks to our guest speakers for their invaluable contributions to the day’s success and to our supporters. Special appreciation also goes to our host, Revd Jacky Wise, and everyone at St Michael’s.

Films and presentations from the day are available to watch on the charity’s YouTube Channel The Melanesian Mission – YouTube