MWI President, Anne McBain [right] with guest speaker, Katharine Hicks
On Sunday 17th May 2026 Omagh Methodist MWI held its annual service. President Anne McBain opened the service by giving everyone a warm welcome, especially the guest speaker, Katharine Hicks. Seated together at the front of the church the ladies formed an impromptu choir which led the congregation in uplifting praise to music provided by Betty Doonan on the organ and Florence Caldwell on the piano. Rev Eleanor Hayden invited children in the congregation to come forward and sit on the floor for an engaging story about an elderly lady who hid her keys in her clock but could not remember where she had put them. Ladies of the MWI were fully involved in the service: Doreen Preston did the opening prayer; the Bible reading was delivered by Ann McFarland and the Prayers of Intercession were led by Ruth Alcorn, June Carmichael and Yvonne McQuade .
Katharine Hicks began her address by recounting her journey of faith via the Faith Mission to Pastoral Assistant on the Enniskillen Circuit. She took as her theme the power of prayer and its importance in her own life and it potential for blessing in the lives of everyone. The service closed with the hymn “Let there be showers of blessing” following which the ladies of the MWI with their guests repaired to the Silverbirch Hotel for lunch. In all it had been a most enjoyable service with a memorable meal at which Rev Eleanor Hayden was presented with a gift to mark her forthcoming retirement.
MWI Ladies at their annual service
Church musicians, Florence Caldwell [left] and Betty Doonan with Rev Eleanor [centre]
