Mothers’ Union
What image does the Mothers’ Union conjure up in your mind? Do you just think of elderly ladies drinking cups of tea? It is a great deal more than that but, unless we do something about it, that will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The MU was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner to help mothers of all classes to help and support each other. Since then it has grown into a world-wide Christian, charitable organisation with 4 million members. It seeks to support families across the world and closer to home. Its members come from all walks of life, not necessarily married or mothers. Men are also welcome. Its main aim is to support marriage and family life in many different practical ways and at both ends of the age spectrum.
While the MU is thriving and flourishing in many deprived countries around the world, in Britain numbers are falling, as the membership ages. Does this mean that the work is no longer relevant, because we are a prosperous country? Surely any newspaper or news report on television will quickly contradict that idea.
The three churches have had M other’s Union branches since the early 20th century. In 2000, they were joined together in a united branch, but retained their individual banners.
Today, we have 18 members, most of whom attend meetings on a regular basis. We usually meet in Barnacre Memorial Hall, as it has the convenience of being central to the parish, has easy parking, toilets, a kitchen and is warm.
We meet on the first Tuesday of the month except in July and August. Speakers are usually arranged for five of these. In addition, we have our AGM in January, a Communion service in September, the MU Wave of Prayer service in October and in December, a special Christmas meeting with readings and carols. In June, we usually go out for a lunch. In April, we hold an afternoon tea to raise funds to help sponsor the education of a girl in Uganda.
In addition to branch meetings, members attend Deanery events such as an annual Quiet Day at Hyning Monastery, a Deanery Festival service, which we hosted at St. Peter’s last year, and “A Bit of a Do” lunch, raising funds for the Diocesan caravan, which provides Away From It All (AFIA) holidays for families facing adversary. Some members also attend Diocesan events.
Recent activities have included knitting squares for blankets for the homeless, donations of toys and selection boxes for children of prisoners in Preston Prison, as well as knitting chickens for the children in the two schools at Easter.
If you have not yet had a chance to have a look at our new noticeboards, please take the time to have a read to find out more about the Mothers’ Union and consider if it might be a group, which you would like to join.
Last updated: March 31, 2023 at 19:11 pm