How it all Began…
The Mothers’ Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner. A mother of three, she was very aware of the responsibilities and feelings of inadequacy that could swamp young mothers. When she became a grandmother she took steps to support mothers and impart her belief that children should be raised in the love of God.
The Central Council of Mothers’ Union was formed in 1896 with the vision that marriage, parenting and prayer were the key to successful families. The range and depth of work in the 21st century is much wider than Mary Sumner could ever have imagined.
What about today?
Values
There are more than 4 million members of the Mothers’ Union in 84 countries around the world. Each member subscribes to the same values:
- We are firmly rooted in voluntary ethos centred on mutual respect and collaboration
- Our governance, leadership and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members within their own communities worldwide
- We are inclusive and work with people of all faiths and none
Members
Our members are not all mothers or even all women. They are single, married, parents, grandparents or younger adults just beginning to express their social conscience. Mothers’ Union provides, for all 4 million members, a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community – through prayer, financial support and actively working at the grass roots level in programmes that meet local needs.
Our Branch
We have a varied programme including interesting speakers, meals and an annual mystery trip. We end our meetings in church with a quiet service of Compline. We hold a special service on Lady Day and join in with the Mothers’ Union Worldwide Quiet Hour and the ‘Wave of Prayer’.
The MU are involved in the life of the church for example, providing posies on Mothering Sunday, taking an active part on Parade Sunday and helping to fund Y6 leavers bibles for St Leonard’s Primary School. We give a hand knitted Teddy Bear to infants being baptised and a birthday card is sent for four years.
We support the ‘Away from it All’ caravan providing holidays for needy families, and support the Overseas Fund which provides help with parenting skills, literacy and much more.
The Mothers’ Union Aims and Objectives are:
- To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote it’s wider understanding
- To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children
- To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service
- To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children
- To help those whose family life has met with adversity
For a copy of our current programme and more information, contact:
Branch leader, Janyl Richardson, 01254 249012
Branch secretary, Ros Simpson, 07740 873156
The Mothers’ Union Prayer
Loving Lord We thank you for your love so freely given to all. We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship,
And in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Mary Sumner Prayer
All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live,
Amen
What’s Going On This Year?
Take a look at what is going on this year – Mother’s Unions Programme
