The [...]]]> Mothers’ Union has produced a fantastic new resource called “Hand in Hand”, which is has been created to help families enjoy their faith together. This resource is meant both for parents who are already strong in their faith and desire to nurture this in their children, and for those who fell less certain.

The booklet comprises a number of sections, including practical ways in which to share family spirituality and celebrate the wonder of life in good times and bad, which can be used to enable us to develop our personal and family faith and more.

Each copy cost £2.00, however discounts are available for bulk orders and can be obtained from central services via email at centralservices@themothersunion.org or telephone on 020 7222 5533.

There is more information about the booklet on this flyer which you can give to parents of all your local groups and congregations: Hand_in_Hand_flyer_2011

We remember in prayer [...]]]> As always, and despite the way the financial climate is impacting on both the income and expenditure of charities like Mothers’ Union, there is much to thank God for, and get involved in, among the work of Mothers’ Union members around the world. Here’s just a few things to use:

We remember in prayer those in Christchurch, New Zealand: MU_Prayer_earthquake_Christchurch

Prayer is always at the heart of every Mothers’ Union gathering and all the project work that we do around the world. Resources for the mid-day prayers of supporters for the next couple of months are here:
Midday_Prayers_March_2011

Woman carrying thatch in Kajo-Keji

Midday_Prayers_April_2011

In the latest Mothers’ Union Faith and Policy Watch (published jointly with the Church of England) there are details of government announcements relating to weddings and marriage, as well as the Law Commission’s consultation on marital agreements (pre-nuptual, post-nuptual and at seperation) and asks how these ideas can be related to the vows in the Anglican rite of marriage. The paper also asks if the last government’s target of eliminating child poverty by 2020 has been forgotten? The 4 page newsletter can be downloaded here: Faith_Policy_Watch_Mar_11

Red Nose Day takes place on Friday 18th March. Money raised from the day helps Comic Relief support projects that transform lives throughout the UK and Africa. One such project is Mothers’ Union’s Literacy and Financial Education Programme in Sudan. Last year it was successful in getting a grant of nearly £1million from Comic Relief, because it is proven to be successful at helping to alleviate poverty and inequality. We’re hoping that this work may soon be active in areas of Southern Sudan, including our link in Kajo-Keji.

Although this seems like a lot of money, the current financial climate continues to present us with enormous challenges to ensure that we can continue our work. Although we make every effort to be cost-effective with our plans, we still need to find money for our work in the UK and overseas. If you would like to help us why not take a look at our national website for the different ways you can support us: Mothers’ Union – Giving

The Christian Calendar is now moving into Lent as we mark Ash Wednesday on 16th February 2010. Christian tradition encourages us to examine ourselves honestly, acknowledge our shortcomings, and seek reconciliation with God and with each other where we have compromised our relationships. Mothers’ Union has produced some material for Lent:

Lent-Easter-Meditations2010

As part [...]]]>

The Christian Calendar is now moving into Lent as we mark Ash Wednesday on 16th February 2010. Christian tradition encourages us to examine ourselves honestly, acknowledge our shortcomings, and seek reconciliation with God and with each other where we have compromised our relationships. Mothers’ Union has produced some material for Lent:

Lent-Easter-Meditations2010

As part of this years Mothers’ Union theme “Relationships not Rules” there is also the following prompt to our Lenten thoughts and helps us to turn them to actions: RnotR2010-LentColourChart

Many Mothers’ Union groups like to mark 25th March (known either as “Lady Day” or the “Annunciation of our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary”) with a special service.

At the annunciation, Mary made a free choice to be the bearer of a child who would bring freedom to the entire world. Traditionally, the church has characterised Mary as silent and passive, but in fact, she is a major spokesperson for those who are oppressed. In the Magnificat, Mary tells us that justice is at the heart of the Christian message. She rejoices because of the freedom God offers in lifting the humble high.

This theme was reflected in the Lady Day service written in 2007 which can still be used by groups as the theme reflects the work of Mothers’ Union members as they seek to bring forward justice for families through prayer, projects, and speak out where government policies affect marriage and family life. You can download it here: Lady_Day_Service_2007

Our next regional meeting will be at

St. Boniface Church Centre, Chandlers Ford Wednesday 22nd July 6.00pm – 9.00pm (drinks from 5.30pm)

Our Mothers’ Union and personal faith foundations will be explored in three workshop sessions looking at reaching out and sharing our [...]]]>

Our next regional meeting will be at

St. Boniface Church Centre, Chandlers Ford
Wednesday 22nd July 6.00pm – 9.00pm
(drinks from 5.30pm)

Our Mothers’ Union and personal faith foundations will be explored in three workshop sessions looking at reaching out and sharing our principles and faith. These will be led by our
Faith and Policy Co-ordinator,
Angela Bushell

There will also be brief reports about various aspects of Mothers’ Union work, regionally and worldwide.

Your essential kit for the evening?

• A car full of friends
• A Bible
• Paper and pencil

What you need to know to join us:

St. Boniface Church Centre, Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford,
Hampshire, SO53 2FT
st-boniface-map-chandlers-ford
(St. Boniface is situated about 5 minutes drive from Junction 12 of the M3)

Women in and around the New Forest may be interested in attending a talk entitled

WHAT MAKES AND SHAPES US by regional [...]]]> After today’s fantastic meeting in Romsey learning about Street Pastors, Community Prison Chaplains and more, I’ve got several things to post in the next few days – so to kick things off:

Women in and around the New Forest may be interested in attending a talk entitled

WHAT MAKES AND SHAPES US
by regional TV presenter, and Reader (Lay Minister) … Debbie Thrower,
at St. Saviour’s Church Hall, Brockenhurst
Monday 20th April 8pm

This form’s part of Brockenhurst’s ‘Mainly Women Week’ in which there are lots more activities on offer. More information is available at the website of the Anglican Parish of Brockenhurst

To make these as easily accessible as possible some of the main ones are attached to the links below (and should open in a new window), the rest [...]]]> There is a range of study material available for any person or group wishing to explore further this years Mothers’ Union theme: the Cost of Relationship.

To make these as easily accessible as possible some of the main ones are attached to the links below (and should open in a new window), the rest are available by going to the “members” section of www.themothersunion.org and following the link to ‘Theme for 2009′.

• The rationale for the theme
• Collection of prayers and reflections on the theme
• A Bible Study on the Good Samaritan
• Bible Characters
• Jesus’ Values
• Cost of Relationship Service

You may wish to make use of the following material in your personal or corporate worship during the Easter [...]]]> In this Lent season many Christians are reflecting on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, and his resurrection that overcame the power of sin enabling us to have a special relationship with God.

You may wish to make use of the following material in your personal or corporate worship during the Easter Season (reproduced with permission):

JESUS MY REDEEMER (GH)

Jesus, my Redeemer, my Saviour,
The One who has chosen me before the world began,

Chosen me despite my weakness, my failings, my stupidities, my pride.
The One who sees all
And yet, still chooses me.

I try to hide, but succeed only in fooling myself -
What is hidden is still visible!

And yet Jesus still chooses me
And will still choose me. Even now.
Even while I hide,
And cover up what I have done and am still doing.

The one who takes my punishment, my death;
He, whose hands I nail to the cross;
He, whose head I crown with thorns;
He, whose face is marred by my beating;
Jesus, still chooses to be my Saviour, Friend, Redeemer.

I will still choose him!

A MEDITATION ON MARY
(adapted by Revd Terry Roberts from an unknown author for ‘Prayers and Meditations for a new Millennium’ produced by Mothers’ Union Diocese of Winchester.)

She expected the grave closed and sealed.
She found it was open, the stone had been rolled.

She expected a body undisturbed on a ledge.
She found discarded clothes instead.

She expected to find Jesus cold and dead.
She found him alive instead.

God surprised Mary, the first Easter morn;
turned the world and her life upside down,
changed fear to joy, tears to laughter,
promising life for all now and hereafter.

She found Jesus alive and arisen,
So she shared the Good News with the living.

What were you expecting this Easter?
An Easter egg that melts in your hand!
What have you found?

That relationship with God can be articulated in prayer, and any [...]]]> At the heart of all Mothers’ Union activities to support marriage and family life is our faith in God, and our understanding that Jesus’ death and resurrection was an act of grace by God to bring us into an individual relationship with him.

That relationship with God can be articulated in prayer, and any group of members who meet in fellowship or to undertake specific work, share daily in the Mothers’ Union prayer:

Loving Lord,
We thank you for your love so freely given to us 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

The theme which Mothers’ Union is concentrating on in 2009 is the ‘Cost of Relationship.’ The phrase raises many questions:

The Head of our Diocesan Faith and Policy [...]]]>

The theme which Mothers’ Union is concentrating on in 2009 is the ‘Cost of Relationship.’ The phrase raises many questions:

• What is meant by cost exactly?
• Relationship to whom?
• Is the church or Mothers’ Union asking for my money?
• How can relationship be costly?

The Head of our Diocesan Faith and Policy Unit has been looking for some answers, and invites you to start exploring them with her in the next issue of ‘Archway’.

‘Archway’ is the Newsletter of Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester, which is free to members living in the Diocese and compliments information available on this website. The next issue will be available to visitors and distributed to group leaders at our Diocesan Meeting on 31st March (more details of which are available by using the events tag on the left).