If you are not involved directly with organising events, please pray for

The Advertising Standards Authority are not able [...]]]> Following through with our Bye Buy Childhood campaign, and the recommendations of the Bailey Review, various new Codes of Practice have been issued by the appropriate organisations. This are available on the Bye Buy Childhood campaign website, but for ease of access can also be found below:

The Advertising Standards Authority are not able to act against examples of inappropriate advertising, unless people make a complaint about a specific advert or product placement. Click the link for their Statement on Sexual Imagery in Outdoor Advertising.

BT, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Sky have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice on the Use of Parental Controls on computer internet use. From October 2012, they will ASK customers whether they want ‘parental controls’ ie blocking of pornographic material, switched on or off. This is really good news, as though these facilities are already available, many parents are unaware either of the facility or how to use it.

Policies relating to the responsible retailing of children’s clothing are available from the British Retail Consortium and can be accessed directly here.

There are also Guidelines for the Display of Men’s Lifestyle Magazine’s – what are perhaps better known as “lad’s mags”!

There is also a ban on the use of under 16s for peer to peer brand ambassadors through a set of guiding principles for brand advertising, the link for which should be available shortly.

All these guidelines underline how vital it is to get parents to notice and report any advertising they feel is inappropriate, and the opportunities there are for doing so. The December 2011 MU Faith and Policy Watch  gives examples of recently upheld complaints, to give you an idea of what the regulator is heeding. If you are interested in social policy matters relating to family life, parenting and marriage, downloading this newsletter each month provides all sorts of useful information.

ParentPort shows the standards expected from the media, and is also the appropriate place to make a complaint about material, whether that be on a TV programme or advert, in a film, online, in a video game or in a magazine. It is run by the UK’s media regulators, who set and enforce standards across the media to protect children from inappropriate material.

Tuesday 29th November 2011 10am – 2pm St Leonards and St Ives Village Hall 

At our July Information Evening we held taster sessions exploring how we might action our new FIVE YEAR PLAN and went away to [...]]]> We would like as many Mothers’ Union supporters as possible to come to our next Information Day.

Tuesday 29th November 2011 10am – 2pm
St Leonards and St Ives Village Hall 

At our July Information Evening we held taster sessions exploring how we might action our new FIVE YEAR PLAN and went away to think in our local groups about how Mothers’ Union supporters in our area are going to achieve our 2012 targets, which are:

MARRIAGE –  

• Attend three wedding fairs in the region
• Recruit a marriage champion for 2013

FAMILY - 

• 10 groups who do not already support the Mothers’ Union Away From It All Family Holiday to run or organise a fund raising event

 MEMBERSHIP - 

•  Every Mothers’ Union group in the diocese to recruit at least one new member or replace  a lost member during 2012.

 If you are not already a Mothers’ Union member and these targets are something you    would like to help us achieve in your area, please come along and contribute ideas.

 Refreshments are provided but please bring a packed lunch.

At an RAF base, on holiday, in word, through worship and with free cake, Mothers’ Union members across the Diocese are supporting families in fun, practical ways this month, as the [...]]]>

Mothers' Union free homemade cake stall at RAF Odiham Families Day, 10th August 2011 - with Apache Helicopter doing aerobatics above!

At an RAF base, on holiday, in word, through worship and with free cake, Mothers’ Union members across the Diocese are supporting families in fun, practical ways this month, as the organisation celebrates its 135^th anniversary!

More than 100 homemade cakes were collected by Mothers’ Union members at Old Alresford on Wednesday and transported to RAF Odiham where, with 100s more they served 1000s of RAF personnel and their families at the RAF Odiham Families Day on Wednesday 10^th August. For the second consecutive year a team of Mothers’ Union members made a gift of FREE tea, coffee, squash and cake to families who attended.

The idea for the gift grew out of the desire of local Mothers’ Union members to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by RAF personnel as they serve tours of duty overseas, especially in Afghanistan, as well as their families. This year’s team of 16 Mothers’ Union members served throughout the day as families circulated watching the flying displays and other attractions.

Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester is also offering Relationship Counselling to support to any Armed Forces family connection with the Diocese that is struggling to cope with the pressures service life places on their family. More information about this pilot project is available here. 

Many of the cakes had been made by the 140 members who gathered on Tuesday 9^th August at Old Alresford to celebrate the 135^th Anniversary of the founding of Mothers’ Union by Mary Sumner. Holy Communion was celebrated in St Mary’s Church by Right Revd Peter Hancock, Bishop of Basingstoke. In his address he Bishop Peter reminded members of the words of Teresa of Avila, that they are the ‘hands of Jesus’ as they support of marriage and family life around the world. Later in the day Rosemary Kempsell, Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union gave a presentation showing how Mothers’ Union members around the world are still living out the original vision of Mary Sumner who founded the organisation at Old Alresford.

Another team of Mothers’ Union supporters are also preparing for the region’s biggest annual project which offers a week’s holiday to families who would otherwise fail to get a break from difficult lives. This year’s break starts on Saturday 13^th August at a new venue for the holiday, Pilgrim Hall in East Sussex. Approximately 19 families will be hosted by a team who provide children’s activities, youth events, a day out, baby sitting, a fancy dress disco and the chance to receive unconditional love whatever their circumstances. For more information click the link here: Mothers’ Union ‘Away From It All’ Family Holiday

More photographs of the Mothers’ Union stall at the RAF Families Day and from the anniversary celebrations at Old Alresford, can be found at our Flickr group

At our July Diocesan Meeting in Romsey we started to focus on exactly how our local [...]]]> Mothers’ Union leaders in the Diocese of Winchester have spent much of the last year working on a 5 year plan that will provide all our supporters with a focus for their energies in the next few years.

At our July Diocesan Meeting in Romsey we started to focus on exactly how our local groups might be able to increase awareness of, and fundraising for our work supporting families, promoting marriage and converting good-will into membership. This work will continue with a series of worshops at our November meeting.

We would encourage as many members as possible to attend our next meeting which is now at revised venue:

Diocesan Meeting

Tuesday 29^th November 2011

10.00 am to 2.00 pm

St Leonards and St Ives Village Hall

In the coming month we’re linked with two very family and children orientated events:

National Family Week runs from the 30th May – 5th June (across Spring Bank Holiday and half-term!) [...]]]> Families First is the name of Mothers’ Union national magazine, and it describes exactly what Mothers’ Union does – we put families first!

In the coming month we’re linked with two very family and children orientated events:

National Family Week runs from the 30th May – 5th June (across Spring Bank Holiday and half-term!) Many Mothers’ Union groups and churches will be putting events on focus on the priority everyone should give to their family life. If you want to advertise your event with a specifically Mothers’ Union flavour, then you can use our poster: MU Branch Poster May 2011

Also that week, on Sunday 5th June is a National Day of Prayer for church-based Toddler Groups! This is an initiative of the 1277 Group, of which Mothers’ Union is a partner and provides an opportunity for you to pray for your local toddler group, its leaders and all the families it comes into contact with.  ”1277 – Make them Count!” is work by the National Strategy for Christian Toddler Groups, a gathering of specialists from all the major denominations and non-denominational organizations committed to supporting the work of church-based parent and toddler groups. 1,277 is the average number of days a child has before they start nursery education.

You may like to include this prayer for the day in your church’s intercessions on that Sunday or at some child-friendly event you have organised:

Father as we seek to nurture,
develop  and encourage our children,
would you challenge us with Your love,
deepen us with your grace
and teach us with Your wisdom,
so that through us
Your kingdom comes
and Your will is done,
Amen.

To advertise your toddler-group related prayer event, download and add your details to this poster: National _Ch-Toddler-Grp_Prayer_Day_Poster

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 story first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday, and was confirmed today by in the BBC and by the Department of Education .

The DofE press [...]]]> It has been announced today (Monday 6th December 2010) that Mothers’ Union Chief Executive has been asked to head a review into the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood.

The story first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday, and was confirmed today by in the BBC and by the Department of Education .

The DofE press notice states that

Taking in views of consumers, particularly parents and the business community, Mr Bailey has been asked to put forward recommendations, which are informed by evidence, that are challenging and will respond to the high levels of public concern.

The review will look at the following themes:

• risks of harm and barriers to parenting
• principles – what is acceptable in this area and what is not
• consumer voice
• corporate social responsibility.

Mothers’ Union issued the following statement:

Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of Mothers’ Union has been asked to chair the Independent Review of the Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Childhood. The review has been commissioned by Sarah Teather MP, the Minister for Children and Families, and is part of a strong commitment made by both David Cameron and Nick Clegg to give a real measure of support to family life. Rosemary Kempsell, the World Wide President of Mothers’ Union, said ” We are  delighted that Reg has been asked to chair this Independent Review as Mothers’ Union is absolutely committed to seeing children as children, not simply as consumers. We have  been involved with the welfare of children for many years, but have more recently launched our Bye Buy Childhood Campaign in precisely this area because so many parents express their concerns to us.

Local Mothers’ Union Trustee, Rachel Hartland has recently put together a presentation on the Bye Buy Childhood Campaign which could form an evening’s discussion to raise awareness of the issues involved. Those interested are welcome to download the Powerpoint notes here: Who is buying our childrens childhood?

More information about initial responses to the presentation and questions raised can be found here on Rachel’s personal blog, with a link that will help you download from YouTube adverts you think inappropriate here. If you would like more information or help regarding this ongoing campaign, Rachel and other Diocesan Mothers’ Union Trustees can be contacted via the “Contact Us” facility on this website (bottom right).

He was also very clear that faithful relationships are equally important in the development and nurture of our individual and collective faith journey.

Throughout the Bible God loves that [...]]]> Jesus was very clear that faithful relationships are the model and structure for living together in harmony as: families, friends, neighbours, communities, nations and internationally.

He was also very clear that faithful relationships are equally important in the development and nurture of our individual and collective faith journey.

Throughout the Bible God loves that which he has made and one of the main ways God expresses this love is through constant fidelity to his creation. We see this in God’s acts:

• in his fidelity to Israel at all times
• in his making of a covenant
• in his fidelity to individuals and families throughout their lives
• in his sending leaders and prophets to preach the Kingdom of God and its values
• in the sending of his only Son to die, rise and save us.

Through and in all these different faithful relationships, we have both an identity and a purpose. As Christians these are entirely defined by our values as given to us by God, through the Bible, in the history and traditions of our churches and in the societies in which we live daily. Through and in all these different relationships we learn how to recognise and experience God’s faithful presence - right now, every moment, wherever we are. We believe that God is always present and faithful in our lives, whether or not we can see him. We also believe that God’s presence is a positive good even if we do not always understand how or why, especially when life presents us with many difficulties and tragedies.

Faithful Relationship is the Mothers’ Union theme for 2011, and there is a wealth of material for small groups to use. Download, and look through the material below to see what might be useful for your personal reflections, church, small group or Mothers’ Union event.

A. Faithful Relationship 2011 – Theme Rationale

B. Qualities of Faithfulness – a chart and prayer guide to help you assess the quality of your relationship with God and others

C. Faithful_Relationship_Prayers

D. Reflections on “The Rock” – Bible Study ideas and prayers

E. Faithful Relationship – Scripture Texts

F. Peter Bible Study – from faithless to faithful

G. Mary Magdalene Bible Study – faithful follower of Christ

H. Mary Magdalene in Art – a study focusing on pictures by Titian and Sandys

I. The rainbow – a symbol of faithful relationship includes ideas for craft, prayer and spiritual reflection and an Indian Legend

J. Symbol of the Rock – reflection with symbolic act

K. Symbol of Bread and Wine – eucharistic reflections and inspiration for creative worship

M. Faithful Men and Women of the Bible with Bible references

N.Eucharistic_Service_in_word_text (editable .doc file)

Travelling Festivals are enjoyable projects, enabling local groups to reach out to families with young children.

They can bring the stories behind major Christian festivals into the homes of families connected to your church, in the midst of what are becoming increasingly commercial times of year.

Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester [...]]]>

Travelling Festivals are enjoyable projects, enabling local groups to reach out to families with young children.

They can bring the stories behind major Christian festivals into the homes of families connected to your church, in the midst of what are becoming increasingly commercial times of year.

Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester think the original idea came from Bridport, and came to us via Mary Sumner House, the head office of Mothers’ Union.

There is a Nativity Crib and also an Easter Basket and details of how you might work these projects in your local community are on the information sheet here: Travelling Festivals Sheet