This month the newly re-formed Yateley Branch from Odiham Deanery led a short service of worship based on part of the days lectionary reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5. The reflection and act of confession and commitment were original material and could be used by other groups in an appropriate setting.

To download this as a resource for your group, please click on the link shown here: Isaiah 2 v1-5 – Reflection and Act of Confession and Commitment

On Wednesday 2nd December we will be meeting in the Epiphany Chapel again, when Winchester Deanery to lead another short service at 10am, followed by time chatting in the refectory. You would be most welcome.

There are different reflections for each day Monday – Saturday and are sourced from the Psalms, the writings of saints and contemporary prayers.

These prayers can be used at any Mothers’ Union meeting or service of worship this month, not just those that happen to meet at mid-day. The information includes the list of those Diocese that this month are at the centre of the prayers of Mothers’ Union members around the world.

Please download the prayers from here: july_midday_prayers_2009

The closing procession at the Mothers' Union Festival Service 2009

More than 200 Mothers’ Union members from across the region gathered at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday 29th April. Together with fellow member Right Revd Michael Scott-Joynt (Bishop of Winchester) they celebrated the theme of ‘Living Love’ in worship, prayer, music and an inspiring drama called ‘The Good Punk Rocker’. The Eucharistic Service also heard an inspiring sermon by Bishop Michael who gave two very interesting insights into the meaning of ‘Living Love’.

More photographs and details of this event will be featured in the next issue of our newsletter ‘Archway’ which is due to be circulated in late July.

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 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?

Right Revd Michael Scott-Joynt

This year our festival service is being held on Wed 29th April 2009 at 11.00am in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral. The preacher and celebrant at this years service is Right Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester (pictured above).

The theme this year is “Living Love” and will reflect this years Mothers’ Union theme which is the ‘Cost of Relationship’.

The Eucharistic service will also feature classical music and drama, whilst the congregation will all receive a commemorative bookmark.

The service is open to anyone who wishes to attend – we look forward to seeing you there!