For the last few months, all that Mothers’ Union members have been able to do is to keep in touch with one another. When you read this, it will be summertime and the Mothers’ Union may just be meeting again in the parish room. However, since we have not met since March 2020, I will write about other things besides our Littleport meetings. The charity was founded by Mary Sumner, in 1876. She was a young mother of three children and she was a clergyman’s wife. That is a whole story in itself but she would have been amazed if she had known that this simple beginning would lead to what Wikipedia describes as, ‘An international Christian charity that seeks to support families worldwide.’ Not all its members are mothers. Men, women, parents, widows, singles and grandparents have all joined the movement and become involved in its work. This spring a new magazine is to be launched. It is called, ‘Connected’ and every member will get a free copy twice a year. It will contain regular updates about MU projects across the globe and about the difference they are making to people’s lives. It is available now online.
One of the favourite projects at home is the ‘Away from it all’ project to which our branch members willingly give cash. A holiday, or a day out is provided for families that are under stress. Many dioceses have caravan holidays available; some places organise a day out by coach for several families who have suffered bereavement or illness. All charities need to raise funds and the MU is no exception. In Mary Sumner House in London, Mothers’ Union Enterprises has a shop where ethical gifts, greeting cards, stationery and publications are sold. All profits are covenanted back to the charity. Members have been using this extensively during lock down to buy birthday, Christmas and Easter cards. Beautiful gifts for families and friends have been especially useful for the members who have not been able to leave their homes.
Once again, I invite you to look on the home page of www.mothersunion.org or facebook.com/mothersunion, to learn more about us.
Pauline O’Connor, Branch Leader
Mothers Union Report
