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Parishes of Brewood and Bishops Wood |
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A Short History of the Mothers’ Union The Mothers’ Union was started in 1876 by Mary Sumner, the wife of an Anglican clergyman. She was a mother of three and was well aware of the burdens and responsibilities of parenting and of the feelings of inadequacy that can sometimes swamp young and inexperienced mothers. When her own daughter became a mother she took the initial steps to found a society that would support women in their role of mothers. This society today has over three million members worldwide. It was in 1885 that Mary was invited to speak in Portsmouth where she was enthusiastically received. Soon after this the Bishop of Winchester decided to make the M.U. a part of every parish in his Diocese. By 1889 there were branches in all parts of the United Kingdom and so the idea spread to New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, India and Madagascar and then worldwide. In the 1960s and 70s new initiatives were set up to modernise but still remain faithful to the original aims. Faith and Policy, Action and Outreach and Marketing, Away from it All Holidays Today the range of work of Mothers’ Union far exceeds the original vision of Mary Sumner but it still holds fast to her vision of a circle of prayer with our Wave of Prayer Day. Meetings 2011All MU meetings are held in Church House at 2:00 pm unless otherwise stated. Please come along as a visitor. 17th Jan. Lunch at The Bridge, Brewood 21st Feb. Social Afternoon 21st March Charmaine - Our Vicar 11th April Service in church 16th May "The Baker Man" Mr. Schellenberg 20th June Summer Outing 18th July Songs of Praise and Strawberry Tea 19th Sept. Service in Church 17th Oct. The History of the Royal Hospital Mr. Roy Stannard 21st Nov. A.G.M. 19th Dec. Carols and Mince Pies ContactsBranch Leader - Mrs Janet Morton, 01902 850643 Branch Secretary - Mrs J Wakeham, 01902 850321 |