We would, as ever, be happy to receive any pictures or stories from around the diocese - these can be emailed to the Mothers' Union Office info@mugloucester.org.uk

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOURTON

ON THEIR NEW BRANCH!

It was with enormous pleasure that the Diocesan President, Margaret Edwards (right) and Vice-President, Kate Thompson (left) attended the opening of the new branch at Bourton-on-the-Water. Hazel and Maureen (Deanery & Branch leaders) receive an official notice of the formation.

Some 15 members attended this initial meeting and we wish them every blessing in their future growth and work.

(With a little imagination, the rich embroidery on the banner behind looks rather like bells ringing out in celebration!)

A LOOK BACK AT PARTY-TIME!

 The Mothers' Union is very pleased to be able to help whenever they can with the work of The Family Haven in Gloucester which does splendid work with very stretched resources. Last December the year closed with a really happy party for those who use the Haven and Mothers' Union provided the food. Your generous donations towards this not only paid for the food but will provide an outing for the children later in 2010.

This day out will be in the Easter school holidays and will be to Bird Land at Bourton-on-the-Water which the Haven has chosen.  This outing will be special because it is a place they could not normally afford but has become possible through the generosity of members of MU .  We wish them some warmer weather and a lovely day

There was Father Christmas....                    

 lots of games..                   

and, of course, food!       

YOUR TRUSTEES FOR THE TRIENNIUM

(Margaret Edwards, Diocesan President)

The following have been elected as Trustees :

Vice-President (Glos Archdeaconry) : Pauline Bryant (Lower Cam)                                         Vice-President (Chelt Archdeaconry : Kate Thompson (Shurdington)

Lesley Barrett (St Catherine's, Glos) - FCS

Helen Barton (Severnside) - Marketing coordinator

Caz Cameron (Cirencester)

Pat Cook (Churchdown) - Action & Outreach coordinator

Liz Curtis (Brockworth)

Kay Hensley (Stonehouse) - Faith & Policy coordinator

Elizabeth Reay (Lechlade) Social Policy Rep

Jean Thomas (Hucclecote)

We welcome Rev Juliet Stephenson as Diocesan Chaplain                                                                                           Happily for us, Jean Searle continues as Diocesan Secretary

Our finances continue in the safe hands of Kathy Cottie, Treasurer for the Diocese

PARENTING

Long an essential part of Mothers' Union work, Parenting is enjoying a new lease of life in the Diocese.

There are now 6 trained MU facilitators who are willing to use their skills wherever needed.

If there is a group in your area who would like to be part of a Parenting programme, please contact the Office who will point you in the right direction.

We don’t just make tea…….!

 So what is Mothers’ Union? From its quiet founding by Mary Sumner in England in 1876, Mothers’ Union is now a worldwide organization of 3 and a half million members in 76 countries. With practical help underpinned by Christian faith and prayer,Mothers' Union is in some ways the biggest Christian mission movement. Its backbone is a worldwide network of volunteers.

What are its aims? Mothers' Union works and prays to promote and support family life in this country and overseas.

Who can join? The name “Mothers’ Union” is traditional and a little misleading - membership is today open to men and women, married or single.

 Is it expensive? No – currently the annual membership charge is only £17 – as someone put it, about a Mars bar a week. This includes subscription to the national and diocesan magazines . There are 65 branches in Gloucestershire which normally meet monthly. If there is no branch in your parish, Diocesan Membership costs £20 (to cover postage).

 What does Mothers' Union actually do? In this country, Mothers' Union runs Parenting courses, works in prisons (1,000 members), arranges holidays for disadvantaged families and arranges social activities for the elderly. Mothers' Union helps the church by running children’s services & Mother & Toddler groups; with baptismal and marriage support and, yes, we do make a lot of tea. In Gloucestershire all these things happen and we also run a Money Advice Service (MUMAS) to help families trapped by debt. We also do all we can to support Mothers' Union in its wider work

     Worldwide, Mothers' Union employs 300 paid workers to provide leadership in local communities to set up self-help projects. Sometimes help is a response (HIV/AIDS awareness or relief in times of war, famine or natural disasters), but there are many projects to enable sustainable growth , for example, education, sewing & cultivation classes, irrigation projects or the Literacy Programme in Africa.

            Mothers' Union also tries to tackle the root causes of injustice. It has representation at the United Nations and supports, for instance, the Make Poverty History campaign.

 How much of my time will it take? As much or as little as you are able to commit!

Mothers' Union values the fellowship and fun of its branch meetings. These are usually monthly and members try to attend. It also meets at Deanery, Diocesan and International levels. There are chances to learn, social occasions, special services, Quiet Days and Retreats and there are many opportunities for members to help with activities that interest them. Those with restricted time help with prayerful support and occasional attendance.

 How do I find out more or join?  You can find your local branch in your church magazine or by ringing the Office : 01452 528621