Mothers' Union Ireland

Mrs Sheran Harper

Congratulations to Mrs Sheran Harper who has been elected to succeed Lynne Tembey as Worldwide President of Mothers' Union. Sheran has made history by being the first person outside Great Britain to be elected Worldwide President

A record number of Mothers’ Union leaders from across the globe voted for Mrs Sheran Harper, who hails from Guyana, to represent and lead the 142 year old movement’s four million members in 84 countries.

“I am delighted to accept the role of Worldwide President for the new triennium. I feel very excited and privileged and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members who voted to make this dream a reality,” says Mrs Harper.

Sheran took take up her new position on 1st January 2019.

We wish her every blessing in her role as Worldwide President.

June Butler MBE

June Butler MBE was elected to take up the role of All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union and we wish her every blessing in this new role.

The Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Commissioning Service of All-Ireland President June Butler MBE took place in Down Cathedral, English Street, Downpatrick BT30 6AB Northern Ireland on Sunday 24th March 2019 @ 3p.m. The new Trustee Board was also commissioned at this service.

June, who is a parishioner of Saintfield Parish, has been the MU Down and Dromore Diocesan President since January 2016. June is a member of both Down and Dromore Diocesan Council and General Synod.

June had the following to say about her election:

“Mothers’ Union is a member–led organisation and I feel both humbled and privileged to have been elected by members throughout Ireland as their next President. For the three years beginning in January 2019 I will try my best, with God’s guidance and with support from all my talented colleagues, to lead Mothers’ Union in Ireland in a way that will encourage all our members to make a difference in their parishes and in their communities, as well as supporting projects worldwide. As ever, we will focus on the MU aims and objectives which are essentially to support family life in every context.”

The Commissioning of Mrs Sheran Harper as Worldwide President

& the new Global Trustee Board

Our Diocese was represented at the commissioning of Mrs Sheran Harper as World wide President of Mothers' Union in Southwark Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Revd. Justin Welby on Tuesday 26th February 2019.

The new global Trustee Board was also Commissioned by the Archbishop. They are Nikki Sweatman (South of England), Rev Libbie Crossman (Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Australia, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea), Canon Catherine Hilton (North of England), Jennifer Barton (Wales), June Buter (All Ireland), Thembsie Mchunu (Central Africa, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Southern Africa, Kathleen Snow (Canada, South America, U.S.A, West Indies), Roshini Mendis (Korea, Myanmar, North India, South India, Sri Lanka), Paul Hindle (Scotland), Deaconess (Mary Kamwati (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Jerusalem and the Middle East) and Marie-Pierrette Bezara (Burundi, Congo, Indian Ocean, Rwanda, West Africa).

Commissioning of June Butler ~ All-Ireland President

& The New Trustee Board

The Commissioning of June Butler, All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union, and the new Trustee Board took place in Down Cathedral on Sunday 24th April 2019.

We wish them all well as they guide and lead Mothers' Union into the future.

Hilary Dring and our new All-Ireland Chaplain, Canon Robert Deane, were commissioned at the Sevice of Holy Communion at Spring Council on Saturday 6th April in Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin

What is Mothers' Union?

Mothers' Union is a global Christian membership charity that has been providing a support network for families since 1876. Working through our 4 million-strong membership we campaign for policies which strengthen family life. Our focus on ending gender-based violence is promoted not only through advocacy, but through working sensitively with communities for increased gender equality. Our focus on improving the lives of children is a combination of lobbying for political change on issues such as commercialisation of childhood, and on practical outreach in the provision of parenting groups. Our members work with families who are going through times of stress and hardship bringing spiritual and practical support.

Working as ambassadors for Christ our goal is to see all people enjoy loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.

Mothers' Union

Caring for Children & Families

around the World

Mothers' Union

Vision: Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships.

Mission: To demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.

Objects: To promote and support married life. To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children To help those whose family life has met with adversity

Values: Mothers' Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership, and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members around the world as they respond to God's call to faith and action.

Beliefs: We believe in the value of each individual and their unique qualities We believe in the value of relationships. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.believe in the value of the family in its many forms as a source of love and support for individuals and the basis for a caring community

Links to useful Websites

http://www.mothersunion.ie/ ~ Mothers' Union Ireland

http://www.cashel.anglican.org/ ~ The Diocese of Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Website

https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of-Cashel-Ferns-and-Ossory-298015193659304/ ~ Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Facebook

www.mothersunion.org ~ Mothers' Union Head Office

https://www.ireland.anglican.org/ ~ Church of Ireland Website

Mary Sumner

In 1876 Mary Sumner, a clergyman’s wife living in nearby Old Alresford, became concerned about how local mothers related their Christian faith to family life. Wanting to encourage them she founded a small group called the Mothers’ Union. She lived to see it become a worldwide organisation, now with millions of members. She is buried outside Winchester Cathedral.

Lynne Tembey laying Flowers on the grave of Mary Sumner ~ 2016

Mothers' Union Prayer

We pray for families around the world.

Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Mary Sumner’s Personal Prayer

All this day, O Lord,
let me touch as many lives as possible for thee;
and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken,
whether through the word I speak,
the prayer I breathe,
or the life I live.

Amen.

A prayer from ‘Dear Lord’ for this season of Indoor Members’ Parties

Some things are ageless…..

God of my yesterdays and of my tomorrows you have used my past to shape me into the person I am today.

Now, as I look forward, give me courage and an open mind; help me trust that you will share with me whatever my future brings.

Then may I remember with wonder The way that you have met my need.

(Pam Snowman, Burley in Wharfdale MU, UK)

All-Ireland Dates

Calendar

JANUARY:

January

No Holy Communion Service in Christ Church Cathedral
we pray for the members in every
Branch in our combined Dioceses

FEBRUARY:

1 February

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland
Vice Presidents and Unit Corodinators Meeting10.30am
Conference Planning Committee Meeting 12 noon
Seagoe Parish Centre, Portadown, BT63 5HS
6 February

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome

8 February

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland
Diocesan Hon. Treasurer Training Day 10.30 a.m.
Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare W23 W280
29 February

All-Ireland Trustees 10.30 a.m.

St. Michan’s Church, Dublin

MARCH:

5 March

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Down & Dromore with Dublin & Glendalough

22 March

Mothering Sunday

25 March

Lady Day

27 - 29 March

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland
Triennial Training Weekend
An Grianán, Termonfeckin, County Louth, A92 X9TF

29 March

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Unit Meetings
Triennial Training Weekend
An Grianán, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth

29 March

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin at 3.15pm
Evensong Service with guest speaker
Worldwide President, Sheran Harper
All Welcome

APRIL:

2 April

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Derry & Raphoe with Limerick & Killaloe

25 April

All-Ireland Council 10.30 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Music Room
Bring your own lunch
Intercessions: TKA Readings: CFO Assisting at Eucharist: Clogher Collection: KEA

MAY:

7 May

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Armagh with Meath & Kildare

Click on the image to access the

Autumn/Winter Clergy Newsletter

Click on the image above to access

The Autumn 2019 Edition of Irish Spin

Mothers' Union Leaflets

Mothers' Union produces many parenting leaflets and leaflets for families.

Click on the images on your left to download some of these leaflets.

Mothers' Union Parenting Leaflet

Mums Zone Leaflet

Mothers' Union

Click on the image above to access

dates from All-Ireland &

Mothers' Union Prayer Cycle 2020

Click on this image to view a video about

Mothers' Union

The Service of Thanksgiving ~ Photographs

Service of Thanksgiving

A Service of Thanksgiving for Mothers’ Union was held on 6th October 2018 in Christ Church Cathedral to mark the end of the current triennium. Mothers’ Union is deeply grateful to Very Reverend Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral for his invitation to the Cathedral. This was an opportunity to join together and to give thanks to God for all that He enabled Mothers' Union to achieve over the past triennium. The service was very special indeed and it is hoped that it is something that can be continued into the future. It is a feature of Mothers’ Union in York Province and the Trustees of Mothers’ Union hope that it is something that can be continued into the future in Ireland. The very foundation of Mothers’ Union is the love and presence of God in our hearts.

Many members from around the Diocese travelled to Dublin for the service and also some members joined the choir for this special occasion. The piece of stained glass to commemorate 130 years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland was also dedicated at this service.

This beautiful piece of stained glass was commissioned to celebrate 130 years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland ~ 1887 - 2017.

The piece was created by Irene McBride of Discovery Glass

It is placed on the communion table in the Laurence O'Toole/Mothers' Union Chapel in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Photos Galore

Above is a slideshow of photographs from All-Ireland Council in Leixlip on Saturday 3rd November2018. It features the tea cosies entered in "The Mums in May" competition, prize winners and the presentation to Phyllis Grothier to mark the end of her term as All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union.

All Ireland Council ~ Autumn 2018

MUMS IN MAY 2018 TEA COSY

COMPETITIONS

WRITING COMPETITION:

JOINT WINNERS -

Margaret Colvin Kilmore ~ Elphin & Ardagh Diocese

Margaret Schutz ~ Limerick & Killaloe Diocese

CRAFT COMPETITION:

JOINT WINNERS-

Margaret Hanthorne ~ Connor Diocese

Mary Good ~ Derry and Raphoe Diocese

Janice Mitchel ~ Down and Dromore Diocese

TWO RUNNERS-UP

Elizabeth Redding ~ Meath and Kildare Diocese

Jean Denner ~ Dublin and Glendalough Diocese

What Does Mothers' Union Do?

Marriage & Family Life:

Promote Christian marriage; Marriage preparation: Encourage parents and carers through Mothers' Union Parenting Groups: Running Parent and Toddler Groups; Volunteering in Child Contact Centres: Helping children and families feel welcome in Church.

Practical Care in Tough Times:

Caring for families in need; Working in partnership to support victims of domestic abuse, refugees, asylum, seekers and the homeless, etc; Offering holidays to needy families; Befriending families of those in Prison.

Activities Worldwide:

Training Mothers' Union Workers in their local communities; Promoting Parenting and Literacy and Development; Initiating Family Life Programmes; Supporting Mothers’ Union Overseas and Relief Funds.

Campaigning for a Just Society:

Drawing attention to social concern issues; Supporting gender equality; Lobbying Governments; Contributing to programmes at the United Nations; Promoting Fair Trade.

Prayer:

Prayer is at the heart of everything we do in the Mothers' Union. Members in Ireland are linked with members around the world through the Wave of Prayer and from time to time visits are exchanged. Within Ireland members enjoy fellowship through the development of North/South links between Dioceses and individual Branches.

Thursdays in Black: Resistance and Resilience

The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence. Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.

Often black has been used with negative racial connotations. In this campaign Black is used as a color of resistance and resilience.

At Autumn Council in the Springfield Hotel June Butler, All-Ireland President, encouraged us all to support this iniative. The trustees all wore black and are pictured below.

Click on the image above to read an interview

with June Butler about

"Thursdays in Black"

Mothers' Union ~ Wave of Prayer

1st January - 31st January 2020

1 - 3 January ~ All Mothers' Union trustees and staff throughout the world

5 - 7 January ~ Swaziland; Ruahu in Tanzania; Aguata & Laogos Mainland in Nigeria; Norwich in England and Chotanagpur in India

8 - 10 January ~ Lesotho; Kibungo in Rwanda; Etche & Ogbomoso in Nigeria; Leeds in England and Hanuato in The Solomon Islands

12 - 14 January ~ Mauritius; Kericho in Kenya; Katsina in Nigeria; Kumasi in Ghana, Winchester in England and Nandyal in India

15 - 17 January ~ Seychelles; Bukedi in Uganda; Enugu in Nigeria; Birmingham in England and Marathwada in India

19 - 21 January ~ St. Mark the Evangilist in South Africa; Butare in Rwanda; Okigwe-South in Nigeria; Gambia; British Columbia in Canada and Rajasthan in India

22 - 24 January ~ Egypt; Gasabo in Rwanda; Otukpo & On The Coast in Nigeria, Bathurst in Australia and Nasik in India

26 - 28 January ~ False Bay in South Africa; Shinyanga in Tanzania; Umuahia & Ijebu South West in Nigeria; Bath & Wells in England and Vellore in India

29 - 31 January ~ Masvingo in Zimbabwe; Kibondo in Tanzania; Nebbi in Uganda; Bida in Nigeria; Llandaff in Wales and Kanyakumari in India