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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/277235926465504/ ~ All-Ireland Facebook

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

www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/ ~ Mothers' Union Facebook

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

JUNE:

4 June

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

6 June

All-Ireland Trustees Meeting ~ ZOOM Meeting @ 10.30a.m.

13 June

All-Ireland Trustees 10.30 a.m. ~ CANCELLED
St. Michan’s Church, Dublin

21 June

Father’s Day

23 June

International Widows’ Day

JULY:

No Holy Communion Service in Christ Church Cathedral

we pray for the members in every
Branch in our combined Dioceses

AUGUST:

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

9 August

Mary Sumner Day

SEPTEMBER:

3 September

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Cashel, Ferns & Ossory with Connor

12 September

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Unit Meetings
Finance & Central Services + Action & Outreach

15-17 September

National Ploughing Championships
Mothers’ Union Baby Changing and Feeding Facilities
Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow ~ CANCELLED

25 September

Mothers’ Union Annual Gathering ~ CANCELLED
(General Meeting) Belfast
4.30pm Service of Celebration, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast

7.00pm Service of Celebration, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast

26 September

9.00am-10.00am Marketplace opens with optional advice and information sessions (TBA)

10.30am – 3.30 pm Annual Gathering, ICC Belfast

7.00pm Annual Gathering Concert, ICC Belfast (Doors open 6.30pm)

OCTOBER:

1 October

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Clogher with Tuam, Killala & Achonry

3 October

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Unit Meetings
Faith & Policy + Fundraising & Communication
10am for coffee meeting starts at 10.30pm parking available
€12.00 per person to unit coordinator - coffee and lunch included
The Church of Ireland Theological Institute
Braemor Park, Churchtown, Dublin, D14 KX24

10 October

All-Ireland Trustees 10.30 a.m.
St. Michan’s Church, Dublin

NOVEMBER:

5 November

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Cork, Cloyne & Ross with Elphine & Ardagh

14 November

All-Ireland Council 10.30 a.m..
Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare W23 W280
Intercessions: Armagh, Readings: Clogher

Assisting at Eucharist: Connor, Collection: Limerick & Killaloe

28 November

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Base Violence
Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Vigils 2020
More information to follow

DECEMBER:

3 December

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

5 December

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Base Violence
Mothers’ Union Global Day

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

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

25th May - 30th June

25 - 27 May ~ Bor in South Sudan; Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; Oru & Oleh in Nigeria; Rockhampton in Australia and Agra in India

28 - 30 May ~ Angola; North Ankole in Uganda; Okene & Ibadan-South in Nigeria; Aberdeen & Orkney in Scotland and Karnataka South in India

1 - 3 June ~ Johannesburg in South Africa; Kumi in Uganda; Nsukka & Idoani in Nigeria; Derby in England and Madhya Kerala in India

4 – 6 June ~ Ibba in South Sudan; Maseno North in Kenya; Isiala-Ngwa & Ondo in Nigeria; Fredericton in Canada and Amritsar in India

7 June ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

8 – 10 June ~ Yambio in South Sudan; Garissa in Kenya; Mbamili in Nigeria; Hereford in England; Willochra in Australia and Thailand

11 – 13 June ~ Mahajanga in Madagascar; Mara in Tanzania; West Buganda in Uganda; Kwoi in Nigeria; Newcastle in Australia and East Kerala in India

14 June ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

15 – 17 June ~ Bukavu in DR Congo; Nyahururu in Kenya; Gboko in Nigeria; Portsmouth in England and New Guinea Islands in Papua New Guinea

18 – 20 June ~ Rejaf in South Sudan; Military Episcopate in Kenya; Doko & Owo in Nigeria; Chelmsford in England and Jamaica & Cayman Islands

21 June ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

22 – 24 June ~ Rumonge in Burundi; Tabora in Tanzania; Kabba & Bukuru in Nigeria; St Albans in England and Nagpur in India

25– 27 June ~ Table Bay in South Africa; Rift Valley in Tanzania; Evo & Ijebu in Nigeria; Adelaide in Australia and Taejon in South Korea

28 June ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

29 - 30 June ~ Eastern Zambia in Zambia; Mombasa in Kenya; Gwagwalada & Ekiti-West in Nigeria; Leicester in England and Temotu in Solomon Islands