Mothers' Union Ireland - Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Mothers' Union

Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Mothers' Union
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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




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



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
CANCELLED
 10 October  
All-Ireland Trustees 10.30 a.m.
St. Michan’s Church, Dublin
CANCELLED
14 October
All-Ireland Trustees ~ ZOOM Meeting

NOVEMBER:
 5 November  
Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Holy
Communion Service 11.15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral All Welcome
Cork, Cloyne & Ross with Elphin & Ardagh
7 November
All-Ireland Trustees ~ Zoom Meeting
 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
CANCELLED ~ ZOOM Meeting to be arranged
 28 November
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Base Violence
Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Vigils 2020
Click on the image to access Resources

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
Latest 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
24th September - 31st October


Click on the image above to access the Midday Prayers for October


24 – 26 September ~ Makamba in Burundi; North Karamoja in Uganda; Lokoja & Sapele in Nigeria; Truro in England and Tirunelveli in India

27 September ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

28 – 30 September ~ Katanga in DR Congo; Rwenzori in Uganda; Mbaise & Egba in Nigeria; Meath & Kildare in All Ireland and Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur in India

1 - 3 October ~ Nzara in South Sudan; North Kigezi in Uganda; Kivu in Rwanda; Damataru in Nigeria; Auckland in New Zealand and Vanuatu and New Caledonia in Vanuatu

4 October ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

5 – 7 October ~ Mbhashe in South Africa; Kitgum in Uganda; Ukwa & Ilesa South-West in Nigeria; Tasmania in Australia and Central Melanesia in Solomon Islands

8 – 10 October ~ Ethiopia; Zanzibar in Tanzania; Awgu/Aninri in Nigeria; Freetown in Sierre Leone; Monmouth in Wales and Malaita in Solomon Islands

11  October ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

12 – 14  October ~ Ezo in South Sudan; Thika in Kenya; Jos & Akoko in Nigeria; in Europe and União de Mulheres Episcopais Anglicanas do Brasil (UMEAB) in Brazil

15 – 17 October ~ Terekeka in South Sudan; Nairobi in Kenya; Maiduguri & Osun North in Nigeria; Edinburgh in Scotland and Calcutta in India

18 October ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

19– 21 October ~ High Veld in South Africa; Nambale in Kenya; Niger-Delta in Nigeria; in Guinea; Blackburn in England and Bhopal in India

22 – 24  October ~ Kimberley and Kuruman in South Africa; Kitui in Kenya; Kano & Kwara in Nigeria; Armidale in Australia and Myitkyina in Myanmar

25 October ~ Mothers’ Union worldwide

26 – 28 October ~ Malakal in South Sudan; All Saints Cathedral in Kenya; Kontagora & Osun North East in Nigeria; Glasgow & Galloway in Scotland and Pune in India

29 – 31 October ~ Luapula in Zambia; Nakuru in Kenya; South Rwenzori in Uganda; Ibadan-North in Nigeria; Connor in All Ireland and Pusan in South Korea
Final Blessing
May the blessing of the God of diversity,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
bind us together in unity
to reflect his love to the world. Amen

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