Chelmsford Mothers’ Union

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posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 19 September 2018, 21:27

In a book entitled ‘A History of the Mothers’ Union’ by Cordelia Moyse, (Boydell Press) Ms Moyse goes into Mary Sumner’s background and endeavours to explain the motivation that lead to the Mothers’ Union being started up. The writer informs us that a church organisation called the Girls Friendly Society had been form ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 12 September 2018, 09:54

The power of thought, prayer, mindfulness, whatever you like to call it is when we think, pray or concentrate our thoughts on someone else. A few years ago, I wrote an article on ‘The Power of Thought’ in a newsletter. After the article had been published I received this poignant letter… Dear Joan, I am quite elderly now and I h ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 5 September 2018, 08:40

Mothers’ Union celebrate 90 years in our Rayleigh Branch. The committee would like to thank everyone who has helped Mothers’ Union at the many different events that have taken place in the past and present. No matter how small or big it was appreciated. Wow 90 years 1928 – 2018. There is a need to celebrate many years of meet ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 29 August 2018, 15:27

Mary Sumner worked to change the lives of the women who lived around her by befriending them and encouraging them to bring their children up in the Christian religion. In the days when Mary Sumner began the Mothers Union life was bitterly unfair especially for women, many of whom were living their lives in poverty, often in very vulnerable situatio ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 22 August 2018, 15:30

Catherine was born in Siena in 1347 and wanted at a very early age to devote herself to God firstly against the wishes of her parents and then against sceptics who doubted the heavenly visions she received. Some thought that she was a saint, others saw her as a religious fanatic and still others as a hypocrite. She was interviewed by religious lead ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 15 August 2018, 10:56

We celebrated the life and work of Mary Sumner on 11th August. Mary Sumner, who I believe inadvertently became the founder of the Mothers Union as it is today. Mary married and had three children, two daughters and a son and as she watched her own daughter’s responsibilities whilst rearing their children it prompted Mary into action. Being a ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 8 August 2018, 12:53

A new prayer book for all MU members. ‘Dear Lord’ is a beautiful book of prayers that is introduced by Lynne Temby our Mothers’ Union Worldwide President and is a must for anyone who has the privilege and pleasure of leading others in prayer. On its pages you will find prayers for different times of the day, the changing seasons, ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 26 July 2018, 11:16

Ignatius was born on Christmas Eve 1491 in Loyola Castle near Azpeitia, in the Basque province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. The youngest of thirteen children he was baptised Íñigo after St Enecus Abbott of Ona. He assumed the name of Ignatius in middle life when he was living in Rome. When he was 16 he left home to serve as a page for Juan V ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 18 July 2018, 11:02

On Wednesday 11th July in the Basildon Deanery there was a Dedication Service held for their new Deanery Banner. Mrs Pauline Randall was delighted to welcome along the Branch Leaders of Billericay: Mrs Merrill Knight, Great Burstead: Mrs Margaret Flack. Branch Leader of Wickford and Runwell: Mrs Jeanette Cardnell and the Contact at the Laindon Bra ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 27 June 2018, 11:22

There were around thirty Diocesan Members who joined the Cathedral branch for afternoon tea on Thursday 14th June. We had a really lovely afternoon that was held in the garden of Guy Harlings, We had lots of jam and cream scones and a wonderful selection of homemade cakes. We would like to thank the Cathedral branch and the trustees for providing t ... read more

posted by: Lucy Bubb | on: Wednesday, 20 June 2018, 11:24

Wave of Prayer - Rejaf Diocese, South Sudan: We are currently coming to the end of our ‘slot’ on the Wave of Prayer diary (18 - 20 June). Many of you will know that we have yet to establish contact with our links in Rejaf Diocese, South Sudan and Owo Diocese and Doko Diocese, Nigeria. This is largely due to the political situations in ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 13 June 2018, 19:17

At the beginning of May, the 2nd in fact, I had a milestone birthday… I was extremely fortunate, and I had a super-special day, surrounded by loving family, friends along with my church family. I couldn’t have asked for a more special day. In the months leading up to my birthday I had many inquiries from my family as to what I would li ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 4 June 2018, 12:01

It was wonderful and very exciting for me to attend the Queen's Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Thursday 31st May along with five other members of the MU. We took photos of courses and there is one of me standing outside the gates and there is a second photo taken inside the grounds with the other MU members. They were Marianna (DP for ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 25 May 2018, 16:35

Mellitus was the first Bishop of London and the third Archbishop of Canterbury, and a member of the Gregorian mission sent to England to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. He arrived in 601 A.D. with a group of clergy and was consecrated as Bishop of London in 604. Mellitus was the son of a noble Roman family and is believed to have been t ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 16 May 2018, 16:15

Following on from my article dated 11th April 18 about the film Mary Magdelene, that you can read by clicking on the link at the end of this article, Lucy Bubb suggested that I might want to draw your attention to yet another film to be shown in cinemas starting on 25th May entitled ‘Edie’. Once again there is a fee resource Companion ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 9 May 2018, 10:51

Somewhere around 50+ people joined together at 7.30 in the Chapterhouse on 1st May 18 for the Spring Diocesan MU Council, led by our President Judith Meaden. We had the usual agenda of Welcome and Apologies, Minutes of the 6th November meeting and Matters arising. The Unit Reports had been written and were available and questions could have been p ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 27 April 2018, 08:28

St Philomena’s remains were discovered in May 1802 in a tomb in the Catacomb of St Priscilla in Rome. Three tiles which enclosed the tomb bore the inscription “Pax Tecum Filumena” meaning “Peace be with you, Philomena”. It was assumed that the remains were those of a young virgin martyr and were sent to the Vatican fo ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 24 April 2018, 14:18

On Monday 14 May, at 3pm, Mothers’ Union will be uniting in a Global Moment of worship from Coventry Cathedral to pray “Thy Kingdom Come”. The service will also be streamed live from Mothers’ Union’s website enabling members, friends and the wider Christian community worldwide to take part. Thy Kingdom Come is a glob ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 6 April 2018, 11:34

Last night a group of us met in the Chapter House beside Chelmsfor Cathedral to enjoy each others company and a hearty meal made up of a meat or vegetarian shepherd’s pie and vegetables in aid of the MU’s project entitled ‘English for Women’. Following our meal, we enjoyed an apple crumble or pie with cream. The meal cost &p ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 28 March 2018, 10:54

According to the Scriptures, Joseph was descended from the Royal House of David and worked as a carpenter. Following his engagement to Mary he learned that she was expecting a child and planned to divorce her quietly after their marriage to avoid shame and punishment being brought down upon her. However, an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 28 February 2018, 09:11

St Brigid (451-525 A.D.) is one of Ireland’s patron saints together with Patrick and Colomba. Her mother was Brocca, a Christian Pict slave who had been baptised by St Patrick. Her father was a Leinster chieftain by the name of Dubhthach. When Dubhthach’s wife discovered that Brocca was pregnant she was sold to a Druid landowner. Brig ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 14 February 2018, 08:29

The Mothers’ Union began with the Christian intention of helping and befriending women who spent most of their time home alone caring for their home and their children whilst their husbands were working. Although it is recorded that the mothers who were invited along to the home of Mary Sumner came from all walks of life the majority of them ... read more

posted by: Vice-Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral | on: Wednesday, 31 January 2018, 10:17

National Marriage Week in 2018 is from the 7th-14th February. The week always ends, appropriately enough, on St. Valentine’s Day! Here at Chelmsford Cathedral we have a ‘Relationships and Community Group’, comprising one of our Pastoral Assistants Rosemarie Rowe, and members of the congregation, many of them former marriage and b ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 25 January 2018, 13:48

Michael means “who is like God?” - A name for one whose mission is to fight against the egos of others and remind them that no one is like God. St Michael is the only angel mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In Daniel 10: 13 Michael is named and described as “one of the chief princes”. The Epistle of Jude and the ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 19 December 2017, 14:28

Gertrude was born in Saxony on January 6, 1256. Nothing is known about her parents except that they were probably well off. Gertrude was orphaned at the age of five and was placed in the Cistercian convent school at Rodalsdorf, under the direction of its abbess, Gertrude of Hackeborn. The Cistercian movement was an effort to bring the Benedictine ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 28 November 2017, 11:22

Bartholomew, who was also known as Nathanial, was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. He was a native of Cana who was introduced to Jesus by St Philip. When told that the Messiah had arrived and that he was Jesus of Nazareth Bartholomew's response was 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Which prompted Jesus to say, 'Here truly is an Israe ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 7 November 2017, 21:37

On a brisk, sunny, Autumn morning many of us met in Chelmsford Cathedral for MU Council and Annual Meeting 2017. The Cathedral was packed, not only to attend the meeting but to welcome Lynne Tembey, the World-Wide President. The day began with a Mothers' Union Celebration Eucharist with banners, the service being led by The Bishop of Chelmsford Rt ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 4 November 2017, 13:08

Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity. It has 3.6 million members in 78 countries. The vision of Mothers' Union is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. One of the ways we do this in the UK is by supporting Food Banks which provide emergency food for people in crisis ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 28 October 2017, 15:42

St Teresa was born in 1515 at Avila in Spain. She was the third child of Don Alonso Sanchez de Cepeda and his second wife. Teresa was brought up by her father and a tender and pious mother who unfortunately died when Teresa was thirteen. Following her mother's death and the marriage of her eldest sister, Teresa was sent to be educated by the August ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Sunday, 22 October 2017, 17:08

Black history month celebration took place on Saturday 14th of October 2017 in the Parish hall of Emmanuel Church here in Leyton. It was the first time such an event was held, intended to celebrate the diversity of our parish family and community whilst promoting inclusion. This event was sponsored by Emmanuel Mothers Union and co-ordinated by t ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 16 October 2017, 17:16

Domestic abuse is any kind of abuse that happens within the household or between people in an intimate relationship but not necessarily living together. It can take many forms, but almost always involves an element of controlling or coercive behaviour. If you, or anyone you know is suffering from domestic violence there is help out there... Domes ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 12 October 2017, 14:20

All of you who regularly knit for the Mothers' Union please find a PDF file at the end of this article for instructions on how to proceed with knitting a teddy bear or a sheep. From now on every toy needs to carry a CE mark to show that it meets the essential safety requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. This includes handmade toys and toys don ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 22 September 2017, 13:09

The Power of prayer is needed more than ever with so many crisis around the world. Today we report on the catastrophic mudslides in Sierra Leone and the effects of hurricane Irma on the islands of the NE Caribbean, especially Aruba. Thousands of people have been affected by mudslides in Freetown, the Capital of Sierra Leone. Over 500 people have be ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 20 September 2017, 17:24

Anselm was born in 1033 near Aosta, a Burgundian town close to the border with Lombardy. Little is known of his early life although it is recorded that, when a child, he had a miraculous vision of God on the summit of the Becca di Nona near his home, with God asking his name, his home and his quest after which he shared bread with him. Anselm then ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 14 September 2017, 19:49

Mary Sumner founded the Mothers’ Union in 1876 in the Old Rectory, Winchester. She lived long enough to see the Union become a worldwide organisation. I am certain she is looking down and seeing that her vision for the Mothers’ Union, and its values, are needed more in the world than ever, nowhere more than . . . Myanmar (formerly Burma ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 30 August 2017, 22:21

The famine in Yemen is now threatening over 17 million people; a great proportion suffering from malnutrition. The famine is being compounded by a massive outbreak of Cholera. Background: The famine is the direct result of Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen. Yemen was already the most impoverished nation in and the Middle East. The Republic o ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 26 August 2017, 19:46

Saint Anthony of Padua, born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes (1195-13 June 1231), also known as Anthony of Lisbon, was a priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. He was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, and died in Padua, Italy. Noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying lo ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 21 August 2017, 10:16

The Saffron Walden branch of the Mothers' Union celebrated with a Garden Party on Thursday 17th August 2017. It was held in the Garden of Gwynneth Nicholas who is Deanery chair. We met at 2pm and 20 members and 2 visitors attended. This is an annual event which last year was held in July. We are very grateful to Gwynneth and her husband Joe for hos ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 14 August 2017, 15:04

You are invited to our 8th Anniversary Dinner and Dance. Hello, I am Kemi Ademola and I am the branch chair of Emmanuel Parish Church Mothers' Union. We have been going now for eight years so to celebrate our 8th Anniversary we are holding a special Dinner and Dance on Saturday 9th September 2017. The start time is 6.30pm. We are holding our celebr ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 8 August 2017, 21:07

Hundreds gathered in Chelmsford Cathedral on Monday 7th August 17 for the Funeral Eucharist of the much loved and respected Bishop John Wraw who sadly lost his three-year long fight against his illness on 25th July 17. The Service was conducted by Bishop Stephen Cottrell. The service began at 1.00pm with a few words of welcome by the Dean. The serv ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 3 August 2017, 17:36

Congratulations to Stuart Gibbs from Billericay who took part in the Prudential Ride London event. 'The Ride London Event' took place on Sunday 30th July and there were about 25,000 riders with hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the 100-mile route, from the Stratford Olympic Stadium into Surrey and back to the Mall. We met up with the fini ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 31 July 2017, 16:40

Augustine was a Benedictine monk and prior of St. Andrew's monastery on the Coelian Hill in Rome. Being aware of Augustine's gifts and talents, Pope Gregory the Great appointed him to missionary work in England. As a result of a number of wars and pagan invasions the church in England became divided into groups of small Christian communities. The ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 26 July 2017, 11:26

It is with much regret that we announce the passing of the Right Reverend John Wraw, who died at home on 25th July 2017. Bishop John, Bishop of Bradwell had been unwell for the past three years, but had continued to carry out his ministry to God and the people until the end. He was involved in many aspects of the church and was especially encouragi ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 24 July 2017, 14:07

On Sunday the 4th of June 17, we were delighted to welcome our president Judith Meaden who joined us at St. Edward's Church in Romford for our 10am service. Judith had come along to hand out long service certificates to no fewer than twenty-one of our MU members, the certificates ranged from 25 years to 63 years and altogether, Judith gave out cert ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 28 June 2017, 11:24

Whatever the weather, on the 15thJuly we celebrate St Swithin’s Day. St Swithin was an Anglo-Saxon Bishop who died around 862. He is said to have been a Bishop at Winchester Cathedral when Winchester was the capital of the kingdom of Wessex. Very little is known about his life and there is very little mention of him in records for that time ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 22 June 2017, 13:51

At a recent communion service, we heard the reading taken from Matthew’s Gospel Ch22 starting at v: 34: in which we are told of the Pharisees and the Sadducees asking Jesus questions in order to plot against him. They asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment of all and after Jesus had replied that it was to love the Lord your God with al ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 14 June 2017, 10:32

Whatever else the MU gets involved in - one of its core principles is to promote marriage and family life. However, in these modern times when many young couples decided to live together before getting married there is every chance that they will start a family too. But, married or not the best way in which to live and rear a child is to have them ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 30 May 2017, 16:14

St Julian of Norwich withdrew from the world and lived a lonely life of prayer and humiliation. She was probably born around 1342 until her demise around 1416. Her book ‘The Revelations of Divine Love' is what she is best known for. It is reputed to be the first book written by a woman and it is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest classic ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 25 May 2017, 11:15

Broken? Yes, but…‘Out of Evil cometh Good’ Nuts – Bolts – Nails – Planned, premeditated and deliberately executed - a barbaric crime against the innocent. Everything stopped with shock on the night of Monday 22nd of May 2017 to identify with the grieving and injured people of Manchester after 22year old Salman ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 20 May 2017, 11:46

Hinckford Deanery Songs of Praise: Members of the Hinckford Deanery and surrounding area joined together for the annual Songs of Praise Service on Thursday 18th May at St. Barnabas Church, Great Tey. Hymns chosen included, All things bright and beautiful, Thine be the Glory, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, and Be still for the presence of the Lor ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 17 May 2017, 14:52

Christian Aid Week 14th – 20th May 2017. This year we celebrate the diamond jubilee of Christian Aid Week In 1945 British churches founded Christian Aid to support refugees who had lost their homes and possessions in the Second World War. Twelve years later Christian Aid Week was launched to help fund this ongoing work; sixty years on, Christ ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 29 April 2017, 21:46

St Christopher - Name meaning: Christ-bearer. There are several legends associated with the life of St Christopher and the most popular variation is derived from William Caxton’s version of the “Golden Legend”. According to the legendary account of his life Christopher was initially called Reprobus. He was from Canaan, he was ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 26 April 2017, 13:05

Around 80 people met together in St Cedd’s Hall for an evening meeting of MU Council. It was lovely once again, to meet and greet friends who we may only ever see on occasions like this. It was also good to be able to catch up on all the recent happenings in and around the Diocese. The meeting began at 8pm sharp with Judith our President we ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 19 April 2017, 08:47

I have a great concern for babies and children and it never fails to make my heart ache when I hear about children being used and abused, left and neglected therefore, I just couldn’t ignore an article that came to my attention the other day. The article told of a man called David Baker who read a book published in 1937 about the orphaned chi ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 29 March 2017, 16:30

At the beginning of March, Elizabeth Sedano received a letter from the daughter of a 95year old IMPC member. The lady said that she was writing on behalf of her mother as she was now housebound and unable to hold a pen. Her mother had been a founder member of a local MU branch and had been a part of Young Wives prior to that. During her mother&rsqu ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 22 March 2017, 18:15

St. Cedd was born in 620 into a noble Northumbrian family, the eldest of four brothers. Together with his brothers he entered the school at Lindisfarne Priory where they studied under Bishop Aidan. They continued their education in Ireland and subsequently they were all ordained as priests. In 653 Cedd was sent by Bishop Finan of Lindisfarne to te ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 15 March 2017, 11:11

With around 4 million people in the world on the verge of starvation one is tempted to question the whereabouts of God in all this! And for those people out there who don’t believe there is a God, they may just wonder what the heck is going on! There are of course, many who don’t believe that there is a God, but there can’t be an ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 11 March 2017, 20:03

On 22nd February I posted an article called ‘Hunger in South Sudan’ I have now been alerted by Lucy Bubb that the Mothers' Union has been supporting the regional crisis since December 2013 a disaster that has been made ever more acute owning to the civil war that rages there. It is estimated that somewhere around 1.5 million people hav ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 8 March 2017, 10:15

Mothers’ Union, which represents over four million members worldwide, has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Theresa May that current legislation governing domestic abuse in England and Wales is to be overhauled. In November, Mothers’ Union submitted a petition signed by 4,500 of its members and supporters to Downing Street, c ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 25 February 2017, 16:45

King Charles 1 ascended to the English throne on March 27, 1625 and was already at loggerheads with the Puritans. He took a high view of church governance and worship, demanding compliance with the Book of Common Prayer and taking a traditional view of the importance of the sacraments. He was a great believer in the episcopacy which alienated him f ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 15 February 2017, 18:15

These days and especially around Christmas we seem to be bombarded with charity appeals either through our front doors or in the media. Sometimes the sheer number of these appeals can seem to be overwhelming but at a time when there is so much in the world that is dark and depressing our ability to come together with each other to respond to the ne ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Friday, 10 February 2017, 14:58

Hello, my name is June Boult and I am a member of St Edward's, Romford, MU. I have recently celebrated my Diamond Wedding Anniversary. The contact for our branch Mary Leach made sure Frank and I had cards for our special day from the Central President and Diocesan President, which was a complete surprise, as well as a card from the branch signed by ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 21 January 2017, 11:05

Although Francis is remembered today for his life of poverty and as a champion of the poor and needy he was once a young man who lived a playboy existence at the expense of his wealthy parents. Before Italy became a unified nation in the mid-19th century frequent wars broke out between the independent cities and states. In 1201 war broke out bet ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 18 January 2017, 13:20

On 12th January, the Cathedral MU got together at 12.30am to set up for its New Year’s Lunch celebration. By one o’clock, around 30 members sat down before prayers and with a view to tackling the New Year quiz that had been set out for us. The quiz was rather unusual as it provided us with the second line of many of the carols we sing ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 14 January 2017, 15:10

On the 5th January, the Cathedral MU group had its first meetig of the year. Twenty or so members turned up on a cold, dark evening to hear all about the rubbish we put out each week to be collected by the council. However, despite talking about rubbish, it was more about recycling. We watched a short film that told us just how many of the items w ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 31 December 2016, 17:21

What a year it turned out to be! 2016, must go down in MU history as a very memorable one as it wasn’t only our patron, Queen Elizabeth who celebrated her 90th birthday, but it was the 140th birthday/anniversary of the launch of the Mothers’ Union in 1876 by Mary Sumner aged just 25. These anniversary’s coming together helped make ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Sunday, 25 December 2016, 17:15

What is a tree? Well of course we all know what a tree is don’t we? Until we are presented with the dodgy ones when we are not quite sure whether it’s a bush, a shrub or a tree? Then we must consult the experts who spend their lives studying trees. No one really knows which is the oldest tree in the world, Methuselah, a Great Basin pin ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Sunday, 18 December 2016, 11:23

St Lucy, also known as Lucia of Syracuse was a young Christian martyr who died during the Roman persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. Lucy is said to have been the daughter of a rich nobleman who died when she was young. Her mother, a pagan, wanted to arrange a marriage between Lucy and a rich pagan man. Lucy had committed her life to Christ a ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 13 December 2016, 17:13

A card received from staff at Chelmsford Prison A while ago Chelmsford MU received a request from staff at Chelmsford Prison to provide some high chairs for children to use in the Visitors Hall. The trustees were delighted to have the opportunity to provide six high chairs using funds from the Prison Fund which were delivered in early December. We ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Friday, 9 December 2016, 14:10

The heading 'MU Carols Service' sounds rather bland doesn’t it? But I can assure you it wasn’t one bit. Alan and I were delighted to be invited and given a warm welcome back to St Edward’s Mothers’ Union to join in with their annual Carol Service. I served as branch leader at St Ed’s for 6 years and I can honestly say ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 6 December 2016, 13:56

The Re-Opening of Mothers’ Union South Weald, Brentwood Branch Sunday 20th November 2016 was the big day after months of meetings, e-mails galore, phone calls and the arrival of our new priest in Charge, the Branch was finally re-opened. When Rev’d Jane Bradbury arrived, declaring she was a Mothers’ Union member, we knew things ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Friday, 2 December 2016, 11:11

Getting into the Christmas spirit are some of St. Edward’s, Romford, MU branch, enjoying an early Christmas lunch at their local Toby Carvery. They met up in the restaurant that is situated in the Brewery around about mid-day, and believe it or not everyone arrived on time! They had booked in and had organise a table for 18 however, owing to ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 29 November 2016, 11:34

Gender Based Violence Project Gender based violence is violence that specifically affects women and girls because of their gender or disproportionately affect women and girls. Rooted in unequal power relationships and gender theories of cultures and societies such as women being possessions or women’s bodies being principally sex objects. ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 25 November 2016, 15:14

St Stephen is traditionally venerated as the first Christian martyr who was, according to the Acts of the Apostles, a deacon in the early Christian church. He is believed to have been a Greek Jew who converted to Christianity. Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the deacons selected to participate in a fairer distribution of alms to the widow ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Monday, 21 November 2016, 13:56

On the last Sunday before Advent we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. But before 1970 this was not the case: The Book of Common Prayer rather quaintly calls the Sunday the "next before Advent". However, many of us know this Sunday by a much more traditional name; Stir up Sunday. On this Sunday families gather to mix together the ingredients ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Tuesday, 8 November 2016, 12:19

Around 150 members gathered at 10.30am in Chelmsford Cathedral on Monday 7th November for the Diocesan Council and Annual Meeting. Many were there prior to the start of the meeting to have a welcome drink and to look at all the MU goods on sale. The meeting began with a Celebration Eucharist, conducted by The Venerable Elisabeth Snowden, Archdeaco ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 18 October 2016, 16:19

St Leonard of Noblac... Leonard of Noblac (466 - 559 A.D.) was a popular Saint during the Middle Ages in Western Europe, but the account of his life is regarded as historically unreliable because nothing was written until the 11th century. No doubt his popularity was due to the large number of miracles and help attributed to his intercession. When ... read more

posted by: Brenda Sheath | on: Friday, 7 October 2016, 13:36

THE MOTHERS UNION AGM - 140TH ANNIVERSARY 1876 - 2016 On 21st September, we three - Sheilah Girgis, Helen Hawkes and Brenda Sheath set out on a journey to Hampshire to attend the Mothers Union AGM. After a complex route covering three of the busiest motorways in the country we arrived at our destination in Hook where we located our accommodatio ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 20 September 2016, 21:23

On Tuesday the 13th of September the Mother’s Union group of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Romford held a belated dinner to celebrate the 90th Birthday of her majesty Queen Elizabeth. About twenty of our senior members met in Church House to enjoy a ham or salmon salad lunch. Following the main meal, the members were treated to strawberr ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Monday, 19 September 2016, 16:44

The 9 August 2016 saw the 140th Anniversary of the founding of the Mothers’ Union when Mary Sumner, a Rector’s wife, first convened a meeting of the mothers of Old Alresford, Hampshire in 1876. Many of you may not know about the MU, as they are affectionately known, but there has been a branch in Billericay for 94 years and they boast s ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Sunday, 18 September 2016, 17:35

On Sunday the 18th September at Emmanuel Church, Billericay, we had a Mothers' Union Mission Focus Sunday at both the 8.30am and 10.30am Services. Nikki Sweatman, the Provincial President for Canterbury, spoke at both of the Services and I led them. The Services went very well and there was plenty for people to chat about afterwards while the refr ... read more

posted by: Alan Vine | on: Thursday, 15 September 2016, 17:54

St Edmund the Martyr. According to the Royal Society of St George, George became patron saint of England when King Henry V led the English army to its famous victory at Agincourt on 25th of October, 1415. Previous to this Edmund the Martyr was our patron saint. Edmund was born on Christmas Day 841 AD and was crowned King of East Anglia in the year ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 26 August 2016, 21:40

St John the Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple, was the youngest of the Apostles and as a result is usually depicted in sacred art as being beardless unlike the others and in da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper John looks very young. The authorship of the Johannine works (the Gospel of St John, the Epistles of John and Revelation) has been ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 24 August 2016, 19:49

Dear MU Members, in the last 6 weeks or so, we've been able to make contact with another one of our Wave of Prayer links: The Military Episcopate, Kenya. I am sure you will be delighted to 'Read all about it…' Making contact with our Wave of Prayer links - Military Episcopate, Kenya On 20th June, during our Wave of Prayer time and after m ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 19 August 2016, 11:18

St Margaret’s 140year Celebration...Hello! Members of the branch from St Margaret’s Leigh on sea, along with some Diocesan members and friends enjoyed a memorable and special gathering . St Margaret's celebrated this landmark occasion with a special Eucharist service which was followed by a get together with some delicious cakes made by ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 11 August 2016, 11:30

Five of us members from Saffron Walden Mother's Union attended a wonderful service at Westminster Abbey to commemorate 140 Years of Mothers’ Union on Mary Sumner Day - August 9th 2016. Three of us travelled with my two grandchildren from Audley End. My daughter met us at Green Park and we went on the Jubilee Line to Westminster where six of u ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 27 July 2016, 10:03

St Alban is revered as the first recorded British Christian martyr. Along with fellow saints Amphibalus, Julius and Aaron, Alban is one of four martyrs recorded in Roman Britain. Very little is actually known about St Alban, the major sources on his life were written long after his death and even the year that he died is disputed, various account ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 18:39

Great & Little Tey Mothers' Union Members and guests of Great & Little Tey Mothers' Union held a Big Summer Appeal Coffee Morning on Wednesday 29th June 2016 at the home of Carol and David Williams at Greenlands Farm. Everyone shared morning coffee, tea, scones and cakes sitting outside and enjoyed looking around Carol and David's lovely ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 21 July 2016, 14:21

Summer Celebration On the 20th July, on a perfect summer’s evening, that St Edward’s Mothers’ Union in Romford met together with some of St Edward’s parishioners to celebrate 125yeas since the launch of their MU group. Around fifty or more people met in the Vicarage garden to enjoy wine, juices and each others company befor ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 20 July 2016, 14:29

A very joyful service was held in Chelmsford Cathedral on 16th July to celebrate 140 years of the Mothers’ Union. The Eucharist Service, conducted by the Dean: The Very Revd Nicholas Henshall included the re-dedication of the Cathedral Mothers’ Union Banner, the Admission of six new members of the Chelmsford MU Branch and the presentati ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 19 July 2016, 11:54

Wickford and Runwell MU celebrated 125 years of the Branch and 140 Years of MU on Wednesday 13th July with a lunch in the church hall, followed by a service in St Catherine's Church. The Reverend Margaret Fowler (Basildon MU Deanery Chaplin) led the service and Judith Meaden (President) preached. Molly Hoyle brought along MU Enterprise and display ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 15 July 2016, 15:18

Did you know that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you could be raising a free donation for Chelmsford Diocesan Mothers' Union? There are nearly 3,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury's – it doesn't cost you a penny e ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 13 July 2016, 10:59

A Visit to St Mary’s Church in Broomfield: It was wonderful to have about 22 Mothers' Union members and visitors from the Cathedral Group looking around St Mary with St Leonard’s Church in Broomfield on Thursday 7th July. The Cathedral group tries to organise a visit to a local church once a year and this year it was the turn of St Mary ... read more

posted by: Kate Dale | on: Friday, 8 July 2016, 18:29

'Upshire Mothers' Union 125 Years Celebration and 140 Years Mothers' Union Celebration. On 22nd June Upshire MU branch celebrated 125 Years of Upshire Mothers' Union and 140 Years Mothers Union, in St Thomas' Church, Upshire. We welcomed members and friends, to join our celebration, from other MU branches of Epping Forest Deanery and a previous vi ... read more

posted by: Alan Vine | on: Tuesday, 28 June 2016, 13:09

With the exception of Jesus, Peter, Paul and John we probably know more about the Virgin Mary than almost everyone else in the New Testament. We know her husband Joseph, we know her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah and regularly in church services we sing Mary’s Song of Praise, the Magnificat, which is taken from Luke’s gospel ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 18 June 2016, 19:39

It was wonderful to have around 20 members of St Edward’s, Romford, Mothers’ Union group pay a visit to St Mary’s Church in Broomfield last Wednesday evening. As all the members were being brought down from Romford in private cars, those who arrived early gathered in the church hall for refreshment while they waited for all their ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 16 June 2016, 15:51

Here are a group of Mothers' Union members getting ready to take part in the Patron's Parade on Sunday June 9th....and the picnic in the park, you may have seen it on the TV . Chelmsford was represented in this picture by Lucy Bubb ...Diocesan Member..4th from right and 4th from left in lower picture...a very exciting day to remember! From Di Bub ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 16 June 2016, 13:27

The Chelmsford Cathedral Mothers’ Union group held their annual garden party in the grounds of Guy Harlings the Diocesan Offices just opposite the Cathedral. The party was held on Thursday 9th June, it was a lovely day and by 1.45pm there were already people arriving for the 2pm start. There were lots of party food and refreshments and while ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 17:20

A picture sent in by Hilary Shallis from the North Woolwich branch of the Mothers’ Union depicts a great celebration for the Queen’s 90th Birthday. With food and refreshments, balloons and fun what more could any other MU group want? Pauline Briggs has just notified me that looking at the main MU website she was pleased to see that ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 13:14

Here are some photographs of our Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Queen's 90th Birthday and The Mothers' Union 140th Anniversary which took place on Saturday 11th June. The service was held at Emmanuel Church, Billericay from 12.30 to 4pm. We had Lunch, a Service of Thanksgiving at which I spoke for The Mothers' Union, followed by a Family Time ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 11:25

I am very happy to share some photos with you all taken at my Commissioning Service on 6th June 2016, I was commissioned as the Basildon Deanery Leader. We had a Deanery celebration which started with coffee at 11am and MUe was available. The Service began with Midday Prayers and all the Branch banners were processed along with the Deanery banne ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 13 June 2016, 21:36

Hello to all Chelmsford Mothers’ Union groups, Our Mothers Union group here in St Thomas’ hosted a Cream Tea, for other MU groups, and it was also an invite to come and explore and to enjoy our Flower Festival too. The event was hosted by St. Thomas, Becontree, Dagenham, and members from St. Chads, Chadwell Heath, and St. Cedd's, Dage ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 13 June 2016, 18:47

Members of the Hinckford Deanery came together at St. Barnabas Church, Great Tey on Thursday 19th May for their annual Songs of Praise service. This year we were very happy that our new Diocesan President, Judith Meaden, was able to join us and take part in the service and also our Vice President Vivien Chapman. Members from Gosfield, Colne St And ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 11 June 2016, 09:03

The Queen of England has been a patron of the Mothers Union since 1952 I am sure we have all be inspired and touched by the way the Queen has demonstrated how important it is to have shown such dedication over the years to not only her Christian faith, but to her family, her country and the commonwealth. I am sure you will all join us here in the ... read more

posted by: Rita Campen | on: Wednesday, 8 June 2016, 11:48

We recently held a wonderful Mothers’ Union branch event at the Church of the Ascension in Collier Row, Romford. The event took place on Friday 27 May in the Ascension Church Hall to help celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday and 140th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union movement. We were all treated to a very 'Royal Afternoon Tea'. Our bra ... read more

posted by: Carol Gumbleton | on: Tuesday, 7 June 2016, 18:25

The commissioning service of Carol Gumbleton as the Chelmsford Deanery Chairperson, took place on Monday 23rd May 2016 at All Saints Church Writtle. The incumbent Revd Jo Jones and Chelmsford Area Dean the Revd Canon Andy Griffiths shared the service. Our Diocesan President Judith Meaden, Life Vice President Diana Bandy and Vice President Elizabeth ... read more

posted by: Margaret Harvey | on: Sunday, 29 May 2016, 08:46

Bob and I were nominated to the Lord Leiutenant of Essex to attend a Royal Garden Party by Havens Hospices, because between us we have completed nearly 40 years as volunteers. I started soon after my father died in Fair Havens in 1993 in various admin roles, finally settling in Finance, Bob joined me in 2001 as he retired and I became Diocesan Secr ... read more

posted by: Alan Vine | on: Wednesday, 18 May 2016, 11:30

How much do we actually know about St David? Most of what we do know comes from a biography written around 1090 by Rhygyfarch, son of the Bishop of St Davids. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but is said to have been around the year 520 and was reputedly born on a Pembrokeshire clifftop during a wild thunderstorm. Both of his parents were d ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Monday, 25 April 2016, 13:03

Many MU members met together on Monday for Council at the Cathedral. Our President Judith has re-organised the annual meeting so that we have a speaker in the morning rather than the afternoon which suited many of us better. At the meeting we started with a greeting from Judith and the sad news of the very recent death of Dorothy Wells… The ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 20 April 2016, 18:22

I think that the majority of us are well aware of the story of St George, the Roman centurion who was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. According to the Royal Society of St George, George became patron saint of England when King Henry V led the English army to its famous victory at Agincourt on 25th of October, 1415 so he has s ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Monday, 11 April 2016, 22:00

Welcome from Caroline Scull Diocesan President of Winchester Dear Fellow Members Our members here in Winchester Diocese are looking forward to welcoming you down to our gorgeous part of southern England centred on Winchester, the capital city of ancient Wessex. Hampshire is the home of many famous historical figures including, for most of her li ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Friday, 8 April 2016, 10:55

Yes, there were lots of living body’s around on 7th April to hear Coroner, Caroline Beasley-Murray talk about her work. It was in the Chapter house at the Cathedral where Caroline was able to meet with her first-ever MU group. Caroline started off saying that a coroner’s work was very misunderstood blaming the TV programmes ‘Silen ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 6 April 2016, 14:33

It was great to see a good number of people gathered at Guy Harlings in the heart of Chelmsford to meet our newly commissioned President Judith Meaden. The meeting started prompt at 7.30pm with prayers, before we plunged into a matching game which tested our knowledge and memories of the Mothers’ Union and its work. Providing the answers to t ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Sunday, 20 March 2016, 17:30

I am delighted to say that I have had some more photographs sent to me of Judith’s Commissioning on 15th March 2016 by Bishop Stephen. The first photo sent to me by Peter Baker is a delightful picture of Judith’s actual commissioning. Peter sent two lovely photos of the interior of Holy Cross and St Lawrence parish church, they are a lo ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Thursday, 17 March 2016, 13:24

Patrick! A most celebrated Welshman - Patrick was born around 386 A.D. to wealthy parents but his actual birthplace is uncertain. Some scholars believe that he was born in South Wales around the Severn estuary or at St Davids in Pembrokeshire. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was captured and sold into slavery by a g ... read more

posted by: Peter Baker | on: Wednesday, 16 March 2016, 14:28

The Commissioning of Judith Meaden as Diocesan President and Officers for the Triennial which was held at Holy Cross & St Lawrence Church Waltham Abbey was a truly wonderful and uplifting service, said Doris and Peter Baker from St Mary’s Church in Broomfield. The service was also a celebration of 140years of the Mothers’ Union. Bi ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 15 March 2016, 13:47

The Abbey Church of Waltham, Holy Cross and St Lawrence is the parish church of the town of Waltham Abbey, Essex. It has been a place of worship since the 7th century. The present building dates mainly from the early 12th century and is a fine example of Norman architecture. To the east of the existing church are traces of an enormous eastward enla ... read more

posted by: Alan | on: Sunday, 14 February 2016, 17:44

The celebrations of St Valentine’s Day are steeped in myth and legend; indeed the motives behind the day’s creation and even the saint himself has been shrouded in controversy and doubt. The first official St Valentine’s Day was declared on 14th of February by Pope Galasius in 496 A.D. It is believed that Valentine rose to promin ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 20 January 2016, 12:58

St Paul - The Travelling Salesman of Tarsas: Saul was born in Tarsas in 5 A.D. a city in eastern Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) within the Roman Empire and although he was Jewish Paul was also a Roman citizen, the status that gave him many rights and privileges. Probably the most important of these was the right to appeal decisions of lower courts ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Friday, 1 January 2016, 11:41

Greeings from your President… In her new role as Diocesan President, Judith Meaden sincerely hopes you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and wishes all the Chelmsford Mothers’ Union Members a very happy, joyous and peaceful New Year 2016. Judith very much looks forward to meeting as many members as possible during ... read more

posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 30 December 2015, 14:48

It’s almost the end of 2015 and I trust that like me, you too look forward to a brand new year to come. And, just as in other years, after all the hectic preparations for umpteen Church services before and on Christmas day, and then for all the home and family hosting and visiting on and after the big day I usually take the few quiet days aft ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Wednesday, 9 December 2015, 11:54

The story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara, which is now on the south coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the p ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 24 November 2015, 22:29

Press Release - As part of its participation in the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, Mothers’ Union is calling for “One in three to zero” – for the number of women globally experiencing gender-based violence to drop from one in three to zero. The Christian charity is calling on governments ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Monday, 23 November 2015, 17:06

Emma Ham-Riche, a member in Chichester Diocese and soon to be on the Fundraising & Communications Committee, has kindly registered our 16 Days campaign message for a Thunderclap. This will enable us to really reach a wide audience at midday on 25th November. Please can you follow her link to support the campaign using your Mothers’ Union ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 19 November 2015, 13:54

Please see the Mothers' Union's December Poster. This lovely, colourful poster is part of the marketing project which enables members across the world to reach out to their communities. It also welcomes you to join them to celebrate the MU's 140th year To download this December poster for printing and distribution please go to:- http://www.moth ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Tuesday, 3 November 2015, 19:00

We had a very enjoyable and productive day on Monday 2nd November at the Chelmsford Diocesan M. U. Council and Annual Meeting held in Chelmsford Cathedral. Many of our regular members were there and it was a delight to catch up with all the news. Molly Hoyle had a full range of Christmas cards, plus lots of other items for sale. The event started p ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Monday, 19 October 2015, 16:48

On behalf of the Trustees, Judith Meaden, Pauline Briggs and all the members of the Mothers Union in this diocese I would like to thank Revd Mike Ketley, for setting up the MUChelmsford.org.uk website in 2010 when Marion Ketley became our MU President; Mike continued to manage the website right up to Aug/September of this year. The website was a d ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 17 October 2015, 16:40

Hello to all Chelmsford Diocese MU members. I am delighted to tell you that I am now your MU website manager. Revd. Mike Ketley set up and managed the Chelmsford MU website when Marion Ketley became President of the Chelmsford Diocese in January 2010. And what a successful and caring Mothers' Union President she has been throughout all those years. ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 15 October 2015, 14:46

You must read October’s Faith and Policy Watch document – It’s jam-packed with information on the work of the Mothers’ Union. Faith Reflections talk of the Political Conference season with the new leaders looking to move forward on the main challenges of the 21st century. To help them and us a beautiful Franciscan Benedict ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Saturday, 10 October 2015, 22:53

At the Chelmsford Cathedral Mothers' Union meeting we had a ‘Pudding Evening’ where we were able to try out all the different and exciting puddings that our members made. We could taste, share and pick up the recipes. We had some really yummy puddings to try, some family favourites and some new and tasty recipes, so there were plenty o ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Friday, 9 October 2015, 18:37

There has been serious flooding in Myanmar, the worst for many years. Mothers’ Union Central Office is in contact with both the Mothers' Union Provincial Office and the Anglican Church of Myanmar to help support them and the relief teams in their efforts. We are also working with the wider Anglican Communion to establish what relief is needed ... read more

posted by: Joan | on: Thursday, 8 October 2015, 18:30

Mrs Beverley Jullien has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of The Mother’s Union During her successful career in both the corporate and education sectors Beverley Jullien has been at the vanguard of women’s representation at senior board level, including leading the merger of Astra and Zeneca in the UK in 2000 and a period serv ... read more