Mothers Union in Blackburn Diocese

The President Writes... 

Dear Friends,

As I write this letter I am looking forward to our summer holiday, when we can enjoy a break from the busy activities of the last couple of months.

It has been a great pleasure to meet many of you at the Festivals and IMPC Afternoons. I am discovering parts of the diocese that I had only seen on maps and this makes me appreciate the beauty and variety of our lovely diocese.

In early June, I attended the General Meeting in Edinburgh together with about 30 other members from the diocese, other members from around the United Kingdom and some from further afield. It is a great joy to meet friends we have made during the past years.

When Mothers’ Union members meet together, especially in large numbers, there is always a buzz of excitement and anticipation and this proved to be true in Edinburgh.How I wish this could be captured and brought back to every branch.

At the end of June, this unity of purpose was demonstrated again, when I met Bishop Paddy and his wife, Kirsty, from our linked Diocese of The Free State. They were visiting Blackburn Diocese along with a group of young people. Kirsty met some of our members to talk about the Mothers’ Union in The Free State and the work they do in the community. They too struggle to attract young women, because the older women are not always willing to make changes. This brings home to us that we need to be constantly looking to the future, whether we are in South Africa or Blackburn, Mothers’ Union needs to be relevant and attractive to young women.

Perhaps it would be a good idea if each branch gave a questionnaire to the young families in their churches, to ascertain their perceptions of the Mothers’ Union and what would interest them. This would also be an opportunity to publicise the work that is done, what our aims are and how they can be involved - even if they are unable to attend regular meetings.

The ‘Bye Buy Childhood’ Campaign has certainly hit the headlines recently, with the bill going before Parliament soon. We need to build on this publicity and not let the momentum slow down. These are the kind of headlines that attract, when people can see that we can make a difference and make our voices heard. Don’t let us miss this opportunity.

The Trustees will be thinking about plans for the next two years at our meeting in September. It would be good to have your ideas and comments, please pass them to your Deanery Presiding Member so that we can move forward together.

With my love to you all,

Beverley