Mothers’ Union (MU) is Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for nearly 150 years. There are a number of ways in which Mothers’ Union relates to the story of the annunciation.
Susan Gibbin, Trustee for Southwark Mothers’ Union writes:
Family life – we look to provide Christian care for families worldwide and this includes initiatives to support the role of parents and carers. We deliver parenting programmes, and development, policy and faith work that empowers women and men in their parenting and life in general. Our faith in the family emphasis encourages families to experience together the love of Christ; the One whose coming is heralded on Lady Day.
Faith – through our fellowship together and our faith and worship resources we nurture our relationship with God; we cultivate our prayer life and strengthen our willingness to follow our Lord, just as Mary was willing to obey his call.
Vocation and service – the annunciation was about listening and responding to God; the result of which has had consequences for all, in every aspect of life. As Mothers’ Union we seek to care for people’s physical, social and spiritual needs. At this time, we are particularly seeking to listen to God in order to respond to his plans for our service going forward; as we continue to reach out as Christ’s hands across the world.
Vision – Mary’s faith and obedience affected all generations throughout the world. The faith and obedience of our founder, Mary Sumner, has led to Mothers’ Union sharing the love of God’s son, Jesus Christ for generations, throughout the world. We pray that in our day we, too, will be willing to follow God in obedience and faith, with thanksgiving and praise; and that our souls will always magnify the Lord.
Across the 84 counties where Mothers’ Union is represented, Lady Day is celebrated in many and varied ways. Thanksgiving services are widely held, which often include the enrolment of new members as well as creative way of celebration including drama, games and events with families. In the Diocese of Southwark MU members come together each year for a service of prayer and reflection. Please join us in our prayers this day.
For the faithfulness of your servant Mary, we give you thanks.
For saints of every age who, when called, have simply obeyed – whether shepherd or scholar, faced by opposition or praise, asked to give from their riches or poverty – we give you thanks.
In your eyes all are blessed.
May we count ourselves among that number, willing to hear our call. Our lives dedicated in service to our Saviour and King.
Amen .
