JULY

Greetings from the Diocese of Salisbury Mothers' Union Trustees. The picture was taken at the end of our first meeting together - and still smiling!

Ann and Jane have appreciated the members’ welcome and the role entrusted to us.

We are thrilled that this year’s theme for Mothers’ Union is ‘Relationship not Rules’ and hope that we learn the rules as we build new relationships within Salisbury Mothers’ Union and further afield.

The Trustees met again in April to prepare for the Conference in May and to consider the opportunities for Mothers’ Union in Salisbury Diocese.  We are still smiling as we get to know each other better, what are our strengths and weaknesses, and how we each work. Please continue to pray for us and to share your joys, concerns and questions with the Trustee Board.   In this way we will more effectively fulfil our mission and ministry.

Theme for 2010: “Relationship not Rules”

Jesus was very clear that relationships are the most important reason for living and for the living out of our faith:

Our relationship with God, Our relationship with our families, Our relationship with our friends,
Our relationship with our neighbours, Our relationship with our churches, workplaces, schools, communities
Our relationship with our governments and all those in power
Our relationship with the wider world

Through and in all these different relationships we have both an identity and a purpose. As Christians our identity and purpose are entirely defined by our values as given to us by God, through the Bible, in the history and traditions of our churches and in the societies in which we live daily.

Through and in all these different relationships we learn how to recognise and experience God’s presence – right now, every moment, wherever we are. We believe that God is always present and active in our lives, whether or not we can see him. We also believe that God’s presence is a positive good even if we do not always understand how or why, especially when life gives us many difficulties and tragedies.  

The theme throughout 2011 will be “Faithful Relationship”.

If anyone becomes inspired on this subject, please send the results to the office

Celebrations for Mothers’ Union Literacy and development Programme (MULDP)

In Salisbury Diocese we have been a little slow to encourage members and branches to think about the 10^th Anniversary of this project.   Many branches will be considering supporting the ‘Wheels Appeal’ or ‘Cakes for Brakes’ etc to help fund our Overseas Development Worker’s transport costs as a result of the devaluation of the pound.   The 10^th anniversary of the MULDP could be less of a fundraiser and more a profile raiser as we celebrate mothers’ Union achievements through these projects.

Search out your 2009 Annual report for  background information.

Salisbury Trustees would like to encourage members to think about making links with schools in our parishes to celebrate the Literacy side of this project.   We are looking for some training for leading assemblies on the subject, Mary Sumner House is making a Literacy Snakes and Ladders Game available and we are sure you could come up with some ideas to offer our schools.   This could be a really positive way of promoting Mothers’ Union and building relationships with our schools, particularly if members are willing to commit more time to the literacy of the children in our schools as part of the project..

The Mothers’ Union Central website tells us the following about the

Celebrating literacy and all the good it achieves

On World Literacy Day 2009, on the 8th of September, there will be over 64,614 learners in Mothers’ Union Literacy and Development Programme – that’s over half the number of Mothers’ Union members in the UK.

Almost 44, 645 of them have now become accredited literate and numerate and are engaged in either creating sustainable businesses to provide for their families, or other voluntary community–building work in their local community.

Our last five years of partnering with Comic Relief as the major financial backer of the Literacy and Development Programme culminated with a thorough Comic Relief evaluation in September and October 2008. The evaluation found that across Malawi, Burundi and Sudan:

• Disadvantaged women and men are becoming literate and numerate;

•  Partnerships and cooperation between women and men are being promoted and gender relations being transformed;

•  Improved gender awareness and a growing commitment to the promotion of gender equality within communities;

•  Women are participating in household decision-making;

•  Women’s profile in the community is improving and more women are accessing positions of influence in society;

•  Community ownership of the programme and increasing acceptability by the men;

•  Improved agricultural production;

•  Learners empowered to develop personal and community initiatives related to issues such as health and hygiene, gender inequality,  women’s rights, income generation, and HIV/AIDS; and

Great achievements indeed!

Although at present Mothers’ Union does not have another donor like Comic Relief, we are committed to supporting the programme throughout 2009 and ask for your continued prayers to help us secure another donor to ensure thousands more learners will be given the same opportunity.

In Burundi, Mothers’ Union Literacy and Development Programme has worked hand in hand with the Burundi National Literacy Service since the beginning of the programme in 2000. This partnership has enabled Burundi to develop a national literacy accreditation level that ensures that all learners in either the MULDP or the national literacy programme achieve the same level of literacy and get a nationally recognised certificate.

Burundi’s National Literacy Service has also really valued working with MULDP and the Literacy Trainers as they share lessons learnt especially with regards to methodology which is helping to ensure best practice is kept to and programmes are community owned and totally participatory.

Illiteracy is still a huge problem in Burundi, but as the two programmes work side by side even more communities are now being given the chance to become literate and numerate.

MULDP is significantly contributing towards female economic empowerment. In Malawi in particular, where there are good credit facilities, accredited learners are now gaining access to small loans and starting business enterprises. Before the programme began operating, it was the common view that a woman who practices business was a prostitute. MULDP has now helped to change this opinion and mind set as communities now realise the huge importance women can make to their family livelihood as well as that of the wider society.

MULDP in Sudan is enabling accredited learners to access formal education and achieve their school leaving certificates. Across Juba, Khartoum and Renk, learners, after receiving their MULDP accreditation certificates, now go to enrol into government run evening classes. Now literate, most learners are able to immediately join class five instead of class one which is the equivalent of the first year of primary school.

This is a huge sense of achievement and accredited learners relish the chance to finally gain their leaving school certificates – a dream they did not ever imagine would come true.

Throughout the communities in which the programme operates, education has now become a priority - whether it is making sure all their children attend primary, then secondary school or for them as individuals to continue learning new skills and knowledge.

“In the past when my child was absent from school I wasn’t worried as I didn’t think education was important, but now I insist that my children always go. I am not shy and because of my learning I am happy to share my views.” Jennifer, now an accredited learner, Ndirande Makata literacy circle, Southern Malawi.

You can download more resources from the Members section of the Mothers’ Union website (there are likely to be even more after the AGM on 24^th June) under the Action and Outreach UK and Ireland section.

You will also find a service order here to celebrate this anniversary – perhaps it could be used as a branch where a speaker is unable to come or as a celebration theme at the beginning of the school year?

                                                                         2012 Olympics at Weymouth and Portland

  The church in Weymouth and Portland would like to engage a Coordinator for its work in relation to the 2012 sailing events in Weymouth and Portland.

We seek a part time colleague (20 hours a week) for the next 3 years to work with us to deliver events leading up to and during the Olympics in the summer of 2012.

Key tasks will include:

• Liaison with church leaders to determine the shape and style of events we hope to offer.

• Being the link person for external organisations that we may work with in delivering events.

• Overseeing a team of volunteers who will seek to publicise information, communicate with individual churches, and ultimately work to deliver the events.

• Ensuring that events are delivered in a timely, well resourced fashion that honours God and people.

• Helping to develop a legacy for the communities which is earthed in a gospel ethos.

This is an exciting role which we trust will be rewarding in helping to build God’s kingdom through this “once in a lifetime” event.

For more information see www.weymouthandportlandchurch.org.

In the meantime Mothers’ Union please pray for the opportunities of this event and be ready to fill in the gaps!

Programme Planning

Following the Deanery Chairman’s Conference the Trustees are reviewing membership models and the Mothers’ Union resources available in the office and at MSH.

As a result of this work we hope to produce some resources for programme planning in time for your 2011 programmes.  If you prepare your programmes early and would like some support, please contact the office.

In the meantime you may like to know that Fleur Dorrell will shortly be publishing and new book of studies for Lent – The Promise of Easter – with themes of holiness, relationship, forgiveness, sacrifice, hope and love .   Maybe you could consider discussing this resource with your clergy and hosting a series in your parish in Lent.  If Mothers’ Union resources were available, we could promote our work at the same time.

Positions Vacant

There are still a number of roles not filled within the Diocese of Salisbury Mothers’ Union.   This, of course makes the task even more difficult for those who have volunteered their time and energy.

Please continue to think about these and whether this is a way the Lord wants you to pursue His plans for you.

Administration Co-ordinator – legal and practical

Sarum Archdeaconry Chairman

Under Action and Outreach – portfolio holders for Overseas, Families and Marriage

From 2011 Indoor and Diocesan Members contacts – 2 posts

As we anticipate Joanne Triffitt joining us as Project Development Officer it will help enormously if all these roles are filled.

Pray…pray…pray.

  Families First Magazine

Following the AGM at preston we should have in the office a Take 10 display box for Families First magazine.

Despite the fact that fewer than half our members subscribe to this excellent publication, the Trustees would like to encourage you to promote it in your parishes. 

The Take 10 display box can be borrowed for use at community or church events to sell 10 copies of the magazine.   If a branch buys 10 copies for £15 they can be sold at £2 each, the profit perhaps reinvested for a further 10 copies.   These issues can also be given to families attending baptisms, weddings, scouts and guides’ families attending church parade or services, parents and carers at toddler groups, users of church premises etc.

To take advantage of this offer please contact Caroline Rink 020 722 5533

NB if you do subscribe then please make use of your read copy in the same way – let others see and read it – before it is out of date!

  Family Holiday 2010

Those wishing to book holidays should get in touch with Diane Eaton our holiday booking agent on 01202 715666 with details of any families that you feel would benefit from a week’s holiday.

Praise God for providing a complete team of volunteers who are now preparing for the holiday.  A great team with varied gifts and abilities are set to give guest a marvellous week of fun and refreshment.

Exmouth Family Holiday - 2010

Our Family Holiday takes place next month – please pray for the guests and the team.  The ages of the 36  children attending this year range from 10 months to 17 years, so quite a challenge!   I believe they would still welcome contributions of activity packs – available in stationers.

Sue Gallagher has built a great team and programme ready for the Family Holiday in August.

WANTED NOW  are referrals from clergy and agencies of people who might benefit from such a holiday.   In order to identify these persons we need members to ensure that the leaflets go to as many public places as possible – schools, surgeries, care agencies, children’s centres etc.

Please see the 'Links' page for a downloadable 

Branch Information Leaflet

intended for Branch Leaders

To view downloadable notes on the meeting held on 26 February [click] here

Office  Notices: 

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm 

and at other times by arrangement

We are not open on  Saturday mornings

 Salisbury Cathedral Communion Service

Holy Communion will be celebrated on Tuesday 27 July at 12:15pm by Revd Sally Attwater

POLICY

In Salisbury Diocese our Policy Work now comes within the Action and Outreach Unit and is to be headed by Gillian Mackenzie.

For now have a look at the MU website for Policy Watch which contains information about the Commercialisation of Childhood, which we recently began to consider at our Training Day in November.  Other subjects covered are Gender Segregation, Religious TV in Britain and the Registration of Births.

A downloadable flyer for advertising this aspect of MU is available on www.themothersunion.org/document/FP_Resources_Flyer.pdf 

and to see a locally produced poster [click] here  

Families and Relationship... is the title of a recent Government Green Paper outlining its social policy relating to family life.   Mothers’ Union will be responding to a consultation on the Paper.  A copy is available from Mary Sumner House or Gillian Mackenzie.

Policy Watch  is available online: http://www.themothersunion.org/policy.aspx .  You will find plenty there to occupy a branch meeting.

Also available are discussion papers on the following subjects:

Marriage or Cohabitation, Euthanasia, Abortion, Fair Trade & Trade Justice, Infertility – A Christian Perspective and Supporting Families.   We need never be short of material.

Caravan at Durdle Door

Our mobile home at Durdle Door is used by families in need of a break.  The site opens for the new season at Easter so if you are interested in enquiring about a holiday, contact the MU office for more details.

      The Global Village Fair

Global Village Fair is Mothers' Union's ethical gifts project. Using this website you can choose from a range of ethical gifts for any occasion. Whether in memory of somebody, as a birthday present or for a wedding gift, your purchase will be helping families around the world in tough circumstances by supporting the work of Mothers' Union.

www.theglobalvillafefair.org

Don't forget you can e-mail us with your comments, or to ask for information:  mothers.union@btconnect.com

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LOOKING FORWARD

The 2010 Autumn Retreat will be held at Ivy House Warminster during the  weekend of

Friday 15 - Sunday 17 October

18^th September 2010   Sudan Study Day at Shaftesbury School

Contact Rev. Ron Hart for details  01963 23035  ronhart@yahoo.co.uk

18^th September – 3^rd October is British Food Fortnight and the season of Harvest Festivals.

Can Mothers’ Union make any links here in the family context – links with toddler groups, schools, messy church?  Over to you!

RECENT EVENTS

May I congratulate all Mothers' Union members who joined in the celebration
of family life during National Family Week over half term in early June.
The weather was glorious which made such a difference. We, in Whiteparish,
had a Grand Picnic and Swim which we advertised at the Primary school and
Church Toddler Group. We expected about half a dozen families but with the
hot weather everyone turned up, I think at any one time that day there were
about 30 children in the pool and families picnicking all over the garden.
Dad's and grandparents joined in and we had some serious cricket and
badminton on the lawn.
The parents loved having a 'free day out', entertaining youngsters these days
can be so expensive. The raffle paid for the ice creams, a professional Life
Guard and a generous donation to the Holiday and Wheels Appeal. We proudly
wore our yellow T shirts and of course dished out teas in true Mothers'
Union style, everyone was really impressed and made us promise to do it
again. It was such a joy to see so many families having such a happy time. I
think National Family Week is fantastic to support.

The Diocesan Festival was held in Salisbury Cathedral on 13^th March with the theme 

“Hands Across the World”

The Bishop of Ramsbury commissioned Ann Howard as President and Jane Lax as Vice-President as well as all the other Trustees and office holders.    

Members, friends and visitors were invited to  make a journey round the cathedral looking at the many and varied stands which the Deaneries had prepared to illustrate the work of Mothers’ Union at home and abroad.     

At the end of the service an impressive procession of banners made its way down the nave and out through the West Door into the spring sunshine.  

It was a wonderful start to the new Triennium

Members have recently raised funds to provide a virtual baby to be used to help prisoners at Guy's Marsh to understand more about parenting, especially around problems created by various addictions.

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Contact Salisbury Diocese Mothers' Union at:

Mothers' Union

The Diocese of Salisbury

Mothers' Union Office

Church House

Salisbury

SP1 2QB

Tel: 01722 333402

Registered Charity No. 249696

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Site updated by the Diocese of Salisbury Mothers' Union