THE MOTHERS UNION STORY (MU)
In the village of Old Alresford in the south of England a young Vicar’s wife, Mary Sumner looked her first born child. Amazed at the enormous responsibility of nurturing a human life and conscious of her own inadequacies, she dreamed of a union of mothers coming together regularly for encouragement, support and education. It was not until 1876, when she was 48, and became a grandmother, that she was able to gather together a group of mothers to discuss her ideas of meeting together to help one another and realise more fully their responsibilities as wives and mothers. The women were also helped to understand the significance of the sacrament of baptism and the teaching of the Christian faith to their children.
In 1885 at the invitation of the Bishop, Mary spoke to a large gathering in Portsmouth and from this, The Mothers” Union grew to be a diocesan organisation within the Diocese of Winchester. The society quickly spread throughout England and a as women migrated it was established overseas. By 1892 The Mothers” Union had reached Australia. The first branch being formed by Ismay L’Oste, the wife of the Rector of Cullenswood in Tasmania. Mary Sumner Day is celebrated each year on 9th August in her honour.
For more than a 100 years of its existence Mother’s Union has endeavoured to strengthen the influence of Christianity in the family.
The work is more important than ever in today’s world, with its new and different pressures.
Mothers Union is part of a global movement of Christian of diverse interests, talents and resources whose vision is of a world where God’s love is shown through living, respectful and flourishing relationships. The worldwide membership of women and men and numbers over 4 million in 81 countries. Overseas funds have been supporting the training of facilitators for the Church and Community Mobilisation Project in Tanzania. Funding in other areas has helped ministries in the northern and outreach of Australia. This year around the world MU celebrates 140 years.
Our Mission
St Andrew’s MU members are part of the State Diocesan Council and pay an annual fee which cover membership in MU. The Branch each year partakes in Area Festivals, and special days coming together across the state to celebrate in fellowship and worship. The branch nominates its own President, Secretary and Treasurer and plans its own program
In the village of Old Alresford in the south of England a young Vicar’s wife, Mary Sumner looked her first born child. Amazed at the enormous responsibility of nurturing a human life and conscious of her own inadequacies, she dreamed of a union of mothers coming together regularly for encouragement, support and education. It was not until 1876, when she was 48, and became a grandmother, that she was able to gather together a group of mothers to discuss her ideas of meeting together to help one another and realise more fully their responsibilities as wives and mothers. The women were also helped to understand the significance of the sacrament of baptism and the teaching of the Christian faith to their children.
In 1885 at the invitation of the Bishop, Mary spoke to a large gathering in Portsmouth and from this, The Mothers” Union grew to be a diocesan organisation within the Diocese of Winchester. The society quickly spread throughout England and a as women migrated it was established overseas. By 1892 The Mothers” Union had reached Australia. The first branch being formed by Ismay L’Oste, the wife of the Rector of Cullenswood in Tasmania. Mary Sumner Day is celebrated each year on 9th August in her honour.
For more than a 100 years of its existence Mother’s Union has endeavoured to strengthen the influence of Christianity in the family.
The work is more important than ever in today’s world, with its new and different pressures.
Mothers Union is part of a global movement of Christian of diverse interests, talents and resources whose vision is of a world where God’s love is shown through living, respectful and flourishing relationships. The worldwide membership of women and men and numbers over 4 million in 81 countries. Overseas funds have been supporting the training of facilitators for the Church and Community Mobilisation Project in Tanzania. Funding in other areas has helped ministries in the northern and outreach of Australia. This year around the world MU celebrates 140 years.
Our Mission
- 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 lives have met with adversity.
St Andrew’s MU members are part of the State Diocesan Council and pay an annual fee which cover membership in MU. The Branch each year partakes in Area Festivals, and special days coming together across the state to celebrate in fellowship and worship. The branch nominates its own President, Secretary and Treasurer and plans its own program