What is the Mothers’ Union and what do they do in Downend?
Over 4 million members, both men and women, belong to this worldwide organisation which works in over 80 countries of the world, promoting stable marriage, family life and the protection of children through praying, enabling and campaigning. The Mothers’ Union (MU) is the world’s largest lay Christian membership charity and this year marks 140 years of faithful outreach to families of all faiths and none. It all started in 1876, when Mary Sumner first brought together parents in her own Hampshire Parish to build their confidence in bringing up their children.
There are Mothers’ Union branches attached to several of the local churches including Christ Church Downend. The Downend branch was founded in 1929. We are always ready to welcome new members. Anyone interested can find out more about the Mothers’ Union by visiting the main website or our own Diocesan website. There is a Mothers’ Union meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm in Christ Church Parish hall. New members are always most welcome.
There is an Annual MU day out on June 19th 2018. For further information on the trip please contact Christ Church Parish Office.
When do we meet?
The Downend branch of the Mothers’ Union meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm in Christ Church Parish Hall. New members are always most welcome.
Outreach
One of the core values of the Mothers’ Union is to support charity work both locally and around the world. Downend Mother’s Union, together with the Bristol Diocese MU, are supporting Kumi Mother’s Union in Eastern Uganda. They have contributed funds, to help with the refurbishment of a hostel for vulnerable girls. They are converting part of the building to be used as a vocational training centre. It is hoped that training in catering and hospitality, as well as tailoring, will commence in June. The training provided will enable the students to acquire skills, to achieve an independent income and support their families. The local contact in Kumi has been made by Jan Bacon (a member of Downend MU), who volunteers for Mission Direct. Amongst their many other projects, Mission Direct are building schools in Kumi for children, many of whom have been orphaned by AIDS. You can get all the up-to-date information on their Facebook page.