|
Dear Members and Friends,
Since my last newsletter we have had our
Annual Meeting and the Retreat at Lindors.
At the Annual meeting, beautifully
organised by Swindon deanery, we heard
Marilyn Oulds tell us about MU in
Australia. When we grumble about
transport problems, think of a diocese the
size of GB with a scattering of MU
members and trying to keep them united
and focussed! Amongst the work she spoke
of, was help for depressed mothers. They
also make 'trauma teds' for children who
have had bad experiences.
In the afternoon, David Maggs came from
ISR (Industnal & Social Responsibility) to
tell us of his work among immigrants and
asylum seekers. He told us of the work
Father McKay and his team are doing in
Easton. (He has 47 different nationalities in
his church!) They have a day centre on a
Wednesday and we are exploring how we
may be able to help.
FAITH IN ACTION
Faith and Policy
A new paper has been produced called
'The spirituality of the Mothers' Union'. A
small group has started to study it. If
anyone would like to join the group or see
the paper, please contact me or Sarah
Wyman. Your branch leader will have
access details.
STUDY DAY-Julvl4th at Crudwell
For those who would like to go into schools
and tell bible stories. More details from
Sarah Wyman. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED .
Prayer Cards can be had from your branch
leader to commemorate the Act which gave
the slaves their freedom and there are also
prayers for those in slavery today.
IMPC
Pat Dale told us that we now have 98
members and we thank you for your care
for them.
MARKETING
Ann Lewis thanked us for our support and urged
us to order for Christmas and Easter at least
three months in advance to avoid
disappointment.
OVERSEAS
We were thanked for our enormous effort
for the overseas fund. Over £11,000 raised.
Keep the l0p on Tuesdays going. It makes
such a difference.
Julia Lettey sent greetings to West Ankole
Diocese and to the MU for the 30th
anniversary of the diocese. She asked us to
pray for justice and peace, the safety of
members in the streets of Johannesburg .
She would like us to write letters to our
MPs about child slavery. Perhaps each
branch could compile one and each
member sign it.
|
ACTION & OUTREACH
Mary Head told us that we hope to give a
nativity book to the children in the
Hartcliffe and Withywood Teenage parent
Project at Christmas.
Mavis Brocklehurst reported that we were
able to provide seven holidays for needy
families this year. Three were in the
caravan in Dawlish which will not be
available next year and four in Pontins.
We are investigating another camp at Brean
which is cheaper because Pontins' prices
have risen sharply.
We need to book in January if we are to get
a reduced rate. It world be good if each
deanery found a family to send and raised
funds to send them.
This is an extract from a thank you letter
sent to the MU by a young mum from Hartcliffe.
'The caravan was fantastic, clean
with everything anyone could wish for. We
have never had a holiday before as a
family.. .The weather was hot. Brandon has
never been to the beach before. Thank you
to the Mothers' Union.
START LOOKING AND COLLECTING
FAITH IN ACTION
We are also pleased to hear that Jay Tidmarsh,
Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, has agreed to be
the
patron of the Teenage Parents' Project.
RETREAT TO LINDORS
In lovely weather, surrounded by Spring
flowers and the trees coming into leaf in the
forest of Dean, we meditated on the ark of
the covenant, built by the children of Israel
after Moses had received the ten
commandments. Led by Simon Drew, our
chaplain, and Sarah Wyman, we considered
what they put in the ark; the
commandments, the jar of manna, and
Aaron's rod. We then made and decorated
our own little arks and decided what we
would put in them to chart our own
spiritual journey.
Mine is on my mantelpiece to remind me
and we thank the leaders for a memorable
retreat. Lindors is booked for two years'
time!
COMMUNICATION
Could we have at least one Email address from
each branch so that we can send new
information and reminders.
Email me at rosemary.thomas@onetel.net
I look forward to seeing you at Council. We
have some good speakers.
Best wishes for a
restful summer.
Rosemary
|
