Mary recognised that good parenting was more than just providing for the physical needs of children but also a responsibility to raise children in the love of God. Her central vision saw the drawing up of five objectives:
The Mothers' Union flourished not only in this country but also in New Zealand, Canada, India, Madagascar and elsewhere. When Mary Sumner died, Queen Victoria became the patron of the Mothers' Union and by 1900 there were 170,000 members.
In the early twentieth century, Mothers’ Union used its sphere of influence to campaign to raise the minimum age of marriage for women to sixteen years of age, it was part of the Royal Commission on marriage and divorce, it gave evidence to the government on abortion, education and many social issues.
Today, new issues such as the ordination of women, acute poverty in the developing world, especially in many parts of Africa, and global inequalities have all come within the sphere of MU’s ministry. There are now a staggering four million members in eighty one countries all upholding that original vision of family life, whilst promoting parenting groups, marriage support and advocating family-supportive policies to help those affected by poverty, homelessness, imprisonment and relationship breakdowns.
Newbold Mothers' Union is one of three branches in the Shipston Deanery and the only group within the Stourdene Benefice. We were formed in 1947 and apart from a short spell in the fifties we have met continuously. We meet on the 4th; Wednesday afternoon of each month at 2 pm. There is a short prayer meeting at the start, then a speaker (the topics vary considerably) and a cup of tea and a chat.
If you would like to give us a try we would delighted to see you. As we meet in member's homes, the venues change so ring Faith Jackson on 01789 450721 or Dorothy Irons on 01789 450850. We look forward to welcoming you!
Newbold on Stour4th Wednesday afternoon of every month at 2:00pm