On Saturday, 7 August, the Bristol branch of the Mothers’ Union celebrated the charity's 150th Birthday during a special service at Bristol Cathedral. The service, attended by around 100 people, including many past and current members of the Bristol group, was a celebration of the charity's mission and achievements.
The foundation was established in 1876 by Mary Sumner, and the Diocese of Bristol group joined the national movement in 1898. The Bristol group currently supports several projects, working with a wide range of groups including the homeless, children's centres, parents whose children are at Bristol Children’s Hospital, young people with disabilities, refugees, victims of domestic abuse and families visiting family members in prison.
The service was held in the Chancel of the Cathedral and was led by Mothers Union Chaplains Revds Paul and Rachael Barrett. The readings were taken from Psalm 22, Matthew 13 and Matthew 17, and the sermon was given by Diocesan President Sarah Wyman.
Sarah spoke about the origins of the Mothers' Union, likening its journey and growth to the mustard seed metaphor in Matthew 13. She explained how Mary Sumner, 150 years ago, saw that there was a need to strengthen family life within and outside the church and how, being a vicar’s wife, she had been able to get to know the community her husband looked after. She believed that women from all strata of society could get together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life. Her faith may have started like the small mustard seed, but that seed was able to move mountains, and from the vision Mary Sumner had, starting small, her passion and faith have helped it grow into a global movement.
Initially, local groups met, then it started to spread worldwide with migrating families set up groups, encouraged by Mary Sumner's words: ‘You don’t have to leave Mothers’ Union behind.’ The movement now has about 4 million members across 84 countries, consisting of men and women, married, divorced and single.
She also spoke of how faith is central to the charity, saying: "The one thing that has continued and makes Mothers’ Union different to many other charities is the faith of our members, our dependence on God, that we pray for ourselves and those we help constantly. The visions, the passions shown in what we help with are given by God, and he enables us to work to bring the Kingdom of God here to earth."
Following the service, those gathered headed to the chapter house, the oldest surviving part of the Cathedral, for cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks. Old friends were reunited, and new friendships were formed as members recounted memories and caught up, for some for the first time in years.
We give thanks for the faithful ministry of our Diocesan Mothers' Union and pray for their flourishing in the years to come as they continue to serve and support the vulnerable in our local area.
You can learn more about the group by clicking the button below.