Mothers’ Union was started by a Hampshire Rector’s wife in 1876 in the village of Old Alresford. Mary  Sumner invited women from all strata of village society to a meeting in the Rectory Drawing room, but was too timid to address it when they arrived; leaving it to her husband to start the meeting for her. However, from that unpropitious beginning has grown a world wide organisation who’s Aim and Purpose is to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide, through the nurture of the family in its many forms.

Mothers’ Union has never been afraid to change and modernise its organisation to continue to be relevant to the world around it, without changing its core values. This has led to the expansion into over 80 countries with over 4 million members – women and men. Working through local members worldwide it engages in parenting groups: marriage preparation: prison ministry: community health education and much, much more.

Mothers’ Union works with governments nationally and internationally (they have representatives at the UN Council on the Status of Women); and with local councils or authorities. They are consulted about changes that could affect family life, speaking out with passion and concern. All Mothers’ Union work is underpinned by regular and constant prayer.

Mothers’ Union Prayer: Loving Lord, we thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service, reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Personal Prayer of Mary Sumner: All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live.  Amen

In Bridport there are 3 x MU Branches. All meetings take place at 2.30pm.

St Mary’s Church, Bridport

Venue:       Church House, South Street

When:        Second Tuesday each month

Contacts:    Jocelyn Williams (423593) or Janet Belton (423683)

Holy Trinity Bothenhampton and Walditch

Venue:       Village Hall

When:        Second Tuesday each month

Holy Trinity Bradpole

Venue:       Village Hall or the Church

When:        Third Tuesday each month

For more info see:  www.themothersunion.org  and  http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/mission/mothers-union

Registered Charity No. 249696