12-13 Branchzone:issue 1 27/8/08 15:29 Page 11
Mothers' Union, but the traditional branch the activities
meeting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! your branch is
involved
Some members may prefer to meet with –
together to get involved with a particular whether
project, whether that’s a craft-based activity large or
such as knitting or sewing toys or garments; small – are
the organisation of a parish’s baptism included as
preparation and follow-up programme; or an integral part
running a toddler group. of your
programme – and
Some members may want to spend time in not just as an
the company of others with similar optional extra!
concerns for families, to pray for family life
both in their local communities and
worldwide. Other members may be keen to
‘The traditional branch
get involved in campaigning issues and
want to keep up to date with national
meeting isn’t everyone’s cup
government family policy, so as to influence
of tea!’
decisions affecting families.
A Mothers' Union meeting does not have to
Why do it differently?
follow any set pattern or content. All that is There’s no reason at all to change for
required is for the meeting to include a time change’s sake. If you have a good nucleus of
of prayer and for its focus to be concerned enthusiastic members, then your current
with the mission and values of our Mothers' Union activities are meeting their
organisation: the form of the meeting is objectives. But do think about the people
flexible. you know in your church and your
community who would want to uphold the
It isn’t easy to offer different types of values of Mothers' Union but aren’t
meeting within one branch, so why not talk members. Could you do something extra –
to other branches in your local area or in a different way – to attract them to be
deanery? A regular deanery prayer meeting part of our worldwide organisation of
or a ‘Campaign Group’ may be just the sort Christians committed to caring for and
of Mothers' Union meeting that potential supporting marriage and family life?
members, as well as existing members, may
be looking for. If you are doing it differently – do let us
know! It would be great to hear about
Promoting the range
branches that do operate in different
Some branches may already have groups ways and to share your experiences.
with a particular interest in prayer, projects Write to Marian Pope at Mary Sumner
or policy work, but they only publicise these House or email
to their own members. Make sure that all Marian.Pope@themothersunion.org.
familiesworldwide – Issue 1.09 11
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