Linda has written the following open letter:
An Open Letter to all our Members and Friends of Mothers’ Union here in St Eds and Ips
Mums United - filling in the gaps in our communities….
We are mid-way through this triennium. Across the whole of Suffolk there are small groups of women meeting together to grow deeper in their Christian faith, to pray and support local clergy and team ministries, to engage in practical help in the local community, to fund-raise and organise local events, and at the same time engage with and embrace national and world-wide projects and campaigns – supporting prisoners and their families, and working with victims of domestic abuse.
Where else would you find a group of like-minded women (and a few men too) from across the northern area of rural Suffolk coming together from their scattered communities for a Quiet Day in order to grow deeper in their faith, unite in fellowship, and enjoy food, fun and strengthen friendships? And where can you find specifically targeted resources around baptism and marriage and bereavement? (MU has produced two eBooks - a “Book of Comfort” written to encourage those still struggling post-covid, and “For Better, for Worse” for those on the brink of marriage?) And where can one find Christmas and anniversary cards, gifts and teaching aids, resources and much, much more? (MUe can be contacted via our website at www.musuffolk.org.uk.) Where else do we find small groups of Christian women coming together in their parish, village, market town or local community to talk about relevant, current, topical issues and support one another in times of stress and chaos?
On Monday, 26th June, the MU North Suffolk Area held a Quiet Day (10 am-3.00 pm) at St Peter’s Church, Holton. Around 30 people (not all MU members) came together to hear the Rev Margaret King talk about Icons and Iconography. It was a fascinating, awe-inspiring, beautiful and informative day with time to be still and quiet, a time for learning and reflection, a labyrinthine walk, and all culminating in the Eucharist. Margaret did indeed show us a “door into heaven”. Our thanks to Margaret and the NSA team for organising such a thought-provoking and truly memorable day.
The Mothers’ Union here in St Eds and Ips is alive and well, flourishing and thriving – and it’s not only a resource for members, but for everyone. The Mothers’ Union is like the cement filling in the church’s gaps, holding the structure together and reinforcing its stability….. To find out more, visit our website, or the central website at www.mothersunion.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Linda Ginn, Diocesan President (1.7.23)