Mothers’ Union (MU) is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for over 140 years.  Started by founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish, it has grown into an international charity with over 4 million members in 84 countries.

As a Christian membership charity, MU demonstrates faith in action. This happens as work is undertaken towards stopping poverty, stopping inequality and stopping injustice. MU members work at grassroots level around the world. They bring hope and practical support to millions of people every year through parenting, literacy and community development programmes.

Mothers’ Union members at East Bergholt and Brantham continue to grow in number each year. They hold monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month; meeting at 14:00 so that members on the school run can get to the school gates on time. This year larger venues have had to be found for social events, which are so popular with amongst church friends.

Monthly meetings are just one aspect of Mothers’ Union. All MU work is underpinned by prayer and on the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 in St Mary’s church East Bergholt, a BCP Holy Communion service is held. Daily midday prayers and a special Wave of prayer service in July are ways in which the work of Mothers’ Union is supported in prayer.

One recent branch project was making Christmas cards for prisoners in Highpoint prison. For this project a drop-in meeting was held over several hours and 614 cards we made. It was also a time of wonderful fellowship, as all who attended worked together to reach out to a group of people who often do not receive any cards at Christmas.