" Share your heart- God will do the rest" George Sumner, Rector of the parish of Old Alresford husband of Mary Sumner.

August 9th is the day each year when we celebrate all that Mary Sumner did in her lifetime and which has grown into the Worldwide Christian Movement we enjoy today.

It all started when Mary was passionate about transforming the home -lives of parish families, by helping women to support one another in raising their children. Her husband was very supportive and said, "Just share your heart, God will do the rest". She was nervous at first and asked George to take her place as it was very unusual for women to be a public speaker. It all went so well, that Mary was encouraged to speak at future meetings even including the men of the parish.

The meetings grew and included women, old and young, rich and poor. Others heard about her work and started groups in their own areas. In 1876 she founded the "Union of Mothers" with a membership card and a promise, "to be given up, body and soul, to Jesus Christ in Holy Baptism and, that your duty is to train your children for His service"

In 1885, at a time when it was still unheard of for women to speak to large audiences, Mary Sumner was invited by the Presiding Bishop to speak to a packed church congress session for women in Portsmouth. He felt that he had no authority to speak to a group of women whose prime concern was to get enough food on the table so that the children would not starve. She overcame her nerves again. "Together, by the Grace of God, we can calm each other when we are afraid; strengthen each other when we are weak; and work together to raise our children to the Glory of God, Unity is strength" The movement grew further, increasingly with the support of bishops, internationally as well as in England.

As the movement continued to grow, Mary Sumner asked herself what its purpose really was, and what it should strive for. She reflected "A true home should be a light-house, shedding its quiet beams far and wide" When she died in August 1921, 4,000 women attended her funeral which was a service of thanksgiving. She could not have conceived how the seeds she planted would grow into a movement 4 million strong in 83 countries putting their faith into action to nurture healthy relationships in families and communities and to fight for justice. (See Mothers' Union website for more information).

A prayer for Salisbury Diocese Mothers' Union.

"God of unchanging power, your Holy Spirit enables us to proclaim your love in challenging times and places. Give to all members of Mothers' Union steadfastness, fresh understanding and a clear vision, that together we may continue the mission to which we are called. We pray, Lord, that you may lead members to offer their talents so that Salisbury Diocesan Mothers' Union is able to continue their good work done in your name. Amen.

Our next meeting, on Thursday September 5th at 10.am in the Memorial Hall committee room is entitled "Metamorphosis" when we will be discussing how our church life, reflected in our Mothers' Union activities can further the work of the church here in our own parish.

Enid Holbrow