The purpose of the Mothers’ Union is to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide, through the nurture of family in its many forms.  Other aims cover supporting and promoting marriage, encouraging parents in their role to develop the faith of their children and maintaining a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.

Programme

• Regular meetings take place at 2.15pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month (except August) in the small hall at Christ Church Hall.
• The fourth Thursday of each month, we meet at 10.30am for Holy Communion, with intersessions led by the Mothers’ Union.
• The commencement of each term we have a Church service followed by refreshments, we also have a guest speaker nearly every month.
• At Christmas time we invite deanery members to our Christmas tea for readings and carols.

2019 Programme

Tuesday 8th January 2.15pm – Tea and chat

Wednesday 30th January 10am to 12pm – Subscription Day (All Saint’s, Denmead)

Tuesday 5th February 2.15pm – Church service (Revd Andy Wilson) followed by AGM

Friday 1st March 2pm – Women’s World Day of Prayer (St Wilfred’s, Cowplain)

Tuesday 5th March 2.15pm – ‘Call the Midwife’ with Jennifer Higginbottom

Wednesday 20th March – Midday Prayer (Cathedral, H&P Deanery)

Monday 25th March – Lady Day Service (Blendworth Church)

Tuesday 2nd April 2.15pm – ‘Our Trip to the Holy Land’ with Brenda Hadley and Linda Banks (Bring and Buy)

Saturday 27th April 10.30am – AGM/Council  Meeting (Cathedral House)

Tuesday 7th May 2.15pm – Revd Sandra Edwards tells us of her work as hospital chaplain

Tuesday 4th June 2.15pm – Summer party with guests (Raffle and various stalls)

Wednesday 19th June – Midday Prayer (Cathedral, H&P Deanery)

Tuesday 2nd July 2.15pm – Roger and Linda Banks will talk about their work in Thailand

Friday 9th August – Mary Sumner Day

Tuesday 3rd September 2.15pm – Service in church

Tuesday 17th September – General Meeting (service in Cathedral)

Wednesday 18th September – General Meeting (Portsmouth Guildhall)

Tuesday 1st October 2.15pm – MU Talk to be arranged (Bring and Buy)

Saturday 12th October 10.30am – Council Meeting (Cathedral House)

Tuesday 5th November 2.15pm – Mexico talk by John Bridgman

Monday 25th November to Tuesday 10th December – 16 Days of Activism

Tuesday 3rd December 2.15pm – Christmas Tea with guests

Wednesday 18th December – Midday Prayer (Cathedral, H&P Deanery)

Lent Lunches (Saturdays) 12.00pm to 1pm – March 9th, 23rd, 30th, April 6th, 13th

Mothers’ Union Christ Church Portsdown

In over 80 countries and 4 million members worldwide, the Mothers’ Union shares a vision to bring about a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.

Leadership of the Mothers’ Union has been held by the following Branch Leaders:

1935 to 1938: Mrs Rae

1938 to 1948: Mrs Gillman

1948 to 1961: Mrs Worwood

1961 to 1971: Mrs Herbert

1971 to 1974: Mrs Collins

1974 to 1977 Mrs Ayling

1977 to 1981: Mrs Fisher

1981 to 1986: Mrs Dove

1986 to 1992: Mrs King

1992 to 1998: Mrs Gibney

1998 to 2004: Mrs Molloy

2007 to 2013: Mrs Taylor

2014 to 2017: P.J.Hatchard

2017 onwards: Mrs Molloy

To find out more nationally, please see Mothers’ Union website.

For more information contact Ros Molloy.

Testimonials of some of the members at Christ Church Portsdown:

Carmen Cooke enjoys the fellowship and prayers at the afternoon service.

Judith Cooke enjoys the time together with like-minded people.

Norma Gibney enjoys the love and friendship of all members around the country, as well as our own diocese.

Patricia Hatchard (currently leader of the Portsdown Branch), enjoys the fellowship, prayers, and friendship of the Mothers’ Union, as well as getting to know everyone in the diocese. Patricia also enjoys arranging the afternoon services and believes that by working together communities can be transformed. As current branch leader Patricia also prays for guidance and vision to ensure that people continue to support the Mothers’ Union.

Molly Scarf and Joan Lowe enjoy the company of other members in worship and conversation.  They also enjoy tea together after our afternoon service.

Sheila King (our past President) enjoys the friendship, prayers and fellowship of the branch and diocese, especially those who have helped her through the sad loss of her husband Brian.

Ros Malloy joined Mothers’ Union after Young Wives, where good friends were made – many of them becoming members of the Mothers’ Union, a decision that Ros herself has never regretted. Ros is pleased to belong to such a large Christian group that achieves so much through projects worldwide.

Sheila Taylor enjoyed her time as branch leader and found it very rewarding. Sheila also enjoys the friendship and fellowship of other members.