From time to time we ask members of Mothers' Union about their experiences in MU and why they continue to belong. Here are some of their stories.

              Alex Clark – Rugby deanery

As members of MU go I am still very new. It’s great to belong to an active, worldwide, Christian women’s network with such an amazing vision, aim and purpose, mission, values and beliefs. MU really does make a difference and I like that. This is not just a talking place or cosy time for tea, cake and a chat although both are important parts of MU.

It hardly seems possible that in 2009, there is such need for the Literacy campaigns run by MU worldwide. There certainly is. I was very moved reading about a woman in Burundi who had learned to read through MU. She can now read and support her family. Without MU she had no hope.

I am particularly interested in the care shown to prisoners at my local prison, not just with visiting but providing signed Christmas cards for the prisoners. Last Christmas, I went shopping to buy small presents to be sent by branch members to a prisoner’s son with a message from his Dad. It was one of the best bits of my Christmas.

That MU is a Christian organisation is very important to me and I enjoy leading the service at the beginning of our meetings and being involved with worship.

    Evelyn Warwick: My Mother’s Union Journey.

Firstly I must say that I love the Mother’s Union with a passion. I was first introduced to MU as a young mum with 2 small children and attended many meetings before being deemed ‘ready’ to be enrolled in 1966. (It was a very different organisation 40+ years ago!)

Family has always been the most important thing in my life, and I very quickly absorbed all that the Mother’s Union stood for and decided that this was what I believed in and where I wanted to be. What I most loved was the fact that everything we did was underpinned by Prayer.

Over the years I have held many positions, from Branch Committee to Deanery Committee, Branch Leader, Deanery Chair, Trustee, and for the last 6 years have been privileged to serve as Vice-President.

I have attended hundreds of meetings, been involved in numerous projects, and learned such a lot about all sorts of diverse situations and subjects and met so many very interesting people.

I have made many friends in the Mother’s Union, it has been a huge part of my life and has made me the persons I am today, it has been my support in bad times and has shared my joy in good times.

I do want to say to you all, if you are approached to take on a position in the Mother’s Union, please do not think that you could not do it. If I can, then anyone can, and I promise you would not regret it.

Karen in CoventryKaren Morris

 I have been a member of Mothers’ Union for 11 years. I have been married for 15 years, have 2 children and live within the Coventry Diocese. I used to work in the financial services industry before becoming a full time mother.

I enjoy working with children. I feel privileged to lead Sunday school, I also organise family celebrations within my local church and support weekly performances of open the book to children in a local junior school. I am a member of the PCC. I enjoy playing tennis and try to keep active as much as possible.

I was introduced to Mothers’ Union very early in our marriage and I must admit before I joined I didn’t know much about Mothers’ Union and it was only by personal invitation from the Branch Leader that I became involved. What attracted me initially was its support of marriage and family life underpinned with Christian values.

On attending my first branch meeting it became very clear that Mothers’ Union could provide not only a social life of its very own but also the tools to make a difference to many people’s lives. I also enjoyed the fellowship and worship that our monthly meetings provided.

During those early years, I was introduced to the virtual baby project and also became interested in the parenting courses that Mothers’ Union provides. This in turn fuelled my eagerness to gain a qualification through Mothers’ Union to become a Facilitator. I recognised the many benefits parents would achieve by attending a course; the opportunity to meet like minded individuals, quality time to share common problems and perhaps, form long lasting friendships.

As a Facilitator, I feel a great sense of achievement knowing that these courses support families through difficult times, as well as confirming to parents that it’s okay to feel tired, confused or stressed because family life today is one of the biggest challenges that we face.

I am so proud of the work and funding Mothers’ Union gives to such a worthwhile cause and it continues to inspire me as this commitment not only touches hearts within our own communities but reaches across the world. I am convinced that these courses provide families with security and certainty for a brighter future and this knowledge will be passed down to the next generation.

With this in mind I feel sure that when Mary Sumner held her meetings all those years ago that facilitating would have taken place. I am confident, therefore, that the role of today’s facilitator will continue to evolve in very safe hands.

I hope by reading my personal journey that Mothers’ Union will inspire you to become a Facilitator!