Mothers' Union in Coventry

The Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Coventry has over 1,000 members, mostly in branches from Atherstone in the north to Long Compton in the south, and from Alcester to Rugby. They are mostly in branches attached to a Parish, but some are Diocesan Members, and some are Indoor Members.

Branches usually meet monthly, in morning, afternoon or evening, but there is no requirement for members to attend. Some like to keep in touch through the fellowship of a meeting, when news from Mothers' Union is shared, and there may be a talk by an MU speaker or someone working in a related area, or there may be a discussion, Bible study or activity session. For some members, it is not the fellowship, but the project work or the prayer that attracts them, or they may want to support our work, but not have the time to commit themselves.

Every year, thousands of pounds are raised to support the work by our overseas members, which is funded from the central Mothers' Union through grants from the Overseas Fund or the Relief Fund. Coffee Mornings, collections from services and social evenings provide much of this fund raising, as well as charity theatre trips, Dinners, Safari Suppers and Pudding Parties, and we are always looking at other ways of raising money. But all this is used to further the work of MU, and the administration is covered by the subscription that each member pays annually, part of which goes to the central MU and part is kept in the Diocese.

Our faith is developed and strengthened through Quiet Days, Reflective Days and the many services that take place each year. A Diocesan Prayer Diary is produced for each month, and there are several Emergency Prayer Chains that regularly accept prayer requests via phone, email or the website. In addition we maintain a Wave of Prayer around the world, linking each diocese in the UK and Ireland with several overseas in a cycle of prayer over a five-day period. Coventry Diocese is linked with the Dioceses of Central Zambia, Antananarivo and Toamasina in Madagascar, and Oyo and Dutse in Nigeria. We also have a link through the Coventry Companion Links with Kaduna in Nigeria.

Structure of Mothers' Union

The Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Coventry is a Registered Charity No. 250129, affliated to the central Mothers' Union. A Board of Trustees is elected to serve for a term of three years, headed by the Diocesan President.

The Board consists of:

• two Vice Presidents
• four Unit Co-ordinators
• Six General Trustees.

In addition there are a number of other Diocesan Officers, including:

• Diocesan Secretary
• Honorary Treasurer
• Gift Aid Secretary
• Diocesan Members' Correspondant
• Indoors Members' Correspondant
• Chaplain
• Enterprises' Representative
• Speakers' Representative
• Link Up Newsletter Editor
• Webmaster

Our office is situated within the Cathedral and Diocesan Offices at Hill Top, Coventry, and the office hours are usually Tuesday 9.30 - 2.30 and Wednesday 9.30 - 12.30.