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Past Events

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The members in Peterborough Diocese are all taking part in the campaign for the 16 days from November 25th – December 10th. Some branches have held vigils, some have had services using the resources from Mary Sumner House or prayer meetings and some have had displays in their churches to raise awareness.

The picture shows the prayers written by Kingsthorpe branch for women and girls around the world who are abused in any way, which were then placed on the map.

Barbara Haynes, Diocesan President.

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News

Message from the President Elect, Jill Cannings

Sharing my passion for Mother’s Union – in step with God

As we prepare for the next triennial I thought I would share a little of my passion for Mothers’ Union.  I look forward to visiting branches and attending events during my time as your President, and sharing stories together.

I often say I was “ordered” to join MU about 38 years ago by the then Branch leader.  She was a forceful and very organized person with a military background.  In fact I remain very indebted to her.  At that stage I had two young children and have memories of going along to meetings where they played.  However, when they went to school I returned to work and was no longer able to attend the day time meetings.  However, I remained a member, paying my subscription every year as I thought that MU was such an important worldwide organization supporting Christian family life.  At one point we had some evening meetings and I got more involved.  However, it was not until I retired in 2010 that I was able to take an active role.  The branch leader “saw me coming” and invited me onto the committee and very soon I took over the Uppingham branch.

When I enroll new members and read out the purpose and aims of the organization I am very pleased to be a part of it.  It seems difficult to understand why every Christian, male or female young or old, would not wish to be a member.  I am inspired by the Mary Sumner and the Mothers’ Union prayers.  But most of all I am inspired by our loving, faithful, forgiving God.  I pray that we will work together as the body of Christ serving our communities prayerfully, and when possible in action.  We all have a part to play in building God’s Kingdom.  I thank people for their support and prayers so far and look forward to the next phase as we journey together.

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Past Events

50 Years Membership Certificates at Kingsthorpe Branch

Kingsthorpe Branch were pleased to welcome Barbara, our president, to present 50 years membership certificates to Margaret Glover and Mary Cheer at the morning service at St Mark’s Church on the 29th April. At the same service Helen Hickman was enrolled as a new member. The service was followed with cake and nibbles.

Ruth, Branch Leader

 

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News

New Diocesan President

At our forum meeting we elected our new diocesan president for the triennial beginning on 1st January 2019. The president elect is Mrs. Jill Cannings. Congratulations Jill. Peterborough diocese will be in good hands.

Barbara Haynes . D.P.

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Resources

Grapevine Spring 2018

Click here to read Grapevine Spring 2018 – you will need software capable of reading PDFs

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Past Events

Receiving Maundy Money From The Queen

On Maundy Thursday I travelled to Windsor to receive Maundy money from the Queen. All arrangements and the service are meticulously organised. One is invited to attend with a carer/ companion, and my daughter Emma was delighted to take on that role! We stayed overnight in Windsor and arrived early at the appointed car park on the “long walk,” the impressive entry into Windsor Castle. After politely undertaken security checks, we were driven in a royal coach into the castle grounds. We took our places in St George’s chapel and were treated to wonderful music and the arrival of an array of people with amazing titles and costumes. The Lord High Almoner briefed us on what would happen. People processed in including the Yeomen of the Guard, the Military Knights of Windsor, the Dean and Canons of Windsor, the Wandsmen, and many more with roles of historical significance. Four children chosen from local schools came carrying nosegays which traditionally masked the smell of the recipients!

Precisely at 11a.m the Queen entered with her own procession. Sadly, Prince Philip was not able to be there. It was the first time he had missed a Maundy service. The Queen is a diminutive figure. She was smartly dressed in a royal blue coat and hat. As a strong Christian she apparently loves this Maundy service. She has been handing out Maundy money since 1953. After the first reading from John 13:1-15 (Jesus washes the feet of the disciples) she proceeded around to personally hand two pouches of Maundy money to 92 recipients. After a brief sit down for a hymn she was up again after a second reading (Matthew 25:31-46) to dispense to the remaining 92. She smiled warmly at each recipient making it a very special moment.

After the service we had a reception in some of the magnificent rooms of Windsor; St George’s Hall, the Waterloo Chamber, the Grand reception room and the Garter Throne room.

We certainly do history, pomp and circumstance very well. However, this was also a very humbling experience. The service derives its name from the Latin “mandatum” meaning a commandment. The service starts with the words of Jesus “I give you a new commandment: Love one another: as I have loved you, so you are to love one another.” The Royal Maundy can be traced back in England with certainty to the 13th century. The first recorded Royal Distribution was in Yorkshire by King John in 1210.

From the 15th century the number of recipients has equalled the years of the Sovereign’s life. At one time, recipients were required to be the same sex as the Sovereign, but since the 18th century gender equality has been established, hence 92 men and 92 women received this year. Recipients are now pensioners selected by Bishops because of the Christian service they have rendered to the Church and community.

The Distribution is in two parts. A red purse contains a nominal allowance for clothing and provisions. A white purse contains the Maundy coins; silver pennies, twopences, threepences and fourpences according to the age of the Sovereign. The pouches are carried in six alms dishes dating from the reign of King Charles 11. All this is legal tender, but I will not be using it at the local shops! What a day to cherish.

Jill Cannings

Barbara, the diocesan president, is very pleased to see that Jill’s M.U. badge shows up so well on her white coat. Thank you.

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Past Events

Abington Church Festival of Angels

In November Abington Church held its first ever ‘Festival of Angels’. So I hear you say, what is this? I would describe it like a flower festival but with all things to do with angels! All the church groups were invited to produce a display with an angel theme (we were asked to be creative!), including information about the purpose of the group. Visitors to the church over the festival weekend were able to enjoy the many displays as well as discovering something about the variety of work undertaken by church members, both within the church family and in the local community.  Over 500 people visited the church during the festival and many enjoyed the Mothers’ Union display in the Lady Chapel, which focused on, not surprisingly, the Story of The Annunciation.