In May 2019 it was a great joy to welcome Mrs Sheran Harper of Guyana who is our new worldwide president. She is a woman of great faith and experience. She has led the parenting programme for MU in many countries, and thereby improved the experiences of countless children and families. She was accompanied by Provincial President Nikki Sweatman.
Representatives from Peterborough Deanery, complete with banners joined Jill Cannings, Diocesan President to greet them at Peterborough station. They were touched as the welcoming party greeted them with a worship song.
At a packed open meeting in the Methodist church in Uppingham people were able to hear from Sheran and Nikki about the work of Mothers’ Union in this country and worldwide. Speaking at Sheran’s commissioning earlier that year Archbishop Justin Welby described MU as “the world’s oldest and largest women’s movement. It is one of the Anglican communion’s greatest gifts to the worldwide church.” Sheran was challenged by him to ensure that MU no longer remained the Anglican communion’s greatest secret. She spoke with passion about her own journey of involvement in MU and the work undertaken by members.
During this brief visit we were also able to join a prayer group, the backbone of the church, as “prayer warriors” pray for aspects of church life and our communities. Our visitors heard of the role of the MU lunch club in Kettering which gives a meal and activities for children during the holidays, who would normally receive free school meals. We held a service of thanksgiving and welcome at St Benedicts Northampton. More people had the opportunity to hear from Sheran and Nikki. As part of this whistle stop tour of the Diocese they attended a branch meeting in the evening. They were both generous with their time, listening to members and thanking them for their commitment to MU.
Two days later many of us attended a major Mothers’ Union “Thy Kingdom Come” service. We filled Coventry cathedral and the service was streamed across the world.
Seeking some winter sun, and having never been to the West Indies, I thought I randomly chose Antigua, but have become aware that God’s hand was firmly in control. I knew that Mothers’ Union in the diocese had a link with NECA. However, I did not fully understand what that meant. In fact, it stands for North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba and spans 12 islands.
The day after my arrival Ephena called round to my accommodation to welcome me. I was invited to a seafood buffet supper to meet lots of MU members and even asked to preach on the Sunday. I worshipped with them each Sunday. Services last 2 hours and you have at least 8 hymns and a good half hour sermon! I also went to a choir festival featuring 23 choirs from across the island. Great fun, but some were better than others and the pews are hard. I went to meetings and socials and found out how they are organised. As Diocesan President Ephena hops across the 12 islands. Once a month they have a MU supported Sunday service. They all wear their white dresses and blue jackets.
Our project just completed was ‘purse bells’.
