On Friday 7th August, about 100 Mothers Union Members from all over South Australia gathered at St Saviour’s Church Glen Osmond to celebrate Mary Sumner Day.
After a welcome coffee in the hall, we went into the church where Fr. Simon Bailey led the service. Reverend Dr Lesley McLean, MU Chaplain for Adelaide Diocese, preached the sermon, referring to the gospel reading from Luke 6, where Jesus came down and stood among the crowd, and healed many people and taught about God’s kingdom. She spoke about the healing, forgiveness, and hope that Jesus gives to all who trust Him.
Over lunch, we had the opportunity to chat with friends old and new.
State President, Mrs. Eileen Smith, welcomed and introduced our guest speaker, Mrs. Elizabeth Appleby. Elizabeth is a Life Vice President of MU Australia, a former MU Australia President and a former member of the Trustee Board at Mary Sumner House, which is the governing and decision making body for Mothers Union.
She spoke about Mothers Union Worldwide – who we are, our vision, aim & purpose, mission, and how we work. She spoke about our founder, Mary Sumner, her faith and vision of a group of mothers working to support marriage and train their children and families to follow Christ. Elizabeth wondered what Mary Sumner would think about us in MU Australia today, as we reach out to share Christ’s love with people who may have different views on issues such as divorce, abortion, ordination of women, human sexuality, gender equality.
Elizabeth encouraged us to remember our vision – to share Christ’s love through supporting marriage and family life, and to use Families Worldwide to pray for Mothers Union around the world, and to be enthusiastic.
After a short question time, Eileen thanked Elizabeth for her interesting talk, and announced that the offering in church raised $421.30, half of which will be given to our overseas project, Church and Community Mobilisation Process in Tanzania, and half towards the fund for the training of Indigenous Women.
Elizabeth also cut the birthday cake, which was to celebrate 120 years of Mothers Union in South Australia.
We thank Glen Osmond Parish and Mothers Union for hosting the day, and the leaders of MU in South Australia for organizing another gathering for the encouragement of all MU members.
Caroline Earl