New Branch in Barcelona
On Sunday 3rd December, we opened our new branch of the Mothers’ Union, in St Georges Church in Barcelona. Eleven members were enrolled. This was fantastic news, which showed how strong a branch they are, and how committed they are to the work we do. Our service, conducted by Rev. Deborah Chapman and Rev John Chapman, (which took place during the normal Sunday Eucharist service) was well attended by the congregation, who gave the group a well deserved round of applause. The branch are already committed to local projects and are focusing on the Mothers’ Union MULOA project. Well done all of you. After the service we shared a light lunch, and had time to chat and learn more of what the branch is doing. We pray for the branch and that they continue to flourish and succeed in their work.
Diocesan President Commissioned 
During Evening Eucharist in Archdeaconry Synod of France and Monaco Synod in Lyon, on Wednesday 15 June Mrs Tonie Chandler, from Normandy in France was Commissioned by the Archdeaon as Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union. She made a commitment to serve God in this special capacity, and after she was formally admitted the congregation affirmed their willingness for their prayers, loyal support and encouragement.
DIOCESAN PRESIDENT
My name is Tonie Chandler. I am married and now live in Normandy, France. We have lived in the Vendee for almost ten years, but having decided that it was time to move on to pastures new, in November 2018 we moved north to Normandy. I have four children, all married, and eight grandchildren. They all live in southern England apart from my eldest son and his family who live near Cape Town, South Africa.
I have always worked in the Care sector, firstly as a nurse, but then moving to Care of the Elderly. My last role was as a Training Manager, training care staff who care for all ages.
I have been a member of the Mothers’ Union since 1979 and have subsequently been Branch Leader at the branches in Rochester where I joined, Bracknell, and Weston-Super-Mare.
We now attend parish church of Christchurch in the Manche, where we have been made very welcome, and are enjoying getting involved with the church family.
When we were in Weston-super-Mare, our church had a link with the church of All Saints, Mbala, Zambia We were privileged to visit our link parish, where I was able to spend some time with the members of The Mothers’Union, and to see the wonderful work that they are doing, particularly with people in the community who are suffering from HIV/Aids and malaria, as well as supporting the children who are orphaned because of these diseases.
I am a Diocesan member of the Diocese in Europe, but without a branch to attend as there is only one branch in France and that is six hours drive away! I am enjoying supporting branches and individuals to grow through regular information and contact. I have had the please of visiting a number of branches across Europe, and aim to visit others during the next three years.
Have you joined our ‘ Mothers Union Europe’ group page on facebook yet? Why not join us to share any news or information.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mothers-Union-Europe/670127596371397?fref=ts
Please support our MU Enterprises Shop.
There are some lovely items to purchase and our Diocese can benefit too.
Why not have a look on www.MUeshop.org”
Mothers’ Union has launched a brand new website to help promote the organisation and the outreach work its doing to support families across the world. Along with its fresh layout and design the site offers practical support to parents and couples; features a new members section, accessible by all; and a special area for Chaplains of Mothers’ Union.
There are prayers and worship resources for members and non members alike to download and use in their churches and a section on how you can get involved with Mothers’ Union.
Interactive maps of the UK & Ireland and the worldwide Mothers’ Union give details of the work members are doing across the world. From the homepage you can see the latest videos and news. Do have a look at the site today and share with your friends and families.
FAITH & POLICY WATCH
Faith & Policy Watch is our monthly social policy newsletter. Through the newsletter, we highlight social policy issues as they relate to our faith, looking at a whole range of issues from UK Government legislation and developments in the Church, to what’s happening at the international level.
Faith & Policy Watch is a great way for members to keep up to date with social policy activities in other dioceses, as well as the work at Mary Sumner House. Many articles give ideas and suggestions for action and you can use the newsletter to inspire your own social policy work or to support the work of others in prayer. Faith & Policy Watch is available to download on the MU main website- http://www.themothersunion.org/policywatch.aspx
Mothers’ Union’s response to the Bailey Review:
Click on the article in the right hand column “Letting Children be Children” »»
