June Newsletter 2026
posted by: Joan Vine | on: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 15:55
Dear Members and Friends,
There’s plenty been happening again during May and plenty to look forward to – I said that we should have fun during the 150th year, didn’t I?!
My branch had a joyous service and cream tea to celebrate the anniversary on 27th May. We had 81 guests from other local MU branches, women’s groups, churches and our own congregation and only about 25 of those were MU members. How good it was to thank God for His goodness and to share what MU is all about with so many others. We sang some traditional hymns and some which may become a new tradition – try to look up “Way Maker” by Sinach because God truly is a “way-maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and our light in the darkness”.
I was invited to two other cream teas at Buckhurst Hill (see more in Roundabout) and Chadwell Heath and, although slightly smaller events, both predominantly had non-MU guests - exactly the right ethos for Join Us, Join In! If all our branches could do that, we might yet reach our 150 new members target. The display boards aren’t fully booked out for the summer yet to give you a helping hand…
Sadly, this month, we said goodbye to Past President Molly Hoyle, a true “MU stalwart”. She gave us her all and inspired so many of us in so many different ways. Thank you to another past president, Judith who has written a wonderful tribute to her in Roundabout, which should be with you shortly.
I have another of my President’s Midday Prayers Challenge visits under my belt. I didn’t make it quite to the top of the Cathedral Tower, but I was high enough up to take some lovely photos and to say prayers in the Cathedral on Ascension Day was very special.
Many blessings. Maxine x
Trustees’ anniversary visits
Trustees 150th Anniversary visits will be at the following branches this month:
- 2nd June Kings Ridge branch, West Bergholt
- 3rd June Myland branch
Any member is more than welcome to attend any of these events and do bring a friend along.
Fundraising
On Ascension day, President Maxine was at Chelmsford Cathedral tower to say midday prayers as part of her 150th anniversary President’s Challenge. Join her and join in on 12th June at Harwich Lighthouse. To sponsor Maxine visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/maxine-paul-2?utm_source=EM&utm_medium=DT
If you are holding your own 150th fundraising event, you can raise money for the 150th anniversary fund through our diocesan justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/150yearsofmu.
Don’t forget to book your ticket for the afternoon tea fundraiser on 22nd August at Chapter House (bookable slots are 10.30-12, 12.30-2 and 2.30-4). Tickets are £10 per adult and £5 per child. To book your ticket contact (secretary@muchelmsford.org.uk.)
Sunday Takeovers
A talk and outline service are available on the central website to support branches and churches as they plan for Sunday takeovers. There is also a new national programme flyer designed to raise awareness of the four main central initiatives in the UK and Ireland which can be downloaded to help promote our work. Please contact secretary Kathryn if you need help accessing these resources.
Wave of Prayer: 18-21st June
Our time in the worldwide Wave of Prayer is 18-21st June. Our Spring edition of ‘Roundabout’ magazine contains prayers to support you as you pray for the Chelmsford diocese and our link dioceses. We will also be posting daily on our diocesan Facebook page and in our Whatsapp groups throughout the Wave of Prayer. Lucy to confirm if Zoom call (service) taking place on Saturday 20th June 3pm.
National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups
The 1277 Make Them Count movement - a network for church-based toddler groups and leaders – will be leading the National Month of Prayer (NMOP) for Toddler Groups in June. This year’s theme is based on John 10:14-16 ‘Jesus the Good Shepherd’. Mothers’ Union will be taking part in the launch of the NMOP on 1 June in Parliament. To learn more and access resources, including a poster and prayer reflection activities, visit https://1277.org.uk/national-month-of-prayer
Good Shepherd,
Thank you for every family and person who comes to our parent-and-toddler groups. Thank you that each one is known and loved by you. Please watch over them and care for them. Through the welcome, kindness and love they receive, help them to see something of your love too. Thank you for everyone who gives their time to serve and support these groups. Bless them as they show care and faithfulness to others. Draw us closer to you, Good Shepherd, and help us to know you more. Amen.
Major Sharen Furlong, DMO, London Division
Anniversary Service
We’re looking forward to catching up with members at the anniversary service at St Pauls on 10th June. If possible, we would like to gather Chelmsford members together for a collective photo opportunity after the service. It would be lovely to get a photo of all CDMU members together afterwards. Please meet up on the steps immediately after the service.
The service will also be live streamed on the Mothers’ Union Facebook page from 5pm on Wednesday 10th June: https://www.mothersunion.org/news-and-stories/st-pauls-150th-celebratory-service-live-stream/.. There has been a cost to the central charity to provide this service, so members joining in this way are encouraged to make a donation when prompted.
News from Mary Sumner House
After eleven years of dedicated and faithful service, our wonderful CEO Bev Julien will be retiring. Her final week with us will be the week following our landmark 150th celebrations in June. To help us celebrate Bev and express our thanks, please find the link below to a page where you are warmly invited to share your good wishes and messages of gratitude. If you wish, you may also choose to offer a gift as a token of appreciation https://viing.com/v/bevs-retirement-dzpceq
The RISE UP email has been replaced with domesticabuse@mothersunion.org which will now serve as the main point of contact for the domestic abuse programme.
MSH will be open for visitors on the following dates with an exhibition in the conference hall, showcasing Mothers’ Union over the last 150 years together with a pop-up shop stand:
*Monday 8th June – 12pm – 4pm *Tuesday 9th June – 10am-4pm
*Wednesday 10th June – closed to visitors *Thursday 11th June – 10am-12pm and 4pm-5pm
*Friday 12th June – 10am-12pm
Mothers’ Union Britain & Ireland have recently announced two exciting new partnerships with The Clewer Initiative and Girls Brigade. The partnership with Girls Brigade will help with the development of our youth engagement strategy and the partnership with Clewer will deliver Mothers’ Union’s National Programme on Modern Slavery. Both organisations will be speaking at the Annual Gathering in June.
Dates for the diary
- 10th June – 150th Anniversary Service at St Pauls
- 11th June: Annual Gathering at Emmanuel Centre
- 18th-21st June – Our time in the Wave of Prayer
- 4th July: Bradwell pilgrimage where Trustees will be promoting RISE UP
- 6th/7th July Pleshey Retreat (contact marionketley157@gmail.com)
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