October MU Newsletter
posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 30 September 2023, 09:14
October Newsletter
Thoughts from your President, Maxine Paul: Whilst you were all sweltering at the beginning of September, Jon and I were enjoying our post-“Summer of Hope” Challenge break – a cruise (needless to say) to the islands and archipelagos of Sweden. The weather was very kind to us (low twenties, no rain) and our visit to the Ice Bar in Stockholm was a big hit – you were needing lots of ice cubes in your drinks to cool down, we were drinking ours out of giant ice-cube “glasses” at -15oC…I came back to the usual large number of emails, plus deadlines for “Roundabout”, branch visits, Zoom meetings, etc. I’m not complaining, though, as I am getting so much out of serving God and the members of MU across Chelmsford Diocese. Then there was the Annual Gathering in York… What a wonderful, jam-packed day. The usual rousing message from Sheran, our WWP, assured us we are moving on with our “Transformation – Now!” theme and showing “Transformation in Action”. The Annual Review was launched and summarised and is available for all to download from https://mothersuniononline.org/1I8Y-8EAKF-WU7P6L-59F0SH-1/c.aspx – do have a look and see that MU made a difference to the lives of a whopping 3.4million people worldwide in 2022 – how amazing is that?!
Two new initiatives were also launched – “Building Bridges” clergy support and engagement guide and RISE UP Against Domestic Abuse which is MU’s new campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse 365 days a year in addition to the 16-days of Activism in November and December.
The letters RISE UP (always in capitals) stand for Respond, Inform, Support, Empower, Unite and Pray. Its aims are not to turn us all into domestic abuse professionals, but to help us respond appropriately to a disclosure and ensure we know where to sign post a victim to. You will hear lots more about this in the coming months, but to get a taste of what it’s all about, have a look at RISE UP Against Domestic Abuse | Mothers' Union (mothersunion.org)
When the official proceedings had ended, we had a leisurely walk to York Minister from The Barbican Centre and were just enjoying an ice-cream whilst we waited for the doors to open, when the heavens opened instead and within minutes we were soaked through cowering under umbrellas and juggling ice cream in the spare hand! From the sublime to the ridiculous… 700 drowned rats were eventually admitted into the Minister to enjoy Evensong as we dried out. Archbishop Stephen was much the same as when he was our Bishop and spoke fondly of all things MU – aahh!
Your prayers will be appreciated as I move on to write my message for “Roundabout” in which I will try to not be too repetitive of the newsletter messages plus giving some more in-depth feedback on the Annual Gathering.
“Creator-God, Come fill me with creativity, and breathe new inspiration into my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me be like you and reflect your innovation and artistry in the world. Be my inspiration, God, and guide me to fresh and new ideas. Amen” Love and blessings. Maxine x
It’s not too late to add to my “Summer of Hope” Challenge sponsorship at https://www.justgiving.com/page/maxine-paul-1687445214184 Thank you
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