Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Transcription

1 Provincial President s Message for Provincial Week West Indies 10 th to 16 th April 2016 Theme: A Celebration of Faith Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Dear Members, Families and Friends, I greet you as the Church in the Province of the West Indies observes Mothers Union Provincial Week 2016 from 10 th to 16 th April, Easter 3. This year s theme A Celebration of Faith is of great significance to all members across the world as we celebrate 140 years of faithful service to families and communities across the world. Faith has been at the heart of Mothers Union since its founding by Mary Sumner in 1876 in the Church of England Parish of Old Alresford, near Winchester where her husband was a Rector. As we in the Province of the West Indies join our Worldwide Mothers Union in celebrating 140 years, we look forward to celebrating the establishment of The Provincial Council of the Mothers Union Society of The Church in The Province of the West Indies on 4 th September 1992 in Antigua. Throughout our history, we have changed many lives and transformed many communities through our Christian care. Our faith is in action and this can be seen by the various projects across the province. I encourage every member to be prayerful and loving and never give up for I have a deep faith in God s love and mercy. I tip my hat to every member for your hard work and commitment. It is with deep joy that I share with you my observance that a small Diocese like Belize with a membership of 55 has taken up the challenge of addressing Adolescent Pregnancies in the Caribbean. All Dioceses are reminded of our strategic plan which includes the special project working with the relevant agencies to help reduce adolescent pregnancies in the Caribbean by at least 20% by the year As we look towards the future, great emphasis is being placed on the 20:20 vision: the five year strategic plan for Mothers Union to The 20:20 Vision was introduced to all Provincial Presidents at a special conference in November 2014 in the United Kingdom, and sets out six strategic approaches that will enable Mothers Union to channel our energies and significantly increase our impact in the transformation of families and communities worldwide. In addition, I remind Diocesan Presidents to place greater emphasis on our three year strategic plan STOP THE VIOLENCE now in its second year. Our plans have been set out in a special document with specific guidelines to assist each diocese and I remain committed to assisting all dioceses in our wonderful work. Our parenting resource is presently being upgraded by Mary Sumner House and will be more user friendly. This new resource will outline clearly and simply the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the programme is successful and sustainable. I remain hopeful that all dioceses, having signed your commitment to the three year parenting vision, will continue your good works in this area. Be assured of my continued support in this programme. At a meeting of the Provincial Council held in Jamaica in 2014 I expressed the desire to host the next meeting of the Provincial Council in Barbados in It is with great delight that I now inform our membership that the 25 th anniversary year of The Provincial Council of the Mothers Union Society of The Church in The Province of the West Indies will be launched in September 2017 during our Provincial Council meeting. More details will be shared

2 with you as we plan for this momentous occasion in the history of the province. As I remind you of your obligation to the Mothers Union in the province, I urge every member to place greater emphasis on highlighting our work in our churches, communities and wherever we can reach people. Let us not keep the good news about Mothers Union to ourselves, let us share our story. I am presently updating a document outlining the history of The Provincial Council of the Mothers Union Society of The Church in The Province of the West Indies which will soon be shared with each diocese. Allow me to thank each and every member for your special offering of the equivalent of at least one United States Dollar which you are asked to contribute on 10 th April 2016, Provincial Sunday. Members may contribute more if in a position to do so as these funds are greatly needed to assist us in our work across the Province. In addition, each Diocese is reminded that the month of April is a time when we host our diocesan fundraiser, the proceeds of which are for the Provincial Mothers Union account. As we look more closely at our theme, we may ask what really is faith? How often have we been told just have faith, it will work out. This phrase is often used to encourage or comfort someone facing problems or stressful situations. In the New Testament the word faith is used to translate the Greek word pistis. Pistis is used with the predominate idea of trust, confidence, assurance and belief. The Bible also defines pistis in Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith is the assurance of things we hope for, but have not yet received. Faith (confidence, belief, trust) is also our evidence of that which is not seen the invisible spiritual things. An example of faith is found in Matthew 9:27-30 where two blind men came to Jesus and asked Him to heal them. Jesus first asked them Do you believe that I am able to do this? Their reply was Yes, Lord. Then He touched their eyes saying, According to your faith let it be to you. And their eyes were opened. As members of the Mothers Union, our faith in Jesus Christ is central to who we are, and we follow His example in working alongside the poor and oppressed. Faith is central to the prayer life and activism of the Mothers Union. It demonstrates God s love in action. It adds a spiritual dimension to a local community activity. It develops concern for issues worldwide. It contributes to the ongoing spiritual growth and development of individual members. Our branch activities are underpinned by our worship, our prayer and our faith. As we celebrate our Faith, I encourage you to use the attached resources (Appendix I) from Mary Sumner House in your branches and at diocesan level. Allow me to express my thanks and appreciation to our Archbishop and Patron of The Provincial Council of the Mothers Union Society of The Church in The Province of the West Indies The Most Rev. & Dr. The Hon. John W.D. Holder, CBE, LLD, to all Bishops and Clergy across the province, to our Worldwide President Lynne Tembey and the Worldwide team at Mary Sumner House for your prayers and encouragement as we seek to share God s love. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. May our reply be Yes Lord. And Jesus said: According to your faith let it be to you. May God continue to richly bless you and your loved ones as we continue to demonstrate our faith in action. I wish you a blessed and productive Provincial Week Joining you in gratitude for Christ s sacrifice and the joyful renewal it brings to all God s children this Easter season. With my love and prayers. Jennifer Maynard (Mrs.) Provincial President West Indies 28 th March 2016

3 APPENDIX 1 A Celebration of Faith: Bible verses Faith is not an instinct. It is certainly not a feeling; feelings don t count for much when you re in the lion s den or hanging on a wooden cross. It is an act of will, a choice, based on the unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ. Elisabeth Elliot As we celebrate 140 years of Mothers Union, may God s Word inspire us to rejoice in his faithfulness through the years and to envision us with faith for the future. Celebration Honour the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. Psalm 34:3 Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things! Psalm 107:8-9 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:4-5 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Psalm 150:1-6 Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 God s faithfulness Understand that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 The plans of the Lord stand firm, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

4 I will sing of the Lord s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1 Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations. May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1, 17 The Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:5 God is faithful, and you were called by him to partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 Our faith for the future Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done. Psalm 22:30-31 We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4 Always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 From one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honour him. Luke 1:50 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

5 A Celebration of Faith: Celebrating the present; Inspired for the future Among the people of the world you shine like stars in the heavens. You shine as you hold out to them the word of life. Philippians 2:15-16 For 140 years Mothers Union members have been lights in the world as they have shared the love of God through their witness and service. We remember with gratitude God s blessings through the years, and those who have gone before us, but we also want to celebrate our current achievements and look to the future with faith. Inspired is a Mothers Union faith-based initiative which helps us to celebrate what members are already doing to provide Christian care for families and communities, and offers a range of ideas and resources to encourage us as we pray and seek God s guidance on his plans for us in the future. As part of your celebrations this year you may like to hold an Inspired event where you provide informal displays that illustrate the current ways Mothers Union is reaching out in your local community, and if appropriate, offer some examples of Inspired ideas from other dioceses. You will find resources and further ideas for ways to celebrate the present on the Inspired website. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 As we celebrate and give thanks to God for what has been achieved thus far, it s also good to take time to explore what God s plans are for us in the future. Sharing the Bible together as a group of members and friends helps us to draw closer to each other, and can help us gently discern what plans God has for us in the future. As we take time to reflect on a passage together we ask God to draw our attention to words that he wants to highlight and use to speak to us. As we share these together we are united in listening to each other and to God. The Inspired website has more detailed resources on sharing the Bible together, with suggestions for Bible passages and tips on facilitating this. It also has worship and reflections which can be used in a variety of settings. A Celebration of Faith: Creative ideas for Branches & Dioceses. These are a few ideas that can be used or adapted for Branch meetings and events, or for a bigger setting.

6 Spend some time reflecting on various psalms of praise in the Bible and then have a go at writing a modern day psalm, focussing on God s faithfulness to you, as Mothers Union. You could do this as individuals or as a group activity. The psalms could then form part of an act of thanksgiving. Hold your own Songs of Praise event where different members share the reasons why a certain hymn has been important to them through the years. Share together Bible verses or passages which have been particularly meaningful to you through the years. Make bunting for a Celebration event decorating it with images and symbols that represent what has been achieved by your Branch or Diocese through God s faithfulness to you over many years. Have a session where each person brings an image or object which represents God s faithfulness to them as an individual, or as Mothers Union through the years. Once the reasons behind the choices have been shared they could be displayed as a focal point for a short act of thanksgiving. Give everyone a piece of paper. After a time of quiet reflection each person writes on one side something to give thanks for in the past or present; on the other a prayer request for the future. These prayers may then be used in a number of different ways: distribute them at random so each takes another s paper away as an aid to private prayer; the prayers may be read out as part of an act of worship or a prayer time; or they could be displayed as a prayer focus. God of all generations, as we celebrate your faithfulness deepen our gratitude for the past and envision us for the future. Amen

7 A Celebration of Faith: Ideas for a Festival Service The following ideas may be helpful for you in planning a Festival Service on the theme of A Celebration of Faith. Use elements of the 2016 Lady Day service if you have not held one. Choose Bible verses and prayers from the 2016 theme resources. Lincoln Diocese have produced worship based on the Mothers Union Prayer which you may wish to use as a basis for your service - see below Suggestions for hymns and songs: Tell out my soul Hope of our calling This, this is the God we adore Brother sister let me serve you Jesus is king and I will extol Him Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us God is working his purpose out How good is the God we adore The earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea Great is thy faithfulness For all the years your love has kept and guided Suggestions for Bible readings Mathew 13:31-33 John 15:1-12 Hebrews 12:1-3 Symbolic action You may like to include a symbolic action as part of thanksgiving and intercessions. Two prayer trees may be represented at the front. As an act of thanksgiving the names of past achievements, written on flower or fruit shapes, may be read out and hung on one of the trees. On the other, the names of present and future initiatives and aims, written on leaf shapes, may be read out and hung on the other tree. This may be drawn together in a corporate prayer; God of the past, the present, and the future, we celebrate and give thanks for your faithfulness through the years. We commit ourselves afresh to your purposes for the future. May we continue to enrich family life for future generations. Amen Worship based on the Mothers Union Prayer: Lincoln Diocese

8 Call to worship We come to worship knowing that our heavenly Father is present throughout the world. Loving Lord We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. We come to worship, acknowledging the part we play as disciples of Jesus. Bless the work of the Mothers Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. We come to worship enlivened by God s Holy Spirit Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship We come to worship with a desire to grow closer to our God and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus name Amen New Testament Reading: John 15:1-12 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes [a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Reflection Almighty God, We thank you for the gift of your word; may it be our foundation and guide. As you have loved us and made us your friends so you have called us to love one another.

9 Thank you that as we remain in you we are united together. May our love for the family of Mothers Union be expressed through prayer. It is our joy and privilege to pray for each other. As we reflect on all that we have shared today, we give thanks for God s persistent love for each one of us. May we be empowered to respond to his love through our service within Mothers Union. As Mothers Union grows and develops may we have the energy and courage to accept change and let go of all that may hold us back. As God continues to embrace each one of us may we be filled with enthusiasm to abide in his love, wherever that may take us. God chose each one of us and so, in a moment of silence, listen to his voice and feel his love, protection and peace. We pause for a moment of silence For loving the world and knowing our names Thank you God For your strength that fills us and your love that heals us Thank you God For your presence here with us today and for your hand that leads us into tomorrow Thank you God Come bless us, hold us, challenge us, warm us in your embrace For we are your people and you are our protection, our peace and our joy. Amen Hymn We close by sharing the Grace together

10 A Celebration of Faith: A Service for Lady Day Welcome Welcome to our Mothers Union Lady Day Service. This year is a very special one for Mothers Union as we celebrate 140 years of faithful service to families and communities. As we explore our theme for the year A Celebration of Faith the obedience and faith of Mary is a wonderful example to us. It is this that we gather to celebrate, give thanks for and be inspired by, as we seek to follow God in whichever way he calls. Call to worship I will sing of the Lord s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1 We gather to glorify the Lord with open hearts and voices. We gather to rejoice in God our Saviour who has done great things for us. Holy is his name. Amen Opening hymn Confession Lord, you call us to lives of obedience and faith as the example of Mary portrays. Forgive us when we close our ears to your voice and surrender to doubt and fear. Lord, you call us to lives of acceptance and praise as the example of Mary displays. Forgive us when we refuse the narrow path and protest in selfishness. God of mercy and grace forgive our faults and weaknesses.

11 Transform us into people of obedience and faith. Amen Exploring the Word When does an ordinary life Become extraordinary A mundane day Become revolutionary A moment in time Change history? When God enters in Forgives sin Allows us to Begin again When we repeat Those words of Mary May it be to me As you say John Birch Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.' "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1: 30-33; Talk/ Reflection Commissioning/ Rededication of Mothers Union membership Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations. May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1, 17 Faithful God, we rededicate and reaffirm ourselves to your purposes for Mothers Union; for your praise and glory. Amen As members of Mothers Union:

12 We pray that we will continue to be a people who honour and worship your name. Lord, may it be done according to your goodness and grace. We pray that we will continue to be a people who seek and follow your will. Lord, may it be done according to your goodness and grace. We pray that we will continue to be a people who reach out to the world with your love. Lord, may it be done according to your goodness and grace. God of all generations, we rededicate and reaffirm ourselves to your service. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Lord, may it be done according to your goodness and grace. Amen Mothers Union Prayer Loving Lord We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus name. Amen Hymn Thanksgiving and intercessions As we are inspired by the obedience and faith of Mary, so we also remember the obedience and faith of our founder, Mary Sumner, who, in her day, followed the calling of God upon her life. We pray that we, too, will be willing to follow God in obedience and faith, with thanksgiving and praise. Lord God, you choose the very least And raise us up to greatness For nothing is impossible with God You take the weak, the poor and blind And raise us out of darkness For nothing is impossible with God Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods.

13 His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. Teach us obedience, Lord In every part of our lives Ears to hear your word Hands to do your work Feet to walk your path A heart for all your people A mouth to shout your praise A childlike faith Humility Confidence That says To the possible And the impossible I am the Lord's servant May it be to me as you have said. Amen John Birch Symbolic Offering During a time of silent prayer individuals may place blue and white fragrant flowers in vases as a symbolic offering of their obedience and faith. We offer up these flowers as symbols of our obedience and faith. May we be anointed by the fragrance of Christ for a life lived in service and worship to God. Amen Hymn Final Blessing O Lord Jesus Christ give us, we pray, the graces of Mary; faith, patience, ready obedience, thankfulness and courage. Amen Go into the world to glorify the Lord, and rejoice in your Saviour, through your obedience and faith; through the witness of your lives. Amen

14 A Celebration of Faith: Mary Sumner Day As part of your celebrations of 140 years of Mothers Union, celebrate Mary Sumner day by focussing on Mary Sumner s personal faith, vision and service in the name of Mothers Union. The following quote about Mary Sumner is very pertinent to our celebrations this year where we are not only looking back with gratitude, but forward with faith and vision. Her foresight, her wisdom and judgment laid the great foundation stone for us. And as the building grows, and far and wide her early message goes forth the same message, though to a different generation we pray that the faith which shone through her every word and thought may illumine ours, that we, with grateful hearts, may build well and truly, as she did. Mrs Boustead, Central President of Mothers Union: December 1927* Suggestions: Consider holding your own festal evensong on Tuesday 9 th August. If a formal service is not appropriate, you may like to use prayers and reflections from the 2016 resources as part of a more informal act of worship and thanksgiving. Use the following quotes* about Mary Sumner s life and service in the name of Mothers Union to inspire you. Reflect together, or as individuals, on what ways your service for Mothers Union follows her example. The quotes could form part of a display to highlight the foundations of Mothers Union service and its ongoing work in the 21 st century. Mrs Sumner s pen was as busy as ever, as the packets of answers to her letters show; some from the Members of Parliament to whom she wrote personally; some from the highest leaders of Church and State. Referring to her campaign to raise the standards of Christian teaching in all schools; and also in the home: Prayer and dogged work will win the day! I and a certain number of earnest friends are praying daily for our present government... I want to live in prayer for them. Spend time reflecting on Mary Sumner s personal prayer: All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken,

15 whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live. Amen. Consider how these words are an inspiration today, both for us as individuals and in our work for Mothers Union. Reflect on particular initiatives in your diocese and how through these we can touch lives through our prayers, words and actions. You may like to create a prayer focus which uses the prayer to highlight and give prayer points for some of your initiatives. Loving Lord, We give you thanks for the far-reaching vision of our founder, Mary Sumner. We look back with gratitude and praise for her witness, and for all that has been achieved thus far in the name of Mothers Union worldwide. As we look forward with faith for all that is to come help us to build a future together which will enable our work to flourish; through far-reaching vision and commitment to your will. Amen *All quotes are taken from the 1928 edition of Mary Sumner, her life and work by Mrs Horace Porter. This resource has been updated from the original, produced in 2014

16 A Celebration of Faith: Notes for the service for Lady Day Lady Day - the Feast of the Annunciation - has been a significant day of prayer, intercession and thanksgiving for Mothers Union since It is a good occasion to invite your whole church to celebrate with you as you give thanks for 140 years of Mothers Union faithful service to families and communities. You may wish to display examples of Mothers Union projects and initiatives at a local, national and international level, including your link dioceses; and information on how to become involved in Mothers Union. You may also wish to provide refreshments after the service. Please use and adapt this service to suit your particular setting. Suggested hymns and songs: Tell out my soul Hope of our calling This, this is the God we adore From heaven you came, helpless babe Brother sister let me serve you Jesus is king and I will extol Him When I feel the touch of your hand upon my life Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us God is working his purpose out Confession This alternative confession may be used if wished. In Mary we see obedience and faith: Forgive us when we close our ears to your voice and surrender to doubt and fear. In Mary we hear acceptance and praise: Forgive us when we refuse the narrow path and protest in selfishness. God of mercy and grace forgive our faults and weaknesses. Transform us into people of obedience and faith. Amen

17 Exploring the Word This may be shared between two or three readers. Material for a talk or reflection Although the idea to celebrate Lady Day was first suggested to the Mothers Union in 1895 at the annual committee of presidents and agreed to by Central Council in 1897 it took some time to be adopted across the membership. Holy Communion was the central feature of the day. At a Central Council meeting in 1902 the president of St David's plaintively asked how to surmount the difficulty of obtaining due observance of the day. In the same year however, it was reported that the day was celebrated as far afield as Armagh, Antananarivo and Sydney. In the 1909 annual report it was declared that in the past year the Feast of the Annunciation had almost universally been recognised as a great day of intercession and thanksgiving. Of equal significance was that 'many bishops' had held special services in their cathedrals to mark the day. Some ways in which Mothers Union relates to the story of the annunciation: Parenthood we look to provide Christian care for families worldwide and this includes initiatives to support and encourage the role of parents and carers. We have parenting projects and outreach, policy and faith work that empowers women and men through parenting and in work. Faith through our fellowship together and our faith resources we nurture faith and relationship with God, our prayer life and willingness to follow God, as Mary was willing to obey his call. Vocation and service the annunciation was about listening and responding to God; the result of which had potential eternal consequences for all, in every aspect of life. As Mothers Union we look to care for people s physical, social and spiritual needs. Vision Mary s faith and obedience affected all generations throughout the world. The faith and obedience of our founder, Mary Sumner, has led to Mothers Union sharing the love of Mary s son, Jesus Christ for generations, throughout the world. Across the 83 countries where Mothers Union is represented Lady Day is celebrated with special services, often including the commissioning of new members. This reflection could include examples from across the world. If you have any information from your link dioceses as to how they celebrate Lady Day this could also be shared as part of the reflection. Examples: In Rwanda for Lady Day they took as their theme You are the salt of the world Matthew 5:13. Different dioceses including Kibungo, Kigali, and Shyogwe organised large evangelical conferences on this theme.

18 In the diocese of Central Zimbabwe at their Lady Day celebrations they strategically set apart time for thanksgiving where branches submit their funds in joy. In the rural areas, where their churches are kilometres apart, they make it a three day event because they really long to be with one another in spirit and in love. Umzimbuvu in South Africa enrol new members during the service as a sign of their growth. They use the Wave of Prayer as part of their service Miyana in Mexico have used Lady Day to hold events in their parishes to discuss marriage issues e.g. being faithful. Men were told to help their wives and be supportive in every family affair. In this way members are helping to achieve our objective to promote and support married life. In West Ankole in Uganda Lady Day is celebrated in all churches with songs, dance and drama, Bible reading and games! In Mandalay in Myanmar their events for Lady Day have included a quiz about Mary and a competition about the Mothers Union prayer. Commissioning or rededication of Mothers Union membership If you have new members to be commissioned as part of the service then you can add the wording here. It can be found at This can also be used as a reaffirmation of membership should a more formal commitment be wanted than the wording in the Lady Day service. Thanksgiving and intercessions You may wish to include your own thanksgiving and intercessions here. Symbolic Offering You may like to include a symbolic action as part of your prayers. White and blue, preferably fragrant, flowers could be available for people to come forward and place in a vase or vases as they offer themselves in obedience and faith to God. Quiet music may be played in the background during this part of the service. If large numbers are expected at the service then it may be more practical to have a few people to bring the flowers on behalf of the congregation. All material written by John Birch is John Birch. Prayers written by the author may be copied freely for worship, but where reproduced on websites or in printed form should include acknowledgement to the author/website

19 A Celebration of Faith: Prayers & Reflections Loving Lord, We give you thanks for the far-reaching vision of our founder, Mary Sumner. We look back with gratitude and praise for her witness, and for all that has been achieved thus far in the name of Mothers Union worldwide. As we look forward with faith for all that is to come help us to build a future together which will enable our work to flourish; through far-reaching vision and commitment to your will. Lord of all, unite us in our shared vision of a world where God s love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships. God of history and eternity, flood the eyes of our hearts with light to see your plans for our future. Help us to work together as one, united in vision and commitment to your will. Together let us fix our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends for all that lies ahead. We thank you, Lord, for those who came before us, and spurred us on to acts of love. For those who have encouraged us to strive to make vision reality. We pray that in our turn we too will play our part in envisioning those who are following on, to continue to share the love of Christ and to build God s Kingdom on earth.

20 As we take the gift of bread; as we drink the gift of wine we celebrate with grateful hearts the precious gift of Christ. As we gather round his table together we partake; in communion we celebrate the precious gift of Christ. As we eat and drink our fill we anticipate the day when in endless celebration we feast with the risen Christ We celebrate the gift of Christ with thankful hearts. Amen We celebrate each other s gifts from God. May our appreciation of them bring praise to the Giver. With thanks we celebrate each other s gifts and their significance to our lives. We praise God for those whose skills meet a need; those whose creativity enriches us; those who impart compassion and hope. As the body of Christ, we rejoice to combine our gifts; our own enhanced through unity with another s. We delight in working together for the kingdom of God. How lavish is our God! We celebrate your generosity to us with thankful hearts. Amen For all your saints who have gone before, and by their example have brought us to your throne, we offer our grateful thanks. For all who through dark days and nights, held on to their faith

21 facing the fiercest foe, we offer our grateful thanks. For all your saints gathered here today, who by their service bring love into this world, we offer our grateful thanks, Alpha and Omega, God of today and all days, Amen John Birch You have gifted the Church through the goodness of your Grace to be your hands and do your work, to be your voice and share your words, to bring healing to a fallen world and broken lives make whole. You have gifted your people with the blessings of your Spirit, the power to transform lives and make all things new. Now may our hearts receive, our mouths proclaim, our hands prepare for service, that the love that we have known might overflow the lives we live and pour into the hearts of others, that all might receive your Grace, your renewing Spirit and your love. Amen John Birch Loving God, on this day of thanksgiving and celebration we praise you for who and what you are. We marvel at your great goodness, the love and care, mercy and forgiveness you have so faithfully shown to us; the strength, support, guidance and inspiration you have so freely given. Loving God, for all the ways you are with us,

22 we praise you! Gracious God, on this day of memories as we recall the past we praise you for all you have done for us the lessons we have learned, the blessings we have received, the friends we have loved, the goals we have reached, the faith that has grown. Gracious God, for all the gifts you have showered upon us, we praise you! Living God, on this day of looking forward and anticipating the future we praise you for everything you shall yet do among us all that life continues to offer, all we have still to attempt and experience, all who in time will become part of our fellowship, all that will test and challenge us, and all which will bring us joy and fulfilment in the years ahead. Living God, for all that you still hold in store, we praise you! Almighty God, for all you are, all you have been, and all you shall be, we praise you, in the name of Christ! Amen Nick Fawcett Prayers for all Seasons; 1998

23 A Celebration of Faith: Rationale Honour the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. Psalm 34:3 The theme for 2016 is "A Celebration of Faith" is a very special one for Mothers Union as we celebrate 140 years of faithful service to families and communities. Faith has lain at the heart of Mothers Union since its founding by Mary Sumner in So this year we want to take every opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of God to us through the years; the faithful witness of our members, past and present; and our determination to continue to trust in God for all that lies ahead for us in the future. The dictionary definition of Celebration is: The action of celebrating an important day or event: A social gathering or enjoyable activity held to celebrate something. So we have produced themed resources to help us celebrate through the year, in large and small settings. As we use these resources, may we be filled with gratitude for all that has been achieved thus far, in the name of Mothers Union, and inspired with faith for all that God has for us in the future. The plans of the Lord stand firm, the purposes of his heart through all generations Psalm 33:11

24 The resources we have produced include: Lady Day Service with notes and material for a talk Prayers and reflections Bible verses Ideas and outline for a Festival Service Suggestions for celebrating Mary Sumner Day Inspired ways to celebrate the past and plan for the future Creative ideas for Branches & Dioceses Celebration of Faith board game In the New Year we hope to produce a festal evensong for use on Mary Sumner Day