Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union (MU) is a worldwide Christian organisation that promotes the importance of family life. Formed in 1876 by Mary Sumner, an English woman, who after the birth of her first child felt overwhelmed by what she saw as the enormous responsibility of parenthood.
The Kibworth branch meet on the first Thursday of the month in St Wilfrids Church. There is a communion service, with a subsequent tea/coffee and chat in the Church Hall, South Room. Would you like to join us?
Our meeting on Thursday, 6 October was lead by a guest speaker, Rose-Marie Manning. She talked to us about Away From It All Holidays (AFIA). This is a Leicester diocese project shared by the MU groups within the diocese. It is the biggest project of the Diocese of Leicester Mothers’ Union.
The project has been running for over 20 years and allows families in need to spend a week away, on holiday. The project is well known in the diocese with referrals from churches, social services, schools and food banks. The families must not have been on holiday for at least 3 years and many will have experienced trauma.
The holiday
The holiday location is in Mablethorpe where families can enjoy the large beach. Each sponsored family gets a visit prior to their holiday. This means any requirements can be discussed and help given to facilitate their holiday. This might include purchasing items such as a suitcase. Between 10 and 12 families travel together by coach. A grocery pack is provided for each family and any groceries remaining at the end of the week can be taken home with them.
The holiday begins on Monday and the party leave, again by coach, on Friday afternoon. A team of supporters from the Mothers’ Union also stay on site to help the families. On the Wednesday of the holiday a Get Together is arranged where tea and cakes are served and bingo is enjoyed.
This much needed holiday provides a break and relief for the families involved. To help finance it, each member of MU is asked to provide 50p towards the cost. The Kibworth MU send an annual donation to this amazing project.
After Rose-Marie’s talk we all enjoyed a hilarious game of bingo and a cup cake. With many of the members not having played for some time and the caller being a little ‘rusty’, it was certainly a lively experience.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 5 January at 10am in St Wilfrids Church. Why don’t you come along and join us? You will be warmly welcomed.
Leigh Lewis
Methodist Matters – December 2022
