no 245 summer 2016 - anglican diocese of southwark · “ no, i thought the mu was for older...

Southwark NewsNo 245 Summer 2016

ContentsFront Cover: Diocesan President, Cynthia Smith& the new Trustees at the Festival Commissioning ServiceIn Southwark Cathedral in May…….…(see p. 14 for story)

Pages

3 Letter from Our President 5 Pastures New A Day out in the Fast Lane 6 Baptism Anniversary Celebrations 7 Celebrating the Queen’s 90th Birthday 8 MU at Lambeth Palace 9 Long Service Presentations

10 A Vision - Past, Present & Future 11 Legacies 12 Newest MU Branch Opens Mary Sumner House Gift Shop (Update) 13 Pre-Easter Event Cathedral Prayers 14 Festival Commissioning Service

15 Am I too Old to be a Godparent?

Back Cover: Diocesan Details

Forthcoming EventsTues 9 August Mary Sumner Day31 Aug / 2 Sept Wave of PrayerFri 9 Sept Branch Officers Day: 10.00am-1.00pm

Croydon Minster Hall22 / 23 Sept Winchester Cathedral - General Meeting11 / 13 Oct Diocesan Retreat, WychcroftSat 15th Oct Diocesan Council:

The Ascension, BalhamTues 29 Nov Advent Service,

St Matthew’s Redhill - 11.00am

2016

3Southwark News Summer 2016

Letter from Our PresidentDear FriendsCelebrate, we did, at our Festival Service in May when our TrusteeBoard and myself were commissioned to serve for the next threeyears. Bishop Jonathan preached on the word from 1 Peter chapter1 v 3-9 reminding us that it was so good to firstly Praise and thento stand firm in our Faith (which is constantly being watered down)then to serve with joy. I hope, like me, you felt the joy and love thatembraced each one of us. For those of you who couldn’t be withus in person we included you in our hearts. It was a day toremember, to build us up for the work our Lord has planned for us.

Since the beginning of the year I have attended many services andevents and I have had fun, been encouraged and inspired and wantto thank. Liz Pullen, Sue Steel and myself had pleasure in openinga new branch at St. Stephen’s in Lewisham. Pray for guidance forGrace Adeoye as she leads this new branch. We were so pleasedto be joined by our newly appointed Joint Vice Presidents JenniferDavis and Catherine Hall for Woolwich. We have much to givethanks for, with members stepping up to take on new roles andwe give thanks for all those who have recently become membersthroughout the Diocese. Meg Simmons and Penny Lochhead(VP Reigate) are completing a work which was started last year.We will soon have to hand a ‘business card’ and a Southwark leafletwhich will help each one of us to reach out to inform others aboutour faith and work. Also earlier this year Pat Fisher (supported byHilary Richardson) took on the role of organising Away From ItAll. Pat is busy letting people know about this wonderful projectand has booked a few holidays. Do you know any family, coupleor any person who would benefit from a break? Many of us takeholidays for granted while for others in our community they are justan unaffordable dream. We want to bless family and this is oneof the best ways we can do it.

We give thanks to Mary Harrison who has quietly and efficientlybeen our Editor for many years and ask God’s blessing upon herand her family as they settle in beautiful Devon. We are delighted


to have Val Green who has agreed to take over this role. May Godequip and bless her in this new task.

Amongst all the positives this year I have a few concerns and I willshare just one I experienced a few weeks ago. Over a cup of tea,following a lovely service, I spoke with the only younger womanthere, and asked her if she was a member and she quickly replied“ no, I thought the MU was for older women” (it did look like that!).This person was with her mother who obviously hadn’t told herdaughter what we are about. When I suggested she should join,she told me immediately that the afternoon meetings were aproblem. Please can we try a little harder to get the message outthere that meetings are not a requisite for joining the MU. Youngerwomen and men will attend meetings in the evening or at weekendsif they are relevant to family life e.g. Parenting, drugs or internetconcerns etc. Many younger people are happier arranging eventsor being involved with a project. Let us all pray and seek to serve

and encourage ouryounger members andpotential members.

Have you had a party yet?On the Queen’s birthdayin April I attended a joyousparty in a member’s homewhich was suitablydecorated with flags andbunting. Members,

friends, children and neighbours were all invited. We sang, atecake and lifted a glass and were able to spread the word aboutthe MU. A wonderful Mothers’ Union Event and so enjoyable.When you read this I should have, as my name came out in theMU ballot, attended another party - the Patron’s Lunch in the Mallon 12th June. I will be with 20 other MU members in our matchingPolo shirts! What an exciting year this is turning out to be. Maywe all keep celebrating and give God the Glory and serve Him withJoy. Cynthia Smith DP Southwark

Summer 2016 Southwark News5

Pastures NewAs Mary Harrison moves on to pastures new, we bid her a fondfarewell. Thank you Mary for the years you have faithfully producedthis magazine, sticking to deadlines and all that it entails, you willbe missed. We wish you and your family well for your futureprojects, our love and prayers go with you. Please keep us in yourthoughts and pay us a visit sometime, you will always be welcome.

As with all endings there is another beginning and when last yearit was mentioned to me that, sometime in the near future, theposition of editor would become vacant, as a long time member ofthe MU and with a strong belief in all that it stands for, I prayed forguidance and came to believe I could give it a try. I am now retiredafter spending more than thirty years in graphic design and amexcited at the challenges, editing this magazine will bring.

So with Mary’s guidance and all your news contributions, I haveput together this summer magazine which I hope you will findinteresting. Please keep me in your prayers as I find my feet. I havea lot to live up to following in Mary’s shoes.With love and prayers Val Green - Editor

A Day Out of the Fast Lane“A day out of the fast lane”was how Southwark MUmembers were invited toview our Quiet Day at StMildred’s, Addiscombe onLady Day (4 April).

Our conductor, the Rev’dRoger Hagan first led us intoa time of winding down andthen into deeper calm,contemplating the famousstatue of David by Michelangelo. Michelangelo’s statue had been


carved out of a block of flawed marble left for years. We thenfocused on different versions of Psalm 23 (a psalm of David) andon Psalm 51, understanding that God’s knowledge of us isall-encompassing, flaws and all, but still we are able to ask; “restoreto me the joy of your salvation”. We reflected next on Ann Lewin’spoem: “God’s work of art, that’s me?” seeing ourselves realisticallyas work in progress asking God to “love me into wholeness”. Afterlunch we considered the story of David and Goliath and thought oftimes when we felt challenged and supported.

Our day culminated with a Eucharist – a day of peace, joy andhumour facilitated by our conductor and the generous hospitality,and cakes, of St Mildred’s branch. Anne Skinner

Baptism Anniversary CelebrationsThe Mothers' Union at All Saints'Warlingham sends out MU baptismanniversary cards annually for fiveyears following a child's baptism.One of our members, DoreenHigginson, has undertaken thisimportant task for many years, usingour church's baptismal roll that goesback to the 1950s!

We now include an invitation withthe card, inviting the family to attendthe family service in the month of their child's baptism anniversary.During the service, child and family are invited up for a short prayer,with a candle (their own baptism candle if they have it) to place onthe altar. Names of all children celebrating their baptismanniversary that month are read out during prayers, and annuallyfor five years. We hope children who attend our church regularlywill bring up their candle each year, no matter how long ago theywere baptised! Jessie, a member of our choir, recently had herninth baptism anniversary and in May, proudly brought up hercandle, as you can see in the photograph above. Penelope Bateman


Celebrating The Queen's 90th BirthdaySt Barnabas, Sutton Mothers' Union Branch held a celebratory"Bring & Buy" & Coffee Morning on Thursday 21st April, the actualday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's 90th Birthday.

At the Mothers' Union Sutton Deanery meeting held in Februarythose present had signed a birthday card for Her Majesty. This wassent to her with an invitation to attendthe "Bring & Buy" & Coffee Morningwhich was being held at ShirleyTillman's house. On 13th April anenvelope postmarked ERBuckingham Palace was receivedthrough the post by Janice Clarke, theBranch Leader. Inside was a card andletter; the card included a photographof The Queen and thanked everyonefor the kind words sent to her on theoccasion of her 90th Birthday; theletter said although it was not possiblefor Her Majesty to join them at the"Bring & Buy" & Coffee Morning shehoped it would be a very happy andsuccessful morning. On the day, boththe card and letter were on display, with a photo of The Queen onthe front door, Union Jacks in the front room window and homemade bunting depicting photos of The Queen throughout her 90years.

Apart from the usual "Bring & Buy" activities, around 11.30am thechampagne candles on a 90th birthday cake, baked by Janice, werelit; everyone was given a flag and all sang "God Save the Queen"and "Happy Birthday Your Majesty". Then Cynthia Smith, our MUDiocesan President blew out the candles, the cake was cut andeveryone toasted Her Majesty with Buck's Fizz before the raffle wasdrawn. £219.95 for MU funds was raised by the event and everyonehad a very joyous and happy time. Janice Clarke


Mothers’ Union at Lambeth PalaceAnthony and I had the enormous privilege of being invited to attendthe Recommissioning of the Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey,and the Commissioning of the Board of Trustees in the Chapel atLambeth Palace on 1st March. Lynne was reappointed to be theWorldwide President of the Mothers’ Union from 2016 to 2018,having first been appointed three years ago.

The Archbishop ofCanterbury saidhe “praises God"for the Mothers’Union. During theservice Archbish-op Justin said:“The Mothers’ Un-ion in so manyplaces is an or-ganisation that lis-tens to the voices

of weeping. Whether it’s in Burundi, the Congo or South Sudan;whether it’s in homes in cities where when the local football teamloses there is a 50 percent increase in domestic violence; whetherit is in the loneliness of weeping by people who are not sufferingphysically but are spiritually empty and lost; it is the Mothers’Union that exists in the vision of Mary Sumner to speak of thosethings that God has provided that bring hope, help and a future.

Central to this vision, he said, is “an extraordinary movement tosupport the family.” “There has never been a time when the familywas not a place that needed the light of Christ shining within it tobecome what God has called it to be. And you hold that treasurein your hands, and as we go to the reaffirmation that is part of thevision.” He added: “But there is also such a need for globalwomen’s groups. And you are among the most embedded, themost effective, the most widespread. There are few that can rivalyou – if any.”


In April the Rev’d RobertStanier presented Long

Service certificates for 40 and50 years to Mothers’ Union

branch members at StMark’s, Surbiton.

Reflecting on United Nations research showing that no major civilconflict since 1945 has ended without the involvement of women’sgroups, the Archbishop said the Mothers’ Union holds in its handstwo aspects of “the most extraordinary treasure that God hasbrought together.” “You are one of the greatest of women’s groupsin the world, and you have the treasure of the gospel of reconcili-ation. What more could be needed to be transforming of the worldin which we live? “Nine-tenths of your work is hidden in theparishes and the dioceses, in the hills and the villages – doing thework of bringing hope and strengthening families, of supportingchurches, of transforming communities.

“I pray that God will go on blessing you, and that your vision of theGod who rises above all the fears, all the problems we face… willend with a vision of hope and confidence not in the Mothers’ Unionand this great heritage, not even in this wonderful vision, but in theGod who underpins and secures it all.” Liz Pullen

Long Service PresentationsAfter the Deanery ServiceKevin Scott presented 50and 40 year Long Servicecertificates to Mothers’ Unionmembers and announcedthe names of those notpresent.


A Vision - Past, Present & FutureCelebrations are a wonderful part of ourlife. The Mothers’ Union 140th birthdayencourages all of us to look back on thelegacy of Mary Sumner and hermagnificent vision of a world where God’slove is shown through loving, respectfuland flourishing relationships.

That vision still holds today but an excitingnew future faces us. The world is fardifferent now from 140 years ago and unforeseen challenges facefamilies today. Technology governs so much of our lives andchanges in men’s and women’s work patterns have producedrevolutions in family life.

This new world has created fresh opportunities for Mothers’ Unionmembers. We need to refocus and determine where we can helpand support young families faced with modern day trials. Parentsnow worry about bullying in school, the horrors of the internet,young people sexting one another on their phones. Issues such asthese develop parenting problems. It is through greaterunderstanding of these concerns, together with loving, caring andprayerful encouragement that we can provide help and support tofamilies.

At Holy Trinity Church, Redhill, MU branch, we have owned up tothe fact we are all getting a little older (our average age is about75!) We recognize the need to refocus and determine what our roleshould be. We are creating a new vision and in order to achievethat we need a whole new group of younger people to join us. Weare starting by raising the profile of the Mothers’ Union here. In Julyto celebrate our Queen’s 90th birthday we are holding a coffeemorning and personally inviting people we think would enjoyserving the Lord by joining MU. By strengthening our membershipwe will better serve our church and community.


As we prepare to refocus on our role, we need to take the time toask the Lord for courage, strength and wisdom and then do whatwe do best … roll our sleeves up and get on and do it

Barbara Beauchamp MBE Holy Trinity Church, Redhill

LegaciesRecently we decided to visit and check our wills. While my husband,a chartered accountant in private practice, and our solicitor, aprobate specialist, agonised over the latest inheritance taxlegislation (and if they can make neither head nor tail of it, whathope is there for the average Jo Bloggs in the street?), I lookedaround the office at the various brochures on display - and notedthe lack of MU information. The solicitor said he had never hadanyone ask about MU legacies.

Recalling that at the last Fundraising and Communications Southof England Cluster meeting legacies had been mentioned, Icontacted Mary Sumner House (MSH) re progress, and discoveredthat the wheels had been turning fast and that brochures wereabout to be produced. They have indeed now been produced andI have 2 copies - one about leaving a legacy to the Mothers' Unionworldwide, and the other about leaving legacies to an MU Diocese.A solicitor's pack is still in production. MSH informed me that "In afew weeks 10 Diocesan packs will be distributed with a letter toexplain how to use them and how to get hold of some more".

To precis the information, - The important thing is to make yourwishes clear - is the legacy for the worldwide MU (give the charityno) or for your diocesan MU (give their charity no)?

If you want it to go the worldwide MU you must say whether youwant it to go to the house or general fund or to overseas. Theimportant thing is not to be too restrictive as by the time the legacycomes into force, the name of the project may have changed oreven been wound up and replaced by another. If you name theproject and it no longer exists, theoretically the money can't beaccepted.


Mary Sumner House Gift Shop (Update)You may recall that in the last edition of this newsletter we reportedour concerns about the Mary Sumner House Gift shop. A newmanager is now in place who has promised to address our worriesthus:We are looking at improving the look, visual merchandising anddefinition of the shop. Please bear with us while we transition to ahopefully, new and better looking shop. If you have any ideasplease let me know as I need feedback from our members on allour products and activities.Please continue to look at the windows when you are in the area,and to pray for the new management and the staff team. Thankyou. Margaret Simmons

Newest MU Branch OpensOn Sunday 7th FebruarySouthwark’s newestbranch of MU wasopened at St Stephen’sLewisham. Cynthia Smiththe Diocesan President,Sue Steel and Liz Pullenhad an excellent timeopening the branch andadmitting around 25members. At the end ofmorning Mass the new

members gathered to affirm their commitment to the new branchand life of the parish. There was a special cake, bouquets weregiven and lots of photos were taken.

There is also space on the forms to nominate where any donationsat your funeral should go. Please consider remembering the MUin your final wishes.

Margaret (Meg) Simmons: Joint Co-ordinator, Fundraising &Communications


MU Cathedral PrayersPrayers are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month11.45am-12.15pm in the Harvard Chapel, SouthwarkCathedral. All are welcome.

Led by27 July Croydon24 Aug Woolwich28 Sep Kingston26 Oct Reigate

‘Pre-Easter’ EventOur ‘Pre-Easter’ event, held on Saturday 19 March, looks set tobecome an annual feature at Christ Church, Purley!

Our aim is to offer an opportunity foradults and children to prepare for themost important event in the Christiancalendar, whilst having fun and raisingfunds for Mothers’ Union!

Creative activities for children (aged 2 -92!) included a colouring competition,making table decorations, Easter cardsand edible Easter Gardens, whichdepicted the Easter Sunday story usingswiss roll and jelly babies! Busy parentscould choose to relax with a cup of teaor coffee and sample the delights of thecake stall or browse the selection of MUcards while their children searched forEaster eggs in the Church!

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed - £187 wasraised for MU funds.

Sue Keeler, Christ Church, Purley Branch Leader


Festival Commissioning ServiceA New Trustee’s View

I have to be honest and admit I was scared witless about thisservice - the responsibility of being a Trustee, all those people, thecathedral, you name it - it scared me. In the event we were helpedenormously by being able to 'book' our seats so our guests couldbe with us, and see the service sheet and all the miles (8 pages)of arrangements made with the cathedral in advance so we knewin detail how things would pan out. I was accompanied by my

husband and elderdaughter. We arrivedbright and early to helporganise the Cathedralwhich helped calm thenerves considerably.

The service was anuplifting affair, full ofjoyous moments andlovely music from the'scratch' choir. The Bishop

of Croydon's sermon was apposite. (it can be heard here:http://southwark-cathedral.jellycast.com/node/699 ). Cynthia wascommissioned as Diocesan President, and then introduced theTrustee board, we all trooped up to the bishop, shuffling so wefitted in one line, we were asked: Are you willing to commityourselves to this office and work? To which we replied that 'Withthe help of God, we were'. We were duly admitted. I was ratheramused that despite me clutching my name card saying 'Meg' thebishop named me according to the badge on my dress - 'Margaret'.The assembled multitude were asked to remember Cynthia andthe MU Trustees in their prayers and give them loyal support andencouragement. We then turned to face the congregation and itwas amazing to feel the warmth in the round of applause and thesmiles of greeting. The bishop called upon everyone 'to pray thatGod will bless his servants and provide such gifts and powers asmay be needed for the work ahead'.


Am I too old to be a Godparent?Towards the end of last year a young couple attended church withtheir three year old girl and a younger pair of twin boy and girl. Idid my usual welcome, among the cooing and fussing made ofthese beautiful children; especially twins. As they attended churchregularly I kept up conversations. They were a bit late at theChristingle Service so I explained to them what it was all about,after mass. I saw to it that they had oranges for each child. Iunderstood that the children were due to be baptised and wishedthem well and got cards ready for when the day came.

On January 10th after mass I was asked by the father if I could seehim. I explained that I would do so after my duties. As I went on Iwondered what it would be about, I had a feeling that it may beabout being a Godparent. I prayed about it and asked God that Ishould give the right answer. I did not expect to be asked to be aGodparent at my age as my God children were between 53 and32 yrs old. When the parents asked me to be their children'sGodmother, I felt honoured and accepted and said that I will withGod's help. Usually parents look for Godparents nearer their age,but really it should be someone they appreciate and their childcould look up to.

The actual christening went very well and I accepted my Christianresponsibility to pray regularly for them; to set a good example ofChristian living; to help them to grow in Faith of God, the Father,Son, and Holy Spirit, in which they were baptised; to give everyencouragement to them to follow Christ and fight against evil; andto help them to look forward to Confirmation. Gloria Cox-Augustine Faith & Policy Committee

After the service we had a chance to meet and greet families andfriends over light refreshments kindly served by the cathedralbranch and have the obligatory group photo. With my family Ifinished the day walking along the river to a favourite restaurantfor lunch. Here we had a table overlooking the river. A wonderfulday and an excellent start to the work ahead.

Margaret (Meg) Simmons: Croydon Area Trustee

THE MOTHERS’ UNIONSOUTHWARK DIOCESE

Linked with the Dioceses of Ekiti and Ogori-Magongo inNigeria, Machakos in Kenya, Harare in Zimbabwe,Phulbani in India and Oxford in UK

Patron: The Lord Bishop of the Diocese

Diocesan Mrs Cynthia SmithPresident: Email: [email protected]

Secretary: Mrs Anne Love, Southwark Mothers’ Union,Trinity House, 4 Chapel Court, BoroughHigh Street, London SE1 1HWTel. 020 7939 9459(Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri term-time,10.30am –3.30pm)Email: [email protected]

Chaplain: Revd. Kevin Scott

Treasurer: Mrs Jean HattonEmail: [email protected]

MU EnterpriseRep: Mrs Jenny Holroyd

Email: [email protected]: Mrs Heather Wells

Email: [email protected]

Editor: Mrs Val GreenEmail: [email protected] 8653 8153

Website: www.southwark.anglican.org/mu

The Southwark Mothers’ Union is a registered charityNo. 249815.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

no 245 summer 2016 - anglican diocese of southwark · “ no, i thought the mu was for older...

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