Mothers Union
Taree Mothers Union
We wish to let you know a little bit about Mothers Union, who we are and what we do, and try to explode the myth that we’re just a bunch of old ladies who simply get together to chat and drink tea!
Mothers Union Australia is a mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia and part of the worldwide Mothers’ Union.
Mothers Union is held in such high esteem that it has representatives on the UN Consultative Council, and addresses issues across the world concerning families, such as gender inequality, violence against women, and the rights of the child. Mothers Union seeks to share Christ’s love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life, particularly those whose lives have met with adversity.
Our five Objectives are:
To promote and support marriage and family life
To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children
To help those whose family life has met with adversity
Membership is open to any baptised Christian supportive of Mothers Union’s aims and objectives. You don’t have to be a mother, or even female, to belong... men, women, widows, singles and grandparents are all involved in its ministry. There are over 4 million members worldwide in 83 countries; over 8,000 members in Australia, including around 125 men, and currently 15 members in our Taree Branch.
Mothers Union provides a network to serve Christ in the parish, in the community and worldwide, and we do this through prayer, financial support, and actively working in programmes that meet local needs.
Our main avenue of service in the Parish is through the Baptism of children. We give a Baptism Bear, Gospel of St. Luke and if the Baptism takes place in the 8.00am Sunday service we supply a special cake to celebrate with the parishioners at morning tea.
Our members are involved in the Bible Study Groups, Blue Cross Parish Dinner, Blue Cross Emergency Relief Service and many other activities.
We knit and assist in the making of baby booties which are distributed to new Mums at the John Hunter.
As a Diocese we have in recent years developed a close relationship with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital and we have provided significant amounts of money to help the unit purchase expensive equipment needed for the premature or sick babies. We also help to fill large Baby Bundles with donations of clothes and other necessities for newborn babies. Around 80 Bundles each year are distributed to disadvantaged new mothers through our public hospitals.
Mothers Union is very active in other parts of the world, particularly in Great Britain, Africa, Asia, PNG and the Pacific Islands. They run classes in such things as literacy, health and hygiene, HIV-AIDS, and parenting. In fact, in some countries of Asia, eg: Myanmar, Mothers Union is seen by many as a fundamental pillar of the church and community, without which the church would struggle to keep going and maintain relevance.
Here in Australia our main work is to support our sisters in places where they have the will to serve, but not the means. We do this by praying regularly for them and by sending funds to them.
For More Information Contact
Kim Bussey
on 6551 3849
In 2021 Taree Branch celebrated its 20th Birthday. As a relatively new group we are privileged to have members who have celebrated 50 years service. We recognise and applaud the wonderful work carried out by all Mothers Union groups. As current Taree members we realize that while working with one another we enjoy fun, fellowship, worship and prayer and have made many friends in the Parish, the Diocese, and beyond. Precious memories of our journey together.
We meet monthly at 10.00am
on the 2nd Thursday of the month
in the Latham Centre
at St John’s Anglican Church Taree
for prayer and worship, talks,
discussions, guest speakers.
We have a varied and interesting programme which is run each month by a member as we operate as a Small Group Branch, this means we don't have a committee and enjoy being one as a group. Attendance at meetings is not obligatory for membership – we can provide resources and opportunities for service at other times.
We are proud to be part of Mothers Union and we would love you to be inspired and encouraged to support the vision and mission of Mothers Union Australia - and to join us! We need your help to carry our ministry into the future!