The Mothers’ Union, founded by Mary Sumner, has around four million members in 83 countries around the world. Her Majesty the Queen is the patron. The aim of the Mothers’ Union is to encourage, strengthen and support marriage and family life.

At the end of 2015, St Martin’s Mothers’ Union celebrated 130 years as part of the historic diocese of Ripon and Leeds. This diocese came to an end in 2016. St Martin’s is now part of the diocese of Leeds. Not only is it now 140 years since Mary Sumner founded the Mothers’ Union in 1876 but in March 2016, St Martin’s celebrated 100 years as a branch of the Mothers’ Union. Our branch has 20 members and we meet ten times a year. Each member pays an annual subscription which is divided between the diocese and the London headquarters.

Our branch celebrated its centenary with a Eucharist service which was led by Revd Jane and assisted by Revd Dorothy, formerly a branch member and now a vicar in Bradford. At the end of the service, the Leeds president, Mary Thorpe, gave a short address.

Our branch supports mission work in our church in many ways, including helping at baptisms, providing refreshments at the ‘Tots’ services at Easter, Harvest and Christmas, Messy Church and organising stalls at the annual garden party and bazaar. We also support the maintenance of the holiday caravan by the sea at Primrose Valley, Filey. This is for disadvantaged families and for others at low cost.

Prayer is at the heart of all that the Mothers’ Union does. Midday prayers are said every day at 12 noon in every country in which the Mothers’ Union is active.

The 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.