Christ Church Sandown

Mothers' Union

What is Mothers' Union?

Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for over 140 years. Started by our founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish, we have grown into an international charity with over 4 million members in 84 countries.

As a Christian membership charity, we demonstrate our faith in action. This happens as we work towards stopping poverty, stopping inequality and stopping injustice. Our members work at grassroots level around the world. They bring hope and practical support to millions of people every year through parenting, literacy and community development programs.

What does the central charity do?

As a registered charity we have campaigned at local, national and international levels to bring about real change for family life, women’s and girls’ rights, and the protection of children.

We also support our members within the UK and across the world with a vast collection of practical and religious resources. In addition, we produce regular publications to keep members in Britain and Ireland informed and up-to-date with what's happening both overseas and closer to home.

Since the lockdown of 2020 we have been very active on digital channels and social media. This includes broadcasting midday prayers live on our Facebook Page which has had an increasing audience as the word has spread. We also run a monthly e-Newsletter, featuring a round up of current events and stories from across the movement.

What drives us to do the work we do?

At the heart of what we do is prayer and our members come together every day at midday to focus prayers for their communities, fellow members and for those in need. We believe that the power of prayer is transformational and supports our work around the world.

Despite our name we are an inclusive organisation and we are very proud to have a growing number of men who have joined us.

As we continue to work in an ever-challenging world, why not join us in our journey and be a part of something life-changing?

Forthcoming Local Events for 2025:

2 January Fellowship meeting 2pm

6 February AGM, Speaker Donna Newham 2pm

6 March Holy Communion and laying on of hands service 2pm

10 April Working with vulnerable people, Speaker Geraldine Gardner 2pm

14 April Reflection day, Carisbrooke Priory, 10am to 4pm, ticket only £16

1 May Join up, join in, rise up, Speaker Caroline Scull 2pm

5 June TBA

21 July Combined outing with Shanklin branch, TBC

August No meeting

September TBC

2 October Knitting for Tibet, Speaker Janet McNeal 2pm

6 November Collections, Speaker Georgie Porter 2pm

4 December Christmas lunch, TBA

December Advent service, TBC

Other church services and additional events will be added once they are confirmed.