St Paul's MU & Friends (Anglican Mothers Union Australia)We are a mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia and part of the worldwide Mothers Union with links to 83 countries and over four million members who share one heartfelt vision - to bring about a world where God's love is shown through prayer and loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM MU
Sunday 19 SEPTEMBER 2021 Peace and security Fear may be the most crippling experience of all. Certainly the gospels are continually advocating the importance of trust in the wake of fearful times ahead. In John, chapters 13-15, Jesus prepares his friends for the Way. It is the Way of Trust and Love, of the New Commandment. He does not promise peace without conflict, nor security without attack. What he does promise is His peace which passes all understanding. We live in world of sin and death but we Trust and Love and are saved, not from the results of sin and death but from the fear of their destructive power. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27 In the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham MU members raise awareness of social issues in the UK and worldwide. By acknowledging the need to support prisoners and their families, members focus more on plight of others than on their own fear and so grow in Trust and Love. Sunday 26 SEPTEMBER 2021 Ageing with dignity Bodies grow less dignified with age. Often minds do as well. ‘Dignified’ in this case implies a loss of control; a state we don’t have any say in, even if we have given directives. Carers of the aged are trained to respect the client and their ministrations are sometimes appreciated and sometimes not. Dignity is seen today as respect that is due to a person. Another understanding of dignity refers to a quality emanating from the person themselves and has to do with their quality, being worthy, honourable. A naked Eve in the Garden of Eden is described by the poet Milton in Paradise Lost: ‘Grace was in all her steps, Heav’n in her eye, / In every gesture dignity and love.’ Book viii, lines 488-9. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18 As we hold the Anglican Church in Burundi in our mind’s eye and heart’s care, may all that they ask for - peace and reconciliation, advocacy, education, health, literacy and financial education, and community development - lift the dignity and worth of its members. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 3 October 2021 Discipleship Study is an inward Spiritual Discipline which Richard Foster explains will bring us to ‘think’ as Paul exhorts the readers of Philemon (4:8) and Romans 12:2. Study, Foster explains, ‘is a specific kind of experience in which through careful attention to reality the mind is enabled to move in a certain direction’. p. 79. His book, Celebration of Discipline, has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new edition so a new generation of disciples may learn to be transformed through the renewal of the mind. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8: 31-31 Adult literacy is a key focus of Mothers’ Union in the Solomon Islands. With literacy comes the tools to think and reflect on discipleship and deepening faith. We thank God for the skills of teachers, the eagerness of those who learn and the deepening of faith of all members. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 10 October 2021 Freedom and captivity ‘Simplicity is freedom. Duplicity is bondage. Simplicity brings joy and balance. Duplicity brings anxiety and fear’. (Foster, p.99) When we think only of Freedom and Captivity in terms of physical imprisonment (lockdown), we are limiting not just our world view but also our heavenly view. Foster points to the Sermon on the Mount to remind us to ‘seek God’s Kingdom first’, then assess our values. Do we have a joyful unconcern for possessions: an inward spirit of trust? Are we captivated by advertising? Are we oppressed by fear and anger? The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. Luke 4:18 Working alongside Manchester Diocese MU, members from the Diocese of Leeds have sent outdoor toys and games for when recently-arrived refugee Afghan children have time to play. Recently, they were asked by their contact for warm coats for the children ready for when they leave quarantine and move on again. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 17 October 2021 Poverty and hardship Shame, blame, scorn: few suffering poverty and hardship can hope for any dignity or sense of self -worth. Perhaps our light may rise when we buy The Big Issue. However, Christians give of themselves not to feel better but out of Love. And with an awareness cultivated by the Discipline of Simplicity their willingness to support and encourage the disadvantaged will be energised and focussed. If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10 Early in August, before the Taliban took over in Kabul, members in Leeds discovered help was needed for quarantining Afghan families in hotels. A Manchester hotel manager who is the son of an MU member living in the Huddersfield Episcopal Area, became a contact for the Diocese of Leeds in their efforts to assist refugees. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 24 October 2021 Inspiration Spirit/Breath/Ruah - The very word is an inspiration, breath gives life, without breath we expire. O Breath of life, come sweeping through us, while harvest fields are vast and white? Revive us, Lord, the world is waiting, equip your church to spread the light. O Heart of Christ, once broken for us, 'tis there we find our strength and rest; our broken, contrite hearts now solace, and let your waiting church be blest. 322 AHB; 409 TiS. Public Domain (We are) remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Mothers’ Union Manchester endeavours to provide support for families who have met with adversity and encourage flourishing relationships through our numerous projects. Our aim is to enable and empower in order to enrich lives. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 31 October 2021 God’s holy people It is often helpful to read the gospels with the intention of noting just how many people of different race and culture Jesus encountered – and engaged with – that is the really mind-blowing thing. With Roman occupation there were plenty of foreigners cashing in – collecting taxes for example. The early Christian community was a hotch-potch of races, religions and cultures as Christianity spread. The Jews thought THEY were God’s holy people. Christians claimed their motley bunch were too! Let’s work on our Holy Calling with generous hearts, ready to embrace the sinner and the tax collector. Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:9 Let us pray for God’s holy people in the diocese of Riverina, for Lyn Middleton, Diocesan President and Australian Secretary; for Ethel Rafferty, Treasurer; Marie Gunn O&NO; Dorothy Marks P&S; Iris Herrman Social Issues; Heather Whittaker Mia Mia distributor; Marcia Ashworth, Publications and Sue-Ellen Chilvers chaplain. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 7 November 2020 Remember and reflect Richard Foster sees Reflection as a final step in the discipline of Study. ‘Although comprehension defines what we are studying, reflection defines the significance of what we are studying. To reflect, to ruminate, on the events of our time leads us to the inner reality of those events. Reflection brings us to see things from God’s perspective. In reflection we come to understand not only our subject matter, but ourselves.’ Celebration of Discipline Rev. Ed. 1989. P.82 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:7-8 Rwandan refugee, Marie-Lyse became engrossed in conversation over the shared importance of prayer at a Mothers’ Union stall in Norwich. In sharing reflections she felt welcomed into the community. This feeling was reinforced after a few coffee mornings with them and other Mothers’ Union members. “They didn't see me as a stranger, they saw me as somebody who has come here to add on to the work that they are doing in terms of working with families”. Thank God for discussion and friendliness, shared compassion and purpose. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 14 November 2021 Faithfulness God is faithful! We are reassured in psalm and gospel: ‘in faith the lame walk and lepers cleansed. It is not that there healing is a reward for accepting the claims of Jesus. To walk is the lame man’s act of faith’ (A Theological Word Book of the Bible p. 76). How often, in the face of our fears (that the church will die, that it’s no longer relevant, gives us no status or security) do we forget to trust, to hope, to walk in the light of Christ and in so doing are faithless ourselves and so aid the downward precipitation of a faithful church? Nevertheless, God is faithful throughout all generations an until the end of the ages. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9 Whatever our views may be on the institution of the monarchy, the Queen’s dedication and commitment is truly impressive. The Queen’s steadfastness in carrying out this role through so many years is quite simply remarkable. She provides a focal point for national pride as a symbol of both familial and Christian values. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 21 November 2021 Championing Gender Justice The Church in Wales has passed a Bill that will allow same-sex couples to have their civil partnership or marriage blessed in church. The Bill proposes a service of blessing to be used experimentally for five years. “While recognising that the bill is controversial, [the bishops] describe it as a step on the way towards repentance of a history in the church which has demonised and persecuted gay and lesbian people, forcing them into fear, dishonesty and sometimes even hypocrisy, and which has precluded them from living publicly and honestly lives of committed partnership.” Church Times 27 Aug 2021 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Proverbs 31:8 Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights abuses in Australia and around the world. One in three Australian women will experience violence in an intimate relationship, and one in five women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Additionally, domestic violence is the biggest cause of homelessness for Australian women. Susan Skowronski, Social Issues and Action Coordinator Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 28 November 2021 Season of Advent O Tree of Jesse and flower of Jesse’s Stem, lifted high as a sign to all the peoples, before whom even the powerful are struck dumb, come and save us, and delay no more. Jim Cotter ‘Cries of Advent’ No 4. From Prayer in the Morning, Cairns Publications 1989. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, the spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11: 1-2 This week we pray for Anglicans in Sri Lanka – 4% of the population – and particularly those in the diocese of Colombo where there are 121 churches and 10 schools. Roshina Mendis is MU president and Zone A Trustee. We thank God for her focussed and practical ministry. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 5 December 2021 Preparation and expectation O Bright Sun of Justice, Judge of all the world, seeking to straighten what is crooked and put right what is wrong, come with dread power and stark mercy to our reluctant hearts. Jim Cotter ‘Cries of Advent’ No 6. From Prayer in the Morning, Cairns Publications 1989. A voice cries out, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40: 5 Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world and home to exotica such as the Kalahari Desert and cheetahs. Mothers’ Union is a vibrant organisation with 2500 members carrying out a wide range of activities to support family life and meet the needs within their community. May they prosper with God’s blessing. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 12 December 2021 Mystery and wonder O Lion Regal in Courage, crushing our blighted bones and hardened hearts, come with one bound and roar, awaken us, your stillborn whelps, to new and vigorous life. Jim Cotter ‘Cries of Advent’ No 7. From Prayer in the Morning, Cairns Publications 1989. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 As we prepare for Christmas festivities, we offer prayers for the people of Madagascar where the economy suffered greatly due to environmental issues and poor agricultural practices and illiteracy is also an important issue. The average fertility rate per woman was greater than 6 and in September 2021 the country was in famine and donors are trying to help people also hit by climate change, pandemic and bad governance. Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 19 December 2021 God with us Into this world, this day did come Jesu Christ, both God and man, Lord and Servant in one person, Born of the blessed virgin Mary. I pray you, be merry and sing with me In worship of Christ's Nativity. He that was rich, without any need, Appeared in this world in right poor weed, To make us that were poor indeed, Rich without any need, truly. I pray you, be merry and sing with me In worship of Christ's Nativity. A stable was His chamber; a cratch was His bed; He had not a pillow to lay under His head With maiden's milk that babe was fed, In poor clothes was lapped the Lord Almighty. I pray you, be merry and sing with me In worship of Christ's Nativity. A noble lesson here is us taught, To set all worldly riches at naught, But pray we that we may be thither brought, Where riches is everlastingly. I pray you, be merry and sing with me In worship of Christ's Nativity. 16th century Balliol College, Oxford MS 354 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 Thought for the Week from Mothers Union Australia Sunday 26-31 December 2021 Christmastide I sing the birth was born tonight, The Author both of life and light: The angels so did sound it; And like the ravished shepherds said, Who saw the light and were afraid, Yet searched, and true they found it. The Son of God, th'eternal King, That did us all salvation bring, And freed the world from danger, He whom the whole world could not take, The Lord which heav'n and earth did make, Was now laid in a manger. The Father's wisdom willed it so, The Son's obedience knew no "No," Both wills were in one stature; And, as that wisdom hath decreed, The Word was now made flesh indeed, And took on Him our nature. What comfort by Him do we win, Who made Himself the price of sin, To make us heirs of glory! To see this Babe, all innocence, A martyr born in our defence-- Can man forget this story? Ben Jonson 1572-1637 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 |
