Christian care for families worldwide

March 23-25

Rokon in South Sudan 

Kampala in Uganda 

Kaduna in Nigeria 

Koforidua in Ghana

Brisbane in Australia

Peru

March 26-28

Central Zambia in Zambia 

Southern Highlands in Tanzania

Ogbaru & Badagry in Nigeria

Bermuda

Chandigarh in India

March 29

Mothers’ Union worldwide

March 30-31

Toamasina in Madagascar

Mukono in Uganda 

Ikwerre & Ife East in Nigeria

Down & Dromore in All Ireland

Delhi in India

April 1

Toamasina in Madagascar

Mukono in Uganda

Ikwerre & Ife East in Nigeria

Down & Dromore in All Ireland

Delhi in India

April 2-4

Umzimvubu in South Africa

Lweru in Tanzania

On the Niger in Nigeria  

Cape Coast in Ghana

Ontario in Canada

Limerick & Killaloe in All Ireland

April 5

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 6-8

Cueibet in South Sudan

Gahini in Rwanda

Wusasa & Ibadan in Nigeria 

Christchurch in New Zealand

April 9-11

Nord Kivu in DR Congo 

Kigali in Rwanda

Kiteto & Kubwa in Nigeria  

Perth in Australia

Kuranagala in Sri Lanka

April 12

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 13-15

Yirol in South Sudan

Ruvuma in Tanzania

Nike & Benin in Nigeria  

Canberra & Goulburn in Australia

Dogura in Papua New Guinea

April 16-18

Kindu in DR Congo

Mount Kenya West in Kenya 

Egbu in Nigeria 

Te Pihopatanga O Aotearoa in New Zealand

Cork, Cloyne & Ross in All Ireland

Eastern Himalayas in India

April 19

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 20-22

Kinshasa in DR Congo 

Victoria Nyanza in Tanzania

Ahoada & Warri in Nigeria

Oxford in England

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea

April 23-25

Kisangani in DR Congo

Kagera in Tanzania

Awka in Nigeria; Sunyani in  Ghana 

Manchester in England

Popondota in Papua New Guinea

April 26

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 27-29

Port Sudan in Sudan 

Muhabura in Ugand

Niger Delta West & Yewa in Nigeri

The Northern Territory in Australia

Chennai in India

April 30

Aru in DR Congo

Kigezi in Uganda

Ikeduru in Nigeria

Ho in Ghana  

York in England

Guyana & Suriname in Guyana

May 1-2

 Aru in DR Congo

Kigezi in Uganda 

Ikeduru in Nigeria

Ho in Ghana

York in England

Guyana & Suriname in Guyana

May 3

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 4-6

Uppershire in Malawi

Maralal Missionary Area in Kenya

Makurdi & Ifo in Nigeria

Tuam, Killala & Achonry in All Ireland

Mumbai in India

May 7-9

Torit in South Sudan

Meru in Kenya

Ikwuano in Nigeria

Sekondi in Ghana

The Arctic in Canada

May 10

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 11-13

Twic East in South Sudan

Rorya in Tanzania

Owerri & Ughelli in Nigeria

Gippsland in Australia

Cashel & Ossory in All Ireland

May 14-16

Maridi in South Sudan

Kirinyaga in Kenya

Zaki-Biam & Ijesa North-East in Nigeria

Waikato & Taranaki in New Zealand

May 17

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 18-20

Grahamstown in South Africa

Masasi in Tanzania

Afikpo in Nigeria

Wiawso in Ghana

Chester in England

Northern Argentina in Argentina

May 21-23

Christ the King in South Africa

East Rwenzori in Uganda

Gombe & New Busa in Nigeria

Bunbury in Australia

May 24

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 25-27

Bor in South Sudan

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Oru & Oleh in Nigeria

Rockhampton in Australia

Agra in India

May 28-30

 Angol 

North Ankole in Uganda

Okene & Ibadan-South in Nigeria

Aberdeen & Orkney in Scotland

Karnataka South in India

May 31

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 1-3

Johannesburg in South Africa

Kumi in Uganda

Nsukka & Idoani in Nigeria

Derby in England

Madhya Kerala in India

June 4-6

Ibba in South Sudan

Maseno North in Kenya

Isiala-Ngwa & Ondo in Nigeria

Fredericton in Canada

Amritsar in India

June 7

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 8-10

 Yambio in South Sudan

Garissa in Kenya

Mbamili in Nigeria

Hereford in England

Willochra in Australia

Thailand

June 11-13

Mahajanga in Madagascar

Mara in Tanzania

West Buganda in Uganda

Kwoi in Nigeria 

Newcastle in Australia

East Kerala in India

June 14

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 15-17

Bukavu in DR Congo 

Nyahururu in Kenya

Gboko in Nigeria

Portsmouth in England

New Guinea Islands in Papua New Guinea

June 18-20

Rejaf in South Sudan

Military Episcopate in Kenya

Doko & Owo in Nigeria 

Chelmsford in England

 Jamaica & Cayman Islands

June 21

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 22-24

Rumonge in Burundi 

Tabora in Tanzania 

Kabba & Bukuru in Nigeria

St Albans in England

Nagpur in India

June 25-17

Table Bay in South Africa

Rift Valley in Tanzania 

Evo & Ijebu in Nigeria

Adelaide in Australia

Taejon in South Korea

June 28

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 29 - July 1

Eastern Zambia in Zambia

Mombasa in Kenya

Gwagwalada & Ekiti-West in Nigeria

Leicester in England

Temotu in Solomon Islands

July 2-4

Renk in South Sudan

Cyangugu in Rwanda

Arochukwu/Ohafia & Ile-Oluji in Nigeria

St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane in Scotland

Sittwe in Myanmar

July 5

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 6-8

Wad Medani in Sudan

Kondoa in Tanzania

Ikwo & Remo in Nigeria

Montreal in Canada

Windward Islands in St Lucia, Grenada

St Vincent & The Grenadines

July 9-11

El Obeid in Sudan

Butere in Kenya

Nnewi in Nigeria

London in England

Province of the USA

July 12

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 13-15

Toliara in Madagascar 

Mbale in Uganda

 Zaria & Ndokwa in Nigeria

Rochester in England

Chhattisgarh in India

July 16-18

 Lake Malawi in Malawi

Byumba in Rwanda

Jalingo in Nigeria

St Edmundsbury & Ipswich in England

Lucknow in India

July 19

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 20-22

Gitega in Burundi

Murag’a  South and Mbeere in Kenya

Enugu North in Nigeria

Polynesia in Tonga

Jaffna in Diocese of Church of South India

July 23-25

George in South Africa 

Bungoma in Kenya

Western Tanganyika in Tanzania

 Ideato in Nigeria 

Sodor & Man in Isle of Man

Toronto in Canada

July 26

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 27-29

Northern Zambia in Zambia

Mpwapwa in Tanzania 

Gusau & Osun in Nigeria

 Sydney in Australia

Rayalaseema in India

July 30 - August 1

 Boga in DR Congo

Manicaland in Zimbabwe

Tanga in Tanzania

Ogoni in Nigeria

Carlisle in England

Melbourne in Australia

August 2

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 3-5

 Juba in South Sudan

Kitale in Kenya

Minna & Lagos in Nigeria

Moray, Ross & Caithness in Scotland

Madurai-Ramnad in India

August 6-8

Northern Malawi in Malawi

Eldoret in Kenya

 Ngbo & Akure in Nigeria

North West Australia in Australia

Aipo Rongo in Papua New Guinea

August 9

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 10-12

Niassa in Mozambique

 Masindi Kitara in Uganda

Langtang  & Esan in Nigeria

North Queensland in Australia

Kolhapur in India

August 13-15

Natal in South Africa

Kajiado in Kenya

 Okigwe & Western Izon in Nigeria

Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island in Canada

Toungoo in Myanmar

August 16

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 17-19

Kasai in DR Congo

Shyira in Rwanda

Ijumu & Egba West in Nigeria

Liverpool in England

Sambalpur in India

August 20-22

Central Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe

Lango in Uganda

Kebbi in Nigeria

Tamale in Ghana

Sheffield in England

Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands

August 23

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 24-26

Saldanha Bay in South Africa 

Karamoja in Uganda

Udi & Etsako in Nigeria

Wellington in New Zealand

Yangon in Myanmar

August 27-29

Matabeleland in Zimbabwe

Mount Kenya Central in Kenya

Niger West in Nigeria

Wangaratta in Australia 

Clogher in All Ireland

Hpa-An in Myanmar

August 30

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 31 - September 2

Harare in Zimbabwe 

Machakos in Kenya

Ogori-Magongo & Ekiti in Nigeria

Southwark in England

Phulbani in India

September 3-5

Khartoum in Sudan

Dar es Salaam in Tanzania

Bari & Ilesa in Nigeria

Gloucester in England

Dugapur in India

September 6

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 7-9

Pacong in South Sudan 

Southern Nyanza in Kenya

Kutigi & Ijesha North in Nigeria

Bristol in England

Karnataka Central in India

September 10-12

Pretoria in South Africa

North Mbale in Uganda

Oke-Osun in Nigeria

Exeter in England

Barbados

September 13

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 14-16

Mthatha in South Africa

Namirembe in Uganda; 

Pankshin & Sabongidda-Ora in Nigeria

Dublin & Glendalough in All Ireland

Central Solomons in Solomon Islands

September 17-19

Buye in Burundi

Sebei in Uganda

Abakaliki & Ekiti-Oke in Nigeria

Southwell & Nottingham in England

Belize

September 20

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 21-23

Rumbek in South Sudan 

Soroti in Uganda

Aba Ngwa North & Oyo in Nigeria

Peterborough in England

North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba

September 24-26

Makamba in Burundi 

North Karamoja in Uganda

 Lokoja & Sapele in Nigeria

Truro in England

Tirunelveli in India

September 27

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 28-30

Katanga in DR Congo

Rwenzori in Uganda

Mbaise & Egba in Nigeria

Meath & Kildare in All Ireland

Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur in India

October 1-3

Nzara in South Sudan

North Kigezi in Uganda

Kivu in Rwanda

Damataru in Nigeria

Auckland in New Zealand

Vanuatu and New Caledonia in Vanuatu

October 4

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 5-7

Mbhashe in South Africa

Kitgum in Uganda

Ukwa & Ilesa South-West in Nigeri

Tasmania in Australia

Central Melanesia in Solomon Islands

October 8-10

Ethiopia

Zanzibar in Tanzania

Awgu/Aninri in Nigeria

Freetown in Sierre Leone

Monmouth in Wales

Malaita in Solomon Islands

October 11

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 12-14

Ezo in South Sudan

Thika in Kenya

Jos & Akoko in Nigeria

Europe

União de Mulheres Episcopais Anglicanas do Brasil (UMEAB) in Brazil

October 15-17

Terekeka in South Sudan

Nairobi in Kenya

Maiduguri & Osun North in Nigeria

Edinburgh in Scotland

Calcutta in India

October 18

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 19-21

High Veld in South Africa

Nambale in Kenya

Niger-Delta in Nigeria

in Guinea

Blackburn in England

Bhopal in India

October 22-24

Kimberley and Kuruman in South Africa;

Kitui in Kenya;

Kano & Kwara in Nigeria;

Armidale in Australia and

Myitkyina in Myanmar

October 25

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 26-28

Malakal in South Sudan

All Saints Cathedral in Kenya

Kontagora & Osun North East in Nigeria

Glasgow & Galloway in Scotland

Pune in India

October 29-31

Luapula in Zambia

Nakuru in Kenya

South Rwenzori in Uganda

Ibadan- North in Nigeria

Connor in All Ireland

Pusan in South Korea

November 1

November 1

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 2-4

Lebombo in Mozambique

Makueni in Kenya

Newala in Tanzania

Niger- Delta North in Nigeria

Riverina in Australia

North East India in India

November 5-7

Antananarivo in Madagascar

Taita Taveta in Kenya

Ikara & Ife in Nigeria 

Argyll & The Isles in Scotland

November 8

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 9-11

Kadugli & Nuba Mountains in Sudan

Kinkiizi in Uganda

Amichi & Igbomina West in Nigeria 

Ottawa in Canada

November 12-14

Ukhahlamba in South Africa

Maseno West in Kenya

Oji River in Nigeria

Dunkwa-on-Offin in Ghana

Guildford in England 

Coimbatore in India

November 15

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 16-18

Iraq

Katakwa in Kenya

Kafanchan & Asaba in Nigeria

Lincoln in England

Trinidad & Tobago

November 19-21

Muyinga in Burundi

Lake Rukwa in Tanzania

Okrika in Nigeria

St Asaph in Wales

Bendigo in Australia 

Gujarat in India

November 22

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 23-25

Southern Malawi in Malawi

Northern Uganda in Uganda

Lafia & Ilaje in Nigeria 

Thoothukudi-Nazareth in India

November 26-28

Zululand in South Africa

Lodwar in Kenya

Isiala Ngwa South in Nigeria

Accra in Ghana

Bangor in Wales 

Colombo in Sri Lanka

November 29

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 30 - December 2

Mpumalanga in South Africa

Central Buganda in Uganda

Zonkwa in Nigeria

Bo in Sierra Leone

Newcastle in England

Barrackpore in India

December 3-5

Akot in South Sudan

South West Tanganyika in Tanzania

Aba & Irele-Ese Odo in Nigeria

Coventry in England

Cuttack in India

December 6

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 7-9

Namibia

Mount Kenya South in Kenya

Northern Izon & Ijebu North in Nigeria

Durham in England

December 10-12

Lusaka in Zambia

Shyogwe in Rwanda

Sokoto & Ikka in Nigeria

Ely in England

Karimnagar in India

December 13

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 14-16

Fianarantsoa in Madagascar

Central Tanganyika in Tanzania

Calabar & Igbomina in Nigeria

Derry & Raphoe in All Ireland

Banks & Torres in Vanuatu

December 17-19

Lui in South Sudan

Embu in Kenya

Orlu & Awori in Nigeria

The Murray in Australia

Medak in Indi

December 20

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 21-23

Archbishops, Bishops and all clergy in the Anglican Communion

December 24-26

Refugees, internally displaced families & those living in a climate of fear

December 27

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 28-30

All involved with the responsibility of caring for & supporting family life

December 31

Mothers’ Union worldwide

Sunday, December 28, 2026

The Passing Days

'From everlasting to everlasting you are God’  (Psalm 90:2)

The end of a year is a special time of reflection and planning. It is also a reminder that  as time goes, we age and will eventually pass away. Human beings are frail, fragile creatures. But the Christian message gives us hope. Our hope is in the majestic God, the maker and sustainer of all things. He is not the victim of time. Indeed, he invented time for us to live in, but as the Psalmist says, he is eternal, everlasting, never the victim of time and its passing days. It is wonderful to know this, because in the midst of the ocean of time, there is sure and certain ground on which we may stand. There is One in whom we can put all our plans and hopes. He deals with our past, he sustains our present and he guarantees our future.

Question for thought: What will be my thoughts and prayers on New Year’s Eve?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you Mothers Union worldwide asking that we never lose sight of upholding Christ’s teaching on marriage and Christian family life. We thank you that over these past 150 years members in your name have served you faithfully bringing hope and your love to their communities. Bless Kathleen Snow as she encourages members and as she looks to the future of Mothers Union in an increasingly secular world. May your name be hallowed throughout the world.  Amen.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

He came to save

'She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’  (Matthew 1:21)

In the Old Testament language of Hebrew, ‘Jesus’ was ‘Joshua’, a word meaning  ‘Saviour’ and reminiscent, of course, of the great leader  called Joshua and described in the book that bears his name. Thus, Jesus is the Lord who is the Saviour. But his task was even more important than that of leading the people into the Promised Land. It was ‘to save his people from their sins’. We deserve nothing but condemnation and judgement on our sins. But in his mercy and grace, though Jesus and his death on the cross, the Lord brought about the forgiveness of our sins and eternal safety. We can never cease to be grateful for what he has done for us.  

Question for thought: Is Jesus my Lord and my Saviour?

Almighty God, we pray for the Anglican Church worldwide and particularly the Archbishops, Bishops and Clergy that they will uphold your Word and lead with faithfulness, justice and mercy. We particularly pray for those nations where there is conflict and persecution of believers that you will give them courage and steadfastness. Amen.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Naming a child

‘and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)’ (Matthew 1:21)

It is not always easy for parents to find the right name for a new-born. There are many mistakes made, where a strange name difficult to spell is given, or a name with the same initial as a close sibling, to take two examples. As we know, names also have meanings, and sometimes such a meaning is unwelcome. Jesus received the name ‘Immanuel’, following the prophecy in the book of Isaiah.  But the name seems not to have been used. It was recorded so that we would remember from the meaning of the name who he is, namely ‘God with us’. For that is the truly astonishing and wonderful thing about Christmas – it reminds us that we are not alone, but that God himself has entered human history by becoming one of us. And from then on, Immanuel will never leave us. 

Question for thought: What comfort do you draw from the name Immanuel applied to Jesus?

Father of All, we pray for the Diocese of Banks and Torres in Vanuatu where they face many challenges to family life including adultery, family breakdown, widespread drug and alcohol abuse and gender-based violence. As members seek to care for those suffering may they share the hope which you alone can give. We also pray for members in The Diocese of the Murray, for the Families Equip program and for the way members in Mt Barker record Mia Mia for the visually impaired.  Amen.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Two Comings

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…’ (Isaiah 9:2a)

Walking in darkness can be nerve wracking. All the more so in the world before electric light and good torches. To see the light was a wonderful, breath-taking moment. Jesus tells us that he is the Light of the World. He brings the light of his message and work into a world made gloomy by sin and evil. When we think of this, we are reminded that many people around us know little or nothing of the true Light and we have an obligation to share that light with them. Christmas can be a good opportunity to do this. The first step is to pray constantly for our friends and neighbours.

Question for thought: How do I love my close neighbours?

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for members in Namibia in Southern Africa who have become a vibrant organisation, keen to reach out and support family life especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. May they share the hope and comfort of knowing you.  Amen.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

The Return of Jesus

'‘They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus who saves us from the coming wrath’  (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

As the season of Advent reminds us, we are waiting for the return of Jesus in all his glory to judge the world. We can be confident in his mercy, as we trust what he did in his first appearing – he saved us and so he will save us. Judgement sounds frightening, and it is. But we are glad that a just God will deal with sin and evil once and for all. As well, in the midst of the turmoil of the end, we will see Jesus, the one was sent into the world to be our Saviour. There is an old hymn which runs ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. Good advice!

Question for thought: Are the eyes of your heart fixed on Jesus?

Almighty God, we pray for all those throughout the world who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. May there be an end to this terrible suffering. Please heal, renew and guard them. We ask that they will bring their cares to you and that they will know the peace that passes all understanding.  Amen.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Suffering for Christ

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’  (Matthew 5:10)

The very first martyr was Stephen. But as the New Testament continues its story, we see that there were others as well. In fact, the Apostle Peter refers to persecution as occurring ‘throughout the world’. You may not realise that it still occurs today and that each year there are many Christians who are discriminated against, cast out from families and friends, kidnapped and enslaved, or even killed for their faith. It would be good to find out about this and then to pray for those who are victims in this way.*  We can pray that they will be sustained and that where possible they may receive support from other Christians around the world.

Question for thought: How can I help those who are persecuted for their faith. 

Gracious Lord, we pray for the persecuted church throughout the world and particularly Mothers Union members.  Give them courage and steadfastness and an abiding trust in you. May they know your comfort and strength and that you are with them always.  Amen.

*  https://www.opendoors.org.au/persecuted-christians/ 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Speaking our Language

'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’  (Micah 6:18)

Have you ever thought how hard it must be to come from overseas and to settle in a  foreign land? This is especially the case if you don’t know the language of the people among whom you have chosen to live. Many of us are surrounded by people who have made just such a transition. One way to welcome the stranger in our midst is to do something that virtually all of us can do - help them to learn our language. As we do so, and it is good if it happens in connection with your church, you are also showing the love of God. Many newcomers would like to know about Jesus and when they are ready you could read the Bible together. What a blessing! And, almost certainly, you could do it.

Question for thought: How can I best help my neighbours who come from other places?

Loving Father, we ask for members in Tobago and Trinidad to continue to reach out within their local communities to deal with the needs of individuals, families and community groups. Guide them as they seek to address the many social issues facing families. We pray too for the Diocese of Bendigo in Victoria that they may have wisdom as they seek to reach out in your name to their neighbours and friends in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Finding our Way Forward

'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them’  (Ephesians 2:10)

God has been so kind and gracious to his children through Jesus. We now want to live for him, not to win his grace, but because of his grace. I know a married couple who have been inspired by this verse to pray frequently that they will find and do the good works that God has prepared for them to walk in this day. Even if you pray it on your own, it is still worth asking for this special blessing. The wonderful thing is, too, that we can keep praying it and even if you are disabled, there are still other people to love and care for as you follow the way of Christ. 

Question for thought: Isn’t it wonderful that God prepares the way before us as we set out each day? 

Heavenly Father, we bring before you the Dioceses of Ottawa in Canada and Dunkwa-on-Offin in Ghana. We thank you that members in Ghana are committed in their communities and endeavour to have many activities that care for those in need and bring them your love. As they have opportunity may they share the comfort of the gospel to troubled hearts. We ask too for members in Ottawa that in spite of vast distances they will be united in prayer as ‘do the good works you have prepared for them to walk in.’  Amen.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Walking as New Creatures

'But let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.’  (Amos 5:24)

The prophet Amos, who said these famous words, was speaking to a religious people. They gathered, they sang, they offered sacrifices. But they did not walk as godly men and women. They neglected the commandments of the Lord, especially that we love our neighbours, not least by showing justice and righteousness. God’s people need to live godly lives in our communities. In doing this we can be inspired by the saints, the godly people who have gone before us. Indeed, the New Testament indicates that all believers are saints, and we need to live as God’s holy and loving children. 

Question for thought: Am I one of God’s saints, or am I simply religious?

Father of All, we pray for members in Lebombow in Mozambique in Southern Africa as they seek to make a difference in their local area by caring for those who have HIV/AIDS as well campaigning against child marriage. Help them to keep trusting you in the many challenges they face. We pray too, for the Diocese of Riverina in NSW and Rev. Sue-Ellen Chilvers the Diocesan President as she encourages members who live vast distances from each other.  Amen.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

The New Creation

'Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone the new is here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus preached the coming kingdom of God. In his death, resurrection and ascension the kingdom arrived. It is not here in its fullness yet, as sin and evil still exist and even we who are new creations in him are not free from sin. But we can see the power of the new creation at work in the way in which Christians care for those around them, not least the most lowly. That is why prison ministry is so important, and we should pray and be interested in it. No-one is more vulnerable than those in gaol. It is one of the features of Mothers Union that we have a ministry to the sick and suffering. This reflects the character of the Lord Jesus himself and the work of his Spirit in our hearts.

 Question for thought: How do I love my neighbour as myself? 

Gracious God, we pray for our sisters in Glasgow and Galloway in Scotland as they offer support to prisoners and their families and to families affected by domestic abuse and human trafficking. May they have opportunities to share your love and care in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Calling the Sinners

'Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners  to repentance”’  (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus was often criticised by the morally righteous for eating with ‘tax collectors and sinners’, in other words people that they looked down upon because of their sinful lifestyle. But Jesus had come precisely for the ones who needed him and so he gladly mixed with the sinners and taught them the gospel of forgiveness. As part of his call, he summoned them to repentance, for we are forgiven when we turn to the Lord and commit our lives to him. This is modelled by Levi, who abandoned tax collecting, through which he was exploiting other people for gain, to follow Jesus (see Luke 5:27-28). Of course, the morally upright need to repent also, but they are the ones who often find it hardest.  

Question for thought: Who does Jesus call upon to repent?

Loving Lord, we pray this week for the Dioceses of  Nambale and Kitui in Kenya with the many challenges they face to family life which include high unemployment, crime, poverty and food insecurity. Give the members wisdom and grace with the many initiatives they have. May they continue to bring God’s word of comfort in these struggles. We also pray for the members in Armidale who are all online and thank you for their faithfulness in upholding Christian marriage and family life.  Amen.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

A Father to the Fatherless

'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world’.  (James 1:27)

We are surrounded by people in need, but sometimes we do not see them. When someone is widowed, they need the care of their friends, not only in the first week, but in the months and perhaps years that follow. This may involve practical care such as meals and advice and even housing and financial support. People who are connected to the prison system are also especially vulnerable, whether they are prisoners, or the family of those in gaol. I had a friend who looked after people in the weeks after their release, when they were trying to re-establish their lives. This was an important ministry. The care of ‘orphans and widows’ reflects the nature of the God we worship who cares for the fatherless and the orphaned (Psalm 68:5).

Question for thought: Do I have the eyes of love for those in special need?

Heavenly Father, we bring before you the Mothers Union family in the Union of Episcopal Anglican Women of Brazil. Give them wisdom as they reach out to others in  your name and help to transform communities, giving practical support to victims of domestic violence, immigrants and the elderly.  Amen.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Keys of the Kingdom

'Jesus said to Peter, ‘I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven…’ (Matthew 16:18)

Keys are interesting objects. Locks protect us and our belongings. Keys open up our doors and let us in. To give someone your key is to express faith in them. Peter fulfilled this role as we can see in the Acts of the Apostles, when he preached about Jesus to the Jewish people on the Day of Pentecost  (Acts 2)  and to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10). They entered the kingdom of heaven when they repented and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Our prayer must be that he will use us too, to bring the good news to people around us, not forgetting the poor, the disabled, the sick and those in prison. 

Question for thought:  Do I pray for friends and neighbours that they will enter God’s kingdom?

Almighty God, we give you thanks that the good news of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world. We pray this week for the Dioceses of Mbhashe in South Africa, Kitgum in Uganda, Ukewa and Ilesa in South Nigeria, Central Melanesia in the Solomon Islands and our members in Tasmania as they care for those in their communities who are in need. May they share your great love that they will know the peace of God which passes all understanding.  Amen.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Love

'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love’ Psalm 103:8

In some of the most wonderful words ever written, the Apostle John tells us, ‘God is love’ 1 John 4:8. We use ‘love’ to refer to romantic relationships only. But Jesus taught us that love is far bigger than that. He tells us why we can be so sure that God loves us: ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (4:10). And that is why love for others is an indispensable mark of the Christian life: ‘Whoever does not love, does not know God’ (4:8). Of course, we are to love family and also our Christian family. But, like the Good Samaritan we must also love those we do not know and those who may not like us. 

Question for thought: What habits do we have that get in the way of Christian love?

Lord of all, we give thanks for the way members in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare in Ireland show faith in action and serving in your name. Pray as they seek through many activities to provide help to families in need. May their fellowship be deepened as they meet together in prayer.  Amen.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Reconciliation

'Therefore, if you are offering your gift on the altar and there remember your brother or sister has something against, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift’ Matthew 5:32-24

‘Reconciliation’ has become a popular word. It often describes the desired relationship between two people groups. But it is also an important element in personal relationships. A man I knew once wronged his wife. In the end he repented and sought the forgiveness, which she gave. Their marriage could not resume, and he accepted that. But they were friends and worked together as much as possible for the sake of their children. In other words, they were reconciled. Repentance  and forgiveness led to peace between them.  This is something God offers us and that we should seek ourselves in our human relations.

Question for thought: Am I reconciled to God and to others?

Almighty God, again we bring before you members in South Sudan in the Diocese of Rumbek as they care and support  widows, orphans and people with disability. May they continue to grow in their love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus so they can stand against persecution and not be overwhelmed by Islamic militants.  Amen.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Forgiveness

‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’ Ephesians 4 32

The forgiveness we have received from God through Christ, changes our lives. As Jesus taught us, when we have been forgiven so much, we will forgive others for their sins against us. This means that we will not seek to take revenge against another person. Sometimes a person who has offended us is dead. We forgive them also. It can be hard and might take some time. But, inspired by the forgiveness we have received from God, we can decide to forgive and then practise forgiveness. How many families have been torn apart  because members will not be forgiving? Forgiveness is the path to peace. 

Question for thought: Has the forgiveness of Jesus changed me?

Loving Lord, we bring before you the nation of Uganda and especially our members in the Dioceses of Namirembe and Sebei as they seek to uphold Biblical family values and encourage families to be in loving, respectful relationships. We pray as they address many social injustices such as female genital mutilation and gender-based violence that they will look to you for your wisdom by your Spirit.  Amen.