Mothers' Union Ely Diocese

Very sad news of Mary's Child founder, and Mothers' Union member. She will be much missed
Thinking today of her family and friends, the people of the parishes of Farcet, Fletton and Stanground, and our MU branch members in Farcet.

It’s with the greatest sadness that we announce the sudden death of the Rev’d Carol Avery BEM.

Carol suffered a short illness and passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning, having spent a wonderful day with all of her children, grandchildren and loving husband.

Carol founded Mary’s Child charity and has touched the hearts of so many people. She was a remarkable lady and will be sadly missed.

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for September: Seasons.
Themes: Mon – Peace and Reconciliation. Tues – Seasons of Creation.
Weds – Serving God and Every Season. Thurs – Seasons of Peace and Conflict.
Fri – The Radiance of Christ. Sat – Lord of Heaven.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for September.
“As the tides wash over the shores of my life, bless me with the joy of living. As I sift through the shifting sands of my years, bless me with understanding. As the seasons of bidding and fruiting come and go, bless me with a thankful spirit. Amen”.
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

THURSDAY PRAYER.
Looking forward to meeting up for August Thursday Prayer.
Taking place in Ely Cathedral on 15 August at 10.30am (and also on Zoom).
The Theme is: “Giving thanks for Mary Sumner” led by Irene Porter.
Followed by coffee and tea in the Almonry.

MARY SUMNER DAY.
A Service for Mary Sumner Day was held on Friday 9th August, in celebration of the life of Mary Sumner who founded the Mothers’ Union. The Service and Homily were led by Revd Mike Banyard, a former MU Chaplain. Around 100 people attended the Service, and enjoyed refreshments afterwards in Powcher’s Hall.
It was lovely to meet up with members from across the Diocese, and neighbouring Dioceses including Suffolk and Southwark, London. Everyone enjoyed looking at the Exhibition in the Lady Chapel.

MU BANNER EXHIBITION.
A unique exhibition of over 40 banners opened in Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel on August 1st, showcasing MU banners from across the Diocese of Ely. Other items of memorabilia are also on display marking special occasions or events, including kneelers, commemorative china, and books. A Service for Mary Sumner Day was held on Friday 9th August, in celebration of the life of Mary Sumner who founded the Mothers’ Union. The Exhibition runs until August 14th.
Read the full story here on the Ely Standard page:
https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/24499857.ely-cathedral-lady-chapel-mothers-union-banners-exhibition/

MU MARY SUMNER DAY SERVICE.
Friday 9 August, 11.30am, Presbytery, Ely Cathedral.
All are welcome to this Service celebrating Mary Sumner, the founder of Mothers’ Union.
We celebrate her insight and perceptiveness in seeing what was needed and recognising the means by which the need could be met. Across the globe the 4 million members of Mothers’ Union celebrate the life and faith of our founder.
Refreshments will be served afterwards in Powcher’s Hall.
Banner Exhibition continues until Wednesday 14 August.
More info on the Cathedral website: https://www.elycathedral.org/events/mothers-union-banner-exhibition

More pics of the Banner Exhibition - have you seen it yet? Perhaps you are thinking of doing so when you come to the Mary Summer Day Service in the Presbytery ( choir) on Friday at 11.30 led by Rev Mike Banyard.
See you there!

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for August: MU at Prayer.
Themes: Mon – Bless the work of Mothers’ Union. Tues – The Words we speak.
Weds – The Prayers we breathe. Thurs – The Witness of our Lives.
Fri – Faith in Action. Sat – Blessed to be a Blessing.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for August.
“All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy Spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe or the life I live. Amen.” (Mary Sumner).
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

MU BANNER EXHIBITION
Looking forward to this event starting on Thursday 1st August until Wednesday 14th August.
In the Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral.
Weekdays: 10am – 4.30pm and Sundays: 12noon – 3pm.
Come and see a unique exhibition of banners and memorabilia from MU branches across the Diocese of Ely celebrating the work of the Mothers’ Union.
Mary Sumner Day Service: Friday 9th August at 11.30am in the Cathedral Presbytery.
Entry to the exhibition is FREE – included with Cathedral visitor ticket or pass (local residents/parishioners have free entry).
Please see Cathedral website for more info and any changes to opening hours or restrictions:
https://www.elycathedral.org/events/mothers-union-banner-exhibition

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for July: Transformation of Relationships.
Themes: Mon – Across generations and cultures. Tues – Relationship with God.
Weds – Support for relationships. Thurs – Family challenges.
Fri – Love one another. Sat – Transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for July.
“As we share our lives together, we pray to reflect the perfect relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit; perfectly loving, perfectly equal, united in total harmony. For then we will see true transformation as we value each other above ourselves. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

MU SUMMER GARDEN PARTY.
A wonderful Summer Garden Party was held in the Bishop of Ely’s Garden raising funds for Mothers’ Union projects locally and worldwide. Members and guests enjoyed the sunny weather and refreshments in the beautiful surroundings, while listening to entertainment provided by Spikes Cello Ensemble from the King’s School Ely.
Read the full story here on the Ely Standard page:
https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/24411132.bishop-ely-garden-summer-party-mothers-union/

SUMMER GARDEN PARTY.
Looking forward to seeing members and friends at our Ely Diocesan MU Summer Garden Party on Friday 21st June, from 3pm-5pm.
Fizz and soft drinks provided. Raffle. Card & gift stall. Worldwide Links display.
Entertainment from King’s School Musicians.

JUNE ACTIVITY SHEET.
FAMILY:FAITH:FUN Activity Sheet for June: Noah’s Ark.
Please feel free to share this creative resource from Ely Diocesan MU, with your families, friends and people in your parish.
“In oceans teeming with fish, in skies filled with birds:
We remember the goodness of God.
In a world filled with animal life, and in ourselves as human beings:
We remember the goodness of God.
And God looked and saw all that he had made, and indeed it was very, very good.
In rest and reflection, in wonder and worship:
We remember the goodness of God. Amen.”
From “Creation Care Prayers” (Diocese of Leeds)
More info and resources can be found on our MU Diocesan Website:
https://www.elydiocese.org/church-in-action/mothers-union/mothers-union--family-faith-fun-resources.php

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for June: MISSION AND VISION.
Themes: Mon – Footsteps in Faith. Tues – Community Transformation.
Weds – Worldwide Fellowship. Thurs – Peace and Safety.
Fri – Nurturing Family Faith. Sat – Vision for the Environment.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for June.
“God of unchanging power, your Holy Spirit enables us to proclaim your love in challenging times and places. Give to all members of Mothers’ Union steadfastness, fresh understanding and a clear vision, that together we may continue the mission to which we are called. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

NEWMARKET MU BRANCH CELEBRATION.
The Newmarket Branch of the Mothers’ Union celebrated their 100th anniversary on 15 May 2024. On 26 May (Trinity Sunday) there will be a Parish Celebration with a MU-themed Mass at 9.45am in St Mary’s Church, Newmarket, followed by a bring and share lunch. An invitation is extended to those in the Ely Diocese to come along and join in the celebrations.
https://stmarysnewmarket.org.uk/mothers-union/

Breaking the Silence.
There are two events taking place at St Andrew’s Church Soham, aimed at breaking the silence of the British Slave Trade.
Wednesday 22 May, 7.30pm: Talk by Dr Inge Dornan, Brunel University. Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm: Performance by Dr Holly Maples & Collisions Theatre Company including testimony, story and song from the voices of 18th Century British Abolitionists, including Olaudah Equiano.
Olaudah, a former slave from Nigeria, known for most of his life as Gustavus Vassa, was a writer and abolitionist. In 1792 he married Susannah Cullen, from Fordham, in St Andrew’s Church and their two daughters were baptised there as well. Entry to both events is free and there is no need to book (retiring collection). https://www.standrews-soham.org.uk/events

PENTECOST ACTIVITY SHEET.
FAMILY:FAITH:FUN Activity Sheet for Pentecost: Wind and Fire from Heaven.
Please feel free to share this creative resource from Ely Diocesan MU, with your families, friends and people in your parish.
“Dear Lord, fill all people with your love and peace, that by the power of your Holy Spirit, we may experience your hope at all times. Help us to live a life marked by the undefeatable joy of your presence in our lives. Amen.”
More info and resources can be found on our MU Diocesan Website:
https://www.elydiocese.org/church-in-action/mothers-union/mothers-union--family-faith-fun-resources.php

THURSDAY PRAYER.
Looking forward to meeting up for May Thursday Prayer.
Taking place in Ely Cathedral on 16 May at 10.30am (and also on Zoom).
The Theme is: “Service with Love” led by Gail Swanson.
Followed by coffee and tea in the Almonry.

24 Lap blankets and a bag of twiddle muffs and cannula sleeves delivered to Sherly, Dementia Specialist Nurse at Hinchinbrooke, at the start of Dementia Action week.
Sherly asked me to thank all the knitters. She was really pleased to receive so many.

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for May: BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM.
Themes: Mon – The power of the Holy Spirit. Tues – The God who walks with us.
Weds – The God who listens. Thurs – The God who challenges & encourages.
Fri – The God who loves. Sat – The God who empowers.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for May.
“Our Lord and heavenly King, fill our lives with the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith to trust in you and set our hearts to pursue your ways, that we may work in partnership to build your Kingdom on earth. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

ELY DEANERY LADY DAY SERVICE.
Monday 8 April at 12.10pm, Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral.
A warm welcome is extended to all as we join together and pray for the work of the Mothers’ Union and mark the ‘Feast of the Annunciation of Mary’. Refreshments served after the service. All welcome to attend.

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for April: ABUNDANT LIFE.
Themes: Mon – Power of Prayer. Tues – Life in its Fullness.
Weds – Worldwide Membership. Thurs – Peace Makers.
Fri – Becoming lifelong Disciples together. Sat – Celebrating MU around the World.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for April.
“We celebrate abundant life with full and thankful hearts. We give thanks for the imprint of heaven which enhances our life in the here and now. May our appreciation of all we enjoy bring praise to our bountiful God. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

Happy Easter to all our MU Members, Families & Friends.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! ✝️🙏🐣

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for March: INSPIRING WOMEN.
Themes: Mon – Clothed with Strength and Dignity. Tues – In spite of my weakness.
Weds – Growing Membership. Thurs – The Ministry of Reconciliation.
Fri – Mothers Everywhere. Sat – Holy Ground.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for March.
“ ‘First at the cradle and last at the cross.’ Women from every walk of life continue to inspire us. Whether we are like ‘Mary ’or ‘Martha’, we pray to be blessed with a prayerful heart and spirit of hope that brings encouragement and light to others. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

THURSDAY PRAYER.
Looking forward to meeting up for February Thursday Prayer.
Taking place in Ely Cathedral on 15 February at 10.30am (and also on Zoom).
The Theme is: “Serving Others” led by Revd Stuart Mitchell.
Followed by coffee and tea in the Almonry.

Diocese of Ely Daily Prayer Diary.
Remembering the Mothers’ Union today in this Diocese and Worldwide.
Today we pray for the Benefice of The Ouse Valley, its parishes of Bexwell, Crimplesham, Denver, Hilgay, Ryston with Roxham, Southery. We pray for its Clergy: The Revd Nigel Moat and for the life of the church, and the parishes it serves. We pray for the work of the Mothers’ Union in the diocese and across the world, and from the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer: The Diocese of El Camino Real - The Episcopal Church.
Sign up to the Diocesan Prayer Diary here:
https://www.elydiocese.org/prayer-calendar

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for February: WORKS OF TRANSFORMATION.
Themes: Mon – Discipleship that Transforms. Tues – Watch and Pray.
Weds – Worldwide Membership. Thurs – Peace Makers.
Fri – Intergenerational Learning. Sat – A Flourishing World.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
Looking forward to joining in with new Midday Prayers for February.
“Generous, loving God, you have provided all the resources for works of transformation which create a sustainable future. Help us to use your provision well to effectively serve our communities, wherever we live in your world. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

MIDDAY PRAYERS.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our MU Members, Families, and Friends.
Looking forward to joining in with the new Midday Prayers this year.
Midday Prayers & Wave of Prayer for January: FAITH FOR THE FUTURE.
Themes: Mon – Together with hope. Tues – Encounters with God.
Weds – Blessed assurance. Thurs – A reconciling presence.
Fri – Faith in the family. Sat – Holy Ground.
https://www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/
“Loving Lord, our faith is in you. We place our future in your hands as we follow where you lead. Inspire us with your vision and empower us with your Spirit, that we may walk forward together, knowing you are our guide and companion. Amen.”
(www.mothersunion.org/what-we-do/faith-and-prayer/midday-prayers-wave-prayer)

Wishing Peace, Joy, and Happiness at Christmas to all our MU Members, Families, and Friends, and many blessings for the New Year.
“Ever-present God with us, transform us with the glory of Nativity. Illumine our lives as we behold the new-born Christ. Transform us into a people of his light, that we may reflect your glory in the shadows of life. Amen.”