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| What is the Mothers' Union? MU is an organisation to which Christians all over the world belong. With branches in 62 countries, we are joined together by our shared belief in the importance of the family in God's world.
The Aim of MU is the advancement of the Christian faith in the sphere of marriage and family life. In order to carry this out there are five objects.
1. To Uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and promote its wider understanding.
2. To encourage parents to bring up their children in the
faith and life of the Church.
3. To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
4. To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
5. To help those whose family life has met with adversity.
  What does MU do?The Mothers' Union cares about families. It is committed to providing support and resources to establish projects that help families, particularly in UK inner cities. The `Away From It All' project enables families experiencing financial hardship or stress to take a much needed break.
Worldwide, the MU has set up and encouraged flourishing educational and self-help groups with financial support from the Overseas Fund. These include literacy programmes, leadership training and initiatives such as livestock holdings and craft co-operatives.
Our quarterly magazine, `Home & Family', shows how varied the work is.
How did MU start?In 1876 Mary Sumner, a vicar's wife and young mother in a village in Hampshire, aware of how little preparation and support women received fro motherhood, set up “a mothers' union wherein all classes could unite in faith and prayer”. She believed that the solution to many of society's problems lay in the nurturing of the next generation. She invited mothers from all backgrounds to meet together. Prayer and practical action were at the group's heart. By the 1890's it had developed into an international body with new branches throughout the British Empire. Today there are 1 million members worldwide.
Who can join the Mothers' Union?
Membership is open to all who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and who declare their support for the Aims and Objects of the Society. Men and women, married or unmarried, parent or not - all can and do join.
If I join what will I have to do? Membership asks that you support our Aim and Objects and pay an annual subscription. You will be kept informed of our work and asked for your prayers.
Many members join a Mothers' Union Branch attached to their own or a local Parish Church. Thee is no obligation to attend meetings, but members are encouraged to meet regularly for prayer and fellowship and to support their parish.
There are many further opportunities for getting involved as a volunteer in projects or helping with MU events and activities as time and commitment allows. Within the United Kingdom, MU organises diocesan retreats, quiet days and festivals, for all members and friends to attend.
What's my next step? If you would like to know more, or wish to join MU, please talk the Knowle Branch Chairman (details on the front of this page).
KNOWLE BRANCHWe meet regularly on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the St. John's Hall at 1.45pm. The meeting usually starts with a short service, followed by a talk with a Christian theme from a visiting speaker. The speaker normally finishes in time for mums to collect children from school and a crèche is provided for younger children. The afternoon concludes with time for a chat and a cup of tea.
Members are encouraged to meet for prayer on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm, 36 Stourton Close, Knowle.
Occasional evening meetings, socials (skittles and strawberry tea) and fund raising events support UK and overseas projects (Lent and Advent lunches) are arranged throughout the year. Anyone is always welcome to attend any of our meetings, which are advertised on the notice board in the foyer of St John's Hall, and on the weekly church notice sheet.
Currently our members are involved inThe Solihull Contact Centre,
Solihull Hospital Sunday Service,
Friendship Club,
Sunflower Street,
Rainbow Tots,
Hobby Club,
Crèches for infant and junior school services held in church,
Babysitting for Church activities,
Supporting St Basil's Centre for the Homeless.
Members knit clothes and crochet cot blankets for premature babies and sew grieving gowns for stillborn babies, which are used in Birmingham hospitals' maternity units.
Mothers' Union
 Branch ChairmanJanet Jenkins
54 Woodrow Crescent
Knowle
B93 9EF
Tel:01564 778205
Meetings held
second Thursday of the month
1.45-3.30pm
St. John's Hall
and occasional evenings
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