Mothers' Union

Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway

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Glasgow and Galloway

Bishop's Lent Appeal, 2023

We are delighted to announce that Bishop Kevin has chosen the Mothers' Union Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, Away From It All (AFIA) Project as the recepient of his Lent Appeal this year, which he considers to be an enormously worthy cause.

 

We have close ties to the Scottish Episcopal Church Diocese with our base in many congregations throughout the Diocese. The Bishop is a great supporter of MU and was enrolled as a member last November in St John’s, Dumfries at their Centenary celebrations. AFIA is a diverse Mothers’ Union Project offering Christian Care for Families. It is active throughout the UK, responding to families whose lives have met with adversity, providing holidays not just for a little respite but to create happy memories for a lifetime.

 

In Glasgow and Galloway, a generous bequest of £1000 in 2018 encouraged us to think creatively, bringing together the launch of AFIA with a practical response to Domestic Abuse in our region. We have held AFIA breaks in 2019 and 2022, working in partnership with Women’s Aid groups in North Ayrshire and East Dumbartonshire. Funding from the Lenten appeal will help us develop AFIA 'days away’ and further residential holidays in partnerships with other Women’s Aid groups across the Diocese. One is already planned for 2024 with a group from Dumfriesshire. Fuller details of the life-changing effects made possible by AFIA are in the leaflet that you can download by clicking here. We are also delighted that the Bishop gave us time to make a presentation at the 2023 Diocesan Synod.

 

You can donate via your local Scottish Episcopal church or you can go to our JustGiving page.

Here are some reactions from those who have experienced AFIA. They tell a wonderful story . . .

'I was overwhelmed when I was asked to attend a trip to Millport with my son, we never get a chance to do thing like that alone together. day to day life is a struggle and some days are very hard. having this time alone, away from home life and troubles was a blessing. I was worried my son wouldn't cope with change, new surroundings and new people. But he loved every second of the trip. I seen him make friends and laugh lots. this helps with how I feel. I also made friends for life on trip, the memories we shared I will treasure for life. I nearly never went as my anxiety was so high at the thought of meeting new people. but the second I met everyone, they were all lovely and I instantly felt safe and happy. Over all my son and I loved our experience. It helped us communicate and enjoy each others company. I was less stressed and we both had the best fun' - Mum

'I loved looking for fish on the beach, that was fun. I made new friends who made me laugh. I love my bunk bed. Painting was my favourite thing' - boy 8

'My daughter and I had just moved into refuge and didn't know other mums and children yet. it was amazing to meet people who were going through similar things as us. There was no judgment from anyone on the trip. Staff were supportive and helpful at all times. where we stayed was perfect, private and felt safe there. we could be ourselves and enjoy each others company. helped us be mum and daughter again and not be scared. My daughter and i made friends for life.' - Mum

'I had lots of fun with mum building shelters, we couldn't stop laughing. I liked that we could do things with new people and i still talk to my friends i made there. I enjoyed making things and being outside a lot. I had the best summer. I have never done anything like that before. I wasn't allowed to go on fun trips like that. wish i could do it again.' - girl 9

'I was very happy when i was asked to go on this trip with my two children. it had been a very difficult time for me and my children. we had been kept apart from each other by their dad and we missed each other very much. I loved i could have this quality time alone with them. I felt safe and happy. my children felt safe and happy. I cried a lot but it was of happiness to be with my children. I want to be able to take them on trips like this in future. Seeing them laugh and smile made me feel happy inside. my children still talk about this trip today. thank you to all staff for taken us and given us the best time. everyone was very nice and made me feel i belonged with them.' - Mum

 

To read more about the holiday we ran in 2019, how the generous support of our donor and partners enabled it to happen and see some pictures from the holiday, please click here.

 

 

Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence


Rather than focusing on gender based violence just during the '16 days of Activism’ in November MU members are now being urged to consider the issues of Domestic Abuse throughout the year. This Glasgow and Galloway venture gives us the chance to fulfil that aim and really make a difference to children caught up in challenging circumstances.


MU Prayer Space

Another important aspect of MU life is that of prayer. Our Chaplain, Revd. Mark Goodman in collaboration with Revd. Ann Wren have put together a programme for the next twelve months called ‘MU Prayer Space’.


Launched at 9am on the 9th March and initiated by the Bishop, it features a series of short prayer activities on the 2nd Thursday of the month at noon and night, all accessed by Zoom. Please click here at 12noon and 8pm each second Thursday of the month to join the Prayer Space. You can also join by phone by calling 0131 460 1196 and entering the meeting ID: 813 5194 2075 and then the passcode: 894734. Standard geographic phone charges apply. If you have inclusive UK minutes, it should be free.


2023 Dates for Noting


Saturday 25th March, Lady Day - Zoom Spring meeting from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Saturday 12th August at Holy Trinity, Ayr - Festival Service starting at 2pm
Wednesday 25th October - Zoom Autumn meeting - 7pm till 9pm.

 

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