Mary Sumner – A Vision That Still Inspires Us
On the 9 August each year, Mothers’ Union members around the world remember their founder, Mary Sumner. But who was Mary Sumner?
Mary Sumner was a well educated woman who had travelled widely as a young person from her home in England. She married an Anglican Priest and devoted herself to raising their children while supporting his ministry through music and Bible classes.
In 1876, when Mary’s eldest daughter became a mother, she began thinking about the challenges facing young women and the importance of supporting them in their vocation as mothers, bringing women together, regardless of their social circumstances, so they could encourage and learn from one another.
Although nervous at first, Mary gathered women together at the rectory in Old Alresford, in the Diocese of Winchester. Her message was simple but powerful: being a good example to children and keeping prayer central to the life of the family. From this small beginning, Mothers’ Union was born.
In 1885, Mary was invited to speak at the Portsmouth Church Congress. Her passionate address inspired women in other parishes to establish mothers’ meetings, and within seven years, Mothers’ Union had spread across the United Kingdom and to countries including Australia.
Mary’s Vision – Our Vision Today
Mary Sumner continued to work tirelessly right up until her death in 1921, spreading the knowledge of the Mothers’ Union, starting new branches and building the foundations on which Mothers’ Union continues today.
Our world has changed enormously since Mary gathered those first women in the rectory, but families still need encouragement, children still need loving examples, and people still need to know that they are not alone.
What began with one woman’s concern for young mothers has become a worldwide movement of women and men committed to continue Mary Sumner’s vision as we listen, encourage, pray, welcome, support and reach out to others.
Youth Homelessness Project
Money donated for the Retiring Collection last week on Mary Sumner Day was over $200. Thank you so much for supporting the Logan Youth Homelessness Project. The Anglicare Southern Queensland’s $14 million Youth Homelessness Accommodation Service recently reached another major milestone, with the scaffolding now fully removed as the organisation prepares to open the doors in September this year.
The service will provide 30 units for young people aged 16 to 25, who are experiencing homelessness or are at significant risk of becoming homeless, and includes 24 studio apartments for individuals and six one-bedroom apartments for couples or young families.
Each studio apartment costs $2,300 to fully furnish with essential furniture and household items. If you’d like to donate further, please donate here.
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