Mission
New Presidents - new Initiatives - still fighting Slavery
The Mothers’ Union Spring update, April 2019, from Diocesan President Rosie Stiven.
It was wonderful to be present at the commissioning of our new WWP [World Wide President], Mrs Sheran Harper, by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Southwark Cathedral on 26th February. The trustees of the Central Board were also commissioned during the service. This was a really inspiring occasion and it was very moving to see so many MU members from all over the world coming together for this special event. Since then, we have a new Provincial President, Mrs Susan Baker, who will be taking over from Mrs Nikki Sweatman in January 2020.
![Nikki Sweatman, Sheran Harper and Susan Baker [Feb 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/nikki-sweatman-sheran-harper-and-susan-baker-feb-2019 "Nikki Sweatman, Sheran Harper and Susan Baker [Feb 2019]")
Nikki Sweatman, Sheran Harper and Susan Baker
Over the last few months I have had several very enjoyable visits to members up and down the Diocese including our Think Wedding Think Church Stand at the Bournemouth International Centre Wedding Fayre, Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon and All Saints, Westbury, to name a few.
![BIC Wedding Fayre Margaret and Audrey [Feb 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/bic-wedding-fayre-margaret-and-audrey-feb-2019 "BIC Wedding Fayre Margaret and Audrey [Feb 2019]")
Margaret and Audrey at the BIC Wedding Fayre
During my visit to Westbury, I was delighted to meet Bishop Moses from South Sudan. I do hope that we will meet again during the pre-hospitality week for Lambeth Conference 2020 from 16 to 22 July when, as a Diocese, we have the opportunity to host the Bishops and their wives from Sudan and South Sudan.
![Westbury All Saints with Bishop Moses [Feb 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/westbury-all-saints-with-bishop-moses-feb-2019 "Westbury All Saints with Bishop Moses [Feb 2019]")
Westbury All Saints with Bishop Moses
Our team at the Court Café have had a very busy time too – here are some of the wonderful pictures created by the prisoners at HMP Erlestoke which are now on display at the Court Café. Why not stop by there to have a look? Please don’t forget that the team are always looking for more helpers.
![Court Cafe Paintings from Erlestoke [Jan 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/court-cafe-paintings-from-erlestoke-jan-2019 "Court Cafe Paintings from Erlestoke [Jan 2019]")
Samples of Court Café pictures
Once again, Wilton Branch joined with the Baptist Congregation in celebrating World Day of Prayer. This year’s focus was life in Slovenia and the service had been put together by the women of that country.
![Wilton World Day of Prayer [Mar 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/wilton-world-day-of-prayer-mar-2019 "Wilton World Day of Prayer [Mar 2019]")
Wilton World Day of Prayer
Our Spring Council was held in St Francis Church, Salisbury. Laura, our CDC [Community Development Co-ordinator], provided an excellent presentation about her work with our projects in the Diocese as well as taking us through the outcome of MULOA in Britain and Ireland. She then guided us through the central MU website.
This was followed by our introductory presentation on the MU Partnership with the Clewer Initiative, raising the awareness of our members and church communities about the reality of Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking in our society. A detailed handout ‘How to Spot the Signs of Slavery’ was provided for everyone to take away and to share with their branches and groups.
Just before departing for Provincial Conference, I was delighted to spend some time with the team down at Rockley Park, preparing our holiday home for the new season. As it was a particularly beautiful spring day, it was very difficult to pull myself away from such a delightful spot. Why not go there yourselves and try it out?
![Rockley Park Team [Apr 2019]](http://zmi-bb4.beetlebrow.com/sal/images/inside-pages/mission/mothers-union/news/rockley-park-team-apr-2019 "Rockley Park Team [Apr 2019]")
As you can see, it has been a busy start to the triennium. I know you are all very busy but I would like you to stop just for a short time and enjoy a blessed and happy Easter – when it comes. My love, prayers and thanks to you all for all that you do.
Rosie
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