FW 12-13:issue 3 23/04/2009 09:36 Page 13
providing Well, there are many
guidance to Mothers’ Union branches
existing that are the same, there
branches, this is no ‘usual way’, and
resource will long may it be so. That
inspire a new really shouldn’t be too
generation much of a surprise as
of branches. our members are varied
in their experiences,
We’ve got backgrounds, and
together and expectations, so it is
looked at all the perfectly acceptable to do
concerns and things in a number of
questions members different ways. What we can do
raise and we’ve done our and set out to achieve is to help
best to answer them using the those members who are getting stuck; to
things that other members have told us show them that perhaps a slightly different
have worked for them. The really interesting way of doing things might make all the
thing is that, often, there is not just one way difference in their branch.
to look at an issue, there are several ways,
and one of those will undoubtedly work for But nothing needs be set in stone. That’s
you in your situation. Whether you’re a why we hope members will engage with us
long-established branch that meets about the pack. That they’ll write in with
faithfully on a weekday afternoon, or a their own experiences of what works and
group of young mums who are considering importantly, what doesn’t work. Whether it
setting up a branch, we hope you’ll find that is how to simplify administration, book the
the Branch Pack is full of need-to-know right sort of speakers, or have those tricky
information to keep your branch alive– fundraising questions answered, you should
everything from long-standing Mothers’ find it here.
Union traditions to the latest ideas on how
to attract new members. Jesus said, ‘I am the vine; you are the
branches.’ He expected his followers to have
The ‘usual way’ a fruitful ministry. Over many years our
As a Reader in the Church of England I get branches have brought forth great
used to going to different churches, Christians engaged in fruitful ministry in
perhaps to lead a service or to preach. their local communities.
Whenever I ask the churchwarden how a If we can help that
particular aspect of the service is taken, the continue and grow,
reply is invariably, ‘Oh, we do that the usual then we will.
way.’ When asked to outline what the ‘usual
way’ is, there is generally a funny look, and
something is then described that you have
Reg Bailey is Chief
not yet met in 15 years of Reader ministry!
Executive of Mothers’
Union
familiesworldwide – Issue 3.09 13
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