MOTHERS’ UNION

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 2

MOTHERS’ UNION

New Branches In City The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Christchurch formed four new branches during the last yeaf, says the annual report of the union. They are at Avonside, Cran-; brook avenue. Bryndwr. North New Brighton and St. James’s. Lower Riccarton. A course of four lectures! on the Anglican faith was ! held. The first lecture outlined the historical background, tenets and characteristics of the church. Others dealt with baptism and con-: firmation, ‘The Christian Year,” and “The Prayer Book." A growing interest in Mothers’ Union work overseas was instigated by the overseas secretary (Mrs W. M. Davies), the report says. She spoke to members throughout the diocese. Miss F. Stock, of Bunana Mission, Melanesia, was a guest speaker at a council meeting. Other activities during the year ineluded a Wave of Prayer in September, a quiet day, a speakers’ meeting, a marriage thanksgiving service and a retreat for the executive. Twelve executive members spent two days in retreat at the Community of the Sacred Name. The retreat was conducted by the Rev. J. I Keith. It is hoped a similar! retreat will be held annually. A school of prayer, held at St. Mary’s, Merivale, in May J was conducted by a Wellington priest. Canon N. Williams., Hospital visiting was carried out by members of’ Mothers’ Union branches, j Patients in Burwood Hos-I pital, the Jubilee Home, and; in hospitals at Ashburton, j Timaru, and on the West; Coast were visited regularly. l . The Young Wives’ groups started six new libraries dur-1 ing the year, making a total! of 54 libraries among 62' groups, the report says. Six' boxes of books are available to branches on loan. Two’ special boxes will be available later this year, constitut-' ing a permanent memorial to Mary Plaistowe. The invalid members’ prayer circle has 65 members, the report says. Seventeen helpers distributed intercession and prayer leaflets; each quarter and wrote to the invalids.