Christian care for families worldwide

March 23-25

Rokon in South Sudan 

Kampala in Uganda 

Kaduna in Nigeria 

Koforidua in Ghana

Brisbane in Australia

Peru

March 26-28

Central Zambia in Zambia 

Southern Highlands in Tanzania

Ogbaru & Badagry in Nigeria

Bermuda

Chandigarh in India

March 29

Mothers’ Union worldwide

March 30-31

Toamasina in Madagascar

Mukono in Uganda 

Ikwerre & Ife East in Nigeria

Down & Dromore in All Ireland

Delhi in India

April 1

Toamasina in Madagascar

Mukono in Uganda

Ikwerre & Ife East in Nigeria

Down & Dromore in All Ireland

Delhi in India

April 2-4

Umzimvubu in South Africa

Lweru in Tanzania

On the Niger in Nigeria  

Cape Coast in Ghana

Ontario in Canada

Limerick & Killaloe in All Ireland

April 5

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 6-8

Cueibet in South Sudan

Gahini in Rwanda

Wusasa & Ibadan in Nigeria 

Christchurch in New Zealand

April 9-11

Nord Kivu in DR Congo 

Kigali in Rwanda

Kiteto & Kubwa in Nigeria  

Perth in Australia

Kuranagala in Sri Lanka

April 12

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 13-15

Yirol in South Sudan

Ruvuma in Tanzania

Nike & Benin in Nigeria  

Canberra & Goulburn in Australia

Dogura in Papua New Guinea

April 16-18

Kindu in DR Congo

Mount Kenya West in Kenya 

Egbu in Nigeria 

Te Pihopatanga O Aotearoa in New Zealand

Cork, Cloyne & Ross in All Ireland

Eastern Himalayas in India

April 19

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 20-22

Kinshasa in DR Congo 

Victoria Nyanza in Tanzania

Ahoada & Warri in Nigeria

Oxford in England

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea

April 23-25

Kisangani in DR Congo

Kagera in Tanzania

Awka in Nigeria; Sunyani in  Ghana 

Manchester in England

Popondota in Papua New Guinea

April 26

Mothers’ Union worldwide

April 27-29

Port Sudan in Sudan 

Muhabura in Ugand

Niger Delta West & Yewa in Nigeri

The Northern Territory in Australia

Chennai in India

April 30

Aru in DR Congo

Kigezi in Uganda

Ikeduru in Nigeria

Ho in Ghana  

York in England

Guyana & Suriname in Guyana

May 1-2

 Aru in DR Congo

Kigezi in Uganda 

Ikeduru in Nigeria

Ho in Ghana

York in England

Guyana & Suriname in Guyana

May 3

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 4-6

Uppershire in Malawi

Maralal Missionary Area in Kenya

Makurdi & Ifo in Nigeria

Tuam, Killala & Achonry in All Ireland

Mumbai in India

May 7-9

Torit in South Sudan

Meru in Kenya

Ikwuano in Nigeria

Sekondi in Ghana

The Arctic in Canada

May 10

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 11-13

Twic East in South Sudan

Rorya in Tanzania

Owerri & Ughelli in Nigeria

Gippsland in Australia

Cashel & Ossory in All Ireland

May 14-16

Maridi in South Sudan

Kirinyaga in Kenya

Zaki-Biam & Ijesa North-East in Nigeria

Waikato & Taranaki in New Zealand

May 17

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 18-20

Grahamstown in South Africa

Masasi in Tanzania

Afikpo in Nigeria

Wiawso in Ghana

Chester in England

Northern Argentina in Argentina

May 21-23

Christ the King in South Africa

East Rwenzori in Uganda

Gombe & New Busa in Nigeria

Bunbury in Australia

May 24

Mothers’ Union worldwide

May 25-27

Bor in South Sudan

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Oru & Oleh in Nigeria

Rockhampton in Australia

Agra in India

May 28-30

 Angol 

North Ankole in Uganda

Okene & Ibadan-South in Nigeria

Aberdeen & Orkney in Scotland

Karnataka South in India

May 31

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 1-3

Johannesburg in South Africa

Kumi in Uganda

Nsukka & Idoani in Nigeria

Derby in England

Madhya Kerala in India

June 4-6

Ibba in South Sudan

Maseno North in Kenya

Isiala-Ngwa & Ondo in Nigeria

Fredericton in Canada

Amritsar in India

June 7

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 8-10

 Yambio in South Sudan

Garissa in Kenya

Mbamili in Nigeria

Hereford in England

Willochra in Australia

Thailand

June 11-13

Mahajanga in Madagascar

Mara in Tanzania

West Buganda in Uganda

Kwoi in Nigeria 

Newcastle in Australia

East Kerala in India

June 14

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 15-17

Bukavu in DR Congo 

Nyahururu in Kenya

Gboko in Nigeria

Portsmouth in England

New Guinea Islands in Papua New Guinea

June 18-20

Rejaf in South Sudan

Military Episcopate in Kenya

Doko & Owo in Nigeria 

Chelmsford in England

 Jamaica & Cayman Islands

June 21

Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 22-24

Rumonge in Burundi 

Tabora in Tanzania 

Kabba & Bukuru in Nigeria

St Albans in England

Nagpur in India

June 25-17

Table Bay in South Africa

Rift Valley in Tanzania 

Evo & Ijebu in Nigeria

Adelaide in Australia

Taejon in South Korea

June 28

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

June 29 - July 1

Eastern Zambia in Zambia

Mombasa in Kenya

Gwagwalada & Ekiti-West in Nigeria

Leicester in England

Temotu in Solomon Islands

July 2-4

Renk in South Sudan

Cyangugu in Rwanda

Arochukwu/Ohafia & Ile-Oluji in Nigeria

St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane in Scotland

Sittwe in Myanmar

July 5

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 6-8

Wad Medani in Sudan

Kondoa in Tanzania

Ikwo & Remo in Nigeria

Montreal in Canada

Windward Islands in St Lucia, Grenada

St Vincent & The Grenadines

July 9-11

El Obeid in Sudan

Butere in Kenya

Nnewi in Nigeria

London in England

Province of the USA

July 12

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 13-15

Toliara in Madagascar 

Mbale in Uganda

 Zaria & Ndokwa in Nigeria

Rochester in England

Chhattisgarh in India

July 16-18

 Lake Malawi in Malawi

Byumba in Rwanda

Jalingo in Nigeria

St Edmundsbury & Ipswich in England

Lucknow in India

July 19

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 20-22

Gitega in Burundi

Murag’a  South and Mbeere in Kenya

Enugu North in Nigeria

Polynesia in Tonga

Jaffna in Diocese of Church of South India

July 23-25

George in South Africa 

Bungoma in Kenya

Western Tanganyika in Tanzania

 Ideato in Nigeria 

Sodor & Man in Isle of Man

Toronto in Canada

July 26

Mothers’ Union worldwide

July 27-29

Northern Zambia in Zambia

Mpwapwa in Tanzania 

Gusau & Osun in Nigeria

 Sydney in Australia

Rayalaseema in India

July 30 - August 1

 Boga in DR Congo

Manicaland in Zimbabwe

Tanga in Tanzania

Ogoni in Nigeria

Carlisle in England

Melbourne in Australia

August 2

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 3-5

 Juba in South Sudan

Kitale in Kenya

Minna & Lagos in Nigeria

Moray, Ross & Caithness in Scotland

Madurai-Ramnad in India

August 6-8

Northern Malawi in Malawi

Eldoret in Kenya

 Ngbo & Akure in Nigeria

North West Australia in Australia

Aipo Rongo in Papua New Guinea

August 9

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 10-12

Niassa in Mozambique

 Masindi Kitara in Uganda

Langtang  & Esan in Nigeria

North Queensland in Australia

Kolhapur in India

August 13-15

Natal in South Africa

Kajiado in Kenya

 Okigwe & Western Izon in Nigeria

Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island in Canada

Toungoo in Myanmar

August 16

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 17-19

Kasai in DR Congo

Shyira in Rwanda

Ijumu & Egba West in Nigeria

Liverpool in England

Sambalpur in India

August 20-22

Central Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe

Lango in Uganda

Kebbi in Nigeria

Tamale in Ghana

Sheffield in England

Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands

August 23

 Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 24-26

Saldanha Bay in South Africa 

Karamoja in Uganda

Udi & Etsako in Nigeria

Wellington in New Zealand

Yangon in Myanmar

August 27-29

Matabeleland in Zimbabwe

Mount Kenya Central in Kenya

Niger West in Nigeria

Wangaratta in Australia 

Clogher in All Ireland

Hpa-An in Myanmar

August 30

Mothers’ Union worldwide

August 31 - September 2

Harare in Zimbabwe 

Machakos in Kenya

Ogori-Magongo & Ekiti in Nigeria

Southwark in England

Phulbani in India

September 3-5

Khartoum in Sudan

Dar es Salaam in Tanzania

Bari & Ilesa in Nigeria

Gloucester in England

Dugapur in India

September 6

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 7-9

Pacong in South Sudan 

Southern Nyanza in Kenya

Kutigi & Ijesha North in Nigeria

Bristol in England

Karnataka Central in India

September 10-12

Pretoria in South Africa

North Mbale in Uganda

Oke-Osun in Nigeria

Exeter in England

Barbados

September 13

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 14-16

Mthatha in South Africa

Namirembe in Uganda; 

Pankshin & Sabongidda-Ora in Nigeria

Dublin & Glendalough in All Ireland

Central Solomons in Solomon Islands

September 17-19

Buye in Burundi

Sebei in Uganda

Abakaliki & Ekiti-Oke in Nigeria

Southwell & Nottingham in England

Belize

September 20

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 21-23

Rumbek in South Sudan 

Soroti in Uganda

Aba Ngwa North & Oyo in Nigeria

Peterborough in England

North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba

September 24-26

Makamba in Burundi 

North Karamoja in Uganda

 Lokoja & Sapele in Nigeria

Truro in England

Tirunelveli in India

September 27

Mothers’ Union worldwide

September 28-30

Katanga in DR Congo

Rwenzori in Uganda

Mbaise & Egba in Nigeria

Meath & Kildare in All Ireland

Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur in India

October 1-3

Nzara in South Sudan

North Kigezi in Uganda

Kivu in Rwanda

Damataru in Nigeria

Auckland in New Zealand

Vanuatu and New Caledonia in Vanuatu

October 4

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 5-7

Mbhashe in South Africa

Kitgum in Uganda

Ukwa & Ilesa South-West in Nigeri

Tasmania in Australia

Central Melanesia in Solomon Islands

October 8-10

Ethiopia

Zanzibar in Tanzania

Awgu/Aninri in Nigeria

Freetown in Sierre Leone

Monmouth in Wales

Malaita in Solomon Islands

October 11

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 12-14

Ezo in South Sudan

Thika in Kenya

Jos & Akoko in Nigeria

Europe

União de Mulheres Episcopais Anglicanas do Brasil (UMEAB) in Brazil

October 15-17

Terekeka in South Sudan

Nairobi in Kenya

Maiduguri & Osun North in Nigeria

Edinburgh in Scotland

Calcutta in India

October 18

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 19-21

High Veld in South Africa

Nambale in Kenya

Niger-Delta in Nigeria

in Guinea

Blackburn in England

Bhopal in India

October 22-24

Kimberley and Kuruman in South Africa;

Kitui in Kenya;

Kano & Kwara in Nigeria;

Armidale in Australia and

Myitkyina in Myanmar

October 25

Mothers Union Worldwide

October 26-28

Malakal in South Sudan

All Saints Cathedral in Kenya

Kontagora & Osun North East in Nigeria

Glasgow & Galloway in Scotland

Pune in India

October 29-31

Luapula in Zambia

Nakuru in Kenya

South Rwenzori in Uganda

Ibadan- North in Nigeria

Connor in All Ireland

Pusan in South Korea

November 1

November 1

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 2-4

Lebombo in Mozambique

Makueni in Kenya

Newala in Tanzania

Niger- Delta North in Nigeria

Riverina in Australia

North East India in India

November 5-7

Antananarivo in Madagascar

Taita Taveta in Kenya

Ikara & Ife in Nigeria 

Argyll & The Isles in Scotland

November 8

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 9-11

Kadugli & Nuba Mountains in Sudan

Kinkiizi in Uganda

Amichi & Igbomina West in Nigeria 

Ottawa in Canada

November 12-14

Ukhahlamba in South Africa

Maseno West in Kenya

Oji River in Nigeria

Dunkwa-on-Offin in Ghana

Guildford in England 

Coimbatore in India

November 15

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 16-18

Iraq

Katakwa in Kenya

Kafanchan & Asaba in Nigeria

Lincoln in England

Trinidad & Tobago

November 19-21

Muyinga in Burundi

Lake Rukwa in Tanzania

Okrika in Nigeria

St Asaph in Wales

Bendigo in Australia 

Gujarat in India

November 22

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 23-25

Southern Malawi in Malawi

Northern Uganda in Uganda

Lafia & Ilaje in Nigeria 

Thoothukudi-Nazareth in India

November 26-28

Zululand in South Africa

Lodwar in Kenya

Isiala Ngwa South in Nigeria

Accra in Ghana

Bangor in Wales 

Colombo in Sri Lanka

November 29

Mothers’ Union worldwide

November 30 - December 2

Mpumalanga in South Africa

Central Buganda in Uganda

Zonkwa in Nigeria

Bo in Sierra Leone

Newcastle in England

Barrackpore in India

December 3-5

Akot in South Sudan

South West Tanganyika in Tanzania

Aba & Irele-Ese Odo in Nigeria

Coventry in England

Cuttack in India

December 6

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 7-9

Namibia

Mount Kenya South in Kenya

Northern Izon & Ijebu North in Nigeria

Durham in England

December 10-12

Lusaka in Zambia

Shyogwe in Rwanda

Sokoto & Ikka in Nigeria

Ely in England

Karimnagar in India

December 13

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 14-16

Fianarantsoa in Madagascar

Central Tanganyika in Tanzania

Calabar & Igbomina in Nigeria

Derry & Raphoe in All Ireland

Banks & Torres in Vanuatu

December 17-19

Lui in South Sudan

Embu in Kenya

Orlu & Awori in Nigeria

The Murray in Australia

Medak in Indi

December 20

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 21-23

Archbishops, Bishops and all clergy in the Anglican Communion

December 24-26

Refugees, internally displaced families & those living in a climate of fear

December 27

Mothers’ Union worldwide

December 28-30

All involved with the responsibility of caring for & supporting family life

December 31

Mothers’ Union worldwide

January 1-3

All Mothers’ Union trustees and staff throughout the world

January 4

Mothers’ Union worldwide

January 5-7

Swaziland

Ruaha in Tanzania

Aguata & Lagos Mainland in Nigeria

Norwich in England

Chotanagpur in India

January 8-10

Lesotho

Kibungo in Rwanda

Etche & Ogbomoso in Nigeria

Leeds in England 

Hanuato in Solomon Islands

January 11

Mothers’ Union worldwide

January 12-14

Mauritius

Kericho in Kenya

Katsina in Nigeria

Kumasi in Ghana

Winchester in England 

Nandyal in India

January 15-17

Seychelles

Bukedi in Uganda

Enugu in Nigeria

Birmingham in England 

Marathwada in India

January 18

Mothers’ Union worldwide

January 19-21

St Mark the Evangelist in South Africa

Butare in Rwanda

Okigwe-South in Nigeria

Gambi

British Columbia in Canada 

Rajasthan in India

January 22-24

Egypt

Gasabo in Rwanda

Otukpo & On the Coast in Nigeria

Bathurst in Australia 

Nasik in India

January 25

Mothers’ Union worldwide

January 26-28

False Bay in South Africa

Shinyanga in Tanzania

Umuahia & Ijebu South West in Nigeria

Bath & Wells in England 

Vellore in India

January 29-31

Masvingo in Zimbabwe

Kibondo in Tanzania

Nebbi in Uganda

Bida in Nigeria

Llandaff in Wales 

Kanyakumari in India

February 1

Mothers’ Union worldwide

February 2-4

Matlosane in South Africa

Mumias in Kenya

Eha-Amufu in Nigeria

Ballarat in Australia

Niagara in Canada

North Kerala in India

February 5-7

Botswana 

Marsabit in Kenya

Idah & Jebba in Nigeria

Salisbury in England

Andaman & Car Nicobar Islands in India

February 8

Mothers’ Union worldwide

February 9-11

Lainya in South Sudan 

Ankole in Uganda

Abuja & Lagos-West in Nigeria 

Lichfield in England

Karnataka North in India

February 12-14

Matana in Burundi

South Ankole in Uganda

Morogoro in Tanzania 

Ohaji/Egbema in Nigeria 

New Westminster in Canada

Dornakal in India

February 15

Mothers’ Union worldwide

February 16-18

Bentiu in South Sudan

Bunyoro Kitara in Uganda

Okigwe-North & Omu- Aran in Nigeria

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh in All Ireland

Krishna-Godavari in India

February 19-21

Free State in South Africa

Bondo in Kenya

Ogbia & Offa in Nigeria

Swansea & Brecon in Wales

Argentina and Uruguay

February 22

Mothers’ Union worldwide

February 23-25

Wau in South Sudan

Kigeme in Rwanda 

Bauchi in Nigeria 

St David's in Wales

Mandalay in Myanmar

February 26-28

Mundri in South Sudan

Madi & West Nile in Uganda

 Isikwuatu in Nigeria 

Chichester in England

Seoul in South Korea

March 1

Mothers’ Union worldwide

March 2-4

Yei in South Sudan

Luweero in Uganda 

On the Lake in Nigeria

Grafton in Australia

Armagh in All Ireland

South Kerala in India

March 5-7

Bujumbura in Burundi

Maseno South in Kenya

Ihiala in Nigeria

Cameroon 

Calgary in Canada

Ysabel in Solomon Islands

March 8

Mothers’ Union worldwide

March 9-11

Awerial in South Sudan

 Mityana in Uganda 

Uyo & Ajayi Crowther in Nigeria 

Rupert's Land in Canada

Patna in India

March 12-14

Port Elizabeth in South Africa 

West Ankole in Uganda

Nomadic Mission & Ekiti-Kwara in Nigeria

Worcester in England

Episcopal Church of the Philippines

March 15

Mothers’ Union worldwide

March 16-18

Kajo-Keji in South Sudan

Tarime in Tanzania

Dutse & Akoko-Edo in Nigeria

Canterbury in England

March 19-21

Antisiranana in Madagascar

Busoga in Ugand 

Yola & Oke-Ogun in Nigeria

Algoma in Canada

Jabalpur in India

March 22

Mothers’ Union worldwide

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Being open to possibility and purpose

‘But seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus has just made a contrast between the unbelievers of this world and his disciples. The aim of the unbelievers is to seek the things of this life, beginning with clothes, food and drink. Jesus knows that we need such things. But he wants us to put God’s kingdom first. God’s kingdom is his reign, his rule. Our first duty as human beings is to enter the kingdom, by submitting to the rule of God through repentance and faith. The aim of our life is then to just him and to please him. The contrast with the aims of this world is striking. We are surrounded by people who have this-worldly goals, aims which can only disappoint. God’s kingdom gives true hope.

Question for thought: 

What do I want for my children and grandchildren?

Loving Lord, we pray for the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist in Southern Africa. As many families continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, HIV/AIDS, unemployment, crime, and domestic violence may members be strengthened by the prayer and fellowship they share. Help them to encourage others to have faith in you.  Amen. 

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Journeying Together

'Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Church Unity always seems above us, a matter for the church authorities to negotiate. But actually, as the word of God says here, it begins with the local church. That means that it is the responsibility of us all. We are to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving towards the people we see Sunday by Sunday and at other times. Too many churches are scenes of criticism and quarrels and even division. Even if we need to disagree with one another, it needs to be done with love, forgiveness and every effort to ‘keep the unity of the Spirit’. This is God’s plan for us.

Questions for thought: 

Does my church live in unity? Do I make every effort to foster love and care for one another? Am I habitually critical?

God of mercy and grace, we give thanks that the nation of Rwanda has been able to rebuild from the genocide 12 years ago. We pray for members in  the Dioceses of Butare and Gazebo as they endeavour to help those in need spiritually and in their daily lives through programs on health and nutrition, parenting, literacy and vocational training. We also pray for members in Bathurst Diocese and for Lorraine Mitchell the Diocesan President, as they encourage Christian family life in their churches. In Jesus name,  Amen.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Setting Intentions

'So we make it our aim to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it’ (2 Corinthians 5:9)

In this life we are at home in the body. But our real goal is to find our home with the Lord Jesus. When we die, we will be awaiting the resurrection of the body. But one thing is the same, whether in this life or in the life to come: we make it our aim to please the Lord Jesus. That is the goal of our lives, now and always. We know what pleases him because he has taught us the truth. Amen and we need to be his disciples, his students. This means that at the heart of our lives there is something we cannot live without – an unbreakable relationship with someone who can be trusted in all circumstances

.

Question for thought:

If someone asked me what is my aim in life, what would I say?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you the Dioceses of Mauritius and the Seychelles. Pray for members that they have opportunity to share their hope of trusting in you as they care for blind people, unwanted children, the elderly and for all in times of disaster.  Amen.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Recognising Growth

'And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with every increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit’ (2 Corinthians 3:18)

As we grow older, we feel that we are on a downhill slide physically and even mentally. But the Christian has something else occurring – we are growing, we are maturing, we are on the way to becoming what we will be in the life to come. This process is a transformation in which, as we gaze at the Christ we read about in Scripture, we are changed to become like him. This is not a psychological trick – it is the work of the Holy Spirit. And who else would we rather be like? 

Question for thought: 

Do I long to be like Jesus?

Almighty Heavenly Father, at the beginning of this new year we pray for Kathleen Snow, our Zone trustee Dorothy Siep and all the trustees and staff throughout the world. Grant them your wisdom as they guide and care for members. We also pray for the Diocese of Ruaha in Tanzania. Please pray for a government who will establish justice and foster an environment where Tanzanians can thrive, and Jesus can be proclaimed freely.  Amen

Saturday, December 27, 2025

The Passing Days

'From everlasting to everlasting you are God’  (Psalm 90:2)

The end of a year is a special time of reflection and planning. It is also a reminder that  as time goes, we age and will eventually pass away. Human beings are frail, fragile creatures. But the Christian message gives us hope. Our hope is in the majestic God, the maker and sustainer of all things. He is not the victim of time. Indeed, he invented time for us to live in, but as the Psalmist says, he is eternal, everlasting, never the victim of time and its passing days. It is wonderful to know this, because in the midst of the ocean of time, there is sure and certain ground on which we may stand. There is One in whom we can put all our plans and hopes. He deals with our past, he sustains our present and he guarantees our future.

Question for thought: What will be my thoughts and prayers on New Year’s Eve?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you Mothers Union worldwide asking that we never lose sight of upholding Christ’s teaching on marriage and Christian family life. We thank you that over these past 150 years members in your name have served you faithfully bringing hope and your love to their communities. Bless Kathleen Snow as she encourages members and as she looks to the future of Mothers Union in an increasingly secular world. May your name be hallowed throughout the world.  Amen.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

He came to save

'She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’  (Matthew 1:21)

In the Old Testament language of Hebrew, ‘Jesus’ was ‘Joshua’, a word meaning  ‘Saviour’ and reminiscent, of course, of the great leader  called Joshua and described in the book that bears his name. Thus, Jesus is the Lord who is the Saviour. But his task was even more important than that of leading the people into the Promised Land. It was ‘to save his people from their sins’. We deserve nothing but condemnation and judgement on our sins. But in his mercy and grace, though Jesus and his death on the cross, the Lord brought about the forgiveness of our sins and eternal safety. We can never cease to be grateful for what he has done for us.  

Question for thought: Is Jesus my Lord and my Saviour?

Almighty God, we pray for the Anglican Church worldwide and particularly the Archbishops, Bishops and Clergy that they will uphold your Word and lead with faithfulness, justice and mercy. We particularly pray for those nations where there is conflict and persecution of believers that you will give them courage and steadfastness. Amen.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Naming a child

‘and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)’ (Matthew 1:21)

It is not always easy for parents to find the right name for a new-born. There are many mistakes made, where a strange name difficult to spell is given, or a name with the same initial as a close sibling, to take two examples. As we know, names also have meanings, and sometimes such a meaning is unwelcome. Jesus received the name ‘Immanuel’, following the prophecy in the book of Isaiah.  But the name seems not to have been used. It was recorded so that we would remember from the meaning of the name who he is, namely ‘God with us’. For that is the truly astonishing and wonderful thing about Christmas – it reminds us that we are not alone, but that God himself has entered human history by becoming one of us. And from then on, Immanuel will never leave us. 

Question for thought: What comfort do you draw from the name Immanuel applied to Jesus?

Father of All, we pray for the Diocese of Banks and Torres in Vanuatu where they face many challenges to family life including adultery, family breakdown, widespread drug and alcohol abuse and gender-based violence. As members seek to care for those suffering may they share the hope which you alone can give. We also pray for members in The Diocese of the Murray, for the Families Equip program and for the way members in Mt Barker record Mia Mia for the visually impaired.  Amen.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Two Comings

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…’ (Isaiah 9:2a)

Walking in darkness can be nerve wracking. All the more so in the world before electric light and good torches. To see the light was a wonderful, breath-taking moment. Jesus tells us that he is the Light of the World. He brings the light of his message and work into a world made gloomy by sin and evil. When we think of this, we are reminded that many people around us know little or nothing of the true Light and we have an obligation to share that light with them. Christmas can be a good opportunity to do this. The first step is to pray constantly for our friends and neighbours.

Question for thought: How do I love my close neighbours?

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for members in Namibia in Southern Africa who have become a vibrant organisation, keen to reach out and support family life especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. May they share the hope and comfort of knowing you.  Amen.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

The Return of Jesus

'‘They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus who saves us from the coming wrath’  (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

As the season of Advent reminds us, we are waiting for the return of Jesus in all his glory to judge the world. We can be confident in his mercy, as we trust what he did in his first appearing – he saved us and so he will save us. Judgement sounds frightening, and it is. But we are glad that a just God will deal with sin and evil once and for all. As well, in the midst of the turmoil of the end, we will see Jesus, the one was sent into the world to be our Saviour. There is an old hymn which runs ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. Good advice!

Question for thought: Are the eyes of your heart fixed on Jesus?

Almighty God, we pray for all those throughout the world who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. May there be an end to this terrible suffering. Please heal, renew and guard them. We ask that they will bring their cares to you and that they will know the peace that passes all understanding.  Amen.