Resources for Takeover Sunday

Resources for the Sunday Takeover are now available on the MU website, these can be used and amended for any of your MU focused services over the coming months, including churches where there may not be a relationship with Mothers’ Union currently: 150th Celebrations and Events - Mothers' Union

Keep checking in for further resources.

Click on this link to access the MSH website. Then click on the ‘National Activities’ box. In the Sunday Takeover paragraph, click on ‘here’ to access the Resources section.

The resources include: (click on the blue to download the file.)

Service outline – based on a Service for the Word but with a suggested Eucharistic Prayer if needed for a Holy Communion service, suggested bible passages, hymns, additional prayers and some suggested creative ways to pray. With thanks to Canon Brian and colleagues in Monmouth for providing the intercessions.
Talk outline – focused on the work of Mothers’ Union in Britain and All Ireland and globally.
National programmes flyer – highlighting the national programmes and how to get involved.

Provincial Service in Manchester Cathedral celebrating 150 years of MU.

A very moving and lively service, with about 300 in attendance. Ann Archer accompanied Margy in the procession with the IMBook. Derek carried the banner. Margaret Riches placed blue candles for Newcastle and our link Dioceses. The Bishop of Middleton Rt Revd Mark Davies welcomed and encouraged us with humour and spirit. The prayer capsule was blessed for its journey. And the sun shone all day.
You can see more photos in the Photo Album Here

How Newcastle helped bring Mothers’ Union to light.

Download a copy of this very interesting article - Click Here Well worth a read.

There are 12 Posters available for branches to use for their own displays if they wish HERE

There is also a powerpoint entitled 'A Brief History of Newcastle MU' HERE

Celebration Midday Service at Newcastle Cathedral

Download a copy of this invitation to give to people- Everyone welcome Click Here

Prayers for the 150th Year of Mothers' Union

Download a copy for your own use or at your branch: Click Here

PRAYERS for 150 Years of Mothers’ Union 2026

to be placed in the time capsule and for use in meetings

Mothers’ Union 150^th Anniversary Prayer, Diocese of Newcastle

Lord of Light and Life,

we thank you for the vision of Mary Sumner,

for 150 years of The Mothers’ Union,

and for all the members who

have come and gone over this time.

Though diverse in many ways,

we are one in our desire to bring to others

the comfort and hope that should be felt by everyone.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit

that we may live in the ways of Mary Sumner,

with compassion and commitment.

Be our beacon of light as we journey on,

and help us to spread love, joy and peace

throughout this diocese and across the world;

in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Mothers Union 150^th Anniversary Provincial Prayer for the Province of York

Lord of all life,

we give you thanks for the 150^th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union.

We bless you for the vision of Mary Sumner

to share the love of Jesus in support of family life.

We praise you for the mission and service

of the Mother’s Union across the world.

As we continue in the vision of our founder in this land,

we especially offer to you our work of outreach in prisons

and campaigns against domestic abuse,

gender-based violence and modern slavery.

We pray that you will pour out your Spirit upon us,

to bless, renew and refresh

the work of the Mothers’ Union in the Province of York.

Together and dispersed, may we bring glory to Jesus

and hope to our communities.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Mary Sumner Prayer Card and Logo available to download

		Mary Sumner Prayer Card

		This template is designed to print on both sides of good quality A4 paper or thin card – then cut into four. There is space for anyone to write or stick a message if required
		Download the template here

		The Newcastle MU logo is avaiable to download if anyone wishes to use it. Click on the photo the image will open in a new windoe

Our Hopes for the 150th Anniversary 2026

Download a copy here

Our Hopes in Newcastle Diocese for the 150^th Anniversary 2026

(also the diocesan ‘Year of Sharing’)

Many thanks for your commitment and prayers and for the many stories and photos about your branches.

Update and Reminder of suggestions for branch activities

On our website www.munewcastle.org.uk (Resources for displays/talks)

12 posters covering the history of MU in Newcastle Diocese
‘How Newcastle helped bring MU to light’ (a 10 page story)
Prayers for 150^th year – Newcastle’s and the York provincial prayer
PowerPoint: A Brief history of MU in Newcastle Diocese
Printable cards with Mary Sumner’s Prayer and lantern logo

MU CAPSULE. This will be handed over to us from Carlisle Diocese on Sunday 10^th May at 2.00pm in Hexham Abbey. We will hand it on to Durham Diocese on Sunday 17^th May at 1.00pm in St Mary and St Cuthbert Church Hall, Chester-le-Street (parking available). Sheila Auld has written a prayer for the capsule and for us to use during the year.

‘MU on SUNDAY’ - MU members are asked to contribute to one Sunday service, eg Mothering Sunday or Mary Sumner Day (9^th August) which falls on a Sunday this year. Perhaps leading intercessions? Signing Mary Sumner’s Prayer? Speaking about MU? (The PowerPoint on the website can be used for an illustrated talk.) Giving out MU prayer cards?

LIGHTING THE WAY. Our Central Gathering on Saturday 25^th July in Newcastle Cathedral 10.00-2.00. This is our BIG Diocesan Celebration for 150^th anniversary for members and friends. Exhibitions and Celebratory Midday Prayer. Coffee and lunch provided. Bring a friend. All welcome.

Fund-raising events for MU Projects – an opportunity to engage others.

The 150^th Prayer Book - ‘Lighting the Way’ (150 prayers from across the globe) is available from MSH at £5.99. Jackie Moore’s prayer is included.