Donations are invited to support vulnerable families, particularly the women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the civil war and Covid-19 pandemic. Any on-line donation received before noon on Tuesday 8th December will be doubled by the BigGive. So there isn't long to double your impact. You can do this by going on-line to www.mothersunion.org/Christmas to donate.
Join us for the Mothers' Union Nine Lessons and Carols
Thursday 17th December at 7.30 pm
Pour yourself a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine and join us from the comfort of your own home for a evening of Christmas tradition and celebration.
The service will be broadcast on the Mothers' Union Facebook page (@MothersUnion) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/MothersUnion)
With a selection of carols, choral pieces and hymns interspersed with Bible lessons and readings this promises o be a truly special way to mark the end of the vastly different year that has been 2020!
All Saints Day 2020
Blessing to each and everyone of you on All Saints Day. May the love we have all received in our lives, from ones who have been called to be with Jesus always surround our hearts. My our lives always reflect their love for us. May Jesus' love, peace and joy be with you forever. God is our light and our peace. Amen. Blessings from Joyce.
Rosemary Kulasena 1950-2020
Some people come into your life for a very short time but leave a lasting impression on you. They leave their mark on you forever. This is so of Rosemary’s life.
Rosemary lived in Sri Lanka. She came to Brynamman in 2017 to stay with her daughter Nima and family, on Mountain Road for 6 months.
Rosemary came with them to our church, we welcomed her to our church family.
During those 6 months, Rosmary and I became good friends. She joined in all our church activities.
I used to call for her to come to our Mothers Union meetings, she was a very active member of the Mothers Union in Sri Lanka.
We shared many times of prayer and chat. We enjoyed each other's company.
Time came far too soon for her to go back home. Before she went, we had a snow storm, it was the first time she had ever seen snow!
We had a farewell party for her in the church hall, she gave our mothers union branch a gift. We bought a small glass candle holder to light at our meetings.
Lighting this now will be more special, as we remember our dear friend.
We have kept in touch these last 3 years, by phone and text. I shall miss the little prayers she would send me weekly.
On the weekend of her passing she sent me a video, (On the wings of a dove.) Looking back, it's like a message from her.
The video is below, please listen to it and remember Rosemary with love.
We pray and remember Nima in our daily prayers.
I give thanks to Jesus for the great privilege I have had of knowing Rosemary, as a very good Christian friend.
She will always be in my heart.
Rest in Jesus my sweet friend.
Joyce. xxxx
The candle holder
The Mothers' Union at St Catherine's
Best Wishes and every blessing from our leader to all members in 2020.
In the present climate of lock down we are unable to meet as a branch and so cannot distribute Teulu Non in the usual manner. Below is the first digital edition of the latest edition.
FROM THE EDITOR LORNA CECIL
Welcome to our very first digital version of Teulu Non. Our branches can’t meet together at the moment and as distribution of the usual summer edition of Teulu Non isn’t possible, I thought we could share a smaller version via email. Instead of our regular branch reports (there are still some) you will find a copy of the Midday Prayers from Mary Sumner House, and details of a few projects you may wish to get involved with. I am aiming to produce a new edition each month, so please send anything you would like me to include by the first week of May. I’d like to see anything you have been making, any acts of kindness or gestures that you would like to share or anything you want to share with other members. About half of the members in my branch, Steynton, are meeting online using a programme called Zoom. It has been very simple to use and is free. If you want to have a go, please get in touch and I can talk you through setting things up. Stay safe, God Bless, Lorna
CHAPLAIN'S LETTER - Rev Glenys payne
Dear Friends in Mothers’ Union, In my last letter before Christmas I wrote about the D Day Landings and VE Day, and the suggestion of where we as Christians might find ourselves today. The battle is won but the war hasn’t ended. Jesus won the battle against the forces of sin, evil, and death – His was the ultimate sacrifice when He achieved victory on the Cross. Through His life, death and resurrection Jesus won the battle against the forces of sin, evil and death; His was the ultimate sacrifice when He achieved victory on the cross. Little did any of us know then that this Eastertide we would be facing a worldwide battle of a different kind. A battle so different to anything any of us have ever experienced. A pandemic. Covid 19. How poignant that we should be celebrating Easter in the middle of a lockdown. On Good Friday there was the pain, the shock and the horror of the Crucifixion. ‘Forgive them for they know not what they do’ - This pandemic brought so many mixed emotions to the surface. What has been so noticeable this year is the silence. We were always used to silence on Good Friday – no shops open, no traffic etc. We didn’t think we’d ever see that again. On Holy Saturday the disciples were lost they stayed indoors not knowing what to do. The silence continued. They were bereft having lost a loved one. - So many we know have lost loved ones and feel so alone. On Easter Sunday the disciples found the empty tomb – our Churches are empty! So many have felt empty and find it hard to believe what is going on – but there is Hope! Yes what Christ did in His death and resurrection, He did simply out of Love for us. We are reminded in John’s Gospel ‘As the Father loved me, so I have loved you.’ ‘You will remain in my love if you love one another, just as I loved you.’ In the words of Her Majesty the Queen – “There is the love and the joy of the Resurrection. Yes the discovery of the risen Christ on that first Easter Day gave His followers new Hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us – as dark as death can be – particularly those suffering with grief – light and life are greater.” Amidst all the pain, the suffering, the loss and death - In Jesus we believe that God enters into our experience of these things; and that through all this we trust that His Love will shine through and uphold us. As Mothers’ Union members we have seen so much love shine through all over the world, like many of us have never experienced. We have been so Blessed with modern technology enabling us to partake and meet with fellow members in the comfort of our own homes. May the living flame of the Easter Hope be a steady guide as we face the future, let us hope and pray that this will be a new beginning for us all. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4 4-70 415378 Pob Bendith I chi gyd. Love and many Blessings to you all. Glenys
PRESIDENT'S LETTER - Heather Witt
My dear friends, as I write this we are still in unprecedented times, still in lockdown, still praying for an end of this indiscriminate Covid 19 virus. Easter this year has been so very different for all of us, I knew for myself and Bryan it was to be a complete change as it was to be the first time we would celebrate Easter in a new church family after Bryan’s retirement, however Bryan and I celebrated at home but together with the many thousands in the U.K. listening to the numerous services on radio and television, from the radio 4 morning service through to Songs of Praise. And this it seems this will be the way our Christian celebrations will be for a few more weeks to come, and yes, we will celebrate and give thanks that we can draw strength from new technology, with parish services and Mothers’ Union meetings being delivered by Teams and Zoom. This virus has affected everybody, some of our 4 million brothers and sisters in the 84 countries in which the Mothers’ Union is active have also been affected causing death, grief and financial despair. Along with so many other charities the Mothers’ Union has been hit and that is why an appeal letter has been sent to all members, to help with the work which we do, not only around the globe, but more importantly at this time here in our own diocese. It’s not ‘what do I get from the MU?’ more ‘What can I do for the MU?’ and in doing so, following the aims and objectives of the society. Because prayer is the lynch pin that holds us together and what OUR SOCIETY IS FOUNDED on, to be able to pray effectively and constructively the prayer diary was published for every member to receive this up until now was distributed by branch leaders at meetings. However, from now on the next version July to December will be delivered to every members house by post. It is vital we have names and addresses for it to be delivered by Royal Mail. We uphold the Data Protection Act strongly and all information is secure and the Mothers’ Union would NEVER sell your details, which is one of the causes that bought about a need for the Act. So to receive your copy of the prayer diary and Families Worldwide please make sure your mailing lists are up to date. You all would now realise that there will not be any Spring Councils and as soon as there is any news on any future events I will endeavour to make these known to all of you. May God bless each and every one of you and may he hold us safe in the palm of his hand to keep us safe until we all meet again. Heather LLYTHYR
Fy Frindiau Annwyl, Wrth i mi ysgrifennu y llythyr hwn yr ydym o hyd mewn amseroedd heb ei tebyg o’r blaen, o hyd wedi ein cloi i lawr, yn dal i weddio am ddiwedd firws Covid 19. Mae Gw yl y Pasg eleni wedi bod yn wahanol i bawb ohonom. Roeddwn yn gwybod y byddai yn wahanol iawn i fi a Bryan eleni, gan y byddem yn dathlu yr w yl mewn teulu Eglwysig newydd ar ol ymddeoliad Bryan, ond i ni’n dau fel pawb arall adref gyda’n gilydd oeddem, fel miloedd eraill yn y Deyrnas Unedig, yn gwrando ar wasanaethau diri y radio a’r teledu, o wasanaeth boreol Radio 4 hyd at “Songs of Praise”. A dyma beth sy’n ein disgwyl fel Cristnogion dros yr wythnosau i ddod. Diolchwn a dathlwn y gallwn dderbyn nerth trwy y dechnoleg newydd, gyda gwasanaethau Plwyf a chyfarfodydd Undeb y Mamau yn cael ei ddanfon trwy “Teams” a “Zoom”. Mae y firws wedi effeithio pawb, gan gynnwys rhai o’r 4 miliwn o’n brodyr a’n chwiorydd yn yr 84 gwlad lle mae Undeb y Mamau yn gweithredu, gan iddo achosi marwolaeth, galar ac anobaith ariannol iddynt. Fel sawl elusen arall mae Undeb y Mamau wedi cael ei heffeithio a dyna pam fod llythyr Ape l wedi ei anfon i bob aelod, i helpu nid yn unig y gwaith sy’n cael ei wneud ledled y byd ond yn fwy pwysig efallai yr adeg yma, yn ein hesgobaeth ni.Ni ddylem ofyn “Beth a gaf allan o Undeb y Mamau?” ond yn hytrach “Beth allaf ei wneud dros Undeb y Mamau?”, a thrwy hynny dilyn nodau ac amcanion y mudiad. Oherwydd mai gweddi yw y pin sydd yn ein dal gyda’n gilydd a beth mae ein mudiad wedi ei sefydlu arno, mae y dyddiadur gweddi sydd wedi ei ddosbarthu i bob aelod gan arweinyddion y gangen, yn ein helpu i weddio yn effeithiol ac yn adeiladol. Fe fydd y copi nesaf Gorffennaf i Rhagfyr yn cael ei bostio i bob aelod. Mae yn bwysig bod gyda ni enwau a chyfeiriadau er mwyn iddynt gael eu dosbarthu gan Y Post Brenhinol. Rydym yn ategu yn gryf Deddf Diogelu Data gan sicrhau bod eich gwybodaeth yn ddiogel ac na fydd Undeb y Mamau yn gwerthu y manylion i neb. Felly i dderbyn eich copi o’r dyddiadur Gweddi a “Families Worldwide” gwnewch yn siwr bod eich rhestrau postio yn gyflawn. Rydych yn ymwybodol rwyn siwr na fydd Cynghorau y Gwanwyn eleni a chyn gynted a bod yna unrhyw newyddion am ddigwyddiadau yn y dyfodol fe rhoddaf wybod i chi. Bydded i Dduw fendithio pob un ohonoch a bydded iddo ein cadw yn ddiogel yng nghledr ei law tan i ni gwrdd eto. Heather
MULOA - MOTHERS' UNION LISTENING, OBSERVING, ACTING
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. Over the centuries, the Church has been a beacon of light for many people. Sometimes, the light takes the form of solace in time of need. Other times, light comes as forgiveness, grace, or conversion of heart. This light is conveyed through human beings. Our Baptism calls us to be bearers of Christ's light to the world. This requires an openness on our part to allow Christ to work through us individually and collectively. When we do our part to be sources of light in the world, we diminish the effects of darkness. Where can I be a source of light today? Who brings the light of Christ into my life? As a member of Mothers’ Union how can I show the light of Christ to others? Jesus, light of the world, thank you for sending me forth into the world to be your light. Help me to put aside all that prevents me from letting your light shine through me. Adapted from Loyola Daily Retreats
PLANT DEWI BABY BUNDLES From the beginning The Baby Bundle project has gone from strength to strength, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable families, helping them in their time of need. This would not have been achieved if it wasn’t for the support from the Mothers’ Union. Over the last year over two hundred packs have been handed out. Parents are overwhelmed by the generosity of the project. One mum has said ‘I was dreading my little one coming into the world as I didn’t have everything that I needed for him. Having this bundle has lifted my spirits and I’m really looking forward to meet my little boy. It’s just taken all the stress and worry away’. The last couple of weeks have been challenging for everyone however, the project goes on. The need has increased and the demand for the essentials is greater. Due to staff trying to limit their travel, bases are now being set up in more areas. Professionals are being directed to locations to collect and staff are storing stock at home, ensuring that families receive the necessary essentials. Due to demand our stock of nappies and baby toiletries has rapidly decreased. An appeal has gone out which will hopefully solve this issue. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19 we will not be collecting any more second hand clothing at this present time. New items will be accepted but as you can all appreciate the priority is to keep everyone safe. If anyone is in a position to help us or donate please get in touch. My contact number is 07483966168 or you can email me at samantha@plantdewi.co.uk. Take care and stay safe God Bless Sam
We have had the following message from Sam at Plant Dewi, about Baby Bundles. If it’s possible please keep collecting for this project as it is needed in these very difficult times. If you have some items to donate, please make contact and someone can arrange collection.
Last submission date for next Teulu Non is Friday 8th May 2020 Email: teulunon@yahoo.co.uk Telephone: (01646) 692974
MU MIDDAY PRAYERS—APRIL BUILDING HOPE AND CONFIDENCE—RESURRECTION Traditionally at midday each day members pause to pray for each other and for themselves.
Lord, we pray for Mothers’ Union worldwide. 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 and Eastern Himalayas in India 19 Mothers’ Union worldwide 20 – 22 Kinshasa in DR Congo; Victoria Nyanza in Tanzania; Ahoada & Warri in Nigeria; Oxford in England and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea 23 – 25 Kisangani in DR Congo; Kagera in Tanzania; Awka in Nigeria; Sunyani in Ghana; Manchester in England and Popondota in Papua New Guinea 26 Mothers’ Union worldwide 27– 29 Port Sudan in Sudan; Muhabura: in Uganda; Niger Delta West & Yewa in Nigeria; The Northern Territory in Australia and Chennai in India 30 Aru in DR Congo; Kigezi in Uganda; Ikeduru in Nigeria; Ho in Ghana; York in England and Guyana & Suriname in Guyana May 1 - 2 Aru in DR Congo; Kigezi in Uganda; Ikeduru in Nigeria; Ho in Ghana; York in England and Guyana & Suriname in Guyana 3 Mothers’ Union worldwide 4 – 6 Uppershire in Malawi; Maralal Missionary Area in Kenya; Makurdi & Ifo in Nigeria; Tuam, Killala & Achonry in All Ireland and Mumbai in India 7 – 9 Torit in South Sudan; Meru in Kenya; Ikwuano in Nigeria; Sekondi in Ghana and The Arctic in Canada 10 Mothers’ Union worldwide 11 – 13 Twic East in South Sudan; Rorya in Tanzania; Owerri & Ughelli in Nigeria; Gippsland in Australia and Cashel & Ossory in All Ireland 14 – 16 Maridi in South Sudan; Kirinyaga in Kenya; Zaki-Biam & Ijesa North-East in Nigeria and Waikato & Tara naki in New Zealand Final Blessing Breath of God, inspire us. Power of God, invigorate us. Fire of God, ignite us. God of Pentecost be our blessing. Amen
The idea behind these angels is that they will be presented to children before Christmas, with a Christmas message. The final details are still to come, so please lets get knitting now so we will have plenty ready. Further information can be found at www.christmasangel.net You will need: Some wool (any type), knitting needles (between 3.25 and 4mm), a darning needle and a small amount of stuffing.
Angel - Body Cast on 48 sts 1. Knit row 2. Purl row 3. K2TOG, K10*, repeat until end 4. Purl row 5. Knit row 6. P2TOG, P9*, repeat until end 7. Knit row 8. Purl row 9. K2TOG, K8*, repeat until end 10. Purl row 11. Knit row 12. P2TOG, P7*, repeat until end 13. Knit Row 14. Purl Row 15. K2TOG, K6*, repeat until end 16. Purl row 17. Knit row 18. P2TOG, P5*, repeat until end 19. Knit row 20. Purl row 21. K2TOG, K4*, repeat until end – 20 sts 22. Purl row 23. Knit row 24. Purl row 25. Knit row 26. Purl row 27. Knit row At this point, you can change your colour to create the face if you want. 28. Purl row 29. Knit row 30. Purl row 31. Knit row 32. Purl row 33. Knit row 34. Purl row 35. K2TOG - repeat until end 36. Purl row 37. Knit row 38. P2TOG - repeat until end The idea behind these angels is that they will be presented to children before Christmas, with a Christmas message. The final details are still to come, so please lets get knitting now so we will have plenty ready. Further information can be found at www.christmasangel.net You will need: Some wool (any type), knitting needles (between 3.25 and 4mm), a darning needle and a small amount of stuffing. Angel - wings (option 1) Cast on 27 sts 1. Knit row 2. Knit row 3. Decrease at each end (Knit) 4. Knit 5. Knit 12 rows, decrease at each end cast off Option 2 - more advanced These wings are knitted in short rows with the yarn wrapped around the last stitch in the middle of each ridge. To complete this you need to bring your yarn forward, slip the sitich over purlwise, take the yarn back again, replace the slipped stitch, bring the yarn forward again and turn the work. Cast on 9 sts 1. K8, w&t, K8 2. K6, w&t, K6 3. K4, w&t, K4 4. K2, w&t, K2 5. K4, w&t, K4 6. K6, w&t, K6 Repeat these 6 rows, 4-5 times as necessary. Sew wings to the body. Using a darning needle, thread the end of the yarn through the stitches and tighten to create the top of the head. Turn inside out and sew up the head and the body. Around the neck take a small amount of stuffing and place at the top of the head, then thread some yarn between the stitches and pull loosely together
Do you know someone who is wearing a mask at the moment, maybe a key worker or someone who is vulnerable due to their health? After a while the elastic that hooks over your ears can make the skin there really painful, so ‘mask mates’ have been invented! The idea is that the elastic hooks over buttons and the band rests on the back of your head, holding the face mask in place. Try making a few to pass on to those who need them. Here is a crochet pattern I have come up with which will make a ‘Mask Mate’ about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. You could experiment with different sizes, which may suit different people. If you prefer to knit, you could just knit a piece 1 x 3 or 4 inches in length using any stitches. You will need: DK yarn 4mm crochet hook 2 buttons - 1/2 inch wide or larger A needle to sew them on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Leaving a long tail at the start, ch 12 as a foundation row. Row 1 - Ch 1, starting in second chain from hook, DC into each ch for 11 stitches, then in 12th 3DC into ch to turn the corner. Turn upside down and work into the bottom of the foundation row. Row 2 - DC into each ch until the end ch, 3DC into that. Rows 3 & 4 - Working in the round continue to DC into each stitch, then 3DC into the end stitch to turn the corner. DC into each stitch until the next 3DC then slip-stitch to finish off. Secure, leaving a tail. Using the tails, attach two buttons securely. If, having made some of these, you find you don’t have a home for them, please get in touch and we can put you in contact with someone who can use them. Last submission date for next Teulu Non is Friday 8th May 2020 Email: teulunon@yahoo.co.uk Telephone: (01646) 692974
St Catherine's church has a Mothers' Union group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1 pm in the Church Hall (opposite St Catherine's church), except in January.
New members are are always welcome.
To find out more about the Mothers' Union locally please contact our branch leader Mrs Joyce Rees, (01269 825631) or just come along to our next meeting.
You can also get in touch by using the form below. 2020 PROGRAMME:-
The first meeting meeting of 2020 was a carvery lunch at the Ynyscedwyn Arms, Ystradgynlais on Thursday February 13th at 12 30 pm. The rest of the programme has been abandoned for the time being until meetings can be resumed.
Date Meeting Hostes13th Thursday March 12th Terry Pugh - the history of coal 1.00 pm Joyce and Tess Monday March 30th Quiet afternoon in Crosshands Church 2.00 pm Thursday April 9th Maunday Thursday Thursday May 14th Glenys Protheroe - Craig Y Nos 1.00 pm Lydia and Linda Thursday June 11th Tax care - Toyboys 1.00 pm Thursday July 9th Rev Canon Suzy Bale 1.00 pm Fiona and Meinir Monday August 10th Mary Sumner Day and sharing lunch 11.00 am Cwmgors Church Thursday September 10th Rev. A. Teale & A.G.M. . 1.00 pm Lydia and Margaret Thursday October 8th Samantha Duggan - Plant Dewi 1.00 pm Nima and Joan Thursday November 12th Mari Thomas 1.00 pm Lynne and Christine Tuesday December 1st Advent Service in Tycroes Church Thursday December 10th Christmas Celebrations 1.00 pm Church Hall
On Saturday 7th September 2019 our worldwide president Sheran Harper visited the diocese. She was in Christchurch, Carmarthen in the afternoon and met a group of our members after giving us all an inspiring message. Banners from all the groups attending were displayed around the room.
On September 12th we welcomed two new members Nima and Christine who were enrolled into our branch. (See picture below)
BABY BUNDLES The Baby Bundle project is ongoing. Plant Dewi are still desperate for new and nearly new items for newborn to 3 month old babies. Baby-grows, hats, bibs, socks and vests, baby wipes, shampoo etc. all very welcome. Please bring to the back of St. Catherine's. They will be given to families in need.
About The Mothers' Union
The Mothers Union started in 1876 with Mary Sumner who brought together parents in her parish to build their confidence in bringing up their children in the Christian faith.
Today The Mothers Union has grown into an international charity with over 4m members in 83 countries, including the UK, with the aim of promoting stable marriage, family life and the protection of children through prayer, campaigning and practical support.
Mothers' Union Prayer Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Nima Branch Leader Joyce Christine
On Thursday December 12th our members enjoyed our branch Christmas tea. Below are some photos from the event.
Joyce is holding the candle holder given by Nima's mother Rosemary who visited us recently.
In November 8th, Canon John Gravell was our guest speaker and his topic was "being a saint". Being a saint does not depend on what we do, but on God's call. If we respond to His call and trust in Him, we are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and enter into a new relationship with Him. We do not become perfect beings, but are a work in progress. Alleluia!
On Sunday February 10th, to celebrate the coming St. Valentine's Day, St. Catherine's Mothers' Union invited members of the congregation to bring their wedding photos which were displayed around the church and shown on the screen during the service. Below are photos of past and present members of the M U. More photos and parts of the service can be seen on the Junior Church page.
Our Mary Sumner Day was held at St. Edmund's Tycroes on Friday 9th August where the service of Holy Communion was led by the Revd. Suzy Bale. This was followed by a sharing lunch in the church hall.