We see ourselves as practical as well as prayerful...get to know us better locally in these pages, and at the national and worldwide level here.
We have branches throughout the diocese, and you're always welcome to join us.
Branches in our diocese: Bishop's Castle, Bodenham, Bucknell, Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer, Colwall, Cradley, Mathon & Storridge, Cusop, Hereford St Nicholas, LAPH, Ledbury, Leominster, Marden, Moccas & Preston on Wye, Much Wenlock, Arrowvale (formerly called Pembridge), Pontesbury, Ross-on-Wye, Sutton St Nicholas, Yockleton
Coronavirus - Unfortunately due to restrictions we are unable to hold midday prayers or any other events at this time. The Mothers' Union website offers resources and online services that you can access from the safety of your home. Please do get in touch if you want any additional information.
Contact and Useful Information
We are based at The Palace in Hereford where we have an office.
Mothers' Union Office
The Palace, Hereford. HR4 9BL
Tel: 07976 883420
When did you start this role?
Bishop Richard Frith asked me if I would like to take on the role in 2018 following my 'retirement' from full time ministry in the autumn of 2017.
What are some of the challenges and joys of the job?
The challenges of the role of Chaplain to the Mothers' Union, are mainly much the same I suspect as in general church, i.e. elderly, dwindling members in the UK alongside the more northerly branches of MU in our Diocese finding themselves feeling a little cut off from the centre. However, the thing that causes our Head Office in London and all Trustees the most concerning thing is that there appears to be nationally, and locally, a lack of knowledge about the vast international scope of Mothers' Union and its work, by a great many of the clergy. Nevertheless, with the support of the Hereford Diocese which we have been given, we have now prepared and are launching a clear and simple Clergy Pack which explains all. The great joys are being experienced in the growing numbers of members who are now travelling to be together to worship and share fellowship in a variety of special services, day retreats/study days, get togethers, which now take place all over the Diocese so that more are able to attend without too much travel - much tea and cake being consumed at the end of every event! We operate our own Prayer Chain for anyone individual with a specific need or a more worldwide concern. Prayer is the cornerstone on which each branch operates; beginning each meeting with at least prayer, but often a simple act of worship.
Lastly, how does your faith influence your role as a Chaplain?
My own faith very much underpins every aspect of what I try to do for the Mothers' Union - the strap-line in our logo being "Christian Care for Families", speaks to me very much about seeing everyone as part of the Christian family of Christ; who is my neighbour, who is my brother or sister when all are one body of Christ! We love one another and care for one another, as God loves and cares for each of us.
Contact Revd Penny Littlewood
Union Membership and Links
If you'd like to join us (and with over 4 million members worldwide, you'll be in good company!)
We pay membership subscriptions to support our local and international charitable work, as well as fundraising. Our annual subscription for 2021 is £30.00 for branch members, £20.00 for indoor members, and £30 for diocesan members - enquire to see which option would be most suitable for you - 01432 373306 or via the Mother's Union email Download a Membership Form here.