RISE UP

Against Domestic Abuse

16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Abuse starts this month. 25th November is the international Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 days AND the GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION against Domestic Abuse.

Domestic Abuse takes many forms, it can be subtle and is nearly always hidden from view. Mothers’ Union believes that it should not remain hidden and that we speak up and

campaign against this, so that all can live in peace, in harmony with one another and in safety. This year Mothers’ Union have launched a new campaign: RISE UP against Domestic Abuse. It has the backing and support of The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell who was present at the launch. Churches are being encouraged to participate to work towards a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award in this area, by regularly praying for victims, survivors and perpetrators, for putting up help posters in all buildings, toilets etc and by supporting local

places of refuge and support. Watch out for purple and white doves, purple ribbons, and

posters. Visit the central Mothers’ Union website to find out more and download resources-

anyone can get involved! Click to visit the Mothers' Union Domestic Abuse Campaign. Watch out for more info!

A Prayer for RISE UP

God of justice, peace and compassion, Heavenly Father, Creator, and sustainer of all.

We thank you that you gave yourself, your own Son, to give every person the opportunity to

turn from darkness to the light of your presence and love.

We know that those who endure cruelty and abuse are precious in your sight, that no tear

falls without your knowledge and love, and we ask that they would know your presence,

strength, comfort and wisdom-even in their fear, confusion and pain.

We commit ourselves to RISE UP against domestic abuse in all its forms. We pray for your

compassion as we seek to RESPOND, for your wisdom as we seek to be better INFORMED,

for your gentleness as we try to SUPPORT, for your strength as we hope to EMPOWER, and

the mark of your Holy Spirit that UNITES us together to work and PRAY unceasingly, until

situations change, and freedom, life and love are restored to all. In your dear and powerful

name, we cry out to you. Amen

Prisons

Mothers’ Union cares for families in many different circumstances. Families who find

themselves with a family member or friend in prison can suffer being ostracised by

association. Visiting a friend or family member in prison can be daunting.

Supported by the Prison Chaplain, Mothers’ Union in the Bristol Diocese are involved in a

project to welcome visitors to HMP Ashfield on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We offer a

friendly face, a coffee, tea and biscuits and the opportunity to chat if required. Many visitors

have travelled long distances and are very grateful for our welcome.

In addition to welcoming , specially designed and made Easter cards and Christmas cards are

delivered to all prisoners at Ashfield, and a number of blank cards for prisoners to send out

are also included.

October 8 th -14 th is Prisons Week and we are asked to pray for Prison Chaplains, Educators in

prisons, family members of prisoners, and those who work in prisons and we ask for God’s

blessing on all Mothers’ Union prison initiatives, especially here at Ashfield. We pray for

men and women in prison and those in young offenders institutions. Help us to remember,

Loving Lord, that they are all your children and pray that they may be given opportunities

for rehabilitation and assistance to rebuild their lives.

Deuteronomy 31:8 ‘The Lord…will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not

be discouraged.’ May these words encourage all people who have faith and are in prison,

and may they have access to the word of God. Amen

Jacky Fredrickson MU Diocesan President Bristol

Wave Of Prayer

Hello! Our wave of prayer is coming up 7th-9th September. This is the special time in the year that we are prayed for across the world, and we have the opportunity to pray for our sisters and brothers in our link Dioceses across the world too.

You may plan to hold or attend a Wave of Prayer service in your own community, many thanks go to our prayer team, led by Linda Rawlings and Rev Sarah Wyman for preparing this thoughtful act of prayer and worship.

Now if you are not able to attend an in-person service, we are holding a virtual service on Zoom and the link is below. It is right in the middle of our wave of prayer days: Friday 8th September at 11am and everyone is very welcome to join us.

You should have already received the service sheet from either Linda or Sarah who sent these out some while ago. If you would like a copy please contact either of them, or me, and we will be happy to forward one to you. However, it is fine just to tag along without the service sheet if you want to.

I do hope that we get a good collection of people, it will be lovely to see you. The power of this wave of prayer is great as it travels around the world. MSH midday prayers will also be mentioning us through these days.

With my love and prayers

Jacky