Monday 18 November 2013

WONDERFUL SINGING FILLED THE BARN – OUR NEW FYNBOS VENUE.


A few weeks ago 100 (mostly) women sang their hearts out in thanksgiving for the year and their mission as members of the Anglican organisation MOTHERS UNION.  This was followed by picnicking on the newly grown lawns.  In the process our new venue was thoroughly and wonderfully blessed, and we could revel in their use of the space in just the way we envisaged.




MOTHERS UNION 
Mothers Union is a part of the Anglican Diocese of Saldanha-bay (which operates over both the Western and Northern Cape). It is a most amazing and inspiring organisation which helps protect and care for the most vulnerable in the community; children, women, the elderly and sick, as well advocating human rights and social justice.  What was so striking to us was how poor many members themselves are, and we learnt that people give whatever they can - whether some of their time or a bunch of home-grown vegetables.  

* To learn more about this amazing organisation, see the information at the bottom of this blog, or contact Maria van Staden at musaldanhabay@gmail.com

Comment
Thank you so much for the wonderful day we had. It is such a beautiful place and our members were so excited about coming and everyone enjoyed it so much. The old people were especially happy and felt very comfortable. We will definitely come back 


OUR NEW VENUE

Before and during the construction phase.

The finished venue, ready for functions.

After many months of building and landscaping, we at last finished our second venue, which we have called THE BARN.   This has the indoor space of the one half of the cellar, (sometimes used as a chapel) as well as gardens, a courtyard, a kitchen and a bathroom with toilets and showers. 

The idea behind THE BARN is to make the farm available to self catering groups wanting a celebration, spiritual event, workshop or conference. We provide the beautiful space and amenities and the group provides catering. This keeps costs affordable for everyone.



* MORE INFORMATION ON MOTHERS' UNION

asked Maria about MOTHERS UNION and  this is what she sent us:


The membership and the leadership of the Mothers’ Union are all volunteers who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and support the mission of the Mothers’ Union


Vision. Aim and Mission of the Mothers’ Union 

: Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships and our Aim & Purpose is to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.


Mission (objectives):
To promote and support married life
To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children
To help those whose family life has met with adversity

Geographical Information 
The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Saldanha-bay Bay operates from the urban belt of Maitland and Bellville, Paarl, West Coast to the most remote areas in the South Namaqualand.  The Diocese serves communities in two Provinces of South Africa namely the Western Cape and the Northern Cape.
Six Archdeaconries holds the Diocese together: from the fertile fields of Malmesbury and the West Coast, to the vineyards of Paarl. From the urban belt of Bellville and Maitland, the Diocese makes its way along South Africa’s West coast where fishing (and mining) are primary industries. The Diocese reaches into the semi-desert vastness of Namaqualand North and South where it blooms and blossoms with the daisies characteristic of this region.

Programmes offered by the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Saldanha-bay Bay:

Child Protection programme 
Members of the Mothers’ Union opened their homes as safe houses in the community
Provide training on Child abuse awareness and Child Safety
Support community initiatives that address child abuse and child safety
Members are involved in community projects that address the needs of vulnerable children.
Adopt -a-child project - Branches adopted children in need and supported families with school uniforms, school fees and stationery
Children Fun day

• Care to the Elderly and  sick 
Members of the local branches visit the elderly in the communities and in the old age homes.
They provide support to the members that are unable to participate in the Mothers’ Union programme. These members are called indoor members.

Providing support and assistance to families in need through our community outreach and generosity initiative 
Provide food donations to other organisations that care for the persons with disabilities, the elderly and families
During winter more than 5000 persons per week from several parishes and service points are fed through our soup kitchen programme. We are supported by our Link Diocese of Chester

Advocate for human rights and social justice
Training and Awareness campaigns on violence against women and children, food security, children’s rights and gender equality
Observance of days of prayers and fasting.


For information: contact Maria van Staden at musaldanhabay@gmail.com


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