This summer we give thanks to God for the gift of life and for our loving and compassionate families and friends.

We owe our unique role for women within the Church to our founder Mary Sumner. This year we celebrate 145 years of Mothers' Union and pay tribute to Mary Sumner on the 100th anniversary of her death for all she achieved in life, empowering women and mothers worldwide, and establishing the home as a place of religious education and growth.

In June or July, please join us in gathering your loved ones around you and host a safe and socially distanced Cream Tea, to help raise funds for women around the world.

If you'd like to support in another way, why not take part in our 5km MU on the Move Challenge? You can walk or run a distance of 5km on a June or July day of your choice, and invite friends and family to sponsor you. Feel free to spread the distance over a number of days if you prefer and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer that way.

Come together to support women's empowerment worldwide with a Cream Tea or by joining MU on the Move this summer.

However we all choose to connect and take part, we welcome God into our hearts and give thanks for his loving kindness.

Let us wish one another a bright Summer of Hope.

Sheran Harper

Worldwide President, Mothers' Union

P.S. You can find Summer of Hope fundraising information and resources on our website, by visiting www.summerofhope.org