Mothers' Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to support families worldwide.

In 81 countries, our members share one heartfelt vision - to bring about a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. This is not a vague hope, but a goal we actively pursue through prayer, programmes, policy work and community relationships. By supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, we tackle the most urgent needs challenging relationships and communities.

The organisation was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876 in the Church of England of Old Alresford near Winchester, where her husband was rector. She was inspired to start the movement after the birth of her first grandchild. Remembering her own difficulties when she was first a mother, Sumner wanted to bring mothers of all social classes together to provide support for one another and to be trained in motherhood, something which she saw as a vocation.

As the Mothers' Union expanded, Mary did not have the time to write back to all those members who sought her wise counsel. In response to this difficulty The Mothers' Union Journal was launched in 1888. This was to achieve a circulation of 100,000 by 1900. Now the journal is known as ‘Families First' .

Mary Sumner also felt that as it grew, Mothers' Union was in danger of losing the parochial feeling of friendship and support between members. So, from 1893 annual general meetings were held. Three years later the Central Council was set up with Mary being unanimously elected President. She remained actively involved until she died in 1921 .

Membership is for anyone who is baptised and wishes to support the Mothers'Union Vision, Purpose, Aims and Objectives. It is for both men and women, regardless of age or marital status.

St John's Mother's union was founded about 120 years ago and has been a vibrant and active part of the life and community of St Johns Church Carrington since its beginning. Along with the three million members of the world wide membership of the Mothers Union we support through prayer and finance, literacy and development programmes in many countries around the world.

We continue to be active in encouraging and supporting family life within the Nottingham and Southwell Diocese. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month [NO MEETINGS IN JANUARY OR AUGUST] at 2pm in St John's Carrington Church and Community Centre Mansfield Road ,coming together for prayer and worship, sharing information, learning from our speakers the work that is happening locally, in the deanery, diocese and the worldwide fellowship. Everyone is welcome, whatever age, male and female to support all aspects of caring for families and family life throughout the world