Challenge your self to fill in Abraham's family tree
What is Mothering Sunday?
It started in 16th century when on the 4th Sunday of Lent, people were encouraged to visit their "mother church" - the main church or cathedral in their area. Then it developed into a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their home church and family.
After losing some popularity it was restored by Constance Penswick-Smith in the early 20th century, with emphasis on mothers and mother church.
In the USA Anna Jarvis set up Mother's Day in 1908 - a seperate event just about Mothers rather than church! This has become mixed with Mothering Sunday, and somewhat commercialised! Interestingly, Anna Jarvis herself was the first person to condemn the growing commercialisation of Mother's Day, and started organising boycotts of the event she herself created. She was particularly appalled by ready-made Mother's Day cards, saying "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world." Buying chocolates was a no-no as well. "You take a box to Mother," she scoffed, "and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!"
Click below for a sheet to help you think about what you love about your Mum...and other strong, lovely ladies in your life!
You might have bought daffodils for your special lady, but you could make one too!
Click the pictures below for instructions
Today we celebrate our own Mothers, sometimes think about the mother's in the BIble, and are grateful for all the strong nurturing women in our lives (and the fathers who 'mother us' too!).
It can be a hard day for people who have lost their mothers, or their children, or are unable to be mothers, or where family relationships are not good.
As we thank God for all that is good, we remember and pray for all those who are in pain.
Thankfully God is the BEST parent there could ever be - and He is there for ALL of us, caring for us as Mother & Father.