Today is ‘Mothering Sunday’ or ‘Mothers’ Day’. It’s a day when we remember and give thanks for our mums. It’s also a day to give thanks for our ‘mother church’. That’s both our church here at St Peter’s and our cathedral in Norwich. It’s also a time when we remember that God is like a mother to us - loving and caring for us always and forever.

I wonder how many of you would describe your mothers as stars? How many of you have had a person in your life who has been like a mother to you and made a significant difference?

I’m sure there are lots of ‘star mums’ out there, changing lives, making the difference.

There are lots of ‘star mums’ in the Bible too. I thought we’d have a quiz this morning and see if we can name some ‘star mums’ in the Bible. Here goes… I’ll give you a clue, you give me the answer.

* This mum was the very first mum of all. It’s a hard job doing things for the first time, so she didn’t always get things right. (Eve)

* This mum left her home when she was very old and travelled with her husband Abraham to a new place. She found out she was pregnant when she was about 80 years old and she was so surprised she laughed. (Sarah)

* This person was the mum of John the Baptist. (Elizabeth)

* This mum in the Old Testament was the mother-in-law of Ruth. Her name begins with N. (Naomi)

* This mum wanted a baby so badly she prayed and prayed to God, and when she had a son, she called him Samuel and gave him back to God and he was brought up in the Temple. (Hannah)

* This person was the mum of Joseph and Benjamin in the Old Testament. She was very beautiful and she and her sister Leah were both married to Jacob. (Rachel)

* This mum was a judge. She ruled over all the land and she was called the mother of Israel. Her name begins with D. (Deborah)

* This is an easy one. This mum had a baby at Christmas. (Mary)We’ve named lots of ‘star mums’. Some old, some young. Some had lots of children, some had a few. None of them were perfect, but they were all loved by their families and by God. They were all faithful to God and supported their families as they learned about faith and God’s love, even in dangerous and difficult times. Mums teach by example and one of the greatest lessons these mums taught their children was how to love and serve God.

We’ve got some ‘star mums’ here in church, but when you all come to the altar for Communion or a blessing a little later, I ask you to write the name of your mum or someone who has acted like a mum to you, on the cut-out star you were given when you arrived in church today. Bring it forward and place it on the altar. If you are unable to come to the service, perhaps make a star at home.

Today we celebrate mums everywhere, our mother church and God, who is both father and mother to us all.

Let us pray:

Thank you God, for our ‘star mums’ and for those who have acted as such to us all.

For all the love and care they’ve given to us over the years.

Keep each of us faithful to Jesus and help us to grow more and more into your family.

In the name of Jesus and all those who have cared for us during our lives and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray.

Amen.

With every blessing,Christian