Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate both the Church as the mothering outreach of God to his people, and the women of our congregation who - whether actual mothers or not - have nurtured and cared for our church family.

We are very aware that this day is not pleasurable for everyone, especially for those whose experience of family has not echoed the love God shows to us, and for those who have experienced loss of child or mother. This was reflected in our prayers, as we asked the Lord to bless all our women.

Gift bags, containing spring flowers, a card, a bookmark and flower seeds, were distributed by the children, taking care to make sure that every lady got one. They also held a small bag of sweets, with a card attached inviting the eaters to pray a 'skittles prayer' according to the colour of the sweet they chose. It was a real day of celebration: and we will be looking forward to celebrating our men later in the year!