The Vicar's Letter - 15/03/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Mothering Sunday is the one day of the year when we intentionally acknowledge and celebrate all who have provided, and continue to provide, motherly care. It is also a day when we are invited to be gracious and acknowledge that for some, the term ‘mother’ is incredibly difficult, because as we celebrate and share gifts, others might be grieving. Loss and bereavement can be entwined with this day. Mary understood the pain of motherhood as she watched her son die a painful death on the cross. St. John writes (John 19:26-27) When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. The interaction in this passage reminds us that on Mothering Sunday, we celebrate ‘family life’ and motherhood in all their forms. And as we recognise those who give of themselves to care for us, or others, we also thank and support them. Let us use this special day to thank God for Mothers whether they are our mothers, whether it is Mary the mother of Jesus, whether it is the church. Whoever they are, we thank God for the many ways in which we have been supported, valued, and received love and comfort.

Rev Jairo Nyaongo