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| Her Excellency, Rev. Mth. Rhona Lancaster, Mother
Superior |
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Mothers Union
The Mothers Union Court is the Women Ministry Arm of The West Indian
United Spiritual Baptist Sacred Order Inc.
Head Quarters
Mt.Paran S.B.Church, Pond Street, La Romaine.Trinidad.W.I.
Aims and
Objectives
[a] To
organize and establish whenever necessary throughout the West Indies ,
branches of The Mothers Union ,for the furthering of Religious , Cultural,
Educational and Social development of its members.
[b] To
examine, initiate and promote members and other officers into the duties and
other administrational Principles of the Mothers Union.
[c] To
do such other lawful and religious acts as to develop further the spiritual
and educational knowledge of the Union members.
[d]
To assist The Ministers in administration wherever and whenever
possible.
CONSTITUTION
The Mothers
Union Court Constitution was duly passed by the then Executive Board of the
W.I.U.S.B.S.O.Inc. on the 26th day of February , in the year of
Our Lord, One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-four [1974] .Present were
the then-
His Grace The
Archbishop the Rt.Rev. Harvey Glaud. His Lordship the
Bishop TheRt. Rev. Ivan Lancaster. The Dean the Rt.Rev. Felix. AJ. Absalom.
Rev.Canon Lloyd Glaud.
Rev.David
Cox. Rev.Canon Sylvester Botas Rev.Canon Lionel P.J.Peters.
GOVERNANCE
The Delegate
Board
The full
authority governing the Mothers Union is a Delegate Board of three[3]
Officers, namely two[2] Mother Superiors and Chairperson. Presently,
Her Excellency, Rev. Mth. Rhona
Lancaster, Mother Superior.
Chairperson
Rev. Mth. Lena Hope.
The Executive
Committee.
The Executive
Committee is comprised of Ordained mothers, including two [2] Ex-Officio
members with a quorum of five [5]. Meetings are held every second [2nd]
Saturday of each month.
The Executives
are to draft matters and put to the Central Executive Committee for
discussion.
The Central
Committee.
The Central
Committee comprises of the entire membership. Meetings are held every 4th
Saturday of each month at Headquarters and is responsible for the entire
working and upkeep of the Mothers Union Court.
Dean Rev.Mth. Bernice Thomas.
Area Superintendant [North] Rev.Mth. Ann Marie Kerr.
Area Superintendant [North/East] Rev.Mth. Angela Patrick.
Area Superintendant [Central] Rev.Mth. Magine Browne.
Area Superintendant [South] Rev.Mth. Adella Dickerson.
Area Superintendant [South/East] Rev.Mth. Monica George.
FUNDING
The work of the
Mothers Union Court is basically financed by the memberships contribution
which is paid every month. A percentage of which goes into a sick fund.
These quantum are determined from time to time .
Donation from
individuals and corporate citizens are welcomed.
COVENANT
Having been
led, as we believe by The Spirit if GOD to receive The Lord JESUS CHRIST as
Our Saviour and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the
name of The FATHER, and of The SON, and of The Holy Spirit, we faithfully
vow to be pious mothers and sisters in the presence of GOD and the assembly.
We most solemnly and joyfully enter into Covenant with each other. We
agree therefore by the aid of the Holy Spirit to work together in Christian
Love to strive for the advancement of this Court in knowledge, holiness and
comfort to promote its prosperity and support of the Mothers Union Court
and to assist the expenses of the Church, the poor and needy and to spread
the Gospel to all Nations.
We also
agree to maintain family and secret devotions and religiously educate our
children ,to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances, to walk
circumspect in the World , to be just in our dealings ,faithful in our
engagements, exemplary in our departments, to bridge our tongues, to avoid
all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger, to be zealous in our efforts
to advance this worthy work.
We further
agree to watch over each other in motherly love as Naomi did watch over
Ruth , as The Virgin Mary did over the Baby Jesus, to remember each other in
prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate Christian
sympathy in feelings ,in courtesy, and in speech, to be slow to take
offence but be always ready for reconciliation.
Let us be
mindful of these rules when we think of our Saviour, Our Lord Jesus Christ
to secure and practice them without delay.
We therefore
agree then, that when we remove from this place, we would always carry out
the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of GOD’S Eternal Word.
The
Principles of The Mothers Union Court
[1] For
one to be a member of the Mothers Union Court one must be recommended by The
Mother in charge or The Minister of The Church one attends. They will know
whether one is a fit and proper individual to be a member of the Court.
[2] One
can either be single or married .
[3] To be
a successful Mother of The Court depends on one’s personal attitude to other
members of The Court, one’s Spiritual Motivation and Dedication to The
Church, The Court and The Organization.
[4] One’s
Punctuality,Regularity and Participation at meetings and other functions of
The Court and most of all one’s personal relationship with GOD
should be at it’s highest level[DUET.11/13]
[5] One
must be committed,obedient,and faithful and also be able to discipline
oneself at all times.[e.g. Ruth & Naomi and their love and respect for
each other are some of the qualities one must portray.]
[6] The Elder
Mothers must set good examples so that the younger ones will follow.
[7] The
Rules of The Court must be adhered to at all times.
[8] As a
Mother one must be a role model in one’s deportment.
[9] One
must dress properly in The Mothers’ Union Court uniform at all times.
Rev.Mth.Superiors --- Cream & Brown or Grey Suits.
Rev,Mths.
---Cream Dresses or Cream Suits with Black Inner Shirts and Black Head Ties.
Deaconesses -----Blue Dresses with White Head Ties.
Sisters ---Pleated Blue Dresses with White Head ties
and white cord.
Footwear --Black shoes.
[10] One
must be able to follow and carry out instructions.
[11] The
Court stands for secrecy. One must learn to keep and be true to
one’s word or promise.
[12] The Bible
says that one must encourage one another daily, so none may be hardened by
sin and deceitfulness.[HEB.13/13]
[13] One
must have Truth,Love,Peace,Freedom,Justice,Joy and Unity of Heart.
The
Church was created to meet one’s five[5]deepest needs.
[1] A purpose
to live for. [2] A profession to live out. [3] A people to live with. [4]
Power to live on. [5] Principles
to live by.
[14] The
difference between being a Church attendee and a member of The Mothers
Union Court is “commitment”.
Attendees are
spectators from the sidelines , but members get involved in the ministry.
Attendees are
consumers , members are contributors.
Attendees
always want the benefit without sharing responsibility.
[15] It
is not enough to say Relationships are important. One must
prove it by investing time in them, because words alone are worthless.
[16] Worship
helps one focus on GOD. Fellowship helps one face life problems.
Discipleship helps one fortify one’s faith. Ministry helps one
find one’s talent. Evangelism helps one fulfill one’s mission.
[17] One
must always observe the motto of the Court. One must be one’s sister’s
keeper.
[18] In
the face of all aridity and disenchantment one must be able to persevere.
[19] The
best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The
best time for love is now.