Mothering Sunday

Details below are for 2008 - now past.

In 2009 Mothering Sunday will be 22 March. Details to follow nearer the time.

Sunday 2 March 2008
10.30 am All Age Service

Guest preacher: Rev Paul Mortimore

Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day?

The British Mothering Sunday and the American Mother's Day, besides having different dates, have very different origins.

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Lent (three weeks before Easter), which is why its date moves from year to year. Centuries ago it was the day that people would go back to visit their home or mother church. Normally you went to the nearest parish church. Naturally this became a time for family reunions.

As children walked along, they would pick flowers to give to their mothers.

In Victorian times, domestic servant girls were given a holiday on Mothering Sunday allowing them to join their families.

Giving thanks for your mother is both good and important. In the Bible, the fifth commandment is:

The Bible

Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you.

The Bible, Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV)

updated 25 March 2008