Mothers' Union Radio Take Over

By Revd Peter Dyke

Yes, it is true! In June Mothers’ Union took over our local Christian radio station 105.1 Life FM, based in Bendigo. It was all part of our 150th Birthday celebrations and an opportunity to promote Mothers’ Union to our city. 105.1 Life FM is primarily a music station that brings the good news of the Christian faith to both encourage believers and challenge listeners. The station characterises itself with the phrase ‘Bendigo’s positive choice’. The station is faith based and entirely listener supported. Further information can be found at www.life1051.org.au. Our Chaplain, Revd Hannah, gathered responses from a survey using questions including ‘What does your branch do to tackle injustice and help others?’ Hannah used these responses to promote Mothers’ Union and its Bendigo branches. Additionally, Hannah interviewed members who described how they joined and why they stayed as members. Hannah even invited us to play air-guitar as she introduced the music!

Our Treasurer, Peter, prepared nine conversations called ‘Grandparenting Matters’ based on a bible study booklet Grandparenting – Loving Your Children’s Children by Phyllis and Andrew Le Peau, a LifeGuide Bible Study published by InterVarsity Press. In recent years Mothers’ Union Bendigo has been focussed on supporting grandmothers in their ministry to their adult children, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Practical topics such as praying for our grandchildren, favouritism and forgiveness were discussed. Working with Peter were Jennifer, our Diocesan President and Sarah. The nine sessions were broadcast once in the morning and again in the evening. Our thanks to Jennifer for thoughtfully witnessing to her faith as a grandparent in both the responses and discussions. Huge thanks to Katie, Alida and Ray for welcoming us to the radio station and for sewing together the many recorded segments into the rich tapestry that was Mothers’ Union take-over day.