For the first time in Canada a new parenting course has been piloted by the World-Wide Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of New Westminster. It is entitled Building Healthy Families.

A group of eight Canadian Mothers’ Union members took the Facilitators’ Workshop lasting four full days following the National Conference in New Brunswick in May. It was led by Sheran Harper an authorized MU trainer from the central office in London, England. As part of their training the facilitators agreed to offer a course from their own home church within six months of taking the workshop.

Celia Dodds, the incoming Canadian President of the Mothers’ Union, who takes office in January 2009, conducted her first course at St. James’ Church, Vancouver, during the month of October. The course, which is free, consists of five sessions, one per week, and deals with the emotional needs of every child, building self-esteem, establishing a loving discipline and safety issues children encounter during their school years.

Linda Adams, Julie Paquette and son Jacob, and Mike Dezell at the Mothers’ Union parenting course at St. James’ Vancouver

The course was advertised at the church, the local school, community centre and library, women’s and children’s centres and daycare facilities.

Taking the first course were the following people from St. James’ and the community: Linda Adams, Mike Blenkhorn, Michael Dezell, Peter Fong, Lorraine Holubowich, Anne Kennedy, Joyce Locht, the Rev. Charles Nixon, Hannah Rowe and Julie Paquette.

Any church interested in hosting this parenting course should contact the Synod Office or Celia Dodds at cmdodds@shaw.ca for a brochure.