Faith, caring and hope for the next generation

The Grandparents Union is a new Anglican group within and around the Diocese of the Murray, bringing together older and retired people who believe that growing older is not the end of our contribution, it can be the beginning of a new and valuable season of service.

We recognise that grandparents and older people have something precious to offer younger generations: time, wisdom, experience, encouragement, practical skills and prayer. Our lives have been shaped by decades of work, family, community, faith and life experience, and we want to share those gifts generously with those coming after us in a way that works for them.

The Grandparents Union seeks to create opportunities for older people to support children, young adults, families and emerging community leaders in practical and meaningful ways.

At the heart of the Grandparents Union is a simple Christian conviction: every generation matters, and every generation has something to give. Scripture reminds us of the importance of passing faith and wisdom from one generation to another. We want to help make that intergenerational connection stronger across the Diocese of the Murray.

We are not simply a group for older people. We are a group of older people seeking to be for the generations who follow us.

Together, we hope to build bridges between generations, strengthen families and communities, encourage younger people in their journey of faith and life, and demonstrate the love of Christ through practical service.

The Grandparents Union is an invitation to ask a different question of retirement: “What can I now give?”

There is still much to do, much to share, and much to give—and together, we can make a difference in the lives of younger generations across the Diocese of the Murray.

Pray. Talk. Act. - Join the Grandparents Union

What can we, as older Christians, do to make a difference for the generations coming after us?

The Grandparents Union believes that our years of experience, faith, skills and wisdom are not simply things to look back on—they are gifts we can use now to encourage and support younger generations.

But where do we begin?

PRAY

Reflecting on what God wants us to do as Christians when we see these issues.

Loving and Gracious God,

We know that you care for all young people.

Guide them to springs of living water, we pray

and shepherd them away from harm

that they may have abundant lives

and live to your glory to the ages of ages.

Amen

TALK

We want to hear from you.

Join us for an online Grandparents Union conversation, where we can come together, share our experiences, listen to one another and explore the issues affecting younger generations in and around the Diocese of the Murray.

We don't have all the answers. You simply need to bring your thoughts, your experience and your willingness to listen.

ACT

Reflecting and talking are important—but together, we can turn ideas into plans and actions.

Perhaps you have a skill to share, time to give, a young person you could encourage, a family you could support, or an idea that could strengthen your local community or church.

Let's discover what we can do together.

Join the conversation

Come to our online meeting and be part of shaping the Grandparents Union.

Let's think about the challenges, talk about the possibilities, and act together to make a positive difference in the lives of younger generations.

Your experience matters. Your voice matters. And there is still much you can do.

Pray. Talk. Act. Join us.

From Parents to Grandparents - Continuing a Movement of Faith and Service

For generations, the Anglican Church has recognised that strong families are vital to strong communities and that supporting parents is an important part of Christian ministry.

The Mothers’ Union, founded in England in 1876, grew from a desire to strengthen marriage and family life and to equip parents to build loving, faithful homes. What began as a small local movement became an international Anglican organisation, with generations of women—and later men—working together in prayer, practical service, family support and community outreach.

Over time, this vision developed in different places and in different ways, including movements focused on parents, families and the responsibilities of raising the next generation. The underlying principle remained the same: faith is not simply something we believe; it is something we live out in our families and communities and pass on to those who follow us.

A new generation of grandparents

Today, the circumstances facing families have changed. Yet the need for wisdom, encouragement, practical support and Christian witness remains.

In fact, a new opportunity has emerged.

There are now many older and retired people who have accumulated decades of experience in family life, work, community service, professional skills and Christian faith. They have time, knowledge and a desire to contribute—but we need to find new ways of connecting those gifts with the needs of younger generations.

This is where the Grandparents Union comes in.

We see the Grandparents Union as an evolution of that long tradition of Anglican family ministry.

The Parents’ and Mothers’ Union movements have asked important questions about how we can support parents and strengthen families. The Grandparents Union takes that conversation into the next stage:

If we have spent our lives raising families, building communities and learning from experience, how can we now use those gifts to help the generations that follow us?

Grandparents are uniquely placed to build bridges between generations. We can offer a listening ear without being a parent. We can share experience without having to have all the answers. We can encourage young people, support families, mentor, volunteer, pray and simply be present.

This is not about telling younger generations how they should live.

It is about walking alongside them.

Pray. Talk. Act.

The Grandparents Union wants to create a space where older people can think about the challenges facing younger generations, talk openly about what we can contribute, and act together to make a difference.

We want to ask:

What challenges are young people and families facing today?

What can our churches and communities do to help?

What gifts, skills and experience do we have that could be shared?

Where is God calling us to serve?

And most importantly:

What can we actually do?

Join the conversation

The Grandparents Union is beginning with a conversation—and we would love you to be part of it.

Join our online meeting to explore the history behind this movement, discuss the challenges facing younger generations today, and discover how older and retired people across the Diocese of the Murray might respond.

You don't need a position, a title or a special qualification.

Bring your experience. Bring your ideas. Bring your faith. Bring your willingness to listen.

Together, let's continue the work begun by generations before us.