Minster Lifeline 6/2025

This week Revd. Irene writes:

What have I missed most, not being in the Minster for the last couple of months? Of course, the people but also the reminders of Jesus through our Girls’ Brigade Artwork.

I popped into the Minster a few days ago to meet for a funeral visit and this colourful notice stopped me in my steps.

‘Jesus colours our lives when we invite Him into our hearts’

Isn’t that a brilliant message to be sending out to everyone who visits the Minster. During these drab February days when we have seen very little colour this board just spoke to me.

As we move closer to spring and the flowers awaken once again, we see the colours of creation emerging, snowdrops, daffodils, aconites and many more and so it is with Jesus when we make Him part of our lives the colours will awaken in us and bring us the joy, love and support to all that we do.

Remember those popular words:

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colours; he made their tiny wings.
Thank you to the Girls’ Brigade and all your leaders for bringing a sparkle of colour into my life on what was a cold dreary day.

 BREAKFAST CHURCH SERVICE

It is with great sadness that I must announce that we will no longer be serving tea and toast before the Breakfast Church service. This is due to safety, security, and safeguarding reasons. I appreciate how disappointing this news will be for many of us. Having tea and toast together is a key part of us being community together. It is wonderful to be able to eat and drink and catch up together before worship. However, as I’m sure you will all understand, safety for everybody needs to be our priority.

The vision for Breakfast Church, as with all our services, is not only to worship, but also to grow as a community of disciples of Christ. In the coming weeks therefore, I will be thinking with other Breakfast Church leaders about how we can do community together as Breakfast Church in a different way. If you have any ideas, please do feel free to share them with us.

In the short-term, however, in keeping with new safety and security measures in place at Breakfast Church, I must advise that:

• Access to the church building for those with responsibilities within the service can be found via the Vicar’s Vestry doors from 8.30-9am.

• Access to the church for those coming to worship is via the main West Doors from 9.10am

 A warm welcome will be awaiting you at the doors!

 There may also be some among us for whom God has put it on our hearts to serve those within the homeless community on Sunday mornings. If you would like to take this forward with a team of others, particularly if you have skills, experience, and expertise in this area, it would be wonderful to hear from you.

Grace and peace, Rob

IT BRINGS A SMILE TO YOUR FACE!!

 Our Verger Jon has started knitting his Holy Trinity 600 angel.   He has never ever knitted. and is having to knit right-handed as there were no lefties to teach him!! 

AN UPDATE!

There are now 153 angels at church, thank you to all the contributors including from Beverley and Morpeth!  Our dear verger is working on his, first fourteen rows completed!  But don’t wait for him, please drop off as many as you can into church, there is a box at the shop ready to take them!   Gill

                             World Day of Prayer: Friday 7th March 2.00pm.

                             At Holderness Road Methodist Church (opp. Boyes)

                             Prayers this year for the Cook Islands.

                             All welcome. 

LOWGATE

As part of its highway’s capital programme the council is proposing to make a series of changes to improve road safety in the Lowgate area of the city centre and has launched a six-week engagement exercise to seek feedback.

These changes include -

• plans to widen the footway outside of O’Leary’s public house at Lowgate/Scale Lane to reduce the width of carriageway to be crossed and create a lay-by for the taxi rank

• provide a new signalised crossing facility at Silver Street / Scale Lane

• plans to widen the footpath at various locations on Market Place and Lowgate

• plans to make the Wider Old Town area, a 20mph zone with upgraded variable message signs installed

In addition to the preventative measures, above, the option that the existing Wilberforce Drive zebra crossing is removed and replaced with a signalised pedestrian crossing on Wilberforce Drive adjacent to Guildhall Road is to be considered. The alternative option would be to leave the existing zebra crossing in its current location.

Securing feedback on the designs for these schemes is an important milestone and will help the council finalise the necessary documents required for the projects to go out for tender.

A contractor will then be appointed to deliver the scheme, which is anticipated to start on site in summer 2025.   Dominic

TOWER TOURS

Our internationally renowned tower tours will be starting again on Wednesday 5th March.   They are now available to book online on Hull Minster website Wednesday- Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
We start with a brief history of the church and tower, take 83 steps up to the ringing chamber where you learn about our massive collection of bells, climb another 87 steps to the tower roof where you learn a brief history of the surrounding area and a chance to post your postcard in Hull’s highest post box which will be franked ‘posted from the top of Hull Minster tower’.  We then descend the steps to the clock room to see the workings of the clock strike three.   We then have a chance to step out onto the flat roof of the Chancel, then back down to terra ferma.  The tour takes about 1 hour and 20-30 minutes so please keep this in mind when parking is involved.   
We look forward to guiding you through this magnificent journey in our 600th year.   
Last year we welcomed guests from all over the world and are very much looking forward to doing it again this year.

COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Almighty God, give us reverence for all creation and respect for every person, that we may mirror your likeness in Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

 READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Psalm 65

Revelation 4

Luke 8:22-25

PRAYERS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

·         For good health and healing for all those who are struggling.

·         For peace in areas of conflict around the world, especially the Middle East and Ukraine.

·         For honesty and transparency in international talks.

·         Pray especially for all those children in Ukraine and the Middle East who are going through horrendous suffering.

·         For those in need at this time, that people will respond to meet those in difficult circumstances.

·         For all those suffering injustices, that they may receive freedom from the burden and suffering that they have undergone.

·         For all those who come into the Minster seeking help, that God will meet them in their needs.

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

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Minster Lifeline 5/2025

This week Revd. Dominic writes:

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

In today's Epistle reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul reminds the church in Corinth of the central message of the Christian faith: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He writes, "I passed on to you as of first importance what I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

This passage is a powerful declaration of the heart of the gospel. Paul emphasizes the foundational truth of our faith — Christ’s sacrificial death for our sins and His glorious resurrection. This is not just a historical event, but the very core of the Christian hope: that through Christ’s resurrection, we too are granted new life.

Paul’s words are also a call to remember the grace of God at work in each of us. He acknowledges that he, as an apostle, is "the least of the apostles" (verse 9), unworthy of the title because of his past, yet he proclaims that it is only by the grace of God that he is who he is, and it is by that grace that he labours for the gospel.

As we reflect on this passage, let us be reminded of the profound mystery of God’s grace. It is grace that saves us, transforms us, and calls us into new life. The resurrection of Jesus is the assurance that we too, despite our weaknesses, can be made new in Him.

In these weeks before Lent, may we take time to reflect on the grace of God in our lives and prepare our hearts for the season of penitence and renewal.

News and updates:

Thursday 13th February - 7pm Trinity Room: Hull & District Theological Society: Dr Louise Hampson - Why bother with old buildings? 

If the Christian church is all about the people, why do we bother to maintain ancient buildings as places of worship and what might Scripture have to say? Dr Louise Hampson is Deputy Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, York University. 

Tuesday 18th February 7pm - PCC

Ash Wednesday - 5th March. Holy Communion with ashes, 12:30pm and 7:30pm

Sunday 9th March 2:00 p.m. - Sailors Service

Monday 10th March - Ramadan Iftar Meal with the Hull Dialogue Society. 5.30pm. If you would like to take part, please sign up via Churchsuite.

Wednesday 12th March - Lent Course begins, Our Baptismal Promises - 7.30pm

Easter 2025

Looking ahead to Holy Week we have a Passion Play on Good Friday morning 10a.m. – 12 noon, if you would like to be part of this, please contact Jon Major. Also Bishop Eleanor is joining us for the Easter Vigil where she will be baptising and Confirming on Saturday 19th April. 

GIRLS BRIGADE

The group will be holding their Valentine Party this Tuesday 11th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  There will be games, crafts and lots of fun.  Bring a friend.

GRIEF AWARENESS CAFÉ

Rev. Irene is looking forward  to hosting the Grief Café on Wednesday 12th February at 10.30 a.m. – 12 noon. 

MINSTER PRAISE

We are delighted to say that this service will be resuming on the new day of the week, Wednesday 19th February at 10:30. It is a time of worship followed by coffee and cake and fellowship together.

If you haven’t been in the past do come along you will be made very welcome.

Rev. Irene

LAST WEEK’S JUNIOR CHURCH

In Junior Church the children built the story of Jesus calling Peter by filling his boat full of fish. Some children built the Sea of Galilee on Minecraft and sailed their own fishing boats. Some built Jesus preaching to the crowds on the beach from Peter's boat.

#Trinity600

Heritage Project Manager: Following the successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Trinity600 celebrations we will shortly be interviewing for a two day a week Heritage Project Manager. We have some excellent candidates so please pray for the panel to make the right decision.

ANGELS!

As of Saturday morning, there were 75 angels in church, none of them made by our dear verger, please keep them coming! Gill

TOWER TOURS

Our internationally renowned tower tours will be starting again on Wednesday 5th March.   They are now available to book online on Hull Minster website Wednesday- Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
We start with a brief history of the church and tower, take 83 steps up to the ringing chamber where you learn about our massive collection of bells, climb another 87 steps to the tower roof where you learn a brief history of the surrounding area and a chance to post your postcard in Hull’s highest post box which will be franked ‘posted from the top of Hull Minster tower’.  We then descend the steps to the clock room to see the workings of the clock strike three.   We then have a chance to step out onto the flat roof of the Chancel, then back down to terra ferma.  The tour takes about 1 hour and 20-30 minutes so please keep this in mind when parking is involved.   
We look forward to guiding you through this magnificent journey in our 600th year.   
Last year we welcomed guests from all over the world and are very much looking forward to doing it again this year.

COLLECT FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Eternal God, whose Son went among the crowds and brought healing with his touch;

help us to show his love, in your church as we gather together,

and by our lives as they are transformed into the image of Christ our Lord. AMEN

READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT 

Psalm 1

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Luke 6:17-26

PRAYERS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

• For the Minster: That we may be ever faithful in proclaiming the gospel of Christ’s resurrection and live as witnesses to His transforming grace.

• For the World: In uncertain times for peace and stability.

• For our City: That the light of Christ may shine through us to those around us, especially those in need, and that we might bring hope to those who feel lost or forgotten.

• For those who suffer: For those struggling with illness, grief, or hardship, that they may know the comfort and healing power of God’s presence.

• For our Diocese: For Archbishop Stephen and Bishop Eleanor and all church leaders, that they may guide the people of God with humility, compassion, and a deep trust in God’s provision.

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

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Minster Lifeline 4/2025

This week Revd. Rob writes:

This week Revd. Rob writes:

‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate?

‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. (Mark 15.2)

After weeks of preparation (most of which needed to be kept entirely under wraps), the late Lord Prescott was commended to God’s love at Hull Minster.

We give thanks to God for Lord Prescott’s life of passionate and energetic public service, and we keep his family in our prayers. We must also thank the volunteers and staff at Hull Minster who worked so hard and well to enable a funeral of this extraordinary nature to run so well and smoothly. A particular mention should be given to the Choral Hull Children’s Choir who sung so beautifully during the service, and of course to our Vicar Dominic Black, who led the service in front of BBC cameras as well as in the presence of current and former cabinet and prime ministers. This cannot have been easy!

Many tributes have been paid to Lord Prescott over the past week. The tributes from the funeral service itself can be found on BBC iPlayer if we want to find out more about the life of this remarkable and extraordinary man, and articles about his life can be found a plenty on the news pages of the internet.

The funeral service is a time when we give thanks for and remember a person’s life. It is also the place where we can commend them to God’s love, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead.

As the late Lord Prescott was commended to God’s love, in the presence of many other current and former public servants, who work or have worked so tirelessly in the cause of the common good, I am reminded of Jesus, who in his final days on earth, himself stood before the rulers and authorities of his day. The funeral service points us to Jesus, who stands before not only the rulers and the authorities but also the rich and the poor, the sick, the distressed, the oppressed, the marginalised, the homeless, you and me. I am reminded that Jesus asks us all the same question: who am I? And what does that mean?

 It is a question that transcends life and death. But it is also a question that gives us hope. For people of faith in Christ, Jesus is ‘the King of the Jews’, or in other words, he is Lord of all. He is the ultimate ruler and authority to which we will all submit. But this King is the embodiment of selfless, self-giving and gracious love, and perfect justice. Good public service derives itself from this character and these values, and because of Jesus, there is hope that these values can continue to underpin our society. So, we give thanks to God for great public servants, like the Late Lord Prescott. But we also give thanks for the God to whom all good public service points.      

THE FUNERAL OF LORD JOHN PRESCOTT

It was a great honour to host the Funeral of Lord John Prescott at Hull Minster last Thursday. It was his wish that his funeral be held in the city that he served for so many years as MP. Amongst the congregation included the Prime Minister, most of the current cabinet and those who had served with John in the 1997 Labour Government including two former PMs Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Fittingly also amongst the congregation were many down to earth Hull folk that John had worked with over the years. There was great mirth from the Prime Minister when we told him that he would be led to the lectern by our very own Jon Major!

Children, who are part of the Choral Hull programme from primary schools from across the city sang beautifully including a setting of Howard Goodall’s ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’. To which the composer sent a well-done message. (See below)

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard. Hull Minster at its best, we did the City proud.  Dominic 

“BRAVA to Choral-Hull’s Children’s choir for their heartfelt, confident performance of  THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD at the memorial service for John Prescott at Hull Minster yesterday.  Honoured that it was chosen and very touched by the dedication of the young singers.” Howard Goodall

+The Speaker Arriving

Jon Major writes:

After six weeks of planning, Hull Minster played host to many politicians for the funeral of Lord John Prescott.

Under incredibly high security the Minster was home to the House of Commons and House of Lords for a few hours.

Guests included Lord Reid, who represented HM King Charles III, speaker of the House of Commons, Prime Minister, two former Prime Ministers, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Defence Secretary, plus many more politicians, both past and present.

Hull and East Yorkshire was represented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor, three local MP’s and many councillors.

An officer from the Metropolitan police said the last time this occurred in Hull was in 1540 when King Henry VIII brought his entourage, it was also the highest security event outside of London in 20 years.

The best conversation I had on the day was with the Prime Minister when he said, ‘all these Labour politicians in one building and we are being directed and told when to speak by Jon Major, you couldn’t write it’.    

The service went incredibly well and was conducted by Rev. Canon Dr Dominic Black, music was by Choral Hull Schools project conducted by Mark Keith.

A special thanks must go to our incredible bell ringers, who often go unnoticed.  They rang from 10:30 when guests started arriving up until the coffin entered the church at midday.   After the service, the half-muffled tenor bell was tolled until the hearse left the square.   If you heard that being rung, it was breathtaking, as I was stood waiting for the hearse to depart a shiver went right down my spine.  The whole Hull Minster team pulled together to deliver a worldwide watched service.

LUXMURALIS

 A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the Luxmuralis ’Science’ show a real success. Thousands of people came through the doors of Hull Minster and were immersed in an experience of light and sound. On Saturday night visitors were also able to enjoy a fascinating science talk with Prof. Mark Lorch from Hull University.

Luxmuralis shows are expensive to host and at one point we were concerned about ticket sales, the appalling weather on Friday didn’t help!  An appeal via our social media platforms was picked up by local TV and many people responded by buying tickets or if they were not able to attend by making donations. We were overwhelmed to receive an incredibly generous donation of £10,000 from one person. So all our costs have been covered and much more - as the psalmist says our ‘cup overflows.'

TRINITY 600: CELEBRATING 600 YEARS

 2025 is a significant year for Hull Minster as it is 600 years since Holy Trinity Church was completed and consecrated. We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support a year of activities and events to celebrate the living heritage of our church. The celebrations will begin in March with a special service to mark the day of the consecration, followed by a Passion Play at Easter, May day celebrations, a Medieval Community Day, with special Harvest and Christmas celebrations to end the year. Throughout the year there will be heritage talks, workshops, and concerts with a particular focus on the rich musical heritage of Holy Trinity, working with our choral hull programme. Look out for news of all that will be happening. There will be lots of opportunities to get involved, so if you would like to volunteer as part of the Trinity600 project please do get in touch with Shirley our volunteer manager.  Heather Black

FUNERALS OF LONG TIME CHURCH MEMBERS (Up-to-date information)

Mavis Billany  I was very sad to hear of the death of Mavis Billany in mid-January. Mavis’s faith meant a lot to her, and she worshipped at Holy Trinity (Hull Minster) for many years. In the 1990s when it looked as if the Ladies Fellowship would have to close, Mavis stepped in to keep it going, a job that lasted more years than she ever expected. She did it however with such love and dedication often struggling to get interesting speakers. A task she achieved though most successfully. Mavis’s funeral will be held in Hull Minster on Tuesday 11th February at 10a.m.
Joan Whitaker  It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of Joan Whitaker recently, a long-standing member of our church. Joan was born and lived on the Great Thornton Street Estate in our parish. She dedicated her life first to St Thomas’s Church on the estate, then to Holy Apostles, our daughter church from its completion in 1960. Joan and her close friend Marianne were deputy wardens and ran the Brownies and Guides. Joan served for many years on the PCC. When I was a young PCC member, Joan was always a great support and encouraged me in many ways. I will always remember her for this with fondness. Joan’s funeral will be held in Hull Minster on Friday 14th February at 1:30pm.
Sue McGaw

COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Lord of the hosts of heaven,

Our salvation and our strength,

without you we are lost;

guard us from all that harms and hurts

and raise us when we fall,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Psalm 138

Isaiah 6:1-8 (9 – end)

Luke 5:1-11

PRAYERS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

·        We pray for Hull Minster and all those who gather to worship here. May we be a welcoming and supportive community, rooted in faith, hope and love.

·         For those who are unwell, and all who are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. May God bring healing, comfort, and peace to them.

·         For our community: We pray for the ongoing work of the Welcome Cafe and all those who serve and support it. May it continue to be a place of connection, support, and compassion.

·         For peace in the Holy Land and all the countries of the Middle East and some African countries.  Especially  pray for Somalia where the Christians are suffering terrible persecution.

·         For those who have lost loved family and friends.

 
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

Hull and East Yorkshire was represented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor, three local MP’s and many councillors.

Amen.

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

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DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

We are sorry to be writing this - Luxmuralis Science

Dear Hull Minster supporters and followers.

We are halfway through the 4-night run of Luxmuralis “Science”. A light and sound spectacle show that tours the UK. We wanted to bring such a high calibre show to the people of Hull.

We are sorry to be writing this. One of the things we try to do at Hull Minster is to be transparent and open about the difficulties we face day to day as a charity.

We are a church and an events centre. There are daily challenges in being both.

We behave as an events centre to raise the money we need to cover our running costs and fund our charity work.

So here goes…

We are halfway through the show, with only 2 shows left and we are only at 60% of ticket sales to cover our costs.

This makes for a significant and terrifying impact on our financial position. If we do not reach our ticket income target, it will affect our future ability to bring shows of this calibre into Hull.

Our team have an unwavering belief in the power, importance and potential of events in our amazing space.

We understand money is tight right now.

Running an events centre during a cost-of-living crisis has never been harder. Costs are increasing much faster than our income.

But Hull knows how to put on a show, and we know there is an audience out there somewhere.

This is a very difficult message to write, but we implore you to buy a ticket £8.50 and spread the word. If you already have a ticket or have already been, then thank you. Is there anything more you could do to support us?

For example, tell a friend. Go onto your socials and share a post or write a positive review. Buy a ticket and gift it to someone else.

Please join us in this push to the line so we can continue to be the best events space we can be.

Thank you for reading this.

Hull Minster Team.

'Science' by Luxmuralis — Hull Minster

Minster Lifeline 2/25

This week Revd. Rob writes:

‘Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water’. And they filled them to the brim’. (John 2.7)

This week begins with a wonderful celebration of Holy Baptism, in our 11am service, of one of our 11am congregation families. In that service, (as well as at the 9.30am Breakfast church service), we reflected on the reading appointed for that day, which was Jesus at a wedding at Cana in Galilee, turning water into wine.

In case we are unfamiliar with this story, Jesus and his disciples are invited, along with his mother Mary, to a wedding in Cana in Galilee. Whilst they are there, the wine runs out - an embarrassing situation for the hosts. Mary tells Jesus, and Jesus, even though it is not the time for him to display his glory, tells the servants to fill up six large stone water jars with water. After this, Jesus tells them to draw out some water and take it to the chief steward. The chief steward tastes the water that has become wine, calls over the bridegroom, and tells him that usually you serve the best wine first, and serve the inferior wine later. However, he has saved the best wine until last. (If you want to read the full account, go to John chapter 2:1-11.)

There are many things we can learn from this story.  In the baptism service at 11am,  I reflected on the theme of God’s glory being displayed in baptism, the same glory that is displayed throughout scripture and that we see in Jesus turning water into wine. However, there are other things owe could also reflect on.

We could also think about how Jesus helped a poor bride and bridegroom in a time of acute need to avoid public embarrassment, and how in the same way how God helps us in times of need, particularly when we (or the world) are facing intractable situations. This is a reminder that God can, and does, perform miracles. It is a reminder to us to pray to the God of miracles.

This week, Hull Minster hosts the Luxmuralis Light Show, this year helping us to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and the human understanding of the world around us. This is a reminder of the role of science in our world, revealing insights which help us to marvel at its wonder as we ponder the intricacies of DNA, molecules, and the scientists who discovered them (many of whom were Christians).

Kepler, a German mathematician and astronomer, said that science is ‘thinking God’s thoughts after him’. In this context, Jesus turning water into wine reminds us of the beauty of God’s creation, of human interaction and society, of joy, love, food, and drink. But it also points us beyond that, to the realms of a reality of a God who created

the laws of nature, who established the order found in molecules, and who was the amazing designer of DNA.  Jesus demonstrated that this was who he was when he turned water into wine.

This God not only turned water into wine, but filled the stone water jars ‘to the brim’ with the finest wine. God is a God who extravagantly and abundantly gives us all things in Christ, the world and everything else. This is why it is important that we steward it carefully.

May we, this week, appreciate the beauty of all God has given us, commit ourselves to caring for God’s creation, and rejoice in his overflowing and abundant love which he has poured out within us.    

MICHAEL MOORE

We heard the sad news this week that Michael (Jessie’s husband) has died. Michael and Jessie have been volunteers and worshippers at the Minster for many years.

Several years ago when we were raising funds for the church Jessie and Michael would spend hours in the Minster polishing people’s shoes. For £1 they would apply polish and with elbow grease, would bring back the shine to any shoes that were desperate for a fresh look!

Also over the last few years it was Michael and Jessie who joined with Margaret Nicholson to undertake the Humber Bridge walk to raise funds for Christian Aid. Michael will be sadly missed by his friends at the Minster. Our thoughts and prayers with Jessie.

** ATTENTION* All knitters and crocheters

As part of our 600th anniversary of the consecration of the high altar we plan to do a ‘yarn bomb’ around Hull of 600 little knitted angels.  These will be left at random locations and have instructions, and a prayer card attached.   We are hoping they will be returned and hung on a prayer tree within the  church at Easter.

If you are a knitter and would like to knit/crochet some of these please get in touch and a pattern will be given to you.

Many thank in advance. Gill Alden

MATHILDA FEAR’S CHRISTENING

MATHILDA FEAR’S CHRISTENING

Today we welcomed Mathilda Janet Fear into the church family with her baptism taking place in the 11 o’clock service.

Welcome Mathilda 

(Not too sure young Arthur looks very happy about it!)

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments

NEW OFFICE LOCATION

The Minster office is now located at Carmelite House, Posterngate.

COLLECT FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

God of all mercy your Son proclaimed good news to the poor,

release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed:

anoint us with your Holy Spirit and set all your people free to praise you in Christ our Lord.

AMEN

READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

Psalm 19

Nehemiah: 8.1-3,5-6,8-10

Luke: 4. 14-21

PRAYERS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

·         We pray for the attempt at a settlement between Israel and Palestine, may it happen speedily with no more indiscriminate killing.

·         Help us who have so much, give generously to others in need.

·         We pray especially for those on the West Coast of the United States experiencing the terrible wild fires and the aftermath.  Give wisdom and courage to those in charge and strength to those who have lost so much.

·         We pray for all the areas of conflict in our world especially for the whole of the Middle East.  May those in power have wisdom and strength to bring about change to create better lives for all those involved.

·         We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can.

·         We pray for the people in our country who are experiencing problems due to weather and pray that solutions will quickly be found.

·         We pray for all those who have recently been bereaved.  Comfort them in their sorrow..

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

Minster Lifeline 1/25

This week Revd. Dominic writes:

As we gather this Sunday, we are reminded of the significance of the Baptism of Christ. In submitting to baptism by John in the Jordan, Jesus identified with us in our humanity and sinfulness, though He Himself was without sin. At that moment, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice declared, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

Christ’s baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, a mission that He calls each of us to share in as His disciples. Through our own baptism, we are united with Him, called to follow in His footsteps, and sent out to share His love and truth with the world. As we enter 2025, let us reflect on what it means to live out that call in our own lives, within our church family, and in our wider community

Carmelite House

We are delighted to announce that our parish admin team will be moving to new offices at Carmelite House this week. This move represents a fresh chapter in the life of the Minster. We give thanks to Becky and all those who have worked hard to make this possible and ask for your prayers as we settle into the new space.

Partnership with St Mary’s, Lowgate

This year, we are excited to begin a new partnership this year with St Mary’s, Lowgate. As two congregations united in faith, we look forward to working together to serve our city, share the good news of Christ, and build stronger ties between our churches. Let us pray for God’s guidance and blessing as we embark on this journey of collaboration.

Reflection for the Week:
As we meditate on Christ’s baptism, let us ask ourselves:
• How can I renew my baptismal promises this year?
• In what ways is God calling me to serve Him in my daily life?
• How can I share His love more intentionally with others?
May the peace of Christ, who humbled Himself to be baptized and invites us into His mission, inspire and guide you throughout this new year.

There are nomination forms in relation to appointing new people to committee places for the next three years. 

attached a cover letter and related nomination forms in relation to appointing new people to committee places for the next three years. 

·         DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION - a statutory committee of the York Diocesan Board of Finance

·         Election to the MISSION and PASTORAL Sub-Committee – Clergy

·         Election to the MISSION and PASTORAL Sub-Committee – Lay

·         Nominations are invited for the election of ONE clergy person, who need not be a member of the Diocesan Synod, from each Archdeaconry to the Property Sub-Committee for a term of three years beginning on 1 January 2025. Elected members will not be entitled to serve for more than three consecutive terms as an elected member.

·         Nominations are invited for the election of ONE lay person, who need not be a member of the Diocesan Synod, from each Archdeaconry to the Property Sub-Committee for a term of three years beginning on 1 January 2022. Elected members will not be entitled to serve for more than three consecutive terms as elected members.

·         Nominations are invited in the election of TWO CLERGY PERSONS to represent the ARCHDEACONRY OF CLEVELAND.

All nominations close at midday on Friday, 31 January 2025.  Where elections are needed, these will be held between 7 and 28 February 2025.  Nomination papers can be received by email but only if signed and legible.   Information available on the Diocesan of York website.

 Please note that nomination papers should be returned to kirsty.mccullough@yorkdiocese.org (legible scanned completed forms) or by post or hand to The Secretary, York Diocesan Synod, Diocese of York, Amy Johnson Way YO30 4XT by 12 Noon on Friday, 31 January 2025.

IMPORTANT CHANGE – WELCOME CAFÉ

On Thursday 23rd January, Welcome Café will be held in Jubilee Central.  This is due to a private event being held in the Minster.

MINSTER CRAFTERS

Well done to the Minster Crafters who raised approximately £500 of which £250 is being donated for the upkeep of the defibrillator and £250 is being donated to the Welcome Cafe for cake and coffee or whatever they need. 

Glenis and I would like to thank all those who supported us with the stall. Becky Dexter

 SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY YEAR

As some of you will be aware, this year is a very special year for Holy Trinity (Hull Minster).   It is the 600th anniversary of the consecration of the High Altar.

The foundations were laid in 1285 when King Edward I bought the land from the Monks of Meaux.
The consecration took place 140 years later in 1425 (mainly because the Black Death wiped out 60% of the population of Hull).

As part of, what we are calling Holy Trinity 600 (HT600) there are many events organised throughout the year.  These will start in March with a Civic Evensong, then on Good Friday, 18th April, there is a Passion Play taking place around the City, starting in Trinity Square at 11:30.  If you wish to volunteer as a steward for this event, please contact Jon the Verger.

Engraving from 1733 for a book on Hull by Gent

Please keep an eye on the website or in lifeline for future events. Jon Major

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

 Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments

** ATTENTION* All knitters and crocheters

As part of our 600th anniversary of the consecration of the high altar we plan to do a ‘yarn bomb’ around Hull of 600 little knitted angels.  These will be left at random locations and have instructions, and a prayer card attached.   We are hoping they will be returned and hung on a prayer tree within the  church at Easter.

If you are a knitter and would like to knit/crochet some of these please get in touch and a pattern will be given to you.

Many thank in advance. Gill Alden


JUNIOR CHURCH

Today in Junior Church we discussed the Baptism of Jesus, Tom, who was baptised last year, and Cason, were keen to be photographed in my baptismal dress.

We made origami doves for the tables for coffee after the service and this progressed in to making paper airplanes as a modern-day version of the Holy Spirit.  Gill Alden

COLLECT FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 

(Baptism of Christ)

Heavenly Father, at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son;

may we recognize him as our Lord and know ourselves to be your beloved children,

through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

AMEN

READINGS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Psalm 29

Isaiah 43:1-7

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

PRAYERS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

·         At the beginning of this new year, help us to make our relationship with God a priority in our lives.

·         Help us who have so much, give generously to others in need.

·         We pray especially for those on the West Coast of the United States experiencing the terrible wild fires.  Give wisdom and courage to those in charge and strength to those who have lost so much.

·         We pray for all the areas of conflict in our world especially for the whole of the Middle East.  May those in power have wisdom and strength to bring about change to create better lives for all those involved.

·         We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can.

·         We pray for the people in our country who are experiencing flooding and pray that solutions will quickly be found.

·         We pray for all those who have recently been bereaved.  Comfort them in their sorrow.

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

Minster Lifeline 46

This week Irene writes:

Another year is drawing to a close, and this will be the last Lifeline until the New Year. I will be taking a break for a few weeks and leaving Lifeline in the very capable hands of Val, Dominic, and Rob.

The year ends in its usual busy style, so many services and events leading to Christmas Day. All good, however in the busyness we can easily forget what Christmas is about.

Sometimes we forget that the greatest gift of all was given in a bare manger in a stable. No trimmings, no lavish expenditure just a humble birth that was to change the world.

May this Christmas be for you a celebration of the Light of the World – Jesus!

Val writes:  Many years ago, a dear friend, a Catholic Priest from Florence, gave me a copy of this prayer and I felt it was an appropriate time to put it in Lifeline:

Father,

Give me the most beautiful, the greatest, the most precious gift that you have, JESUS!

When I am sick, give me Jesus

He is the Healer.

When I feel sad, give me Jesus

He is the Joy

When I feel weak, give me Jesus

He is the power.

When I feel lonely, give me Jesus

He is the Friend.

When I feel bound, give me Jesus

He is the Freedom.

When I feel downcast, give me Jesus

He is the Victory.

When I feel darkness, give me Jesus

He is the light.

When I fall in sin, give me Jesus

He is the Saviour.

When I need love, give me Jesus

He is the Love.

When I need bread, give me Jesus

He is the Bread of Life.

When I need money, give me Jesus

He is the infinite Richness.

Father,

To all my requests, for all my needs, answer with only one word, Your Eternal word: JESUS!

Father Serafino Falvo, Florence

(Written one Christmas at a time of great loneliness)

CAROL SINGING

Thank you very much to all those hardy souls who braved the cold weather and very busy pubs to spread the Minster’s name by singing Pub Carols, all very well conducted by Robin Alden.  We even had a lady fly in especially from Portland, Oregon to join us (ok she may have already been in the country) but was still very keen to take part.   We finished off by singing in Trinity Square.  You all did an amazing job.  

Jon Major

DIALOGUE SOCIETY

Revd. Irene, husband Ian, and Jon our Verger had the pleasure of attending the Dialogue Society Christmas Dinner.

The night was hosted by the youngsters of the Turkish Muslim community, and they looked after everyone incredibly well.

The meal was a typical Turkish fayre cooked by volunteers.  Jon says if you have never had baklava, you must try it, especially if you have a sweet tooth.

During the night the Lord Mayor and High Sheriff gave speeches, and this was followed by a quiz all about Hull.  Jon won the quiz, his team’s name was ME hence the picture!

Revd. Irene closed the evening with a prayer about inclusivity.  

To say the Turkish do not celebrate Christmas they gave a great night and made everyone so welcome.

FLOWERS IN THE MINSTER

If you would like to sponsor a week’s flower arrangement in memory of a loved one or simply as a present for a special birthday or anniversary’ please contact our wonderful ‘flower lady’ Fiona.

A notice will be displayed by each arrangement and by the welcomers’ desk saying who they are for and who donated. 

For these wonderful arrangements, a recommended donation will be between £30 or more, but if you didn’t want an arrangement, you could simply donate to the flower fund to keep the church looking wonderful.

 Fiona can be emailed on: flowers@hullminster.org or you could ask our Verger Jon jmajor@hullminster.org to put your name forward.

“FROM INCLUSION TO BELONGING”

 Hull Minster has been on a bit of a journey this year, especially over the last nine months. We have been determined, led by God, that we become an inclusive space. For those of you that have been in on a Thursday know that our friends from Active Daycare have been regular visitors, and since Easter we have had students from Northcott School and 6th form College, and Bishop Burton College volunteering with us.

 Over this time, we’ve have introduced Ear Defenders, a sensory tent, and sensory toy table, which not only is well used on a Thursday, but children loved them over the summer holidays too. A visitor from London, praised us in the summer for these. Our students have learned valuable skills in a work environment, whilst been supported in a loving and compassionate way. Friendships have been formed, and a young man with Downs Syndrome has been able to explore his faith by asking questions and looking at some of our bibles and prayer cards.

 It's been a joy to be part of the things that have been happening in Hull Minster, and to see the difference we have made to the way we think about how we use our space for those of us who see and feel the world different to others. This week our friends from Active Daycare entertained us and some of their families / carers with songs from ‘The Greatest Showman’ and they were wonderful. This showed that they feel comfortable and safe in our space, and isn’t that what we all want? Tristan, our student from Northcott School, has been with us now since Easter and stayed with us over the summer, and is continuing this academic year. The difference in his confidence and independence has been amazing. Apparently, he tells anyone that will listen that he ‘works’ at Hull Minster. We have also been able to develop relationships with the student’s families and support them. It’s not easy being a carer, so taking the time to talk to them shows that we are a supportive community for them too.

 Next year we start to work with CASE, another daycare provider, we hope to develop our working relationship across Northcott School with their primary and senior school children, and Matthew’s Hub, a service for people with Autism, want to have talks with us to see how we can support them too. God has wonderful plans for us, and I have never doubted that He’s been walking this path with us, even through the difficult periods. We started this journey with wanting Hull Minster to be inclusive, however, we have moved to having a community where all people, no matter what their difference is, now belongs. I would like to thank you all for what you’ve done, and the support you’ve given for all that is happening for people with different learning abilities in Hull Minster. Although we see and feel the world different, we can bring our gifts and joy to our church community, and I think that God is doing an awesome job of showing this.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6: 24-26  Ann Wilkinson

LEGACY

Miss Margaret Tye - RIP 18th November 2022 - Aged 95  We have received this week a significant legacy of £222,000 from Margaret Tye.

Margaret worshiped at Holy Trinity in the 1950s before moving to Warrington, some of our long-standing members may remember her.

This is a great blessing as we seek to move towards a financial sustainability.  The Finance and Fundraising Working Group will be seeking advice about how we can best invest the money for the future mission and ministry of the Minster and will report back to PCC in the New Year. 

 A woman of deep Christian faith, Margaret attended Newland High School for girls before graduating from Hull University in 1949. She moved from Hull to pursue a career as a librarian, firstly in Crewe and latterly at the University of Chester, Chair of the Warrington Arts Council. She ran the Daresbury Lewis Carroll Society and was an expert on Peter Rabbit! Margaret last visited Holy Trinity in 2002 for her friends Golden Wedding where she was bridesmaid.  Canon Dominic Black, Vicar

Christmas Ceilidh

Join us for festive fun, dancing, and joviality with our first public Christmas Ceilidh. Lead by our fantastic Ceilidh band, this evening promises to be a friendly and fun night amongst family and new friends. All ticket sales go directly towards the upkeep and community work of Hull Minster. We hope to see you there!

Tickets available here

Best, Lucy,

Lucy Meer Commercial and Events Manager

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

 Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments

COLLECT FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son,

so we wait for his coming in glory;

bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see,

with her, our great salvation

in Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem,

draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth;

accept our heartfelt praise,

as we worship you,

our Saviour and our eternal God.

AMEN

READINGS FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT  

Psalm 80:1-8

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

READINGS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

PRAYERS FOR THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS

·        Help us, through Advent,  to be Prayerful

as we prepare for celebrating the coming of Christ into our world

• For the people in our country that they will be able to access sufficient food to feed their families. 

• Help us who have plenty to give generously. 

• We pray for the many areas of conflict in our world.  Give wisdom to those who have the power to bring about change.  Particularly we pray for the Middle East. 

• We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can.

• We pray for all those who have been recently bereaved.  Comfort them in their sorrow.

PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT LIFELINE WILL BE WEEK COMMENCING 12TH JANUARY 2025

DIARY UP TO CHRISTMAS

Minster Lifeline 45

This week Irene writes:

Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield as he completed seven ultra marathons in seven days – what an achievement.  Kevin ran in memory of his dear friend Rob Burrows who died from MND in June last year. Kevin has raised more than half a million pounds with his fifth annual challenge. We were delighted that he passed by the Minster on Thursday, and in awe of his achievement.

It is amazing how many charities rely on the goodwill of others, hearing only this week how some hospices are having to make redundancies and close beds due to the shortage of funds.

This leads me on to ‘volunteers’.  You will see below pictures from our volunteer party last week. Thank you to ALL Hull Minster volunteers and to Shirley for organising such a good event, and of course thank you to those who work in so many different fields of volunteering.

I was reminded by Olga, one of our Ukrainian friends, that Thursday was National Volunteer Day hence the picture of just a small number of our regular Thursday group of volunteers. Let’s give thanks and prayers for all  these very special people.

THURSDAY VOLUNTEERS - ALWAYS SMILING!

VOLUNTEERS PARTY

The singer was Martin Jackson, a local entertainer, and a great singer!

OLGA’S RECOLLECTIONS

War was imminent so we came to Wakefield from Jarrow.  Mother was given the choice of working in an arms factory at Thorpe Arch or returning to teaching.  One of the men in the school had gone to war, so it was no contest as this was her calling anyway.  My brother and I went to the local schools.

So how did we keep learning and growing in faith amongst life’s turmoil?

In Canada, Mum had some special childhood friends who were from Wakefield, but who had kept in touch.  Thanks to their contact, Mum found a group called UNITY.  They produced a monthly booklet of daily readings and a lovely childrens’ magazine with so much for us to do and we enjoyed its games and puzzles, and no ‘Holy Joe’ influence.  Now all I have is this prayer, but it says so much:

THE POWER OF FAITH

God is my help in every need.

God does my every hunger feed.

God walks beside me, guides my way,

Through every moment of the day.

I am now wise, I now am true,

Patient kind and loving too.

All things I am, can do, and be,

Through Christ, the Truth that is in me.

God is my health; I can’t be sick.

God is my strength, unfailing, quick.

God is my all, I know no fear,

Since God and love and truth are here.

Hannah More Kohaus

KNITTERS AND CRAFTERS

Well done to Becky & Glynis who have raised over £100 on one day along. This money will help purchase new pads for the defibrillator. Can you help? Contact Becky or Glynis for more information.

Raising money for defibrillator pads.

Minster Crafters Christmas Stall

Saturday 7th to 21st December 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. two weeks.

List of days open will be on the stall on 7th December

There will be a few new items for Christmas plus our normal handmade Christmas items together with hats, gloves, and many other gift ideas.

MINSTER SHOP

There is a lovely selection of calendars, countdowns  and candles to celebrate Advent which is only just over a month away. We are very grateful to Julia Allum for designing this year‘s Christmas card. There is an excellent selection of Charity Christmas cards which are new to the Shop this year. The Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-4. 

FLOWERS IN THE MINSTER If you would like to sponsor a week’s flower arrangement in memory of a loved one or simply as a present for a special birthday or anniversary’ please contact our wonderful ‘flower lady’ Fiona.

A notice will be displayed by each arrangement and by the welcomers’ desk saying who they are for and who donated. 

For these wonderful arrangements, a recommended donation will be between £25-£30 or, if you didn’t want an arrangement, you could simply donate to the flower fund to keep the church looking wonderful.

 Fiona can be emailed on: flowers@hullminster.org or you could ask our Verger Jon jmajor@hullminster.org to put your name forward.

WANTED - FOR PUB CAROLS 

December 14th

Any singers and musicians (who can play a portable instrument)  for ‘Pub Carols’, we haven’t done this for a couple of years but now feel it should be resurrected fundraiser.  As you’d appreciate our wonderful choir is extremely busy over this period so it would be unfair to rely on them alone.

We will start at Sailmakers on High Street at 5pm, then onto the following: the gardens outside Lion & Key and Fretwells, Ye olde White Harte, George Hotel, Calla on Whitefriargate, (possibly Savile Street Freedom Quarter), Furley & Co., Kingston and finishing at Head of Steam.

These may change depending on how busy the pubs are.

This is a bit of fun and a great chance to socialise, who knows there may even be a chance of a mulled wine.  If you can help, please see Jon Major.

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

 Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE - SPONSORS

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments

VISIT OF THE YORKSHIRE ARCHDEACONS

It was a pleasure to play host to the annual meeting of Yorkshire Archdeacons on Wednesday.  It was great to see Archdeacon Andy back in the Minster and his son Dan also made an appearance.    .

ASSISTANT VERGER

Ann Wilkinson was officially admitted (dobbed in) as a full member of the Vergers Guild York Branch at their AGM.  The  meeting was followed by a service of Eucharist held at St. Olav’s in York then we went for lunch.  

Please pray for Ann as she starts her journey as assistant Verger.  

COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to

prepare the way of your Son;

give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice

and to suffer for the cause of right,

with Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

READINGS FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT  

Psalm 146:4-end

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

PRAYERS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

·        Help us, through Advent,  to be prayerful as we prepare for celebrating the coming of Christ into our world

·        For the people in our country that they will be able to access sufficient food to feed their families. 

·         Help us who have plenty to give generously. 

·         We pray for the many areas of conflict in our world.  Give wisdom to those who have the power to bring about change.  Particularly we pray for the Middle East. 

·         We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can.

• We pray for all those who have been recently bereaved.  Comfort them in their

sorrow.

DIARY UP TO CHRISTMAS

Minster Lifeline 44

This week Irene writes:

It is always a joy to see people coming into the Minster for so many different reasons. On Thursday Linda and Terry came looking for me. Four years ago they came to the Minster to ask for a blessing as it was their golden wedding anniversary. They had been married at the Minster. Each year (excluding covid) they have turned up and we have been able to pray together.

Terry has suffered serious health problems however was as cheerful as ever.

It is so rewarding being a Minister or chaplain, having these wonderful opportunities to be part of other people’s lives. I may have been ‘mature’ when I became a priest but the delight it brings is immeasurable. I have been at the Minster 15 years, starting as a curate and I have to say sharing the joy of Jesus with others is the greatest gift I could have had and hope to continue to have.

Looking forward to welcoming Linda and Terry again next year.

KNITTERS AND CRAFTERS

Well done to Becky & Glynis who have raised over £100 on one day along. This money will help purchase new pads for the defibrillator. Can you help? Contact Becky or Glynis for more information.

Raising money for defibrillator pads.

Minster Crafters Christmas Stall

Saturday 7th to 21st December 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. two weeks.

List of days open will be on the stall on 7th December

There will be a few new items for Christmas plus our normal handmade Christmas items together with hats, gloves, and many other gift ideas.

MINSTER SHOP

There is a lovely selection of calendars, countdowns  and candles to celebrate Advent which is only just over a month away. We are very grateful to Julia Allum for designing this year‘s Christmas card. There is an excellent selection of Charity Christmas cards which are new to the Shop this year. The Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-4. 

9:30 SERVICE

Rev. Irene had a crib, and on the stool next to it, pieces of attractive material. Members of the Girls’ Brigade came up and laid these pieces of material on the crib – making it special, thus representing the importance of the birth of Jesus.

JUNIOR CHURCH

This morning the older Junior Church acted out the story of the angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah foretelling the birth of John the Baptist with then appearing to  the Virgin Mary the birth of Jesus Christ, respectively (Luke 1:11–38).

Meanwhile the younger children talked about why it was Advent Sunday and did some word searches and pictures relating to the topic.

FLOWERS IN THE MINSTER If you would like to sponsor a week’s flower arrangement in memory of a loved one or simply as a present for a special birthday or anniversary’ please contact our wonderful ‘flower lady’ Fiona.

A notice will be displayed by each arrangement and by the welcomers’ desk saying who they are for and who donated. 

For these wonderful arrangements, a recommended donation will be between £25-£30 or, if you didn’t want an arrangement, you could simply donate to the flower fund to keep the church looking wonderful.

 Fiona can be emailed on: flowers@hullminster.org or you could ask our Verger Jon jmajor@hullminster.org to put your name forward.

WANTED - FOR PUB CAROLS 

Any singers and musicians (who can play a portable instrument)  for ‘Pub Carols’, we haven’t done this for a couple of years but now feel it should be resurrected fundraiser.  As you’d appreciate our wonderful choir is extremely busy over this period so it would be unfair to rely on them alone.

We will start at Sailmakers on High Street at 5pm, then onto the following: the gardens outside Lion & Key and Fretwells, Ye olde White Harte, George Hotel, Calla on Whitefriargate, (possibly Savile Street Freedom Quarter), Furley & Co., Kingston and finishing at Head of Steam.

These may change depending on how busy the pubs are.

This is a bit of fun and a great chance to socialise, who knows there may even be a chance of a mulled wine.  If you can help, please see Jon Major.

WREATH MAKING

Hull Minster once again played host to our Veterans, staff and supporters of Hull for Heroes.  What has now become their annual pilgrimage to begin Advent and hold their workshop of Christmas crafts.   This year they made these beautiful Advent wreaths.

If you want to show your support for Hull’s Veterans, you can find them in Princes Quay where they have their offices and drop-in centre.    Jon Major

AND, ANOTHER IMPORTANT VETERAN!

Olga, probably our most senior member of the congregation led us into Advent on Sunday by lighting the first candle on our wonderful Advent wreath made for us by a fabulous ‘flower lady’ Fiona.

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

 Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us. The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments.

COLLECT FOR SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him,

Who is our Lord and our God

AMEN

READINGS FOR SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT  

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

PRAYERS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

• ·Help us, through Advent,  to be prayerful as we prepare for celebrating the coming of Christ into our world

•      For the people in our country that they will be able to access sufficient food to feed their families..  Help us who have plenty to give generously. 

• We pray for the many areas of conflict in our world.  Give wisdom to those who have the power to bring about change.  Particularly we pray for the Middle East. 

• ·         We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can. 

• We pray for all those who have been recently bereaved.  Comfort them in their sorrow. 
  
  DIARY UP TO CHRISTMAS

Minster Lifeline 42

This Week, words from Jon the Verger and Reverend Irene:

Revd. Irene and our Verger Jon were fortunate enough to be invited to the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary gala dinner on Friday night.   The night was fabulous and raised much needed funds for the charity, which, if you didn’t know has part of its roots in Hull.  William Wilberforce, along with Revd. Broome and Richard Martin MP were the co-founders who were very concerned for the animal welfare of the working animals such as the pit ponies etc.  That era also still had animal ‘sports’ such as bear baiting and cock fighting.  Hull should be incredibly proud of the legacy of William Wilberforce.

The tickets were given to us for hosting the animal blessing service in October. During the evening we were shown snippets of animals and events that had taken place throughout the last year including a great picture of Revd. Rob blessing one of the RSPCA dogs at the service mentioned earlier.  Unfortunately Revd. Rob  was unable to make the dinner.

Our first animal blessing service  was a great success, and we have already pencilled in a date for next October. Our challenge is to widen the species and include other animals as well as our canine friends.

Psalm 148:10-13: All creatures, including wild animals, cattle, creeping things, and birds of the air, should praise the Lord.

THOUGHTS FROM JON MAJOR

As a veteran Remembrance Sunday means everything to me.  Along with the Falkland Islands Liberation Day (14th June), it is amongst the highlight of my Christian calendar.   I love escorting our incumbent and our Bishop at the Cenotaph.   The pinnacle of Remembrance Sunday at Hull Minster is the reading of the names from the ‘Golden Book’.  This was started ten years ago to mark the centenary of the start of World War I and is a marathon of names which takes about 2.5-3 hours to read.  It is a custom I think is very important to carry on.  In recent years I have got the Lord Mayor involved to read some names to represent our great city.   With it taking so long to complete no one is expected to stay the duration, anyone can come and go as they please either to read a few pages or just to listen.   From the beginning this has always been supported by the same four or five ladies (of a certain age), who stay and read throughout.   I can’t thank them enough.    If you can put just a half hour of your time to support these ladies next year it would mean the world not only to me but to our wonderful ladies and of course our city’s fallen.  We Will Remember Them.  Jon

FLOWERS IN THE MINSTER

If you would like to sponsor a week’s flower arrangement in memory of a loved one or simply as a present for a special birthday or anniversary’ please contact our wonderful ‘flower lady’ Fiona.

A notice will be displayed by each arrangement and by the welcomers’ desk saying who they are for and who donated. 

For these wonderful arrangements a recommended donation will be between £25-£30 or, if you didn’t want an arrangement, you could simply donate to the flower fund to keep the church looking wonderful.

 Fiona can be emailed on: flowers@hullminster.org or you could ask our Verger Jon jmajor@hullminster.org to put your name forward.

Minster Shop

There is a lovely selection of calendars, countdowns  and candles to celebrate Advent which is only just over a month away. We are very grateful to Julia Allum for designing this year‘s Christmas card. There is an excellent selection of Charity Christmas cards which are new to the Shop this year. The Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-4. 

WANTED - FOR PUB CAROLS Any singers and musicians (who can play a portable instrument)  for ‘Pub Carols’, we haven’t done this for a couple of years but now feel it should be resurrected as a fund raiser.  As you’d appreciate our wonderful choir is extremely busy over this period so it would be unfair to rely on them alone.

 We will start at Sailmakers on High Street at 5pm, then onto the following, the gardens outside Lion & Key and Fretwells, Ye olde White Harte, George Hotel, Calla on Whitefriargate, (possibly Savile Street Freedom Quarter), Furley & Co., Kingston and finishing at Head of Steam.

These may change depending on how busy the pubs are.

This is a bit of fun and a great chance to socialise, who knows there may even be a chance of a mulled wine.

If you can help, please see Jon Major.

MINSTER CRAFTERS

A little information regarding Minster Crafters.  This group is made up solely of Glenis and me (Becky D), we make everything and run the stall.  We are part of the Minster, and all funds go to the church (not just profits). We are currently raising money for new defibrillator pads, (the crafters purchased the defibrillator a couple of years ago).  Glenis and I would really appreciate your support with this group as neither of us is getting any younger!   We are looking for one or two people to join the group on a permanent basis to help with ideas, making items and running the stall. We currently do not meet up for meetings as there are only the two of us, but used to when there were more of us and we would like to renew this, however if we can’t increase our numbers we may well have to close.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EVENTS

Saturday 23rd November: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Minster Crafters Pre-Christmas Sale

Excellent value for money, no price increases!

Raising money for defibrillator pads.

Minster Crafters Christmas Stall

Saturday 7th to 21st December 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. two weeks.

List of days open will be on the stall on 7th December

 There will be a few new items for Christmas plus our normal handmade Christmas items together with hats, gloves and many other gift ideas.

Teaching on the Curates Weekend

Ann and Heather had the privilege of joining all the curates in York Diocese as they spent the weekend at Wydale Hall, exploring the theme of disability and inclusion in the church. Ann spoke from her personal experience of being autistic, explaining how people with autism experience the world in a different way, and how within our churches we can grow in understanding. Ann also shared her knowledge and experience of working with people with different learning abilities. This is an area of ministry growing at Hull Minster, through the Welcome café, work experience placements for young people from Northcott school and Bishop Burton college, and the emerging work with CASE training.

LUXMURALIS - SCIENCE

Following sell-out shows in 2024, Luxmuralis is back with Science; an immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us.

The installation will see the Minster transformed into a fully immersive artwork exploring Chemistry and Biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists’ past and present.

Science by Luxmuralis will run from Wednesday 22nd January, with several performances per evening. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale!

Time slots are available from 5pm to 9pm in fifteen-minute increments.

COLLECT FOR THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT

God the Father, help us to hear the call of Christ the King and to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end;

for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory.

AMEN

READINGS FOR THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT

Psalm 93

Revelation 1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

PRAYERS FOR THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT

• For the people in our country that they will be able to access sufficient food to feed their families. 

• Help us who have plenty to give generously. 

• We pray for the many areas of conflict in our world.  Give wisdom to those who have the power to bring about change.  Particularly we pray for the Middle East. 

• We pray for the people of Ukraine, that we may help wherever we can 

• We pray for an understanding into young lives and why knives need to be carried. We ask for a way forward to eliminate these crimes in the future 

• We pray for all those who have been recently bereaved.  Comfort them in their sorrow. 

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS