Looking Ahead to an Exciting Autumn
I hope that everyone has had a good and restful summer. We also recognise that, for some, this has been a difficult time, particularly for those in our congregation coming to terms with cancer, bereavement and loss. Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
As we look towards the autumn, there is much to look forward to at Hull Minster. It is wonderful to be preparing for the return of our choir and children’s work, and we look forward to welcoming them back as our worship and musical life begins to flourish again.
We are also really looking forward to the beginning of our new Alpha Course on Wednesday the 16th September (7.30pm Hull Minster Cafe). Alpha is a wonderful opportunity to explore questions of faith, life and Christianity in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Do consider joining us, or encouraging someone you know who might appreciate the opportunity to explore faith and ask questions.
Looking to the Future
We are embarking on an exciting and ambitious programme of work as we develop a major National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. The groundwork is happening through the Sound Foundations bid led by Heritage Manager James Cameron, which will include, among other things, a Conservation Management Plan, Organ Restoration Plan, Liturgical Plan and Fundraising Plan. This is a significant opportunity for the Minster as we move towards ten years as a Minster, helping to secure these much-loved parts of our building for future generations while enabling us to continue our mission of worship, music, heritage and welcome. Some of you may have met James Yerkees, who is project managing the work. He has recently been joined by Amy Stevens, who will be working on fundraising. Our vision is to restore and rebuild the Grand Organ, alongside essential repairs to the North Transept and the refurbishment of the Chancel as well as building on our Heritage engagement programme.
We are also delighted this month to welcome Dr Carol Williams to the team as Assistant Director of Music. Carol, who has also been appointed Organist at City Hall, brings an international reputation and a wealth of experience to Hull Minster. Carol’s appointment.
You may also have noticed a new brass candlestick in the Chancel. This is our new Paschal Candle stand, given in memory of Margaret Nicholson. Margaret had a particular love for children and families. Although she did not have children of her own, she faithfully turned up to assist at baptisms and would remember families by sending anniversary cards. It is fitting that her memory should now be marked in this way, with the Paschal Candle we light at Easter representing Christ, the light of the world, shining in the darkness an over coming sin and death.
Margaret’s generosity is a wonderful reminder that our giving can have an impact far beyond our own lifetime. Have you ever thought about leaving a gift to Hull Minster in your will? A legacy, however large or small, can help ensure that the Minster remains a place of worship, welcome and service for generations to come. If you have already remembered Hull Minster in your will, we are deeply grateful. If you would like to know more about leaving a gift, please do speak to us. https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/church-legacy
Parish Giving Scheme
I would also like to encourage those who currently support Hull Minster by Standing Order to consider moving to the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS).
PGS provides a simple and secure way of making regular gifts to the church. One of its particular benefits for us is that it makes the administration of Gift Aid much easier. Rather than Julie, our Finance Controller, having to collect and process Gift Aid information and claims from individual Standing Orders, PGS manages this process for us, significantly reducing the administration involved.
For those who are eligible to Gift Aid their giving, PGS enables the Minster to receive the additional 25% from HMRC without creating extra work for you or for Julie.
If you currently give by Standing Order, please consider making the move to PGS. It is a small change that can make a real difference to the administration of our finances and allows more of our time and resources to be focused on the ministry and mission of Hull Minster.
There is much to be excited about as we enter the new season, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
A Prayer for the Autumn
Heavenly Father,
we give you thanks for the new season and for all that lies ahead.
Be close to those who are facing illness, bereavement or loss, and bless our choir, our Alpha Course and all who serve the life of Hull Minster.
Guide us in caring for this sacred place and its heritage, and may all that we do be rooted in faith, hope and love.
We give thanks for Margaret Nicholson and for the love she showed to children and families. May her memory continue to be a blessing.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Canon Dominic Black
Vicar or Hull Minster with St Mary’s Lowgate
💚Hull Minster Crafters
We made a start on our 'Alphabet of Hull' project! After months of planning, we finally started adding to the giant mesh. Some like to come and enjoy a short time doing their own craft, like one gentleman who loves to write poetry, and others stayed to work on our project. We enjoyed some lovely homemade lemon drizzle cake with a cuppa, chatted a lot and just enjoyed the company of crafting together in the cool of the church. What I love about this group is that no matter where we are at in our lives, we come together with a love of crafting, all ages, all walks of life, totally different, yet we connect through creativity, it's brilliant!
💚Macmillan Coffee Morning
Friday 25th September
1pm - 3pm
Cancer can disrupt someones whole life. Coffee mornings like this means that Macmillan can do whatever it takes to help people with cancer live as fully as they can through specialist nurses, financial support and dedicated support groups.
There are 3.5 million people in the UK living with Cancer, and Macmillan is 98% funded by voluntary donations.
Please come and join us for a brew, a cake and maybe a game or 2, helping to support this worthy cause!
Let's Brew This!
💚Remembrance Day Poppy Display
Remembrance: from 2nd to 18th November this year we are planning to put a display of poppies in Church so that visitors and all who wish can spend some time there in remembrance of the lives lost in conflict : we hope to make a memorable display and are collecting poppies of all sorts. We would appreciate any poppies that you could contribute (to Becky Irvin, or leave them at the church shop please). Thank you for your support.
Currently in the quiet corners of Hull Minster, where our church groups gather, hands are working side by side, hearts united in purpose. Stitch by stitch, petal by petal, we are crafting poppies, not just as a symbol, but as a prayer. Guided by our faith, we come together as God’s people, to honour the lives laid down for us, and to hold their memory with reverence and love.
Every bloom carries a story: of neighbours laughing as they worked, of quiet moments of reflection shared, of faith woven into every curve and colour. Together, these poppies will form a display that speaks louder than words. A gentle, sacred space where all may pause to remember those who fought and died, and to give thanks for their sacrifice.
It is our offering, rooted in faith and love. A welcome to every visitor, a bridge between past and present, a way to teach and share and grow together. For our parishioners, our friends, and all who walk through these doors, it will fill our Minster with warmth and light. More than a display, it is us, a community bound together by remembrance, faith, and love, one poppy at a time.
If you'd like to know more, come see Becky Irvin or Jill Lambert.
💚MyChurchSuite
For months there has been something wrong with the sign up for 11am Holy Communion Sunday Rota. Thank you to Jill Harpham who has persevered and we think we have fixed it. Rota reminders should work now and rota sign up too.
Much appreciated Jill.
💚TikTok - 14.6k views
We had our first viral video from medieval day. 14.6k views. It was Becky’s fight to the death with the fool. TikTok is the modern way to reach a younger audience.
To see it click the image or use the lick below.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZN8dFbM1s/
TikTok - Make Your Day
💚Petition
At Hull Minster we include in our prayers, all those impacted by the Legacy Independent Funeral scandal.
Please consider signing this
Petition: Introduce Full Statutory Regulation of the Funeral Industry by Spring 2027
Legislation needs to be introduced urgently to ensure the prevention of any Funeral Director malpractice including the hoarding of the deceased, degrading storage of the deceased including ashes and preventing the lawful burial of the deceased.
💚The Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen is a family baking bus that will be visiting communities around the UK, offering free, welcoming baking experiences for local families. The aim is to bring communities together and encourage families to spend time together, get involved in fun activities and enjoy baking.
We’ll be bringing The Community Kitchen to Hull on 26th September, where there will also be a special guest host joining us on the day.
I’m currently reaching out to local organisations and community groups in Hull, as we’d love to involve local families in the project and invite them to come along and take part in the experience.
💚Church Suite Roles
If you are trying to sign onto a shift in My church suite app and the role that you want isn’t there, do let me know because I now know how to fix that. Thanks to Rich Innes perseverance we have worked it out.
Becky Howes
💚VJ Day
Reverend Rob attended Hull Cenotaph to lead the service.
💚Ronny & Minster Bear
Ronny attends our weekly "Welcome Cafe session" and gives a warm welcome to all the visitors along with her side kick, Minster Bear!
We asked Ronny a few questions!
Tell our Lifeline readers about yourself
Hello! I am Ronny and I have been attending Hull Minster for 77 years!!
When I was a little girl of 4 years old my family lived in close proximity to Holy Trinity as it was known by then and I would come over to the church to see my grandfather who was the Verger at the time. He was the Verger at Hull Minster for 38 years! My family moved away for some time but I then came back to the church around the age of 10!
In my time with the church, I have known 7 different vicars. (Ronny very efficiently can reel off their names in quick succession)
How long have you been volunteering at Hull Minster?
I was one of the first official volunteers at the church and I started volunteering approximately 30 years ago! A lot has changed since then! There weren't many volunteers back then, but I have seen the church develop over the years and blossom!
What do you enjoy about volunteering at Hull Minster?
I love interacting with people and socialising! I have made lots of friends and I see myself as a "door keeper in my Father's House". Psalm 84: 10
Tell us about "Minster Bear"
This is my side kick "Minster Bear" who has been volunteering with me for around 9 years. He likes to have a chat with our young visitors and explain what activity trails we have available such as "The Mouse Trail". As you can see, he looks great in his tailor made, purple uniform and volunteer badge.
The Story of Minster Bear
When I was little girl aged around 4 years old, I used to come into the church regularly and visit my grandfather the Verger at the time. A kind lady who was collecting toys to hand out to local children spotted me and gave me a beautiful bear. It was quite big and had a pretty bow!
I took the bear home and unfortunately the bear was put aside to be sold for a new pair of Wellington boots. I was very upset as I loved this bear so much, but such was the time that I needed those shoes.
Around 9 years ago another kind lady in near enough the exact same spot of the church where I was handed my original bear gave me a Christmas present. I wasn't sure what this was but after unwrapping the gift I was so pleased to find my new friend - "Minster Bear". This brought back memories of all those years ago and my original bear. I believe that God was thinking of me that day!
Now my self and "Minster Bear" make sure to give people a warm welcome at Hull Minster!
Jon M also sent a couple photos of plaques in the church dedicated to Ronny’s relatives who were past Vergers.
Bill Todd (Grandfather)
Albert Todd (Uncle)
💚Service cancelled?
How to find out if a service has been cancelled?
If you are coming in especially for a service, check out the webpage first. Cancellations will show.
💚Becky Irvin on Medieval Day, Variety Show and Minster Market
We’ve had the most wonderful run of events here at church lately, all pulling together to raise funds for repairing our beautiful stained-glass windows, so future generations can enjoy them. Honestly, it’s been so special! I’ve felt so much love and such a strong community connection, and it’s reminded me exactly why I serve God and volunteer here. We’ve laughed so much, worn medieval outfits, danced and sung at the top of our lungs to all the best hymn bangers, and there’s been such joy and positivity everywhere you look! I’m so blessed to call the people I work and volunteer alongside my dear friends and family in Christ, my heart feels absolutely full. It’s drawn our church and our whole community closer together, and I truly hope this wonderful spirit keeps growing. What a gift it’s been!
💚Hearing support in Hull Minster: an appeal.
We aim to offer support for those attending services who are struggling to hear what is said. Unfortunately problems with interference on our hearing loop make other solutions necessary to support those with hearing aids and there are 2 approaches possible: however we do need a "champion" who can be available at services to offer support, expertise and can offer equipment when it is needed. Please do get in touch via the church office to offer your help.
Self help, for those who have an Android or Iphone, I understand live access to the sound channel on our AV desk is currently available through our Hull Minster guest wifi access and use of an app called "Sennheiser MobileConnect”.
Sam McGaw (not an expert!)
💚Thank you Dave
We would like to encourage praise from each other to feature in our monthly Lifeline newsletter.
"Don Kitchman would like to say thank you to Dave Ideson for ensuring the flowers were watered in our very dry Summer period! This small act is really important to maintain a beautiful looking seating area for our cafe customers. Thank you, Dave for all you do!
If you have noticed any special moments that you would like to mention as recognition of someone's time and efforts please let
Charlotte (Volunteer Manager) know!
Variety Fundraising Show
A huge and heartfelt thank you to every member of staff and volunteer who helped make the Variety Show such a wonderful success. We raised over £2000, so with the match funding we're £4000 closer to our goal. (Thank you Ellie for the pics).
Articles for Lifeline by 24th to becky.howes@hullminster.org - many thanks