REV. IRENE writes:

We had a great discussion on Wednesday night at the Minster’s online Bible study as I spoke on being a priest. One of the greatest gifts of being a priest is to preside at the Lord’s Table as we share bread and wine together and also to be part of many ‘Life Events’. The opportunity to come close to families at their happiest and saddest times is a great privilege.

On Sunday both Rev. Rob and I were at baptism services. Rob was being a godfather and I baptised my first great grandchild Margot Elizabeth at Laxton village church. It was a time to emphasise the importance of the spiritual journey in our lives and the part the church family, parents and godparents play in this role.

Val talks about the importance of Easter

WHAT IS EASTER TO YOU?

PART ONE

“Easter is one of the principal holidays, or feasts, of Christianity. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence. The earliest recorded observance of Easter comes from the 2nd century, though it is likely that even the earliest Christians commemorated the Resurrection, which is an integral tenet of the faith (Britannia.com)”. Going back to 325 AD, The Council of Nicaea decreed that Easter should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox (March 21st). Therefore, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th.

Those, if you like, are the facts. Easter, however, is so much more than that.

Easter is pivotal to our Christian faith. The reason for this is: Jesus not only died on the cross, but HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY. This is what marks out Christianity from all other religions. We do not follow a leader who died and was buried, but one who died rose from the dead and is alive and reigns in heaven.

Remember all the scriptures we read at Christmas time regarding the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah chapter 9 are those wonderful prophetic words: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. In Luke chapter 2, we are told that an angel of the Lord came to the shepherds, declaring that a Saviour had been born in Bethlehem, Christ the Lord. At that point, a whole multitude of angels joined him singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”

We read in the Gospels, how Jesus grew up and started his ministry around the age of thirty: preaching the kingdom of God, healing people, delivering others from evil spirits and raising people from the dead. He chose twelve men to be his close-knit group of disciples and over the next three years, they began to realise that this was not just a prophet but was indeed, the Son of God.

What we now call Palm Sunday, will be this Sunday 2nd April. On that day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (as had been prophesied by Zechariah, 9:9). Jesus was acclaimed by the crowd: John 12:13. "They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

In his famous poem, “The Donkey”, this despised and lowly animal, G. K. Chesterton wrote: “Fools, for I also had my hour, one far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, and palms before my feet”. (to be continued)

EXCITING JUNIOR CHURCH!!

Thanks to Dan Fullalove for the pictures and information.

This week made targets that deal with temptations. The innermost circle is what Jesus might do going out to personal ways of dealing with it.

WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE

Welcome Café is held every Thursday morning 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please do drop in and support whenever you can. We hope to grow this facility and invite many different groups along. There will be newspapers, games, table talk and much more with coffee and cake supplied. It is extremely important that our church family pop along from time to time as we need people to welcome and chat to those that may be visiting for the first time.

From 12:30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.

GIRLS BRIGADE

It was great having Girls Brigade at church today. Thank you to Jane for presenting us with our badges. The girls have worked hard over the last term, finding out more about the heritage of Hull Minster. Lauren Jeffries

SPEAK THEIR NAME

These two pictures from this exhibition, are to help remember those who have taken their life. Please pray for all the families affected by this.

UKRAINE APPEAL

We have received many gifts to help our Ukrainian friends both in Ukraine and in this country. New or nearly new ladies and children’s clothes would still be appreciated.

LENT: ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

This Wednesday (29th) will be the last one before Easter. We shall be discussing the different studies that people gave during this session to see what we have learned from them. We shall recommence on Wednesday 19th April.

EASTER CARDS

The Minster shop has a fantastic selection of Easter cards and gifts. Make sure you have a browse!

ELECTORAL ROLL AND PCC

If you have been attending the Minster for six months or more, you may want to consider going onto the Electoral Roll. This will enable to you vote at the ACP which will be on 21st May. Forms are at the back of the church, or see Val Fotherby. Being on the Electoral Roll also means you can be nominated for the PCC. Again, you will need to fill in the necessary form and have two people to sponsor you, again see Val. THIS MUST BE DONE BY THE END OF APRIL at which time, the roll will be closed. Thank you.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL
We pray for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria, for families that have lost loved ones and for those risking their lives in the recovery operation
For those we know who are sick or bereaved or awaiting test results, for healing and comfort
We pray for peace in our world.
We pray for all those caught up in the devastation in Mississippi
We pray for special people in our lives

COLLECT FOR PALM SUNDAY

True and humble King, hailed by the crowd as Messiah;

grant us the faith to know you and love you,

that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross

which is the path of glory.

AMEN

READINGS FOR 2nd APRIL Liturgy of the Passion

Psalm 31:9-18

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 26:14 to end of Ch 27

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

.

WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE

Welcome Café CONTINUES this Thursday 23RD March and will be every Thursday morning 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please do drop in and support whenever you can. We hope to grow this facility and invite many different groups along. There will be newspapers, games, table talk and much more with coffee and cake supplied. It is extremely important that our church family pop along from time to time as we need people to welcome and chat to those that may be visiting for the first time.

From 12 30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.

GIRLS’ BRIGADE

SPEAK THEIR NAME

These two pictures from this exhibition, are to help remember those who have taken their life. Please pray for all the families affected by this.

GIVING AT HULL MINSTER On behalf of the finance committee, we wanted to share with you something about Hull Minster finances and our giving. Firstly, to say THANK YOU – thank you to each person that gives, as without our giving we could not keep Hull Minster open and do all that we do in the Minster, local community, schools and the city. It costs around £1,000 a day to run the Minster, and every penny is raised locally through our giving, grants, the café, shop, and events.

We are now in the season of Lent, the period of time set aside in preparation for Easter when we are all invited to deepen our discipleship. We might observe this through fasting each week or from particular foods, and setting time aside for prayer. The purpose is to consider where we are in our walk with God and to intentionally go deeper in that walk.

Giving is part of our discipleship, Jesus talked about where your money is, there your heart will be.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Lent also provides an invitation for us to consider our giving. One of the best things we can do is to give regularly, and we have a parish giving scheme that makes this very simple to do. If you consider that Hull Minster is your church, and you want to start giving regularly you can find out more on the website here https://hullminster.org/give or please come and speak to a member of the clergy or finance committee. Giving regularly helps with a steady flow of income and if you Gift-Aid we can claim back an extra 25%. If you already give regularly, thank you. Maybe during this period of Lent, you might prayerfully review your giving.

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Heather Black

UKRAINE APPEAL

We have received many gifts to help our Ukrainian friends both in Ukraine and in this country. New or nearly new ladies and children’s clothes would still be appreciated.

LENT: ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Last week we had an excellent study led by John Lawson, on the temptations of Jesus by the devil. It has been great to have different people each with their own style of study and presentation. You can find the outlines on the website under TEACHING.

KATE GOFORTH SHARES WITH US: AN EVENING IN THE MINSTER

It was lovely to see so many people come into the Minster on Saturday 18th March when the Freedom Festival 'Awakening' was taking place in Trinity Square.

Families were sitting in the chairs set out for breakfast church while their children played on the mats. Two young girls were knelt down praying at the back of the church in front of the board explaining what prayer is. Three girls were kneeling in the Broadley chapel at the altar rail. Families were on a move hunt and a lot of people took the time to look at the quilt dedicated to loved ones lost to suicide. There were so many candles lit at the altar they were stacked up double and at one point, Andy the volunteer had to use his coffee to put out the flames. Overall, some 5,700 people visited over the day.

EASTER CARDS

The Minster shop has a fantastic selection of Easter cards and gifts. Make sure you have a browse!

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE THIRD WEEK OF MARCH

We pray for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria, for families that have lost loved ones and for those risking their lives in the rescue operation
For those we know who are sick or bereaved or awaiting test results for healing and comfort.
We pray for peace in our world.
We pray for Hamish and give thanks for his baptism into God’s family.
We pray for special people in our lives

COLLECT FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Gracious Father, you gave up your Son

out of love for the world;

lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion

that we may know eternal peace

through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood

Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

READINGS FOR 26TH MARCH

Psalm 130

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Romans 8:6-11

John 11:1-45

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

On Sunday our 9:30 service focussed on Moses striking the rock and producing water! A miracle of the Old Testament. Our young people had fun completing several activities in relation to this passage of scripture, here are just a couple of examples.

EXCITING JUNIOR CHURCH!!

Junior Church at 11 a.m. re-enacted the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

This activity helped prepare the young people for the baptism of Hamish during our 11 a.m. service next week. This will be an exciting service as we bring together Mothering Sunday and Hamish’s baptism. (Hamish is the grandson of Sarah and nephew of Ben both from the choir)

This photograph was taken by Annabelle, our Head Chorister.

When Gill Alden asked one of the younger members which she preferred, school or church, her emphatic reply was: CHURCH!

WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE

Welcome Café launches this Thursday 2nd March and will be every Thursday morning 10:30 to 3 p.m. Please do drop in and support us whenever you can. We hope to grow this facility and invite many different groups along. There will be newspapers, games, table talk and much more with coffee and cake supplied. It is extremely important that our church family pop along from time to time as we need people to welcome and chat with those who may be visiting for the first time.

From 12 30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.

LENT ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

This last week’s study led by Sam McGaw, was on the the subject of Discipleship. The discussion on this was interesting and very wide-ranging

SPEAK THEIR NAME

These two pictures from this exhibition, are to help remember those who have taken their life. Please pray for all the families affected by this.

Giving at Hull Minster

On behalf of the finance committee, we wanted to share with you something about Hull Minster finances and our giving. Firstly, to say THANK YOU – thank you to each person that gives, as without our giving we could not keep Hull Minster open and do all that we do in the Minster, local community, schools and the city. It costs around £1,000 a day to run the Minster, and every penny is raised locally through our giving, grants, the café, shop, and events.

We are now in the season of Lent, the period of time set aside in preparation for Easter when we are all invited to deepen our discipleship. We might observe this through fasting each week or from particular foods, and setting time aside for prayer. The purpose is to consider where we are in our walk with God and to intentionally go deeper in that walk.

Giving is part of our discipleship, Jesus talked about where your money is, there your heart will be.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Lent also provides an invitation for us to consider our giving. One of the best things we can do is to give regularly, and we have a parish giving scheme that makes this very simple to do. If you consider that Hull Minster is your church, and you want to start giving regularly you can find out more on the website here https://hullminster.org/give or please come and speak to a member of the clergy or finance committee. Giving regularly helps with a steady flow of income and if you Gift-Aid we can claim back an extra 25%. If you already give regularly, thank you. Maybe during this period of Lent, you might prayerfully review your giving.

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Heather Black

International Women's Day celebrations - St Hilda’s Heirs

This last Saturday we celebrated International Women's Day with a themed day of worship and fun activities. Together with members of the Methodist community, and the general public, lots of people (men too!!!) learned about the contribution that women have made to faith, beginning with the Abbess of Whitby, St Hilda.

The life of ministry undertaken by so many women in Christianity today was celebrated with communion presided over by Bishop Eleanor. Reverend Louise looked after the prayer room in our newly refurbished Broadley Chapel. Girls Brigade groups came together to join in the fun. Lots of families also came along to enjoy the trails and treasure hunts, crafts and activities which were on offer. Diocesan Children's Advisor, Carolyn Edwards, coordinated the event with Hull Minster and was delighted with the atmosphere and enjoyment in the church. Jane Owen

EASTER CARDS

The Minster shop has a fantastic selection of Easter cards and gifts. Make sure you have a browse!

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF MARCH

We pray for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria, for families that have lost loved ones and for those risking their lives in the recovery operation.
For those we know who are sick or bereaved or awaiting test results, for healing
We pray for peace in our world.
We pray that we will be aware of those around us who are struggling in so many different ways, and that we will give out of our abundance.
We pray for all pupils at Trinity House Academy and young people from TS Iron Duke.

COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

MOTHERING SUNDAY

God of love, passionate and strong;

tender and careful;

watch over us and hold us all the days of our life

through Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

READINGS FOR 19TH MARCH

Psalm 34:11-20

1 Samuel 1:20-end

Colossians 3:12-17

John 19:25b-27

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

We celebrate International Women’s Day this year with the help of the Diocese of York and the Methodist community in Hull. A fun packed day of activities which celebrate women in Ministry takes place on SATURDAY 11th MARCH. Called Hilda’s Heirs after the Abbess of Whitby, who one of the most important early Christian women, the day starts with a short service from the Bishop of Hull. It’s a drop in kind of day with activities such as stained glass, women’s trails and reflection and prayers stations, we’ll be making a wall of words commemorating women and contributing video reflections about women in ministry.

Celebrating women is everyone’s job! The day is open to all, not just women.

You can drop-in and pay £1 contribution towards materials or book for the day and have lunch included for £5. Book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hildas-heirs-tickets-525415009437

EXCITING NEWS FOR A MEMBER OF THE CHOIR

WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE

Welcome Café will be every Thursday morning 10:30 to 3 p.m. Please do drop in and support whenever you can. We hope to grow this facility and invite many different groups along. There will be newspapers, games, table talk and much more with coffee and cake supplied. It is extremely important that our church family pop along from time to time as we need people to welcome and chat to those that may be visiting for the first time.

From 12 30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.

OUR LATEST EXHIBITION

DOING OUR PART FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

The Hull Minster team is keen to play a part in tackling climate change and biodiversity. The Minster has a long legacy of clergy, staff, and congregation cycling to worship and is working towards Cycle Friendly Employer status. As well as a secure home for bicycles the newly installed bike shelter has a wildlife roof.

Hull Minster has been working to improve and encourage sustainability for some years and was one of the first churches in the country to install solar panels.

FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Giving at Hull Minster

On behalf of the finance committee, we wanted to share with you something about Hull Minster finances and our giving.

Firstly, to say THANK YOU – thank you to each person that gives, as without our giving we could not keep Hull Minster open and do all that we do in the Minster, local community, schools and the city. It costs around £1,000 a day to run the Minster, and every penny is raised locally through our giving, grants, the café, shop, and events.

We are now in the season of Lent, the period of time set aside in preparation for Easter when we are all invited to deepen our discipleship. We might observe this through fasting each week or from particular foods, and setting time aside for prayer. The purpose is to consider where we are in our walk with God and to intentionally go deeper in that walk.

Giving is part of our discipleship, Jesus talked about where your money is, there your heart will be.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Lent also provides an invitation for us to consider our giving. One of the best things we can do is to give regularly, and we have a parish giving scheme that makes this very simple to do. If you consider that Hull Minster is your church, and you want to start giving regularly you can find out more on the website here https://hullminster.org/give or please come and speak to a member of the clergy or finance committee. Giving regularly helps with a steady flow of income and if you Gift-Aid we can claim back an extra 25%. If you already give regularly, thank you. Maybe during this period of Lent, you might prayerfully review your giving.

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Heather Black

UKRAINE APPEAL

LENT: ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Last Wednesday Jean Fenwick talked us through the history of Lent going back to Anglo Saxon times and on through the centuries. It was interesting to hear about the 40 days in the scriptures. These studies are on the Hull Minster website under TEACHING

EASTER CARDS

The Minster shop has a fantastic selection of Easter cards and gifts. Make sure you have a browse!

GRIEF CAFÉ

This will be on Wednesday of this week (8th), 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF MARCH

We pray for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria, for families that have lost loved ones and for those risking their lives in the recovery operation.
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort.
We pray for peace in our world especially as fighting in Ukraine has reached one year
We pray that we will be aware of those around us who are struggling in so many different ways, and that we will give out of our abundance.

COLLECT FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Eternal God,

give us insight to discern your will for us

to give up what harms us

and to seek the perfection we are promised

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

READINGS FOR 12TH MARCH

Psalm 95

Exodus 17:1-7

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5:42

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

Two of the young men and Tracey were taken up the tower by Jon. An amazing way to see the city.

GRIEF AWARENESS CAFE

Three of the ladies from the Grief Café last week where we were delighted that Tony NHS Chaplain joined us in the hope that he can start something similar at HRI. New people are turning up each month and finding comfort and friendship as they share refreshments together.

MINSTER PRAISE

This will be held on Thursday 16th at 10:30. Everyone is welcome to this short informal service followed by cakes and coffee/tea

A BIG THANK YOU FROM DAVE ALLUM

Thank you to everyone at Hull Minster for all the gifts, cards and good wishes on the occasion of my 85th Birthday and “retirement” last weekend. Val, as ever, produced a lovely cake, despite feeling poorly, which was enjoyed by everyone after the service. The unexpected flowers were much appreciated by Julia.

STEPPING UP

GROWING NEW DISCIPLES IN PLACES WHERE

LIFE IS TOUGH.

A new Stepping Up learning Community will be starting in Hull after Easter.

Stepping Up provides an opportunity for lay people to come together once a week with people from other parishes in Hull to grow together as disciples of Jesus, and explore how to develop mission in their local community.

Over forty people have now completed Stepping Up in the urban and coastal communities of our York Diocese. They are involved in mission in their church and community in many different ways, and witnessing their churches grow as they share God’s love in the local community. You can read some of their stories and watch a video about Stepping Up here www.mseed.org

If you are interested in finding out more about Stepping Up, please speak to Heather or contact her at heather.black@yorkdiocese.org T 07852151740

Hilda’s Heirs! Wow it is great to have an event celebrating women in faith at the Minster!

Hilda’s Heirs 11th March 2023 10:30-3:30pm

“Hilda’s Heirs is a fun day of activities celebrating women and girls in mission and ministry. It is based at Hull Minster but includes an optional treasure hunt around the city.

Children and young people are invited to attend with leaders from their groups or their family. Activities include: brass rubbing, designing stained glass windows and a Minster Mystery Trail.

The day will start with a short worship service and end with a communion led by Bishop Eleanor of Hull and Leslie Newton (Chair of the Methodist District). During the day there will be a variety of activities and crafts on offer. A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided by the Hull Minster Cafe.

We are asking for contributions of £5 per head (£15 per family) towards food and resources, but please get in touch with carolyn.edwards@yorkdiocese.org or victoria@methodistyouth.org.uk if you need to discuss a bursary”.

You can book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hildas-heirs-tickets-525415009437

I am so excited to be taking part in this event which has been organised by the York Diocese. It is great to run a group for girls and be able to celebrate how amazing women are and how we can work together to learn more about God, our faith and share with others the amazing things he did for us. It is great for our girls and families to see how faith works through different people at different stages in their journey.

I hope to see you there,

Blessings
Lauren

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY

We pray for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria, for families that have lost loved ones and for those risking their lives in the recovery operation.
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort.
We pray for peace in our world.
For the safety of all children during the school holidays and for a restful time for all staff who work in schools.

COLLECT FOR THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE LENT

Holy God

you know the disorder of our sinful lives;

set straight our crooked hearts

and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory

in Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

READINGS FOR 19th FEBRUARY

Psalm 2

Exodus 24:12-end

2 Peter 1:16-end

Matthew 17:1-9

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY

· We pray for all volunteers and staff at the Minster
We pray for all those struggling to keep warm and well-fed during this difficult economic period
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort
We pray for peace in our world
We pray for the family of Nicola Bulley during these difficult days

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 12TH FEBRUARY

Psalm 136

Genesis 1:1-23

Romans 8:18-25

Matthew 6:25-end

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FOURTH WEEK OF JANUARY

We pray for all volunteers and staff at the Minster
·We pray for the ‘warm church’ initiative. For guidance as changes are made and another day is introduced
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort.
We pray for an end to the unrest in our country due to the many strikes that are taking place – for an acceptable solution

COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS

READINGS FOR 29nd JANUARY