This week Irene writes:

Who inspires you?

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain

1 Corinthians 15:58

I am inspired so much by a gentleman in Scarborough. He is called Michael and is 86 years old. Michael is part of our church family here at the Minster. He joined us during covid when we had our informal Sunday service on zoom and since then he looks forward every week to receiving Lifeline and hearing all the news even though he cannot be with us in person.

Why does Michael inspire me? He has a wonderful faith, loves to read the bible, pray and discuss all sorts of world and faith issues with whoever will engage with him. Michael was married to Julie for forty-five years before she sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease thirteen years ago. They were a great couple, did everything together and were an active part of their local church.

Despite Michael’s devastation at losing Julie, he turned his conservatory into a workshop and started in a small way to make cards. Selling these to family and friends for £1 each, his work grew and grew. He now has made well over 7000 cards hence having raised over £7000 for MDMA (Motor Neurone Disease Association).

He is a humble gentleman who will go out of his way to encourage others and feels he lives every day as God wants him to.

To spend time with him is to be uplifted and encouraged, even when you feel low.

Thank you, Michael, for inspiring me and do continue with the hard work you are doing to please God and help others who may be suffering.

Let us know if there is someone who inspires you.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – GOLDEN BOOK

The Golden Book is a handwritten and illuminated folio with the names of the dead in black, their rank and date of death in red, and the initial letters of their names in gold. It also includes the addresses and dates of birth of the deceased, as well as the regiments they served in and the actions in which they lost their lives.

UKRAINE APPEAL

Our Ukrainian friends have asked whether we could collect Advent chocolate calendars, chocolates for Christmas and clothes for teenagers.

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine continues and the people are so incredibly grateful for the supplies we can send to them.

Our Thursday café has taken £1,000 in donations for drinks and food which is being sent to fund transport from Hull to Ukraine.

Thank you to everyone who has helped.

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.

VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION

For our volunteer celebration event this year on Monday 2nd December, I am asking everyone to help, only if you can, to contribute to our buffet. This could be sandwiches, scones, cakes, nibbles, cordials, fruit, anything would be great but only if you want to, there is absolutely no obligation.
If you can help, please could you email me shirley@hullminster.org and let me know what you are offering so I can create a list.
I am also asking all those attending, again only if you can, to bring a gift, wrapped for a Secret Santa. All gifts will be placed on a table and volunteers can choose a gift (not their own) to take away. All gifts must be under £5 and non-gender.
You may have guessed, money is tight this year so if you can help in anyway it will be very appreciated.
If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late, just either accept the invitation you should have received or email me and I will add you.
Hope to see you there. Regards, Shirley

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.

MAXIMISE YOUR GIVING TO HULL MINSTER

Thank you to everyone who gives to the work of Hull Minster.

Did you know there are three ways that you can make the most of your giving and it won’t cost you anymore?

1. If you give by cash and you pay tax, please ask for a gift aid envelope when you arrive at church, we can then claim 25% of your gift back in tax from the government so £10 becomes £12.50

2. The best way to give regularly is via parish giving, you can sign up here https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/hull-minster-hull/ and tick the gift aid box

3. Easyfundraising: every time you shop online for gifts, groceries, booking tickets or holidays a donation is given to Hull Minster. We have already raised over £600 through just 15 people using easyfundraising. If more people sign up and shop we can raise even more money. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/hullminster/?utm_campaign=raise-more

It costs around £1,000 a day to run Hull Minster and all the work we do in local schools and the community. These three easy ways to MAXIMISE your giving can make a big difference.

Thank you. Heather

COLLECT FOR SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT

Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation;

stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess and revive in us new hope

that all creation will one day be healed

in Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

READINGS FOR SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT

Psalm 16

Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25

Mark 13:1-8

PRAYER POINTS FOR SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT

For the people of America as they come to terms with new leadership

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.