This week Irene writes:
Christian Aid is a relief and development charity of 41 Christian churches in Great Britain and Ireland, and works to support sustainable development, eradicate poverty, support civil society and provide disaster relief in South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
We have the privilege to work with Christian Aid and support their fund-raising events. I hope that when you receive this, we will have had a great coffee morning where we have learned more about the work that is happening, and we have come together in friendship and fellowship to support that work in the future.
Next week Jess and friends will be doing their sponsored walk over the Humer Bridge, we wish her well and will give you an update next week.
JERUSALEM
I’m leaving Israel today (Wednesday 14th. On my last full day, yesterday I went to show my support to the Bring Them Home movement. I was able to listen to accounts of those who are still being held and those who have returned - not all alive. From there I went to YadVasham the national holocaust memorial. It’s the world’s most detail account of the Holocaust. Then I walked back to the old city. My thoughts as I leave here with is that despite all the physical structures that celebrate Faith. The most important gesture we can show each other is kindness. Kindness to the ones we know and to the strangers we meet. I have been shown kindness from those strangers I approached for help. Yesterday evening I experienced the shock of the public alarms sounding. An incoming missile had been detected. We had to get off the lite train and run for shelter. Thankfully, I’m here to send this message. I have the amazing gift of today.
The first two photos are of the area at YadVashem (Holocaust memorial) the section is to record the names of the 6 million that were murdered during the holocaust.
The others are from the Bring Them Home movement, at the gates to the Prime Minister’s residence. Tim Wilson
RECOLLECTIONS
This time of year 21st May is so important to me as I always think of those killed on my ship HMS Ardent when it was bombed in the Falkland Islands.
It is also a great reminder about my faith.
I have always been brought up in the church, my father was the church warden at one time at St. Marks in Bellfield so I was taken along every Sunday, my siblings stayed with relatives whilst we were at church, probably my Aunts would not look after me, who knows!! But I enjoyed being at church anyway. I was confirmed at St. James, Sutton when I was 13 then went on to be Altar boy.
At 16 I joined the Royal Navy and during training attended church every Sunday along with every other trainee.
When I got out into the fleet made good friends and started socialising it was then when I started thinking the odd Sunday of not going to church wouldn’t hurt, before long it was oh I’ll pray at home instead, church was forgotten about and God was on the back burner.
It was on the 21st of May 1982 that a newly turned 20-year-old sat at ‘action stations’ hearing the planes overhead my mind started once again thinking of God. When the first bombs hit we were laid on the deck undercover, my first thought was to pray, it was then and I can still see the vision and light clearly in my mind I knew God had never left me, he was there by my side even after I had all but forgotten about him.
A great reminder how he is a positive light in our lives and is always walking with us.
I have never forgotten him since then. In my mind this happens most days although it was actually 43 years ago. God bless John Major
SCOUTS!
Some very excited cub scouts from Ferriby & Swanland along with their leaders climbed the 170 steps to the top of the tower on Wednesday evening taking in the ringing chamber and clock room. This was part of one of their award badges. They also sang Happy Birthday to Jon our Verger.
All had a fabulous time and if you look closely one of the cubs proudly carried a knitted Bee for Hull’s Bee Lady Day. Jon Major
GIRLS BRIGADE
I think tonight should be entitled small but mighty! Unfortunately for various reasons, a few of our girls and leaders were unable to attend. We missed them and we pray for their safe return next week, hoping they have had a smooth week. Some of our girls are undertaking exams, we wish them well and sending them God's blessings.
We had three girls in a group this week, we started with a violent game of 'Throw, throw Burrito.' It was a great game, and these girls play to win and take no mercy! It is a bit like a pairs game with an action of throwing soft burrito toy at each other. The girls and leaders had a great time playing it.
Imogen led us in devotions tonight, as we thought about the dove as a sign of peace from Noah's ark. We made some origami doves and used these as our prayer tool to send our prayers to God. Well done, Imy!
Our crochet volunteers came to help the girls, thank you. They are making wonderful progress on the bunting for our stall. Risa and Megan were very happy with what they had made so far. One of our wonderful volunteers, Beth, has made us a special Girls' Brigade named bunting. It is so kind and thoughtful. Thank you. With many blessings, Lauren.
COLLECT FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples; help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the Father. AMEN
READINGS FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Psalm 67
Acts 16:9-15
John 14:23-29
PRAYERS FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
· We pray for our world and the turmoil that prevails – Lord, send your peace.
· We pray that you will guide those trying to set up peace talks between Ukraine and Russia so that there will be an end to the terrible suffering.
· We pray for the children throughout the world who are suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally, especially those in Gaza. Lord please bring an end to this unbearable situation.
· We think especially of Christians in Nigeria who are suffering terrible persecution.
· We pray especially for the poor of the world who do not have enough to eat, may we do our part and give out of our comparative abundance.
· We pray for the work of Christian Aid that people will be generous in their giving not just generally, but especially in Hull Minster.
· We pray that we might show love and concern for those with whom we come into contact.
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
