This week Val writes:

Listening to the news this last week of June has brought to my mind a very well-known scripture: “What is truth”? You may remember it was Pilate who said this before going out to the crowds and telling them that he found no basis for the charges against Jesus. In our present chaotic world, claims are often made without genuine evidence, and it is up to the individual to believe them, or not. We can no longer always believe what is put out as ‘truth’. Many people are living in fear, unsure what the next day or week may bring.

I read an account of a Christian church, Saint Elias Church in Damascus, where at least 23 people were killed and 62 injured. I trust the source and the pictures of the event backed it up. On Tuesday, following the attack on the Sunday (22nd June), Christians of all denominations gathered at Greek Orthodox churches across Syria to remember the victims and pray for those affected. With many churches packed, people also gathered outside – both Christians and Muslims – with many holding candles. One Christian woman said: “Innocent people who were killed only because they are different in their beliefs, because they love Jesus.”

We, who are Christians, believe that Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE, and that NO MAN CAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT BY HIM. The centuries following his death have seen many people martyred for their faith in Him but the truth about Jesus has stood the test of time.

The article recounting this tragic event finished with these words: “Despite ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, the church in Iran, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and the wider region continue to place their trust and hope in Jesus. They are urging us to join with them in prayer for wisdom for all the leaders in the region, comfort, and strength for everybody caught up in this crisis – particularly Christians vulnerable to increased persecution – and, above all, for lasting peace.”

URGENT PLEA FROM UKRAINE

Olga has asked if we could collect men’s socks, pants and T-shirts for use in the hospitals in Ukraine. They have run out of clothes for the injured to wear in the hospitals. Please bring into the Minster and Rev. Irene will pass these on to Olga ready for the next truck delivery. Thank you

ITEMS FOR LIFELINE!!

If you have something written or photographs that you think should be in Lifeline, please send them to Val: valfotherby@gmail.com preferably by Friday. Pictures in jpg format please

GIRLS BRIGADE

We had a lovely evening; the night started with an unusual game of tug of war! The girls had to stand in the middle and try to collect their coloured cone and pass to the partner. It resulted in lots of laughter, falling and sheer strength. Only after, when telling a parent at the end of the night that one of our girls won everyone several times that we find out she practices tug of war in her rugby team! A bit of an unfair of advantage, I think! But what skills!

Viktoria led her first devotions this evening, it was wonderful. It was based on 1 John 5:14-15. Viktoria discussed the importance of prayer and how we can speak with God, the girls then made a flower prayer and wrote in the middle what they need help with. We then folded them up and put them in the font and watched the magic happen as our prayers and hearts were lifted and opened up to God. The girls’ expressions were wonderful to watch.

Gill led us in a great pipe cleaner craft of making either a butterfly or flower ring. It was very engaging, surprisingly easy to make and they looked cool. The girls enjoyed them and went onto create more crafts by adding bumble bees to their creations. Lauren

LORD MAYOR’S SUNDAY

On Sunday 22nd June, Revd. Irene along with Revd. Louisa who is the Lord Mayors chaplain conducted a lovely service for the new Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber Cllr. Cheryl Payne. Enjoy your year in office Cllr. Cheryl

Jon Major

BRICK CHURCH

Saturday 5th th th July is Brick Church with Minecraft. Come along with your children and your friends and their children! It has proved to be extremely popular with children and adults (maybe more so the adults!)

GOD CAN SPEAK TO US THROUGH US THROUGH CREATION

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains – from where comes my help! “ (Psalm 121). At the 9:30 service on Sunday morning, Terry was preaching on this and I was asked, by a member of the congregation, to include this quote from his sermon:

“The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you”. Werner Heisenberg, a 1932 Nobel laureate and father of quantum mechanics, was by all accounts one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century. Raised a Lutheran, he continued to practice throughout his life. He argued that with an increasing knowledge of the universe, a person would be led to the inevitable conclusion that God exists.

READINGS FOR THFOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

2 Kings 5.1–14

Psalm 30

Galatians 6. 1–6 7–16

Luke 10.1–11, 16–20

COLLECT FOR THE FOURH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY SUNDAY
Almighty God,

you have broken the tyranny of sin

and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts whereby we call you Father:

give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,

that we and all creation may be brought

to the glorious liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

PRAYERS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY SUNDAY

· We pray for the children throughout the world who are suffering in so many ways. May we do our part in bringing help.

· We continue to pray for the many people who are suffering in Ukraine and for a speedy settlement to this war.

· We pray for peace in the Middle East, not only Gaza and Israel but also Iran. In this time of international upheaval, help us to trust you.

· We pray especially for those who have been affected by the tragedy in Damascus that they will be sustained by God’s unfailing comfort. Also for healing and effective treatment for the wounded.

· We pray too 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 continue to pray for the work of Christian Aid that they will have the funds to meet the growing needs.

· We pray for all who have loved ones who are sick or who have died. May they experience your love and peace.

DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEKS