This week Revd. Irene writes:
I wonder whether you caught a glimpse of the service held last week for the VJ Veterans. A service of remembrance and deep gratitude, marking 80 years since Victory over Japan Day—VJ Day. This day, etched into the memory of nations and families, reminds us of the final chapter of the Second World War, and of the immense cost paid for peace.
At the National Memorial Arboretum, veterans—some over a hundred years old — stood as living witnesses to history. Their voices, though aged, carried the weight of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. Owen Filer recited the Kohima Epitaph:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave
our today.”
These words are not just poetry—they are a sacred charge to remember. Colonel Mohammad Ghani Rashdi, said, “My prayers were the only thing that kept me going.” And we saw how faith -whether whispered in a foxhole or clung to in a prison camp—became a lifeline in the darkest hours.
This service, which was so beautifully done, was not only a tribute to those who served, but also to those who suffered: civilians held in internment camps, families torn apart, and communities forever changed.
As Christians, we are called to be people of remembrance and reconciliation. We
remember not to glorify war, but to honour those who bore its burden. We reconcile
by committing ourselves to peace, justice, and compassion in our time.
The King’s presence, the music, the prayers, and the silence all reminded us that
remembrance is not passive. It is active. It calls us to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made. As one veteran said, “Coming generations must remember our sacrifices, so that they can strive for a more peaceful tomorrow.”
Let us then be peacemakers. Let us carry forward the legacy of those who gave their today for our tomorrow. And let us never forget that in the face of unimaginable suffering, faith endured, love prevailed, and hope survived. As we look at our world today let us pray that there is never a World War III.
VJ REMEMBRANCE DAY
Revd. Rob led the service and prayers at the Cenotaph to mark VJ Day and the end of World War II 80 years ago.
They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
VJ REMEMBRANCE DAY
Revd. Rob led the service and prayers at the Cenotaph to mark VJ Day and the end of World War II 80 years ago.
They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
THURSDAY’S WELCOME AND LISTENING AND CAFE
“WE PASS THIS WAY BUT ONCE”
I suggested this as it links in with things I have learnt over the years from my support of those whose lives have been blighted by addiction. I include the family and friends of those whose life are also blighted by the impact of addiction of their family and friends.
Interestingly also linked with my time in Jerusalem.
Those involved with the recovery from addiction will be aware of the saying “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift” It’s easy to forget what a gift today is. It’s not just the same old, same old - it truly is a gift. The gift of life in all its shades of colour. It’s something I remind myself and those that attend the Welcome Cafe.
So, with the topic of ‘We pass this way just once’ what do you/we want to leave this day with. Regrets or a feeling of wellbeing towards those we meet?
Finally, another aspect of the work on a Thursday is the Serenity Prayer.
To consider it carefully in the context of today.
It just could be the day to begin to change your life and those around you.
Heavenly Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Consider these things as we pass this way just once. Amen. Tim
SECONDMENT
Alastair Dean, a member of our congregation at Hull Minister, has been seconded to Carlisle Cathedral, also known as The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity at Carlisle - very similar to Hull Minister.
Alastair was invited by the Dean of Carlisle Cathedral and its Chief Operating Officer to assist in verging duties after the death of their long-time head verger, James (may he rest in peace). Alastair was recommended to the Dean by the National Head of the Church of England Guild of Vergers and the Guild's National Chaplain, due to Alastair's extensive experience as a Deputy Head Verger at Chelmsford Cathedral (and for several months as Acting Head Verger at the same cathedral). He will be working at Carlisle Cathedral for the next several months including the enthronement of the new bishop in which Alastair has previous experience.
Attached are a few photos of Alastair in action, including one where he verged in the College of Canons to ratify the election of the new Bishop of Carlisle and where he took notes of the vote. The final photo is of Alastair in front of Carlisle Cathedral's high altar.
If you wish further clarification, don't hesitate to ask. Allison and Alastair Dean
Heritage Open Days 2025 for Hull Minster
From noon onwards on September 13th, there will be a peal rung in the belltower, streamed live into the nave. The peal is a 4-hour marathon ringing session, and a demonstration of bellringing tradition made manifest in Hull Minster’s bell tower, which holds among the most premier sets of bells in the country. Listen to the bells or catch the live feed to see behind the scenes of this centuries-long tradition.
You can visit our event website for Heritage Open Days here: https://hm.churchsuite.com/events/vb6ip4kc
A further page for the virtual tour of the Grand Organ can be seen here: https://hm.churchsuite.com/events/q6fdc5qy
James Cameron (Heritage Project Manager): We are hugely excited to be able to provide a look ‘behind the scenes’ into the Minster’s heritage for this year’s Heritage Open Days. We hope to be able to provide people with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with our history, through the Organ Tour, the streaming of the peal, and by allowing visitors to interact with our artifacts firsthand. The period actors roaming the Minster offers a great way for people to engage with history and to immerse themselves in centuries gone by through talking to the people themselves. Hopefully it will be not just a fun and educational day out, but we can make a few memories as well.
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
A plea from Gill Alden, could you keep your empty tin cans and bring them into church please - after they have been washed of course!!
They will be used at the craft table at Teddy Bears Picnic on Friday 22nd August.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Plurality of Holy Trinity and St Mary the Virgin, Hull
On Friday 1st August Hull Minster and St Mary's Lowgate will for the first time share the same vicar and become one ministry unit serving the city centre. Due to the Pastoral Measure this is an automatic process and does not involve any re-licencing or induction.
Both PCC's will continue to exist as legal and financial entities but begin to work more closely together in mission and Ministry. This has long been the plan and has finally come about following the resignation of the Revd Ian Walker of Priest in Charge earlier this year.
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
This year's York School of Ministry modules are being offered for those who would like to undertake a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission.. For more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch with ysom@yorkdiocese.org and the team will gladly help with your inquiry.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
You may or not be aware, that we are very close now to adopting a Church cat. The main priority of the cat is to keep our furry friends out as the cat will act as a deterrent. For the first six weeks, the cat will live in the Vicar's Vestry until it gets used to its surroundings, when it will be introduced to life inside the Church. For those who have access to the Vestry, please be mindful of this when entering.
(Not a photograph)
This has been agreed and passed by the PCC as we not only think the cat will bring joy to many but also act as a stress reducer for those who need it as well as keeping mice and rats away.
We hope we have covered all basis with regards to allergies, scratching, cleaning etc and if things don't work out as we would like, it has been agreed that the RSPCA would take it back.
The cat will be registered under Ann Wilkinson's name and if/when the Church is closed for more than a day, Ann will take it home to care for it until the Church is re-open. This should only be over the Christmas period.
There will be a huge social media presence around the cat with weekly blogs and updates on its adventures.
We do hope you will embrace the idea of having a Church cat and if you would like to be involved in its care, upkeep and well-being, please let me know.
We are going to need to need regulars supplies of cat food dry and wet (I will let you know what food it eats once we get it), cat litter (wood chip), toys (catnip). If you can help in any way or have any questions, please speak to me or Dominic.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Olga would like to say thank you to everyone who has prayed for her during her recent illness. She is happy to be home – there’s no place like it!
COLLECTS FOR THE TENTH AND ELEVENTH SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY
24th August, 2025
Lord of heaven and earth, as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent
in prayer, give us patience and courage never to loose hope, but always
to bring our prayers before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
31st August 2025
God of glory, the end of our searching, help us to lay aside all that
prevents us from seeking your kingdom, and to give all that we have to
gain the pearly beyond all price, through our Saviour Jesus Christ AMEN
READINGS FOR THE TENTH AND ELEVENTH SUNDAYS AFTER TRINTY
Psalm 145:1-7 Psalm 81:1, -10-end
Acts 5:12-16 Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15-16
Luke 22:24-30 Luke 14:1, 7-14
PRAYERS FOR THE TENTH AND ELEVENTH SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY
· Father God, we pray again for all those suffering with injuries, loss of loved ones and the terrible starvation in Gaza. May the leaders involved find compassion
· We continue to pray for the many people who are suffering in Ukraine and that the meeting between Putin and Trump will bear some fruit.
· We pray for peace in the whole of the Middle East, especially Syria where news of Christian more churches are being destroyed where there is hatred, let there be love.
· We pray for those countries in the far East who have suffered terrible flooding.
· We pray too for all those throughout the world who do not have enough to eat, or live in fear of their lives, may we do our part and give out of our comparative abundance to help alleviate suffering.
· We pray for the protection of all our children in the summer holidays.
· We pray for all who have loved ones who are sick or who have died. May they experience your love and peace.
PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO 3pm SERVICES THROUGHOUT AUGUST
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
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DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS