THIS WEEK REVD. IRENE WRITES:

I am in the process at the moment of reading a book titled ‘An altar in the world’ by Barbara Brown Taylor, it is highly acclaimed revealing the countless ways we can discover divine depths in the small things we do and see every day. She suggests that we will travel all over the world to see a monastery or church searching to discover the treasure and yet often we fail to stop and look at what is right in front of our eyes. She says ‘the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot is because we’re standing on it.’ She quotes Francis of Assisi loved nature and animals in equal measure to humans. Equality, to him a leper was as kissable as a bishop’s ring, a single bird as much a messenger of God as a cloud of angels. Francis had no discretion’

I find this so encouraging as I look out of my study window onto the drizzly rain that seems never ending today. There is such beauty all around us, if only we appreciated it. Simple things seem even more important at the moment as we see the destruction happening in so many areas of the world and how we see Christians being treated in Nigeria and many other countries.

It is so easy to forget what riches we have. It is easy to draw close to God in our church services then walk away and package that up for another week. Having spent a short time in the Yorkshire Dales this week, despite the weather, I was once more taken aback by the beauty that was there, made naturally and by the hand of God.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN SERVICE AT THE CENOTAPH

Revd. Ann Richards led the service of the Battle of Britain at the Cenotaph last week.

It was Ann’s first service at the Cenotaph and was a great event which was well attended by veterans, cadets and public.

LITTLE FISHES

For our 10th birthday we celebrated with what's become our annual trip to Williams Den! Seventeen families were able to join us for a fun filled day exploring the natural play area, sand pits, water fights, slides, zip lines and most importantly ice cream! It was a great, boiling hot day. We were able to come together for lunch and for ice cream, Rachel had very kindly brought cakes for us to sing happy birthday to little fishes which were enjoyed by all and provided us with the much-needed energy boost for the afternoon. We thank Irene and the church for starting this wonderful group. We also thank Rachel for her friendliness, kindness, supportive and welcoming nature every Friday. Which is the essence of our wonderful group which so many families (including myself) are very grateful for. Rachel and I would also like to say thank you to our supporters in particular Jean, Rob, Katie, Dominic, James, HM volunteers, Hull City of Culture volunteers who have supported us in our weekly meetings through pastoral care, setting up/down and washing up. Your help and kindness are very much appreciated.

HERITAGE WEEKEND

Last weekend, over the course of the 12th and 13th of September, we welcomed hundreds into the Church as part of Heritage Open Days 2025.

Visitors were able to take part in a plethora of arts and crafts, including making their own colourful wax seals, and designing crowns and mitres that they could take home.

We also had the Minster's own artefacts on display to be handled by the public for the first time in nearly 2 years. Visitors got to engage with some of our 3D models, but also hold the authentic Civil War cannonball in their hands, and flip through an ornate (and quite large!) 1850s Bible, complete with beautiful illustrations, among much more!

The highlight of HODS this year though were the wonderful performances from Shift Key Theatre. The Beverley-based theatre group did an outstanding job portraying some of the memorialized people of the church, namely Agnes Bedford, John Alderson, and George and Eleanor Crowle. The feedback from their performances was marvellous, and we hope to make their telling of Hull's history a more regular occurrence!

GIRLS BRIGADE

Our second week saw us starting on our badgework, we are learning about the Climate and Environmental Justice. Gill introduced the topic to us through Job 12:7-10. We discussed different ways to look after the world and why is this is important. The girls were then set to work of designing our display board and what would be best to go on this. It was great to hear the girls’ opinions, understanding, and we look forward to bringing this to fruition together.

MINSTER CRAFTERS

Volunteer position available for Minster Crafters. You DO NOT need to be a crafter. The group is looking for someone to help with organising and promoting the Crafters. To sort and keep the cupboard tidy and to help when we have a stall. Glenis and Becky will continue to make all the craft items but need help with the administration side. For more information please see Becky D on a Wednesday afternoon. Becky Dexter

COLLECT FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord God, defend your church from all false teaching and give to your

people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life

in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

READINGS FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Psalm 91. 1-6

1 Timothy 6. 6-9

Luke 16. 19-end

PRAYERS FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

· Father, we pray for peace of mind for all of those suffering through war, or the threat of war, at this time.

· We pray for peace throughout the whole of the Middle East and for the Christians who are suffering persecution in many countries.

· We think of those Christians in Nigeria who are under constant threat from Muslim extremists, send help to them we pray.

· Our 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 and be prepared to rein in those who are urging more terror.

· We pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia as the fighting intensifies. Please bring compassion into all the discussions and decisions taking place this week.

· We pray too for all those throughout the world who do not have enough to eat, or live in fear for their lives, may we do our part and give out of our comparative abundance to help alleviate suffering.

· We pray for America and an end to the unrest that is being stirred up.

· We pray for our city of Hull that we will see help being given to those in dire need.

· We pray for all the children involved in the variety of activities in the Minster. May they have an understanding of your love for them.

· We pray for all who have loved ones who are sick that they may experience your healing. May they know your love and peace.

· Help us all to remember to be grateful for all that you have given for us.