This week Val writes:
Once again, this week has shown only too clearly, that evil in our society is never far from the surface. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is, for Jews, their holiest day of the year. In Leviticus chapter 16, it tells us that on this day two goats were chosen, one was sacrificed, and the other, the scapegoat, had the sins of the community symbolically placed on it and was sent into the wilderness to bear those sins away. This event is equivalent to Christians being murdered on Good Friday, just because they were Christians. On that day, Jesus became our ‘scapegoat’ as he took on himself the sins of mankind. Although such events don’t happen in most of the Western world, it does occur in countries like the Yemen, Syria, and many other countries, where Christians are killed because of their faith.
I wonder how many of us would be able to withstand that sort hatred. Would we be prepared to say we would follow Jesus, regardless of any persecution? If we look back in history, we find that many of the early disciples were put to death because they followed Jesus.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain", is a well-known verse from Philippians 1:21 in our Bible. Whilst we may not live in fear of following Jesus in this country, let us think of all those Christians across the world who daily live under that threat. Pray for them and their families, and for ourselves, that we will remain firm in our faith and share it with others.
GIRLS BRIGADE
Girls Brigade this week was our Bring a Friend Night.
Planned by our Young Leader, Imy, we learned about how the Bible teaches us what a good friend acts like. After some fun games we made friendship bracelets from left over baubles and wool from old projects in line with our badge work this term on Climate Change and Environmental Justice. A little bun decorating followed, and everyone left with a goody bag and a smile.
JUNIOR CHURCH
Sunday 21st September was the International Day of Peace. The older Junior Church group discussed what peace means to us individually as well as in a global context. They then wrote on post its, a summary of what it means to them, from no war, calmness, equality, listening and forgiveness to “when Cason is quiet”.
This Sunday we looked at the parable of the Good Samaritan, letting the group try and remember the story with no guidance in a play form. The first version lacked a few important details but the second saw Leila direct Cason roll his eyes at the injured Oliver on the floor, Kayleigh pass by as the dancing priest and Aria rescue him on horse back and take him to the hotel where, in a modern twist, she left her credit card to cover his costs with the reception team of Archie and Elizabeth. Gill Alden
ACTIVE DAY CARE
What a show! Active Day care who attend the Welcome Cafe put on a show, The Wizard of Oz and what a show it was. You could see the joy on the performers faces and they were well received by all, in fact they received a standing ovation. We look forward to next year! Tim Wilson
HEALING AND WHOLENESS
We are delighted to invite you to the Healing & Wholeness workshop series on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 Oct 2025.
Places can be BOOKED NOW on Eventbrite. Most workshops run twice so people can attend more than one and choose when and where to attend.
AND there are other activities to enjoy too: Relaxing and Creative arts workshops, Prayer spaces and catching up over a tea or coffee.
A Fellowship Meal at St Paul's from 5pm, and drama to entertain, completes Friday's activities.
‘REFRESHERS’
As Hull, once again welcomes ‘Freshers’ to Hull University so did Hull Minster albeit 50 years on. These three wonderful people, who have stayed in touch since their Uni days came back to Hull to celebrate 50 years after their first arrival and decided to see the great sites of Hull from above on a tower tour. Welcome back and I hope you enjoyed your stay. This time you will not be told off by Philip Larkin.
READINGS FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Psalm 137
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
COLLECT FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us; open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
PRAYERS FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
· We pray for the families of those killed outside the synagogue in Manchester. That there will be forgiveness and peace.
· We pray for peace throughout the whole of the Middle East and for the Christians who are suffering persecution in many countries.
· We pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia and all those who have experienced loss of loved ones that they may know your comfort and peace.
· We pray too for all those throughout the world living in fear and experiencing hunger, Lord may the leaders in all situations have compassion.
· 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.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK FOR THE WEDNESDAY CHRISTIAN GROUP EVENTS
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DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS