REV. IRENE WRITES:
As you will see from the photographs another busy week in and around the Minster.
Last Wednesday we held our Grief Awareness Café which has become such an important morning for many people. We were delighted that George who comes along to the café has asked to become a volunteer and is really looking forward to being part of the fabulous Minster team of volunteers.
On Thursday our integration café took on the theme of Remembrance, Hope and Peace. We had a great number of people join us from Ukraine, Sudan and Iraq. We started with three large go-pak tables and ended up with six. Lots of good and interesting conversations taking place. One gentleman from Iraq placed this heart on the prayer tree which simply said his name and ‘free Iraq’.
As we remembered so did Archbishop Sentamu Academy by creating this excellent display.
As Rev. Anne led a service of Remembrance at St. Michael’s and All Angels on Sunday morning and with Becky not well we were left with a shortage of singers however in stepped a couple of the choir who happily joined us and led the worship songs. Rev. Louise stepped up to playing the piano and Rachel obliged on the trumpet for our act of Remembrance – all joining with Jonathon on drums and percussion to help us deliver a poignant service at 9:30.
REV. DOMINIC writes:
It is so good to be back at Hull Minster, all be it for the time being on a phased return basis following the collision at the end of June. I will usually not be available Thursdays and Fridays and am prioritising public services. People tell me that I look well, but I am still in quite a lot of pain and get tired easily. It has been a rude interruption to life. I clocked up rather more firsts than I would have liked that afternoon, first time in an Ambulance, first broken bone, first time admitted to hospital etc. Incredibly, and I am sure due to the weight of prayers it looks like I am likely to have no life-altering injuries despite having sustained so many broken bones. Thank you so much for your prayers and cards over the last few months and special thanks to all those who have had heavier workloads through my absence. Heather and I have been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and care as I have recovered and want to thank you all. It is sad to think that too many people these days don’t have the network of support from church and family. It has been particularly hard for her and the boys who have had to drop so much to look after me, especially in the early stages when I could do so little for myself.
In that short period such a lot has changed Nationally we have had a change of monarch and three Prime Ministers! It has been fabulous to see the Minster come alive with activity and events, the Trinity Room café now open and some tremendous new staff and volunteers. The café and the shop are already doing well drawing people through the doors.
The financial situation of the Minster is still very precarious but now that the main works are completed, we have a tremendous opportunity to reach out to the city. As we approach Christmas do prayerfully think about which services and events you are going to invite your family and friends to so that they might hear something of the good news of Christ.
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Our versatile Director of Operations has voluntarily put pen to paper for this week’s Lifeline.
AL HUTSON writes:
Our versatile Director of Operations has voluntarily put pen to paper for this week’s Lifeline.
“You don’t build a business, you build people. Then the people build the business”
Not a truer platitude could be said for the Minster Shop and its wonderful group of volunteer assistants.
When I joined the Minster in 2018, I was introduced to one Margaret Priestly, who at the time was the ‘volunteer’ shop manager. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, there was someone who wanted to work in retail…for nothing! Having just left Marks & Spencer after seven years, this really did seem too good to be true. But it wasn’t!
Margaret had developed the shop into a cornucopia of quality products and gifts. She had galvanised a team of over 15 volunteers, introduced a training scheme and, with her husband Kevin, implemented the shop digital till system. When Margaret then said in 2019 that she wanted to step back from the shop, you can imagine my trepidation about what the future held and the potential sudden workload that was about to hit my desk. Margaret and I worked on a proposal to put to the shop team about the possible future workings and management. The plan was to have three teams: buying, merchandising and stocktaking. These teams would work together, and all key decisions were to be brought to the full shop team at meetings held every 4-6 weeks. It is a testament that the ladies of the shop, that they have made this system work and also the commitment shown by all to either research products, go to conferences and expositions, give ideas and turn up to shifts and meetings is quite frankly, amazing.
So, why am I writing this. Too often in society we like to have a figure head, a celebrity to bestow our favour onto. When it comes to the shop, we have 15 or so loyal, dedicated, and brilliant people who give up their time, treasure, and talent to benefit the community they belong to at the Minster. This team have worked together to bring about the best performance the shop has seen in terms of profit, which then feeds back into the church.
It is likely that you will see them at one of our many services and events helping out, manning the bar or selling ice cream! So, next time you are passing, pop in and say hello to one of the team. They truly are one of the greatest assets we have as an organisation.
Alasdair Hutson, Director of Operations
MINSTER SHOP
This year’s Minster Christmas card is a lovely nostalgic image of Hull Minster from an original painting by Julia Allum. Cards are £1 each or packets of 5 for £4.50. We’re going plastic free this year so bundles of 5 will be smartly wrapped with a recyclable paper collar. Any quantity can be pre-booked by contacting a Shop volunteer or myself or email: shop@hullminster.org. Of course, you can also buy direct from the Minster Shop where you will be able to view the wonderful selection of gifts and Christmas decorations.
Sue McGaw
BIBLE STUDY GROUP
This week we are studying the topic of forgiveness. Why not join us online by going to the website and clicking on Church and Worship, then Teaching and click the banner at the top. You can also access these Bible Studies by clicking on the topic instead of the Teaching banner.
WARM SPACE IN THE MINSTER
Tim reports that although the start has been slow, it has already been very helpful. Some of the people coming in knew Tim from when he and Irene did the Tuesday evening soup run. They were so pleased to meet up again.
Every Thursday between 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. there will be an area set aside with a small team to meet with people and to offer them a warm drink and a hot lunch, of homemade soup and a roll and a dessert served between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Advice and support will be available.
If there are any readers of Lifeline who would like to be part of the team that will be delivering this new project, then please talk to Irene or Tim.
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE THIRD WEEK IN NOVEMBER
We pray for Dominic’s phased return to work; that he may feel strong both physically and mentally
We pray for the ‘warm church’ initiative. May we reach out to those in need
For children and young people who struggle with school because of poor mental health. May they receive the help and support they need.
We pray for all those caught up in conflicts and natural disasters around the world. This week we remember all who have lost their lives in conflicts of the past and pray for a peaceful future
We pray for healing for several members of our congregation. For those awaiting test results and those undergoing operations
COLLECT FOR CHRIST THE KING
God the Father,
help us to hear the call of Christ the King
and to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end;
for He reign with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, one glory
AMEN
READINGS FOR 20TH NOVEMBER
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Luke 23:33-43
DIARY FOR THE COMING FOUR WEEKS
S FOR THE THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER
We pray for Dominic, that he will continue to improve after his accident
We pray for the pupils and staff at Sentamu Academy that this year will be one of new beginnings and strength as they move forward
We pray for all who will benefit from our Harvest gifts asking that no one goes without food or warmth this winter
We pray for Bishop Eleanor as she begins her new role as Bishop of Hull. May she and her family be blessed in all that they do