Minster Lifeline 46
REV. LOUISE writes:
Last week’s Lifeline briefly mentioned that I would like to get people involved in prayer and the following is how I suggest we do this together.
24 HOURS OF PRAYER
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This New Year we would like to set aside 24 hours to pray for the life of Hull Minster, and the community and world in which we find ourselves.
For 24 hours, we will be invited to take part in whatever way we would like, and for as much time as we can: there will be opportunities to join in with morning, midday, evening, and night prayer. Also, a space will be set aside for prayer in the Broadley chapel, with some stations to help us to pray throughout that time. Alongside this, there will be the opportunity of joining in on zoom throughout the 24 hours, but this may be helpful particularly through the night hours when it is difficult to physically get to the Minster, or for those who for whatever reason find it hard to get there.
We are hoping that this will be an amazing opportunity for us to come together and to bring to God in prayer the many things we are thankful for: for all that has happened in the last year, for the many people who make up this place and make it what it is; for the history of this Church as being a centre for Christian worship over the centuries, and for the new people God is bringing to join with us now; for the building work which has been completed and for the new staff and cafe which has started so well; for the things which have happened in our own lives which we are grateful for, and for the people which God has placed around us to encourage and support us.
There will also be the opportunity to pray for the things in our own lives and the life of the Minster which seem like a challenge as we enter this New Year and seek to move forward into the future God is calling us to; we can pray for a deepening in our life of worship together; for our interactions with one another and with those coming into the Minster, that we would always share the love that we have in Christ and minister in His name; for the use of the resources that we have been given and that God would give us the resources both financially, physically and spiritually that we need for the coming year; for the needs of the community in our Parish, the needs of this country and the needs that there are across the world at this time; and that God would cause us to grow in terms of both numbers and in the depth of our discipleship and worship of Him during 2023…. there are so many things we need to pray for!
There will be further announcements, but this is what we would like to do for the 24 hours between 9 a.m. on Saturday 14th January and 9 a.m. 15th January. We look forward to praying together this New Year!
TOOLS WITH A MISSION
Have you heard of the charity TWAM (Tools with a Mission). The charity collects tools that are no longer needed and they are sent to a refurbishment centre where, once refurbished, they are packed into kits and sent to skills training centres in Africa. If you have tools in your shed that are no longer used then please contact me on: irene@hullminster.org and we will arrange to pick up from you on his next visit to the area.
Many thanks in advance – great charity to support.
CANDLE LIGHTING SERVICE
Sunday saw a good number of people gather to remember those who had lost children or siblings. The service was led by Rev. Irene and the homily given by Rev. Louise.
Families were so pleased to have this opportunity to share this time with others.
VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATION
Monday afternoon of this week was for all those who volunteer at the Minster. Some received a special thank you nominated by fellow volunteers and grateful thanks were given to everyone.
CELEBRATING HER 90TH BIRTHDAY
Joan Whittaker, one of our long-term members at Hull Minster, now living in Westdene Care Home. This photograph was taken on her 90th birthday when she was delighted to share Holy Communion with Rev. Irene.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Do look out for the Christmas Card board if you wish to send just one card to your church family and friends
BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
During December there will be a break in the Wednesday Bible teaching groups. Details of new studies and courses will be announced in Lifeline before January.
WARM SPACE IN THE MINSTER
This continues this Thursday and throughout the winter months. Anyone is welcome, drinks served during the morning and afternoon and soup and a roll at lunchtime.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Thanks once again, to the anonymous donor who has funded the live Christmas Trees in the Minster. This is a very generous gift and appreciated by thousands who visit during the Christmas season.
TWO CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT ST. MARY’S, LOWGATE
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE THIRD WEEK OF DECEMBER
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 all the services and events that are being held in the Minster throughout December. Praying that God’s love will shine in all that we do.
We pray for the families whose children died after falling in the lake in Birmingham. Continue to pray for the youngest child, six years old who is in a critical condition. Also, pray for those in Jersey who have lost loved ones in the explosion.
We pray for all our volunteers whether they are noticed or unnoticed for the great job that they do to keep the Minster open and flourishing