Rev. Irene writes:

As phase three of our building work comes to completion, I was reflecting with a friend on what a difference all the work of the past years has made to the Minster.

Last week we saw how versatile the building can be. On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Day of Remembrance and Prayer service was held in the evening. Rev. Rob led the service accompanied by two priests from the Ukrainian Church in Manchester. We heard heartfelt stories from the people of Ukraine and felt the depth of feeling from the people as they sang a Ukrainian hymn and the National Anthem of their country. It was so good to be able to offer our church to the people and hopefully we will, in the near future, be holding a regular time of prayer led by the visiting priests.

In contrast to the above on Saturday was our Teddy Bears’ Picnic when the Minster came alive with children, teddies, and families throughout the day. It was such a joy to see everyone happy and enjoying the day. Without going into more detail, you will see from the gallery of photographs just what the day held. Of course, none of this could have happened before our building work began so despite many years of building works, I am sure we all agree it was well worth it!

Sam McGaw, one of our lay readers writes:

This is a great opportunity to say thank you on behalf of us all to Irene and Val for “making the difference” and ensuring that “Lifeline” is available each week. A labour of love?  It must be because I know there are many trying times in its preparation and distribution As one who receives it each week, it is always worth reading, and I hope feeds both our knowledge of “what’s afoot” at church and our prayers for all those involved: news and “what’s on” plays its part in keeping us all connected and creating a worshipping community. Long may it continue.

There have been lots of changes over the years at our church where I have been a member for over 60 years now. The temptation is that we spend time looking back rather than looking forward. I have seen changes, challenges, some tough times, but also great inspiration, help, friendship, and joy too. That we know of God and the Gospel story of forgiveness through Jesus Christ remains (as it always has been) the focus of our very being. I found this out, for myself, through the witness of other Christians at this church in my teenage years and I have always wanted that example to continue, so that we can meet as a growing family of fellow believers, enquirers and those who are curious about faith, all together celebrating God’s love.

 How we do that is individual choice, we self-select how and who we join to worship with, and we have been challenged by a number of changes over the last few years: but God’s love remains the same. Essential (in my view) is that we do not put “churchy” barriers in the way of people seeking God. It is wonderful that our building is back open to all-comers for four and a half days a week and we always have a hope that we can extend those times. I continue to hope and pray that our active faith will be the first and last thing that all who come to our doors see.

We know faith is a “full time” fact. Not just for church, or for Sundays, but we do need reminding at times. The role of “Lay Reader”  in the Anglican church was partly driven by that fact (many other churches have similar roles). The perspective of involvement in work and everyday life, outside church, should ground ministry and the application of faith into church organisations, activities and worship, and benefit church members by having teaching and preaching in that context. I was first licensed after training for the role 25 years ago and am expecting a certificate in recognition of that at the Annual Readers Licencing Service in York Minster on Saturday 24th September. It is also “Reader Sunday” on September 4th across the York Diocese, and I hope to preach at our services that day. That is intended to encourage (rather than put off) those in church and be a focus for any who may think they too have a calling to act out their faith in ministry embedded in their everyday life. Enquiries are welcome: please do get in touch.

Meanwhile, it would be wrong not to include my thanks: thanks to my family (sometimes they have taken a back seat to my commitments), thanks for constant support in our church and thanks for the prayers and guidance of many clergy over the years. What verse of scripture says it best? I am torn at present between two, John’s reference (chapter 10 v10) to Jesus saying, “I came that you may have life and have it to the full” and the final verses of Romans 8 “Nothing can separate us from the love of God”. Bible study continues, God uses scripture to speak into our life and on different days, at various times and circumstances, the same words speak differently to us. There is still lots to learn and lots of life to lead, I pray God may help me and you, all of us, to do that wisely. Sam

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

Picture gallery from Saturday’s wonderful event when over 600 people visited the Minster and 120 picnics were given out to children

Until 3rd September there will be an exhibition in the Minster by Tracy Holland

Confluence – Crossings and Guiding Lights

Remember our ‘pop up’ café is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday selling, amongst other things, great homemade quiches, and sausage rolls.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICES WILL RUN THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY     9:30 a.m.   Breakfast Church (toast and drinks from 9:10)

                      11 a.m.     Holy Communion in the Minster

WEDNESDAY HOLY COMMUNION 12:30 p.m.

SATURDAY    4 p.m.      1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th  Evening Prayer    2nd Taize

THERE WILL BE NO EVENSONG THIS WEEK

CHOIR

We are delighted that the choir will be back on Sunday mornings from the 11th September.

We are delighted that EMMA BAXTER and MATTHEW EREMENKO are being married in the Minster on Saturday at 2 p.m. Emma is a long-term member of the choir and needless to say the choir will be there to sing and support her and Matthew on this very special day. Prayers for them on the start of a new journey in their lives.

MINSTER PRAISE – 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Next one is on the 15th September.

Sew for the Soul is a new group for anyone interested in sewing.  It will start at 12.30 with refreshments and end around 15.00.

15th September    20th October    17th November    15th December    Resumes Feb 2023

OPENING TIMES FOR SEPTEMBER

Full opening Wednesday – Saturday from 10 – 4

GRIEF AWARENESS CAFÉ (Second Wednesday of every month) 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Next Café 14th September

INTEGRATION COFFEE MORNING (Second Thursday of every month.) 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Next meeting 8th September

HULL JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT to be held in the Minster 1st September at 7 30 p.m. For further details please go to the Freedom Festival website

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY - traffic and travel ONLINE final. Everyone should be receiving this survey through the post in the next week or so. If you prefer just click onto the site below and have your say on traffic and travel in Hull. https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=165719204954&q0a=CPNews

BIBLE STUDY GROUP

The study group resumes on Wednesday 7th September.  If you would like to get ‘study ready’ why not make a start at reading the book of HEBREWS before our first meeting on Zoom.

PRAYER POINTS FOR FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER

• We pray for Dominic, that he will receive positive results from his hospital check-up.

• We pray for all children and young people as they prepare for the new school year.

• We pray for all our Ukrainian friends, those living in this City and in our country. We pray for an end of conflict in their country so that those who wish to can return to their homeland.

• We pray for all who are worrying and suffering because of the increase in fuel costs and everyday living. Help us to help those most in need.

• We pray for Emma Baxter and Matthew Eremenko as they start their new married life this Saturday.

COLLECT FOR THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

God of constant mercy,

who sent your Son to save us:

remind us of your goodness,

increase your grace within us,

that our thankfulness may grow,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

 READINGS FOR 4TH SEPTEMBER

Jeremiah 18:1-11

Psalm 139:1-5,12-18

Philemon 1-21

Luke 14:25-33