5 May 2021
Rev. Irene writes:
Christian Aid motto:
We stand together. For dignity. For equality. ... We work in 37 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality, and justice. Together we can create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
As our Christian Aid coffee morning grows closer (13th May, see below for details), please spread the word to your friends and neighbours. If you are able to bake a cake etc. it would be much appreciated.
'Let us love, not in word or speech but in truth and action' (1 John 3:18).
I am delighted that this week we hear the story of two of the congregation that were recently confirmed by Bishop Alison during our Easter Vigil Service. They were not part of Hull Minster last year when they joined the Alpha course being run by Dan Broom and supported by Mandy. Great things have happened in such a short time so I hope you enjoy reading and please pray for them on their Christian journey.
LLisa Bird and Connor Reaney
'When I look back at my past, I can see that the seeds for my future with God were already being sown. It is clear to me that God has always been with me. When I prayed, he answered. When I cried out in times of need, he was there. He has never ceased to call me within the depths of my heart and mind.
But there has been an ebb and a flow to my faith. Over the years, my answer has been sometimes yes, and sometimes no. The problem, I believe, was my desire to reduce all to reason.
For a while, I became convinced that where reason ended, for all intents and purposes, the world ended too. I could think God, but I could not feel Him. I had a heart of stone. But for the first time now, I have learnt not only to think God, but to feel His presence too. And as I feel His presence, my mind drifts away and unanswered questions no longer matter.
I am at peace because I know within my heart, my new heart of flesh, that God is real and that He is with me.
But not only do I have God, but I have also been blessed with many people - those who have welcomed me here, those who have helped me mature in faith, and those that walk this path with me. I thank you, and I thank God that you are with me.
I truly look forward to my new mission in Christ, to spread the word of the one I have come to accept as Lord, as Saviour, and as a friend to whom I can always turn. I do not ask for confirmation lightly but do so with the conviction of living the rest of my life in faith, in love, and with forgiveness.' Connor Reaney
‘My journey into faith all began with the Alpha course last year. At first, I had so many questions, and there was so much that I did not understand, but as the days and weeks and months have gone on, I now feel like I understand the depth of belief.
Whilst being on this journey I have felt love like I have never felt before. Love from my friends and family who have supported me, love that has surrounded me in the Minster every Sunday, and most of all, I feel a tremendous amount of love from God.
Furthermore, I now feel a sense of purpose and belonging in my life- which is something that I struggled with before I started this journey. I now know that my purpose is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and I am willing to make the commitment to live as a practicing Christian for the rest of my life.
I find it extremely liberating to know that I am forgiven for all my sins, which has left me with a feeling of a fresh start, a new life- one where God is by my side and is guiding me through every step.
Therefore, my confirmation will allow for my relationship with God to be heightened further, and it will also allow for God to be the light that guides me through the rest of my life and beyond.’ Lisa Bird
LLisa Bird, Bishop Alison, and Connor Reaney
Irene concludes with:
MAY SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:
SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.
SUNDAYS 10am Recorded Service.
10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.
Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.
Ascension Day-Thursday 13th May:
Ascension Day is one of the key moments in the story of salvation. After his resurrection Jesus appeared in physical form for 40 days to his disciples Jesus ascended to his heavenly Father as they awaited the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1.1-11).
We will be marking Ascension with two celebrations of Holy Communion.
The first will be at 6.30am at the end of which the choir will ascend to the tower roof for the final hymn after which we will grab some breakfast!
The second celebration will be at lunchtime following the Christian Aid Coffee Morning at 12.30pm in the Nave.
From Ascension to Pentecost we will be encouraging people to spend some time in prayer as part of the Archbishops' Thy Kingdom Come Initiative. You can find the prayer app and online resources at www.thykingdomcome.global . We will be giving out resources for this on Sunday. In particular you may want to think about five people you want to commit to pray for during the season who you would like to come to know Christ.
The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion
PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.
If you are coming in to the Minster for services we want to encourage you to consider the environment and walk or cycle or use public transport if possible. If you are coming by car please do not park on Trinity Square the only people who should be parking there are contractors working on the building. There are plenty of parking places around the Minster including the recently opened Fruit Market just across the A63. https://www.fruitmarkethull.co.uk/fruit-market-hull-l-multi-storey-car-park-l-regeneration-l/
DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES
We are looking for people to volunteer, on a rota, to work the sound desk during these service. The desk is pre-set, so it is very straightforward. We also need strong individuals to help with setting up the Minster in between services, and booking people in on the doors. If you think you can help with any of these tasks, please speak to one of the wardens for more information. Thank you.
CCoffee morning, 13th May, 10am-12noon. This event is to raise funds for the excellent work that Christian Aid does around the world. Hopefully, there will be tables and chairs in the market square. Everyone is welcome.
ART EXHIBITION
The Minster’s Artist in Residence, Julia Allum, will be holding an Exhibition in the Minster over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday May 28th until Monday May 31st, during Minster opening hours. There will be paintings for sale at very reasonable prices, so this will be an opportunity to buy a unique gift for a loved one (or for yourself!) and help to raise funds for the Minster at the same time. Julia will be in church painting and is happy to chat to visitors.
READINGS: SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
COLLECT FOR SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command
and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father.
AMEN
This Month’s Prayer Diary
Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.