12 May 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

Slowly but surely things are beginning to open up, we have even begun to discuss the possibility of refreshments after the services. It is so difficult building up a ‘church family’ when no loitering after services is allowed!

I love this verse from Hebrews

Hebrews 13:2, NIV: "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

I wonder how many times we, or others, have offered hospitality to an angel and not known it!

We are busy reading wedding banns at the moment and will be holding our first baptism on Sunday this week, it is so long since we were able to baptise inside the Minster. Imani’s baptism will be the first of many that are booked for the next few months. It is so good that families still feel it is important to bring their baby/child for baptism and have waited patiently for the opportunity to do this. Please pray for Imani and all the other babies that are to be baptised in the near future.

Last week we heard about the journeys of Lisa and Connor, how they came to be confirmed at Easter, today we hear from the third candidate Ellie, so encouraging to see God working in lives:

‘How do I really share with you my faith journey in just a few minutes, when I would never have believed I would be standing here today. I left the church many years ago, but I now know God never left me, he was always there waiting for me to take that step forward again.

It started with two buttons at the Battered and Berthed exhibition in Princes Quay in 2017. I stepped into the exhibition and was warmly welcomed by Liane & Fiona (the start of lovely friendships). It invited visitors to see the artwork from the perspective of being battered by the elements at sea and finding a home in a safe place.

So, my battered button was placed under the painting: Storm over the lake, I was looking at this as an outsider so to speak, and could only see the pain, fear in people’s eyes trying to keep their heads above water, trying to survive just like so many people do each day.

I also believe one evening when I knelt under another painting while taking photographs, I experienced something quite profound. I kept quiet, not really knowing at the time what had happened to me. The painting was called ‘The healing of the lunatic boy’ and the boy had epilepsy; I also have epilepsy.

My 2nd button went under the painting ‘Rest on the Flight of Egypt’ for me the tree represented peace, love, fruit, strength, roots-grounding, shade, nature.

The exhibition had quite an impact on me which led to all the wonderful people and things I have become involved with since. Liane, Anna, Fiona, Liz, Joy & Susie Re ORTS, which is such a special place. I am so grateful to every one of you for being part of my journey and your friendships, also Cathy and Anne who I met later in my faith journey.

My next experience was at a ‘You Event’ at St John’s Rosmead Street, the theme that evening was love. I still have the slip of paper with Love Is: and I wrote all around us. I found myself quietly asking God to come into my life that evening.

During my welcoming volunteer roll at Hull Minster last year, I met Anne and we got chatting about things and she suggested I may enjoy Taizé service. So, I went along to the next one, Anne was right I really connected to the music in a spiritual way, I loved it.

Then on Christmas Eve after one of my walks I kept fighting in my head do I go to church or not? Church won and I booked my seat at last minute and went down to Hull Minster and received Holy Communion for the 1st time, another amazing experience difficult to put into words. I will just say my life has been on quite a roller coaster since, not even knowing who I was any more as I was changing so much.

And this week as been so special joining Anne some days on her Urban Pilgrimage walks around Hull, spending time with the wonderful people at ORTS and special services being held at Hull Minster.

It is strange and wonderful how God gently holds us and guides us to certain people, places, and things he knows will help us and guild us on our path. I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I am now looking forward to being involved with Mustard Seed - Stepping Up, which will be another part of my journey with God.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone, and to Connor, Lisa, and Dominic, for all your lovely support and prayers. Thank you, Liane & Anne, for agreeing to be my sponsors.’ Ellie Hardy.

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: SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Risen ascended Lord,

as we rejoice at your triumph

fill your church on earth with power and compassion,

that all who are estranged by sin

may find forgiveness and know your peace,

to the glory of God the Father.