Minster Lifeline #24
16 June 2021
JJon Major welcomed into the Guild of Vergers.
Rev. Irene writes:
I am delighted that there are two special celebrations taking place this week. Firstly, this morning I went to Holy Trinity Micklegate, York where our verger Jon Major was welcomed into the Guild of Vergers. It was a great service of welcome with Holy Communion and some heartfelt words from the Chaplain of Vergers.
Secondly a lovely lady, Marion Lawson, who was part of our congregation for many, many years celebrates her 100th birthday on the 17th! When Marion was not able to come along on a Sunday, I used to take communion to her home in Willerby and she would tell me frequently how her husband and three sons were active members of Holy Trinity Choir. Robin tells me, she, not wanting to be left out, took on the role of stand in ‘mum’ and would look after the boys’ robes, starched their ruffs to they were extremely rigid and combed their hair, making sure they were ready and presentable for the start of services!
Marion came to the Minster lunch every month and enjoyed being with people. Marion now lives in Kirkella Mansions with one of her sons Barry living locally. She has an extensive family from all around the country. We will be sending Marion a card from all her friends at the Minster. (See Photo below of Marion and Bob Lawson)
This week we have a contribution from Sue Bagshawe, I am always humbled by her prayer life and was equally touched by her words below:
Prayer A Way of Life: -
Prayer has always had an incredibly special place in my heart since I gave my life to Christ when I was fifteen years of age. At that time, I lived in Bridlington with Mum and Dad, Granny and my four siblings.
Granny had the Attic room in the house as her bedroom and I had one of the small box rooms next to it. I had a small bed, wardrobe, and a little box which I made into an altar where I kept my prayer book, my bible, and a small cross in the middle. This little room became my place of sanctuary where I began my journey of exploring prayer and having my quiet times with Jesus. It was special to me because this is where, after coming home from being at the Youth Group one Sunday evening, I knelt and asked Jesus to come into my heart. I remember it was thundering and lightning at the time, but that night changed my life quite significantly.
I remember going to prayer meetings and scared stiff to pray out loud in case the words did not come out right or being in a meeting where if you did not want to pray out loud you passed a baton on to the next person. Well thankfully I have progressed better since those days! Prayer does not always need words anyway. Just knowing that we are in our Heavenly Father's presence is a beautiful thing, and He is the one who teaches us how to pray. Lighting a Candle can be another way to help us pray or listening to some beautiful music.
Sometimes when we cannot pray or find any words to say, His gracious Holy Spirit will pray through us. Our prayers are not always answered in the way we would like, but we have a beautiful Heavenly Father who knows what is right and best for us, and we can rest assured He will always answer our prayers accordingly.
Some years ago I came across a beautiful way of prayer as taught by Father John Main who was a Benedictine Monk in our time. He taught us to pray from the heart, and he took a very sacred prayer word "Maranatha" (which means Come Lord, come Lord Jesus). You will be familiar with this word during the season of Advent.
He recommended the word to be broken down into four syllables: -
Ma-ra-na-tha, and to repeat the word repeatedly until it becomes rooted in the heart.
To listen to the word as you say it from the beginning to the end, and if distractions come (as they will), just gently go back to saying the word.
It is a word that brings us into the silence and stillness of God's presence, and I find it deeply enriching in my own journey with God. My journey like all journeys has had its good times and extremely hard times but knowing that my life is hidden with Christ in God sustains me every step of the way. Prayer has many dimensions. Sometimes we need structure and other times we just need to be quiet in God's presence and allow Him to guide us and teach us.
I use the Daily Office (Celebrating Common Prayer) each day which I find extremely helpful and Prayers from the Cloister which is a beautiful little book of prayers and meditations. I also spend quite a lot of time in silent prayer too.
Quote from St. Teresa of Avila: -
“We are so far from esteeming highly enough our soul in which God so delights. Each of us possesses a soul, but we do not realize its value as made in the image of God - therefore we fail to understand the great secret it contains. If we reflect, we shall see that our soul is a paradise in which God takes delight.
If indeed my soul is a paradise in which you take your delight, let me find delight in your presence.
For if I have you God, I will want for nothing, You alone suffice.”
During lockdown I have been looking back at my life and journey and spent much time in quiet reflection as to where God is leading me now. I have given many years in active service one way or another, and now I believe God is wanting to fulfil the call He has on my life: to dedicate the rest of my life to Him in prayer and contemplation of the Scriptures.
‘Take my life, and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour, At thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be, ever, only, all for Thee’.
God Bless-Sue Bagshawe
MMarion and Bob Lawson
Update from Rev Dominic:
We are beginning a major period of thinking about our life and ministry as Hull Minster moving forward. To help the PCC understand our priorities moving forward we are wanting to understand the spiritual life of our congregations and how best we can support people in their faith. The links below are to the national Church of England survey tool for our parish. All data is anonymised so is not traceable to individuals. If you are not able to fill this form in online paper versions will be available on Sunday.
Early Years Survey (0-5 years)
Irene concludes with:
As St. Mary’s Lowgate continues with extensive building works we are delighted to welcome Revd. Ian Walker and his congregation to host their Eucharist Service in the Minster. We are looking forward to developing our relationship and friendship with all at St. Mary’s over the coming months as lockdown eases.
BIBLE STUDY:
We are delighted that Val is recovering well from her knee operation and keen to commence the bible study zoom meetings:
Our Wednesday evening 23rd June (7:30) Bible study will begin a new study on the book of James on Zoom. Everyone is welcome for this one-hour study and fellowship.
You can access through the hullminster.org page following instructions for bible studies.
SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:
SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.
SUNDAYS 10am Online Recorded Service.
10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster
Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Refreshments now available.
Please click here to book for either service.
The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion
PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open Friday and Saturday 12-3:30pm. MINSTER SHOP will be open during these times.
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.
RAISE MONEY FOR HULL MINSTER FOR FREE!
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The Heritage Volunteering group
If you would like to be involved, please contact Jane at jane@hullminster.org and if you haven't completed our survey about heritage, we would be very grateful to hear your views. It will help us shape the future of heritage at Hull Minster and helps us justify our needs and ambitions to grant providers. It takes only 6 minutes to complete.
CLICK Microsoft Forms to fill in the survey
It would be great to hear from you if you would like to find out more about volunteering with Girls Brigade at the Minster or if your child is interested in joining. Please email with any questions to mandy@hullminster.org and she will forward your queries on to Lauren.
READINGS: THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
God our Saviour,
look on this wounded world in pity and in power;
and help us to hold fast to your promises of peace
won for us by your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
AMEN
This Month’s Prayer Diary
Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.