Minster Lifeline #26
30 June 2021
HHull Minster Choir
REV. IRENE WRITES:
From the 1st of July we see the Minster doors opening Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday each week between 10am and 3:30pm. This will be both for personal prayer and for general visiting, taking in the wonderful 700 years of heritage.
Of course, this means that we need lots of volunteers. I was delighted that over a hundred people came along to the volunteer training held two mornings last week. These sessions were so informative and helpful that many went away and have signed up for helping in the weeks ahead. We can never have too many so if this interest you please do let us know as there will be more training events in the future.
Over the coming months we will see changes in our choir as three dedicated musicians are leaving Hull to pursue interesting and possibly challenging adventures.
All have agreed to update us on their adventures in the coming weeks so today I am delighted that Nia has written for us:
NNia Cooper
At the end of July, I will be leaving the Hull Minster community and going to teach Maths at a British International School in Hanoi, Vietnam. I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture, different food and interesting landscapes and living in South-East Asia will give me the opportunity to travel to other countries in the region too once international travel is reopened. It is a two-year contract, and I am going alone, so it will be a huge adventure, but I have always wanted to live abroad and thought I would take my chance now while I am still young-ish! I have been reassured there are choirs there to join so I can continue my singing, but I will always remember and cherish my time spent at Hull Minster.
I joined the choir back in November 2016, shortly after moving to Hull to train as a Maths teacher. The choir, and the wider Hull Minster community, has been a constant throughout my time in Hull and I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of this group. When the choir was allowed to meet more regularly, it was always good to know I could end my week, however busy and/or stressful, with a good old sing at choir practice on a Friday night and Sunday morning. When I first arrived, we were Holy Trinity Church, the work on the nave was taking place and we were confined to the quire.
Being a part of the choir has meant I have had a great group of people around me that I can count on for not only fantastic singing together, but also camaraderie and community while I am away from my family who live in Wiltshire. Choir socials, whether it is a quick trip to the pub after Friday practice or a big party at Katie and Iain’s farm in Ottringham, mean we have always gelled well as a team – and I think this really boosts our singing too. I have relished the opportunity to sing a wide range of exciting and challenging repertoire which has always kept choir fun and interesting for me. I have loved being a part of this choir and I will really miss the people, the singing, and our repertoire.
Some of my most memorable moments in the choir have been our trips to sing Evensong at Liverpool and Coventry Cathedrals, as well as singing at the Saint Lucia Day service for Hull’s Danish and Swedish community, and of course the Minster Making weekend. It has also been a huge privilege to be able to sing at a variety of civic services with the city’s top brass in attendance, in addition to Dignity Services and Carol Services around Christmas. More recently I was part of the small group of singers who sang on the roof of the church for Ascension Day – it is safe to say Mark and the rest of the team at Hull Minster have afforded the choir so many fantastic opportunities. I was particularly heartened and pleased to hear of the new Hull Minster Choral Strategy for schoolchildren across the city which should continue to build and develop the music-making in Hull.
In addition to singing in the choir, I have helped Mandy with the children’s activities on a Sunday morning, and read from scripture at a few services more recently too. Beyond the choir it has been lovely to get to know the wider congregation too, who have always been so supportive of us a choir and myself individually as well – this has been particularly appreciated after I shared the news I was leaving and have had so many well-wishes from a variety of people across the whole church community. Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers as I embark on my next chapter. I hope the church continues to go from strength to strength in its ministry and I wish you and Hull Minster all the best for the future. Nia Cooper.
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:
Click here to see exciting details of ‘The Wild and the Natural’ Art exhibition
1st - 24th July 2021 http://www.hullminster.org/exhibitions
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.
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.
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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: FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
COLLECT FOR FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Almighty God, send down upon your Church
the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister the gospel
your countless gifts of grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
This Month’s Prayer Diary
Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.