21st December 2021
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
REV. IRENE WRITES
As we move to Christmas Day there is something very special about the above words. These words were spoken thousands of years before the birth of Jesus. This was not a whirlwind plan of God’s but a perfect one that had been conceived from the foundation of the world. There were seven hundred years between this prophecy of Isaiah and the birth of Jesus. For these words to come true two thousand years ago shows God is constantly working his purpose out. We may not always understand, but we know that all he does, he does for us.
Have a good Christmas, keep safe and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Happy & Peaceful Christmas from the team
Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who has helped over the past year. There are so many kind and selfless people who have given hours of their time to help keep the Minster doors open and everyone welcomed. For those behind the scenes, who keep the building clean and to all on the café and shop: you are all brilliant.
And a big ‘thank you’ to the Churchwardens who do such a great job!
DECEMBER SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OTHER SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES FOR JANUARY WILL BE DECIDED AT THE END OF THIS WEEK AFTER AN EMERGENCY MEETING WITH THE PCC ON WHETHER WE HAVE ENOUGH PLEDGES FOR FUNDS TO KEEP THE BOILER THROUGH JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES WILL RUN THROUGHOUT JANUARY AND FEBRUARY REGARDLESS OF ANY DECISION ON OTHER OPENING TIMES
SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Minster
WEDNESDAYS HOLY COMMUNION 12:30pm
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OTHER SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES FOR JANUARY WILL BE DECIDED THIS WEEK AND THAT INFORMATION WILL BE IN OUR NEXT LIFELINE.
SATURDAYS 4 P.M. 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5TH Evening Prayer
Please check on the website as to whether Saturday services are taking place throughout January.
MINSTER PRAISE – 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:30am.
There will be no Minster Praise in January however, we look forward to seeing everyone at the February service (17th February @ 10:30 a.m.)
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
At the moment services will be taking place as advertised HOWEVER please check on social media and the website if government changes take place. Face coverings are now mandatory unless you have an exemption card.
CALLING VOLUNTEERS
It is extremely important that everyone is welcomed into the Minster over the Christmas period whether this be for a service, a concert, or just for a visit. We are also desperate for operators to work the power point during our services. If you think this message applies to you, please give your details to one of the team. Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE:
The Minster will be open each day WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY 10a.m to 4 p.m. MINSTER SHOP will be open during these times until Sunday 19th December. It will be open that day but will close immediately afterwards until further notice.
CHURCH HEATING – UPDATE
We are two thirds of the way towards achieving the amount needed to keep the Minster heated through the winter months. However, it is an all or nothing situation in that we must have the money available before we take the decision to keep on heating the Minster. If you haven’t already given, would you please consider doing so this week. A big thank you to everyone who has responded.
If you are able to pledge support weekly, monthly or a one-off amount please contact Iain Ogilvie (Churchwarden) on Iain@hullminster.org or 07808891988
BIBLE STUDIES will continue in January 2022. Lifeline will have further details at the beginning of January.
MINSTER CRAFTERS
A plea from Becky Dexter the small group of crafters would love others to join them. An opportunity not only to be creative but to make new friends. If you don’t know who Becky is, please ask in the Minster and one of us will put you in touch with her.
CAN YOU HELP
Sentamu Academy are looking for people to get involved with the Celebrating Life mentors’ scheme, supporting the work of Rev Anne Richards in Archbishop Sentamu Academy.
You don’t need any previous experience to volunteer, just a commitment to a couple of hours a week on Thursday mornings and a heart for making a difference to a young person.
PRAYER POINTS FOR JANUARY
Our Father and God We need your presence and guidance as we enter the New Year. we face the year ahead with the gladness of heart that comes from the sure knowledge of your everlasting love
We pray for those who suffer during the winter, due to cold weather or due to seasonal illnesses comfort them and help them to get through difficult days
We especially pray for those areas of the world that are suffering from war, famine, and oppression: Afghanistan, Yemen, Myanmar, Syria, to name but a few. https://www.dec.org.uk is very informative
Please pray for all involved in the life of Dove House Hospice, that we may demonstrate our love and care for one another in all that they do
Give thanks for the scientists who have developed the Covid vaccines. We pray that their use throughout the world will defeat the virus
PCC meeting 20th
Teach us to love that through love we may help those in need
January - you can get daily prayers from:
https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/uploads/attachment/5536/prayer-diary-jan-2022-a5-booklet.pdf
COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth;
accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you
our Saviour and our eternal God
AMEN
COLLECT FOR SUNDAY 26TH DECEMBER
Gracious Father who gave the first martyr Stephen
grace to pray for those who took up stories against him;
grant that in all our sufferings for the truth
we may learn to love even our enemies
and seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt,
looking up to heaven to him who was crucified for us,
Jesus Christ our mediator and advocate
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever
AMEN
READINGS: FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
Isaiah 9:2-7
Luke 2:1-14
READINGS: FOR BOXING DAY
FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN
Acts 7:51-60
Matthew 10:17-22
This Month’s Prayer Diary
Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.