27 January 2021

LIFELINE 4, 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

Celandine, am I right? I seem to remember from being a small child these tiny yellow flowers that appear early in the year are called celandine. However, I could be wrong so please let me know if you think differently!

Did you know? Celandines are mentioned in C.S. Lewis’ the Lion, The witch, and the Wardrobe. When Aslan returned and the woodland turns from winter to spring, the ground was covered in all directions with yellow celandine flowers.

The ones in the picture were simply growing around a tree stump, by the stream in the village where I live. I could not help but think of ‘All things bright and beautiful when I saw them…’

‘each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, he made the glowing colours he made their tiny wings’

When Nick and I visited Raleigh Court each month before the virus came, we would always ask the residents to choose one of the hymns and every time, without fail, they would choose ‘All things bright and beautiful’ we did grow rather tired of those words however, how we long to go back in and happily sing …. all things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all.

As today we pass the 100,000 deaths from coronavirus, we may find it hard to see God’s wonder around us. However, from every flower that opens and every bird that sings we thank God for all the signs of spring and ask for strength to sustain all those who are working so hard in our hospitals and care homes during this difficult time.

Kat Cross has joined the Mustard Seed team with Heather Black and tells us a little about her story:

Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing well in these strange times. It feels so different in church, not being able to hug or sing, but I am so glad the church is open because it is keeping me sane through these times. God has saved me on so many levels and in so many ways, especially throughout this pandemic. Another thing that has saved me throughout the pandemic is Mustard Seed: Stepping Up programme. Stepping Up is a brilliant way to learn more about Christianity and Christ. At the moment there are two separate groups running, one in Hull and one in Middlesbrough with people from different churches in the cities.

I have learned so much from Stepping Up since it started back in September and I am so glad I joined because it has opened my mind and heart even more to Christ. Since September we have talked about listening to God, listening to others, and listening to ourselves. When we talked about listening to God, it brought back ideas that I once use to have, such as connecting to God through nature and it also helped me to improve my senses such as, listening to signs that God might leave for me. Listening to others has re-taught me to use my listening skills, in more depth than I normally would. Listening to ourselves has taught me that you need to make time for yourself, however much you need, whether it is a walk or treating yourself.

It has been strange continuing Stepping Up online instead of meeting face to face, but I am glad we are still able to connect and continue with our learning. I think, speaking on behalf of all the group, it has helped us to get through lockdown and it has given us something to look forward to. Now we are looking at the Gospel of Luke and I am finding it quite interesting, maybe because I am not as familiar with Luke as I am with the other Gospels. It is still enjoyable, being able to share our views with each other and to be able to, virtually, see each other.

Before I finish this little piece, I would like to thank my group, Laura, Dave, Sam, Phil, and Jane for being great listeners and great company. They have all been amazing in the group and I have loved getting on with them all. But most importantly I would like to thank Heather Black, for not only setting up Stepping Up and the group but for being such a great sport, teaching us so well, taking her time out to help us and letting us continue with the programme online. I really could not ask for a better group and teacher. So, if you are interested, I would recommend it because you will feel a lot closer to your faith and Christ. Kat Cross.

Irene concludes with:

JANUARY OPENING

As everyone will be aware, we are now in a third lockdown. The guidance does allow public worship to continue, therefore there will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion and Sunday 10:30am Holy Communion. Please click here to book in.

The 3:30 Sunday Praise Service this week will be via zoom so if you would like to join please click here for the link.

Also this Sunday we see the return of our ‘Family Focus’ conversation via zoom at 2pm. A space for families with children to connect with a short session, hosted by Mandy. Click here to join or find the link on our website front page under Hull Minster conversations.

All other public services are cancelled at the present time.

PLEASE NOTE The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

Confirmation Preparation New course beginning Wednesday 3rd February via zoom at 7pm. Please email Rev Dominic if you would like to sign up, or for more information, dominic.black@hullminster.org

It is looking likely that the government is going ahead with the May local council elections. Given the current situation you may want to apply for a postal ballot. Here is the link on the Hull Council website. http://www.hull.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/voting-post

An Invitation to Lent 2021

This Lent, to encourage each of us to go deeper in prayer we will be sending out a booklet of daily reflections based on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2021, Living His Story by Hannah Steel. These notes include a short passage of scripture, a reflection, and a prayer for each day of Lent. If you have a smart phone or tablet these notes are accompanied by the free #LiveLent App on iOS and Android where you can listen along to the reflections. [suggested donation £2.50 to cover booklet and postage]. Click here for full details.

READINGS: FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

God of heaven,

you send the gospel to the ends of the earth

and your messengers to every nation;

send your Holy Spirit to transform us

by the good news of everlasting life

in Jesus Christ our Lord