15 October 2020

Rev. Irene writes:

What is impossible with man is possible with God.

Luke 18:27

We celebrate Luke the Evangelist this Sunday in the church calendar. Not only did Luke write the words of Luke’s gospel but also Acts of the Apostles, the story of how the first church developed after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

So why was Luke called the Evangelist?’ Luke was a friend of Paul and lived during the first century. Their purpose in life was to spread the gospel message of Jesus to Gentiles as well as Jews.

Today we too are encouraged, as we read God’s word, the Bible, to be evangelists. It was interesting meeting with other clergy from in and around our city at the Chapter meeting today and hearing how they are trying to evangelise during such difficult times.

We are all limited in what we can achieve now but when we feel frustrated, we need to remember the above verse, ‘what is impossible with man is possible with God.’ Just last night I watched the film ‘Amazing Grace’ on the TV and saw how William Wilberforce struggled for most of his life to bring about the abolition of slavery. He had many moments of despondency yet in the end he achieved, through Parliament, his aim of seeing the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. His trust in God was always there and it won through in the end. We may all be tired of the restrictions brought about by Covid but we must adhere to them so we can once again have freedom and share our love of Jesus through friendship and fellowship – what’s better than a ‘hug’.

Mandy is updating us this week on the children and families work in the Minster:

Mandy writes:

Two Sunday’s ago, we started our Minster Kids group back up following strict Covid guidelines. After a long 28 weeks it was amazing to welcome children back into the Minster in a way that is safe yet still fun. One of the benefits of having such a huge church is that we can use the whole of the East end allowing for every child/sibling group to have their own table and resources.

Before the first session I was a little nervous as to how the children would cope with having to stay socially distanced and keep to their own tables but I was so proud when they all followed along sensibly and kept to the new rules perfectly. All the children were extremely excited to be back with their friends and after a much needed catch up they were eager to get on and engaged beautifully with the session.

It does take a little more time to prepare and set up sessions at this current time so one way that parents can help me is to ensure their children are booked into the service here by Friday 5pm at the latest so that I know exactly how many children to plan for and how many stations to set up.

I am continuing to upload family resources to our website for those families not able to join us in person and would encourage anyone wanting to know more about how we are working to keep children safe during these sessions, or wanting help for at home sessions, to email me at: mandy@hullminster.org and I will be happy to give you a call.

After the success of our Summer Craft session we are also hosting another ‘Family Craft and Story session’ on Friday 30th October at 10am. I still have a few spaces left for this so if you would like to book in please do email me or grab me after a service to find out more.

Mandy Richardson- Children, Youth, and Families Minister

Rev Irene concludes:

OPENING TIMES FOR PERSONAL PRAYER AND VISITORS

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 12:3pm.

WEDNESDAY Holy Communion at 12:30pm. Entry through the north church side door.

SATURDAY 17th October-4pm. Choral evensong from the Book of Common Prayer 1662 led by the Hull Minster Choir using a pattern of worship passed down through the centuries.

This Sunday there will be an online service at 10am and a live service in the Minster at 10:30am. If you would like to be in the Minster for the service at 10:30am please book a place on-line here or by telephoning the office on 01482 224460.

We are now also open for morning and evening prayer as follows:

Morning Prayer:

Monday to Friday 08:00-08:30

Saturday and Sunday 09:00-09:30

Evening Prayer:

Monday to Friday 17:00-17:30

Access to both services is through the North Door, which is opposite BE Coffee Shop.

Lastly: On Thursday 22nd October at 7:30pm there is an opportunity to join CHURCH MISSION SOCIETY’S AGM via zoom. Full details can be found here.

Readings:

The Collect for this week.