21 October 2020

Rev. Irene writes:

This weekend with the turning back of the clocks by one hour we will see the days shortening and the nights getting longer. Not good for those who are already struggling with being indoors so much but it does mean we are coming to the time when the winter bulbs start to push through the earth ready to give us that wonderful display of snowdrops and other winter favourites. I noticed whilst in the garden today that our holly bush which is quite extensive in size is already full of red berries. Looking at it reminded me of the Christmas carol we sing each year ‘the Holly and the Ivy’.

Unfortunately no singing this year in church by the congregation, however I have heard that our fabulous choir and music group are meeting to record everything ‘Christmassy’ in half term week so that we are prepared just in case we move into stricter regulations.

We are delighted that there is still so much happening in the Minster albeit on a smaller scale. I happened to go in to record the Sunday service last week and was met by several mums and children all spread out in the Nave having a fabulous time together, that was the first time they have been able to come together since lockdown in March. Mandy had worked extremely hard to make everywhere covid safe and each child brought their own toys to play with.

Evensong on Saturday was well supported and the singing by the choir was extraordinary.

In psalm 96 v 1 it says

‘Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.’

Even with the restrictions there is still joy to behold! We hope that there is something in our services that brings joy to you and from Advent Sunday we will be launching the 3.30 p.m. Sunday Praise, the team is working hard behind the scenes to get everything in place for this which will be more contemporary in style and will have facilities for our young people also.

Val Fotherby was out and about last week and so she has written about one of her visits:

I recently had occasion to visit a church in a deprived area of the city which runs a busy foodbank. On that that morning, local councillors had dropped in to see how things were going. It was a hive of activity, noisy and extremely cold. What struck me was the passion to get things right and meet the needs of as many people as possible. There was a wide range of ages among the volunteers, but everyone was working at an intense level and on talking to some of them I began to understand the compassion they had for the people in the community which they served. If folks were unable to come themselves, they arranged for delivery to their home, appreciating that sometimes life gets complicated.

For many of us who live in warm houses, have more than sufficient food and a car to get us around or the money for bus fares, we must learn to have a grateful heart. I think we need to consider the way we spend our money and perhaps donate to, or help, in one of the local food banks.

You will doubtless remember Zane Powles, assistant head at a primary school in Grimsby. He walked over five miles every day to bring school meals to scores of children during lockdown. When asked why he did it in this way, he explained that it gave him the opportunity to check on vulnerable children. You could see the character of the man shine through as he wore funny costumes and brought gifts for the children; the perfect example of going the extra mile. He was surprised to be awarded an MBE for his services to the community!

In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us: “To whom much has been given, much will be required.” This was famously quoted by President John F. Kennedy in 1967 when criticising members of his family for their actions.

A recent example of giving was an incredibly generous tip that was given just recently, right before the COVID-19 virus forced the shutdown of a popular Houston restaurant. Knowing that the staff would be laid off and in dire straits, a couple (who wished to remain anonymous) left the entire staff a tip of $9400.00!

My late husband David often would say that grateful people were happy people. Some of the volunteers at the food bank were themselves struggling but they chose to look out into the community and give help, rather than complaining about their own situation.

For me, that morning was a stark reminder of the wide divisions in our society, but also how important it is for us as Christians to give in whatever way we can. After all Jesus said in Matthew 25, in giving to those in need, we are giving to Him.

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 24th October-4 p.m. Evening Prayer.

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.

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.

Also you have a chance to help raise funds for Christian Aid by completing a Humber Bridge Crossing. For full Information click here.

Readings: