8 December 2020

Rev. Irene writes:

Last Sunday saw the doors of the church open again for worship, not only at 10:30am but also for the launch of the new 3:30pm service, Sunday Praise. Although I was not able to be at either of those services, I understand that both were well attended, and people felt a joy at being able to come together again. It is not easy to launch a new service when the rules are ‘no lingering to chat’ as fellowship plays such an important part in our lives.

I was reading 1 Thessalonians 1 this morning, Paul writing to the people in Thessalonica. He had a short time face to face with them, but he shared the good news of Jesus during that time and they went on to establish a church and grow in faith. It also struck me that when he was not with them face to face, he continued in fellowship with them through his letters. In his letter he shares his pastoral concern, offers prayerful support for their steadfastness, and develops the teaching he was unable to complete while with them.

A great lesson to take from Paul, yes face to face in church is what we strive for but if that is not possible, we still have the opportunity, particularly today, with the use of social media, letter writing and telephones to keep in contact and share fellowship with many others.

I am delighted this week that Sarah Magaharan has written for us, updating us on life after university:

I am part of the “boomerang” generation. I was told this by my career mentor, just before the first lockdown in March. 

“You go off to university, live independently for a while, and then return back to your parents’ home,” He said, “And there’s no shame in it.” 

I did not feel shame in it - in fact, I had told him about my intention to return home, back to Hull, so I can have some time to make big choices. So, I could feel a bit more in control over my life. Nine months later, I could laugh a little, at the fact that this year, all of us have had to surrender complete control over our lives.

So, I came back to Hull, earlier than expected, and time somehow equally sped by and snailed by. Over the spring into summer lockdown, I sometimes sang along with my mum for the virtual hymns broadcast in Hull Minster’s online service. I do like a singsong, after all. September then popped around the corner, and with-it Hull Minster Choir returned, with shiny new socially distanced bells and whistles. My mum, as mums do, asked if I wanted to join in again. I had been a member of the choir since I was ten, and during my time at university, I returned to church at Christmas for my favourite service, Midnight Mass. So, I thought, sure, might as well add another year to the grand total.

Organised schedules had been sent out, designating us all into teams to tackle the Sunday service. I checked for my name, and oddly enough, I had been put onto the new Worship Band list, too. At first, I thought it was a mistake, but Mark, the Music Director, had purposefully put me on there. And I was happy to do it - I love contemporary worship music, ever since I went to the Christian festival Soul Survivor through Dan Broom’s Minster Youth group, back when I was sixteen and seventeen. The music there had an ability to fill people with the spirit and connect a congregation in a way I had never experienced before.

First rehearsal for the Worship Band came round, and upon arriving, I was elated to discover that an old friend of mine, Becky, was also part of the Worship Band. The two times I went to Soul Survivor, Becky was there with me. We shared, with other best friends from Church, moments with God’s Spirit that we will never forget, and discovered songs performed by Beth Croft and Tom Field that made us feel closer to God than ever before. Life rolled on and sadly we drifted, as I went to university and she began her career and “adult” life. I personally drifted from the spiritual high I experienced at Soul Survivor, too.

So then to be able to return home and end up singing again, alongside a reconnected friend who I love and trust, is a blessing. And with the start of the 3.30pm Sunday Praise service, it feels like I could be part of something that rekindles my faith and connection with the spirit. I honestly believe that God knew that I was coming home, and through the Worship Band, through mine and Becky’s friendship, God was giving me a chance to wander back home spiritually. Boomerang back to something spiritual, something special, which I can share with others through song. Whether it is all a happy coincidence or part of a bigger plan, I am glad that I am a boomerang-Sarah Magaharan.

Irene concludes with:

Thanks to an anonymous donation we have been able to purchase two Christmas trees for inside the Minster this year and they look stunning and really add to the Christmas cheer so many thanks to our gracious and generous donor.

Calling all Scientists! A working group has been created to submit a bid for a Scientists in Congregations grant. This would fund a project within both the Minster and the wider community relating to aspects of science and faith. We would really like to engage with the scientists in our congregation to make this project a success. If you are a scientist of any variety, or have links to the scientific world, we would love to hear from you! Please contact the bid team through the office on 01482-224460.

Other news this week:

Friday 11th-10 am-Little Fishes meets on Zoom. Join with Mandy and Rachel for songs and chat.

Sunday 13th-10 am- ADEVENT SUNDAY 3 Church at home- You can access this by going onto hullminster.org and follow ‘Worship’ or alternatively via You Tube or Face Book.

Sunday 13th-10:30am-ADVENT 3 Holy Communion in the Minster-click here to book a seat.

Sunday 13th-11 am-Coffee & Chat- For access click here.

Sunday 13th-3:30pm-Sunday Praise, Advent All age service in the Minster- click here to book a seat. Book a seat for every family member and we will sit households together. Craft Activities will be provided for any children.

The Minster continues to be open for personal prayer between 12noon and 3pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For a full list of Christmas services view the Christmas section of our website or click here for a printable list.

Readings:

Psalm 126

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-end                          

John 1:6-8, 19-28

The Collect for this week

God for whom we watch and wait,

you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son;

give us courage to speak the truth

to hunger for justice,

and to suffer for the cause of right,

with Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

December Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the month of December can be found here.