Rev. Rob writes:
My little boy has left me in no doubt that it is Halloween this week, as there have been Halloween activities at his groups and at his school, which seems to have captured his imagination. Halloween, at its origin, is derived from ‘All Hallows’ Eve’. In other words, Halloween is a celebration before the Christian feast day of All Saint’s Day.
All Saints Day is the time of the year in the Christian calendar when Christians remember and celebrate the faithful departed who have come before us, including the saints and the martyrs. Whilst you have to search very hard these days to find the link between what is bought and what goes on at Halloween, the Christian roots are there, if we are willing to look.
One thing that we will see at Halloween are pumpkins lit up from the inside by candlelight. Although contemporary renderings of Halloween focus on dark and scary images, the true image of All Hallows’ Eve is that of light. Those Christians who have come before us have passed from the light of Christ here on earth, through death, and into the light of Christ.
This image of light is prominent in the Bible. We remember that ‘God is light, in him there is no darkness at all’ (1 John 1.5), and that light overcomes darkness. The Psalmist says in Psalm 139.11-12:
‘If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Christians also believe that they bear God’s light and carry his light: the light of Jesus, for ‘Jesus is the light of the world’ (John 8.12). Jesus tells his disciples, and all those who follow him, to ‘Let your light shine’ (Matthew 5.16). This is symbolised at the end of the baptism service, where those who are baptised are given a candle lit from the paschal candle, accompanied by the words:
‘God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness
And has given us a place with the saints in light.
You have received the light of Christ;
Walk in this light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father. (Common Worship)
We will be exploring these themes of light in our Messy Church this week. But at this time of year, perhaps it is worth us all reflecting on our God who is light, and us as Christians who receive God’s light, walk in God’s light, and share God’s light with the world around us. For God overcomes all darkness and fear, and shines his light, even in the darkest places.
‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?’ (Psalm 27.1)
THE MINSTER SHOP
Peace Brooches
The Minster Shop has a lovely selection of poppy brooches. The firm we buy them from donates a percentage of the sales to the Combat Stress Charity. Beautifully boxed with a touching prayer. Here is a small selection in the Shop at present.
Minster Christmas Card 2023
This year’s Christmas card is from an original oil painting by local artist Tony Denison. The cards are now on sale from the Minster Shop. Packs of 5 are £6 and single cards are £1.50. There are nativity advent calendars for £3.50 and a stand-up advent card for £2. Advent candles will be in stock soon.
Sue McGaw, Buying Team.
REQUEST FROM REV. LOUISE
Please note that Remembrance Sunday service will start at 10.45 a.m.
BE PREPARED – SEPTEMBER STUDIES and ALPHA
Alpha and the Bible course continue this Wednesday evening at 5:30 with soup etc.
Zoom Bible Study continues at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Half term break – Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER
THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER from John Major
Shirley Kay - Volunteer Manager. Joined the Minster in May 2022.
Born and raised in Teeside in a small town called Redcar, the youngest of three girls. Born into a middle-class family, I was raised to respect my elders, played out until it was tea-time and went to bed without question.
From leaving school I went straight into retail until having my three children.
Jobs I've held since then were varied, from Retail Manager, Area Manager, IT software trainer, Bar Manager and Police Community Support Officer. Prior to my current position, I worked as a Project Manager for the Salvation Army at William Booth Hostel. I got great satisfaction from this role, supporting and rehousing the homeless. I like to think I have brought my skills from all positions into my role today.
On days off I care for my elderly parents, visit my children and grandchildren, and go on caravan holidays with Grahame and our dog Charlie.
BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST!
Hi all,
I've had a few people ask me if we're doing another ceilidh, well we are! Sat 16th December - 6.30pm. Free entry, for family and friends of the Minster. There will be donation boxes to cover the costs of heating and lighting. (And hopefully a bar) Bring your own supper.
This time we're asking people to sign up through the link below, so we can gauge numbers.
Thank you!
Katie
https://hm.churchsuite.com/events/8arngifx
PLEA FOR HELP
Julia Allum has been tending to the ‘washing of linen’ each week for many years now. As she is not well at present, is there anyone who would step in take this role on, hopefully temporarily. It is a small amount of communion cloths each week.
Please let one of the team know if you can be that person – thank you!
REQUEST FOR HELP
Our dear Ukrainian friend, Olga, came to the welcome cafe today, she asked if we could reach out for volunteers for Welcome House, she said they just need people to chat with the refugees. Thank you! Gill Alden
‘Come and join the Celebrations’
As a treasured volunteer of Hull Minster you are cordially invited to attend this years Christmas Volunteer Celebration on Monday 11th December from 1pm – 3.30pm.
If you would like to attend please let Shirley know in person or: email shirley@hullminster.org along with any dietary requirements by Friday 1st December 2023.
.WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE
Welcome Café is held every Thursday morning 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please do visit and support whenever you can.
From 12:30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
It is great to have ReNew and Hull City Council present during our Welcome Café held every Thursday in the Minster. These groups are there to help anyone with concerns or queries
PLEA FOR UKRAINE
It is sad that we need to keep asking for help for Ukraine however the situation is not improving there, and winter is upon them. Many are living in gymnasiums as their homes have been destroyed. Our Ukrainian friends are asking for any underwear for men and women please, also children from age 7 upwards. They are also desperate for a printer and any stationary for the schooling of the children.
Thank you from Olga!
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
· For those who are awaiting hospital procedures both emergency and non-emergency.
· For peace in Israel and Palestine. For the coming together for peace talks.
· And for wisdom for world leaders in this conflict.
· For all those living as Christians in Manipur who are suffering. Particularly for Kamsat and his ministry there.
· For all who attend our midweek activities, that we, through our welcome, may share the love of Jesus will all who visit our church
· For areas of the world where there is suffering, through natural disasters and conflict, bring peace and hope to all.
COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
God of glory,
touch our lips with the fire of your Spirit,
that we with all creation
may rejoice to sing your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
COLLECT FOR ALL SAINTS
God of holiness, your glory is proclaimed in every age;
as we rejoice in the faith of your saints, inspire us to follow their example
with boldness and joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
AMEN
READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
Psalm 43
Micah 3:5-end
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 24:1-14
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
A group of Hull Minster bell ringers were in attendance during Saturday’s Heritage open day. They kindly gave bell ringing demonstrations on the hour throughout the morning and afternoon.
Often unseen they are an integral part of the church. Thank you one and all.
GRIEF CAFÉ, this Thursday at 10 30. Please spread the word to anyone who may appreciate this time of fellowship and sharing about our loved ones.
BE PREPARED – SEPTEMBER STUDIES, ALPHA AND START
Alpha and the Bible course start this Wednesday at 5:30 with soup etc.
‘blogs’
Start will be held in the Minster at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday and for the following five weeks.
EACH WEEK WE WILL BE PUTTING IN INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THE MINSTER.
Our Verger, Jon Major, came up with the idea and so: meet our bell ringers!
A group of Hull Minster bell ringers were in attendance during Saturday’s Heritage open day. They kindly gave bell ringing demonstrations on the hour throughout the morning and afternoon.
Often unseen they are an integral part of the church. Thank you one and all.
WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE
Welcome café last week was in the first week of the school summer holidays and we had lots of families visiting, enjoying the heritage activities but also the giant Jenga! It stood out how many people said they did not know the Minster had so much to offer families and they almost universally used the word ‘Welcome’ in their description of their experience. One lovely lady said she felt as she entered the Minster she was wrapped in a blanket of welcome. What a lovely image. Our wonderful welcomers make it so easy to come through the door and the Welcome Café adds so much to the service a Minster is intended to offer. I realise I have used the word ‘welcome’ a lot, but I promise you it is the right word to use! Please come and join us on any Thursday between 10.30am and 3pm for coffee, tea and a warm Welcome. Soup served from 12ish.
From 12:30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
It is great to have ReNew and Hull City Council present during our Welcome Café held every Thursday in the Minster. These groups are there to help anyone with concerns or queries.
I must emphasise that this is available in the same way the Welcome Cafe and Listening Space are: to absolutely everyone. That means you, your friends, family members, and even those who walk into the church for the very first time.
If you have any questions about either of these two organisations, or how you could be part of the Welcome Cafe and Listening Space team, please don’t hesitate to ask either Rev Irene or Tim.
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
Just a taster of a great day with two hundred children in church. It’s amazing how appealing a zip wire and a parachute can be!!
In case I have missed thanking any volunteers – couldn’t have done it without you, what a great team. THANK YOU!
We are delighted to be hosting ‘Inspired: the word into action’ presented by the Riding Lights Theatre Company in partnership with the Bible Society. This will be a great evening Bringing the Bible to life. We hope that you will encourage people to come along and bring friends and family. There are discount rates for families.
Click on the link below for full details, including a trailer and details of how to book tickets. The link is in Churchsuite.
JANE OWEN
Many people are enquiring how Jane is after being taken ill just over two weeks ago. Although she is still very poorly, there are signs of progress. If you wish to send Jane a card please bring into the Minster and they will be delivered to her home address.
There is only family visiting at the moment. We will update you each week in Lifeline.
Please continue to pray for Jane and her family.
SATURDAY CONCERT SERIES
This Series is now approaching its second half, and we still have more exciting concerts for you to enjoy!
Over the last four Saturdays we have been entertained by the North Ferriby Ladies Choir, our own Vox Trinitas ensemble, Richard Sleight on flute and this last weekend, the Hull Barbershop Harmony Club.
We are now taking a short break but will return on September 30th with flute music from choir members Mair Mills and Thomas Williams.
VICTORIA PATTERSON
“I am fundraising for DrugFam in the AJ Bell Great North Run. Here is my page if you would like to support:
BUSY WEEKEND INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE MINSTER
Hull was buzzing all weekend with this year’s Freedom Festival and inside the Minster the Barbershop concert.
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
· For those we know who are sick or bereaved or awaiting hospital procedures, for healing and comfort.
· For all those living as Christians in Manipur who are suffering. Particularly for Kamsat and his ministry there.
· For our wonderful team of volunteers, particularly Shirley in her role as Volunteer
Co-ordinator
· For our bible studies and courses that many will be led to join in one of the group
COLLECT FOR THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Merciful God, your Son came to save us
and bore our sins on the cross;
may we trust in your mercy and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness
that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord
READINGS FOR THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Psalm 149
Exodus 12:1-14
Romans 13:8 - end
Matthew 18:15-20
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
