Rev. Irene writes:

Advent – the arrival, coming or presence.

We enter the season of Advent yet again as we prepare and wait to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.

In Christian communities around the world, Advent refers to a four-week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. It is a time to reflect on the humble birth of the Messiah and to join in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth as was promised:

‘Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and

there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new

Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as

a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.’ Revelation 21

May this Advent season be filled with peace, with time for prayer, reflection, and anticipation so we may be prepared to celebrate once more the Christ child and all the promises that brings for each of us.

REMEMBERING SERVICE

On Saturday this week at 2 p.m. Rev. Irene will be holding our service for remembering children and siblings that have gone before us. A small reflective service followed by refreshments and time to share with one another.

It will be an opportunity to light a candle, add your loved one’s name to the prayer tree and continue to fill our Christmas tree with memories.

THE MINSTER SHOP

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.

CHRISTMAS CARDS 2023

If you would like to wish all your friends at church a Happy Christmas but do not want to buy individual cards there will be a board for Christmas cards in the church throughout Advent. This is an opportunity to send one card only and maybe the saving can be given to your choice of charity.

Alpha and the Bible courses will all commence again in January. If you would like to take part, please speak to one of the clergy team.

THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER

Meet Ellie Hardy

Ellie has been volunteering at the Minster for four years.

She has completely thrown herself into church life volunteering on a number of roles including welcoming and cleaning, as well as stepping up as assistant verger.

She is also part of the Mustard Seed programme along with being on the pastoral team at Archbishop Sentamu academy under Rev. Ann Richards.

She helps out at most events, sometimes staying until late at night to help set up for the following day.

Thank you Ellie for your incredible efforts.

WALKING WITH ANGELS

An advent Companionship over four Saturdays in December

Bishop of Hull Dr Eleanor Sanderson, with Believe in Hull, invite you to join them in prayer walking across the city of Hull on four successive December Saturdays from the 2nd.

Advent is a time of looking to, and longing for, the coming of Christ. It is also a time when we retell our nativity stories and are reminded of the remarkable ways that the heavens and the earth came together through ordinary people and extraordinary angels responding to God.

More information available on:

https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/news-events/news/walking-with-angels-in-hull/

REQUEST FOR THE CHILDREN IN THE UKRAINE

We are asking everyone if finance's allow, if you could buy a selection box to donate to the children of Ukraine for Christmas. The box's have to be collected by the 10th December latest.
If you can help, please give your selection box to myself or leave in my office and I will pass on to the appropriate persons.

Thank you and God bless
Shirley

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

OLDER JUNIOR CHURCH

Today we talked about the difference between preparing for Christmas and preparing for the arrival of Christ.

CHANGES TO SEW FOR THE SOUL AND MINSTER CRAFTERS MEETING

Both will now take place on Thursday mornings during the Welcome Cafe, and all are welcome to join in.

MINSTER CRAFTERS WILL BE THE FIRST THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH.

SEW FOR THE SOUL WILL BE THE THIRD THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH.

Currently both Crafters and Sewing is solely attended by Glenis and me, so more members or people would be gratefully appreciated. Let me know if you are interested.

Many thanks. Becky.

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

READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Psalm 85:1-2,8-end

Isaiah 40:1-11

2 Peter 3:8-15a

Mark 1:1-8

COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Almighty God, purify our hearts and mind

that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour

we may be ready to receive him

who is our Lord and our God.

AMEN

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT