Val writes:
Life is all about CHOICES. I don’t know if you’re like me when watching the news or programmes about people, but one thing stands out: that everyone has made a choice to do or say something in relation to the issue. Research suggests that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions every day! Each decision carries consequences with it that are both good and bad.
Less than two weeks ago, someone decided to try, at some speed, to get through a gap between the kerb and my car – NO GAP! An unbelievably bad choice, in my opinion.
It set me to thinking about what directs our choices. As a former history teacher, it is fascinating to look back at the reasons for important historical decisions. Henry VIII broke away from the Church of Rome and set up the Church of England because the Pope refused him a divorce. Britain entered into war with Germany in 1939 because we had promised Poland our support in the event of a German invasion, not considered likely. Many similar decisions have been made over the centuries because individuals or nations had not thought the ideas through or because they were based on wrong assumptions.
Back in the Old Testament when the Children of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land, Joshua their leader, challenged them:
“Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River (Jordan), or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)
You might not think to pray about decisions you are going to make but asking God into the situation can make all the difference. I trust that you will choose to serve God and always pray for his help when making your choices. If you want to know more about this, ask one of the clergy to chat with you. Val Fotherby
MUSTARD SEED
Most people will know Heather as Dominic’s wife, but maybe not everyone knows that she works full time for the Diocese of York, leading the Mustard Seed programme - ‘Growing disciples in places where life is tough.’ Every week at Hull Minster Heather leads a learning community of lay people from across the churches in Hull called Stepping Up. It is a year-long journey of growing deeper in faith and exploring how to develop mission in the local community.
Stepping Up also happens in Middlesbrough and our coastal towns, with ninety-nine people on the journey so far, and sixty people who have completed the year. You can find out more about who they are and how they are serving in mission on the website here www.mseed.org
Heather will be starting a new Stepping Up learning Community in Hull after Easter, so if you are interested, please speak to her to find out more or contact heather.black@yorkdiocese.org T 07852151740
THE ELEMENTS
It was cold, Christmas was over, the light was slowly coming back after the winter solstice, people needed something to cheer them up, something to come out for as a family and have an evening with friends again.
It was so good to see the Minster full of light and life after the Christmas break to experience the ‘The Elements’ a new spectacular immersive sound and light show by Luxmuralis. The installation intertwined different world cultures, religious and mythological expressions of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the classical attributes of our world as represented throughout art history in many ways worldwide.
Shows and events like this are expensive to put on, in this case around £27k. But they bring in many hundreds of people into our magnificent building and can make vital money to sustain the costs of running it in a way that we are able to be open six days a week.
We are only able to do this because of the tremendous generosity of the tremendous team of people who are willing to donate their time, often late into the evening, to allow us to keep the doors open and host so many amazing events and concerts. Thank You!
Canon Dominic Black
Vicar of Hull Minster
Alpha and the Bible courses will all commence again on Wednesday 24th January. If you would like to take part, please speak to one of the clergy team.
The Prayer Course 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Alpha at the Minster (Zoom) 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Bible Study 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Access via Teaching on Hull Minster Website
WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) AND LISTENING SPACE
We are delighted to welcome back our friends from the Welcome Café. Our keep fit expert was with us on Thursday last week along with support from Hull City Council.
COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
God of heaven,
You send the gospel to the ends of the earth
And your messengers to every nation:
Send our Holy Spirit to transform us
By the good news of everlasting life
In Jesus Christ our lord.
READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
Psalm 111
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Revelation 12:1-5a
Mark 1:21-28
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
· For good health and healing for all those who are struggling.
· For peace in Israel and Palestine and other areas of conflict in the world. For the coming together for peace talks and for a de-escalation of tension in the wider area of the Middle East.
· Pray especially for all those children in Ukraine and the Middle East who are going through horrendous suffering.
· For those in need at this time, that people will respond to meet those in difficult
· For all those suffering injustices, that they may receive freedom from the burden and suffering that they have undergone.
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
:
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
