Rev. Irene writes:

From the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of Whitby, Selby, and Hull;
Please circulate and publish this message widely within your church and the wider community.

A Joint Statement on Violence in Israel and Gaza

We watch with grief and horror as the violence in Israel and Gaza intensifies, following the dreadful terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. We remember that all people are created in the image of God, and therefore deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, to live lives free of fear and violence. 

As the archbishops said in their joint statement last week:

“We are grieved and deeply concerned at the violence in Israel and Gaza, and we unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas. We pray for those who are mourning, those who are injured, and all those fearing for their safety. We pray for restraint on all sides, and renewed efforts towards a just peace for all. The way forward must be for both sides to build confidence in a secure future through which Israel and its people can live in security within its internationally recognised borders, and Palestinians have their own state and live in their lands in security, and with peace and justice.” 

We condemn the acts of violence, particularly those that are targeting innocent civilians – men, women and children who are killed and held hostage while simply trying to live. We ask that leaders seek a way forward that ends the vicious cycles of violence and finds a way to build peace among peoples and nations, in which everyone can flourish and prosper. 

We pray that the peace of God will reign; that justice and mercy will bring an end to war and terror. We pray for the freedom of all peoples, that they may live in unity with their neighbours, that their humanity may be respected and that they may live without fear. 

We pray too for an end to violence in this country, particularly for an end to antisemitic violence; our Jewish brothers and sisters deserve to live lives free from fear. No school should have to close because of security threats; places of worship should not need security guards to keep worshippers safe. We stand in solidarity with those in our communities who may not feel welcomed and respected. Prejudice has no place in our society, whether anti-Jewish or anti-Muslim, and the war between Hamas and Israel must not be used to demonise whole communities and destabilise the peace that we so value in our cities and towns. 

In the words of Archbishop Hosam, with people around the world, we pray: 

O God of all justice and peace
we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma
of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering;
we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace,
we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples.
Guide us into your kingdom
where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children
for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you are able, please support the Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association (JMECA) appeal for the Ahli Arab Hospital to continue providing life-saving medical care:
www.jmeca.org.uk/get-involved/donate/current-appeals-0/al-ahli-hospital-gaza-appeal

With every blessing -
+ Stephen, Archbishop of York
+ Paul, Bishop of Whitby
+ John, Bishop of Selby
+ Eleanor, Bishop of Hull

Difficult days around the world, not least the conflict between Israel and Gaza. What can we do? Continue to pray for peace. The devastation is clearly seen on both sides, Israel trying to cope with the sudden loss of loved ones and not knowing where their families are being kept hostage. The Palestinians suffering revenge for an act of wickedness carried out by Hamas.

Amongst all this people are starving and desperate, what a cruel world.

As Christians we must stand firm that God is in this situation, Jesus knew what suffering was all about and so we pray.

THE MINSTER SHOP

Minster Christmas Card 2023 Shop News

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. 

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

FROM JON MAJOR

I have had the pleasure this last week, of taking a young man and his very proud Mum on a tower tour.  He is a chorister at the Chapel of St. James Palace.  Already, at such a young age, he has an impressive CV: singing at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and closer to our region at York Minster for last year’s Maundy Thursday Service.

They were such a joy.  I’m so glad I was back from my holiday for that day!  He was so polite, I had to ask him to stop calling me ‘sir’.  

The young man will be leaving the Palace after another four terms, so I did mention he could join one of the best choirs in the country here at Hull Minster!

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!

‘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.

JUNIOR CHURCH

This week the younger group were looking at the physical building of the Minster and learning about why it was organised as it is.  As you will see from their faces, they were very engaged.

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 LAST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

·         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.

·         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 LAST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

God, our light and our salvation; illuminate our lives,

that we may see your goodness in the land of the living,

and looking on your beauty may be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

READINGS FOR THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Psalm 90:1-6

Leviticus19:1-2,15-18

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Matthew 22:34 - end

JANE OWEN

I am delighted to let everyone know that Jane continues to make good progress. She is starting to do adult craft activities, so she isn’t bored! She is now on a high dependency ward so please continue to pray for her and her family.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

· 

COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

READINGS FOR THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

DIARY FOR THE NEXT  FOUR WEEKS

JANE OWEN

I am delighted to let everyone know that Jane has made good progress this week, she is still in intensive care so please continue to pray for her and her family.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FIFTEENTH 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 Al Hutson that he has a good week on holiday and a chance to rest and enjoy being with his family

·         For our bible studies and courses that many will be led to join in one of the groups

·         For the people of Morocco so badly affected by the earthquake

COLLECT FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Loving God, defend your Church from all false teaching

and give to your people knowledge of your truth,

that we may enjoy eternal life

in Jesus Christ our Lord

 READINGS FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

 Psalm 114

Exodus 14:19 - end

Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35

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