Guest User

2 June 2021

Minster Lifeline #22

Guest User

2 June 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

I hope everyone is managing to enjoy the sunshine as we move into summer on the 1st day of June. Slowly but surely the restrictions are lifting slightly, and we are now offering tower tours in the Minster and another day to our opening times.

As I have said before, during lockdown many things have been happening behind the scenes. There was a request for ‘twiddle muffs’ from one of our care homes and within weeks I have received a great number of colourful muffs to help residents with dementia.

Our latest request has come from Cathy Westoby, I have included it here as I am sure we have many competent knitters/crotcheters who could set to work on the requested squares which eventually will be made into dressing gowns!
Click here for the pattern.

If you want to help stitch the squares together there are details pf who to contact with the pattern.

John Heywood born in 1497 was the English writer that first said

‘many hands make light work’

So, let’s see what we can do.

This week Bishop Frank shares with us:

How are your plans going for the summer? Perhaps a dip in the North Sea or a few days away in the Lakes? Fewer of us will be packing our sun cream and sombreros and heading off to the beaches of the Mediterranean. But this year – in Hull Minster – the Mediterranean is coming to you, as is South America, Japan, and the Pacific Ocean. How so? In our own wonderful space, we are welcoming a fabulous and awe-inspiring installation called GAIA or The Earth. A seven-metre diameter globe made of NASA images of the earth from space. You may remember the Moon installation we had in 2018 – as we welcome the “Blue Planet” to the Nave this is on the same scale.

With our partners, Hull Freedom Festival, we are hosting this stunning exhibition between August 20th and September 4th this year. So, no need to pack your bucket and spade, just come to Trinity Square and find the whole of the Earth on your very doorstep. The artwork itself is from the inspiring imagination of Luke Jerram and alongside it there will be a series of locally arranged events exploring our relationship with and responsibility for the Earth. Expect to be inspired, challenged, and informed about the environment and our impact on it. Look forward to our regular worship which will draw on the presence of the Earth as it is suspended above us. Take the chance – the first for most of us – to see and meet the new Archbishop of York who will be joining us for an event towards the end of the second week.

Of course, things have changed beyond recognition since we hosted our last big events. As church members we will share in the great task of staffing the exhibition and providing a warm welcome to the many visitors who will come to the Minster. Without the paid staff we had until 2020 we will need all the more the help of volunteers to make this event a success. So please listen and look-out for news of opportunities to prepare for supporting the exhibition. And don’t forget to book those exhibition dates in your diary.

GAIA will be a free though ticketed event; there will be concerts and music of many kinds, public events on Trinity Square and not a few surprises to enjoy too. We are looking forward to enjoying a great atmosphere in the City. As we take the opportunity to open up again, exploring what it means to have living faith in a modern city, can I ask you to pray that in the multitude of practical arrangements, God will bless this endeavour. For as the Psalmist says in that great cycle of life-songs in the Bible, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and all those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers”.

JUNE SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES

SATURDAYS 4 P.M. 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5TH Evening Prayer

SUNDAYS 10 a.m. Recorded Service

10.30 a.m. Holy Communion in the Minster. Please click here to book in.

CHURCH @ 4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

WEDNESDAYS Holy Communion 12:30pm

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open Friday and Saturday 12-330pm and the MINSTER SHOP will be open during these times.

“Hull Minster’s doors will be back open to visitors this week. What a wonderful prospect it is to be welcoming visitors into the church once more. Whatever the reason people want to come in, we want to make sure they receive a proper welcome, and that’s where you come in. Are you able to volunteer once a week/fortnight/month to welcome all those wanting to come and explore the church as a place of worship and an historic treasure?

We will be carrying out training sessions on 15th and 17th June 2021 at 10am until 12pm. You will be able to learn more information about what the role entails and what part of the body of the church you will fulfil.

If you are only able to volunteer on weekends, please email al@hullminster.org and we will organise a Saturday session.

I look forward to welcoming you soon.

Alasdair Hutson, Director of Operations”

Induction service

The induction of the Revd. Canon Dominic Black as Vicar and Lecturer of Hull Minster will take place on Sunday 4 p.m. If you would like to attend this service, please book online as places are limited due to social distancing regulations.

As St. Mary’s Lowgate, continues with extensive building works we are delighted to welcome Revd. Ian Walker and his congregation to host their Eucharist Service in the Minster. We are looking forward to developing our relationship and friendship with all at St. Mary’s over the coming months as lockdown eases.

Revd. Irene

The Heritage Volunteering group

If you would like to be involved, please contact Jane at jane@hullminster.org Click here for full details.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? - 10:30 am SUNDAY SERVICE

We are looking for people to volunteer, on a rota, to work the sound desk during this service. The desk is pre-set, so it is very straightforward. If you think you can help, please speak to one of the wardens for more information. Thank you.

CRAFTERS

The crafting group will meet on the first Thursday of every month 10am-12 noon. Everyone is welcome.

READINGS TRINITY SUNDAY

Genesis 3: 8-15

Psalm 130

2 Corinthians 4: 13 - 5: 1

Mark 3: 20-35

COLLECT FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O GOD, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping of thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

26 May 2021

Minster Lifeline #21

Guest User

26 May 2021

Rev. Dominic writes:

Building back better

Appropriately, the fourth anniversary of Minster making on the 13th of May, fell this year on Ascension Day. We are still in the early days of discovering what it means to be the Minster Church of our great city. Next Sunday marks a new chapter in the life and times of Hull Minster now that all the very antiquated legalities have been completed I will next Sunday afternoon at 4pm officially become the first Vicar appointed to Hull Minster, or to be long winded about it the Vicar and Lecturer of the Minster church of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, (also known as Holy Trinity) Kingston-Upon-Hull.

It seems an age now since we rocked up at the parish centre in January 2020. It is astonishing to think how much has changed in the world and the parish! We have left the parish profile in the documents for applicants for the Associate Vicar to see but so much has changed in a short space of time.

Many of those changes, especially the redundancies and saying goodbye to the parish centre, will have been bewildering and come as a shock to many but not to those how had a grasp on our financial situation. The Covid crisis accelerated tough decisions that would have taken much longer in normal circumstances. Due to the furlough scheme and recovery grant we have ended up in a ‘less bad’ situation than we would have had even after paying redundancies.

In the autumn we will begin to move out of crisis mode to looking together at our longer-term plans. The next few years promise to be challenging but not dull!

There are already some great signs of hope with plenty of new people, some who followed us for the first time entirely online, coming to faith. I would also like to really encourage you to come along to our café style Church@4. Last week it was great to be able to serve coffee for the first time since we began.

The music group are sounding fab, and it has been lovely to see some new young families and others come along. It has also been a great time for the choral life of the Minster, and it has been a pleasure for me to get to know the choir. Despite the ever-changing restrictions the choir are stronger as a team and feel closer to the life of the wider church including some new faces on the PCC. A grant from the Ann Watson Trust will allow Mark Keith to move to full time as our director of music from September to launch a choral scheme in local schools, see his update below, and we are also looking forward to welcoming a new organ scholar.

Each year at our Annual Parochial Church meeting members step down and new people are elected. In the following PCC meeting we elect the officers and establish the membership of the sub-committees. This year marks a major change when after many years as PCC secretary, Chris Fenwick has handed on the mantle to immensely able Rachel Miller. I knew Chris and Jean from when I was a curate in Orchard Park when John Waller was vicar here. Over the years they have been incredibly faithful servants in the life of the parish and deanery.

In March 2020 Chris and his fellow members of the standing committee stepped up rapidly from routine parish life into crisis management mode which included the online ‘onboarding’ of a new Priest in Charge. I have valued so many things about Chris in the last nearly 11 months. Chris has been like the ‘House of Lord’s’ of the Hull Minster PCC, someone able to offer the long view from his encyclopaedic knowledge of the place. He has brought a thorough knowledge of Church Law and has been a sharp reasoned voice in our debates. Nor has not been afraid to express his views and at the times when we have not agreed he has stated his opinion with evidence, reason, and pragmatism.

Too many churches, and other organisations, fail because they have not thought about future leadership. What has also impressed me this year was the exemplary way he has modelled the responsible transition of leadership. From when Rachel joined the standing committee last year, she has been shadowing Chris and to use a naval phrase, gradually learning the ropes. This coming year Chris will be stepping back into the role of deputy secretary supporting Rachel in her role for a year before his term on the PCC ends next year. Spotting and nurturing new leaders and having the grace to hand things on is going to be a key part of move to sustainability in the next phase of our life.

Mark Keith Director of Music at Hull Minster has some exciting news to update us:

It is time to share some good news in print!

The Ann Watson Trust have awarded Hull Minster a significant grant to enable our choral outreach project.

This is a project we have been dreaming of for quite some time. Holy Trinity was once a thriving place for the development of young musicians (on a scale that is hard to imagine today). Our city boasted a choral tradition via a range of church choirs/choral societies that were equal to any in the country. Today: there is only one substantial SATB church choir in Hull (ours)!

The project will enable us to work with a range of primary and secondary schools (in partnership with Hull Music Service).

Our objective is very straightforward: to develop an enthusiastic culture of well-trained singing for as many young people as possible. In practical terms this means that we will be working with whole year/class groups of children AND identifying/developing the voices of those young people that have a natural aptitude for music.

Why does this matter? Music is often seen as a luxury or simply as something that can be enjoyed by listening to recordings. The numbers of people able to read music and sing/play from a printed score has dwindled to an alarmingly small percentage of our population. Alexa has replaced the musical instrument.

And yet…Hull MUST have as many talented children as any other place in our nation. After all, talent is not created by wealth. However, the opportunity to realise those talents is now highly dependent on wealth.

In ages past music was referred to as a scientific art. It is theoretical, mathematical, athletic, and disciplined. It requires thousands of hours of practice to bring to full fruition. It is life-long learning. It is literacy. Our hope is to enable the talents of young people in our city, to open new worlds of stimulation and possibilities via musicianship.

How will this benefit Hull Minster? At the centre of most major towns and cities there are usually great churches (Minsters, Cathedrals et al). If you visit them, you are likely to see and hear thriving choir of children and adults singing a range of music, often spanning 500 years of sacred repertoire. Their sound is pure, effortless, assured, and beautiful. The children have a role that is every bit as demanding as that of the adults. They are highly capable because they benefit from investment and the dedication of expert musicians.

Our hope is that Hull Minster can join the ranks of these great choral traditions, simultaneously reconnecting with our own history whilst forging new opportunities for a fresh generation. Further, we hope to grow a thriving Youth Choir for Hull (again, once great but currently small and fragile).

Music is akin to life itself. It requires feeding and exercise to grow. It requires ambition, determination, and continuing efforts to succeed. It takes our living breath and transforms the air around us into something miraculous in that moment. And then it is gone, residing purely in memory.

It is difficult for me to summarise how thrilled I am that we have been given this opportunity to bring a new generation into the magical realms of musicianship. It will not be a journey without significant challenges, but it will be a journey worth fighting for! Mark Keith

It would be great to hear from you if you would like to find out more about volunteering with Girls Brigade at the Minster or if your child is interested joining. Please email with any questions to mandy@hullminster.org and she will forward your queries on to Lauren.

Heritage blog page - 25th May 2021

Last week we had a good discussion at the heritage group about the huge painting hanging in the north choir aisle which many of you will have passed by. Entitled ' The Lord's Supper' it was painted by James Parmentier in 1712. It has an interesting history, has "moved house' a few times, and isn't exactly what it seems. Click here to find out more about its journey.

www.hullminster.org/heritage-blog-25th-may-2021

If you haven't completed our survey about heritage, we would be very grateful to hear your views. It will help us shape the future of heritage at Hull Minster and helps us justify our needs and ambitions to grant providers. It takes only 6 minutes to complete.

CLICK Microsoft Forms to fill in the survey

Irene concludes with:

SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10am Online Recorded Service.

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm

“Hull Minster’s doors will be back open to visitors this week. What a wonderful prospect it is to be welcoming visitors into the church once more.
Whatever the reason people want to come in, we want to make sure they receive a proper welcome, and that is where you come in.
Are you able to volunteer once a week/fortnight/month to welcome all those wanting to come and explore the church as a pace of worship and an historic treasure?

We will be carrying out training sessions on 8th and 10th June 2021 at 10am until 12pm. You will be able to learn more information about what the role entails and what part of the body of the church you will fulfil.

If you are only able to volunteer on weekends, please email al@hullminster.org and we will organise a Saturday session.

I look forward to welcoming you soon.

Alasdair Hutson, Director of Operations”

Sunday June 6th at 4pm

Induction Service for Rev Canon Dominic Black

Seats are extremely limited due to invited civic guests and social distancing.

If you would like to attend, please sign up here …

https://hm.churchsuite.co.uk/events/zc2ohs2n

If you are coming in to the Minster for services we want to encourage you to consider the environment and walk or cycle or use public transport if possible. If you are coming by car please do not park on Trinity Square the only people who should be parking there are contractors working on the building. There are plenty of parking places around the Minster including the recently opened Fruit Market just across the A63. https://www.fruitmarkethull.co.uk/fruit-market-hull-l-multi-storey-car-park-l-regeneration-l/

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

We are looking for people to volunteer, on a rota, to work the sound desk during these service. The desk is pre-set, so it is very straightforward. We also need strong individuals to help with setting up the Minster in between services, and booking people in on the doors. If you think you can help with any of these tasks, please speak to one of the wardens for more information. Thank you.

ART EXHIBITION

The Minster’s Artist in Residence, Julia Allum, will be holding an Exhibition in the Minster over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday May 28th until Monday May 31st, during Minster opening hours. There will be paintings for sale at very reasonable prices, so this will be an opportunity to buy a unique gift for a loved one (or for yourself!) and help to raise funds for the Minster at the same time. Julia will be in church painting and is happy to chat to visitors.

READINGS TRINITY SUNDAY

COLLECT FOR TRINITY SUNDAY

Holy God, faithful and unchanging;

enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,

and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,

that we may truly worship you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

One God, now and forever. AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

19 May 2021

Minster Lifeline #20

Guest User

19 May 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

Ascension morning began with Holy Communion at 6:30am in the Minster building ending with the final hymn being sung from the roof of Hull Minster! What a great way to call attention to the risen and ascended Lord.

By 10am gazebos were erected outside the Minster West Doors, and tables and chairs were all in place, awaiting the start of the Christian Aid Coffee morning. The sky was cloudless, and the sun shone as very soon all tables and chairs were full and many more were being brought out. It was such a joy to see so many familiar faces again and the smiles and chatter that was taking place. Our wonderful group of volunteers have not lost their touch as they produced endless coffee, tea, and served great home-made cakes to everyone there. Kim and Carole had produced a great raffle which raised almost £100!

A big THANK YOU to everyone for your help and generosity. We were delighted to have raised £465.09 for this great cause that brings relief to so many in desperate situations.

The morning ended by Holy Communion in the Minster, led by Rev. Dominic a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to a Lord that has promised to be with us always, to the end of our days (Matthew 28:20)

A few weeks ago, we heard from Lauren, today we have Lauren’s second instalment as we hear about her venture in running a Girls’ Brigade from the Minster building:

“I hope you enjoyed my last piece for Hull Minster Lifeline at the beginning of April. As a follow on from that piece I wanted to update you on the news that we have been given the go ahead to bring Girls Brigade to Hull Minster, starting hopefully, this coming September.

To be involved in Girls Brigade is amazing, it strengthens me (I think people would say if you broke into me like a stick of rock you would just see Girls Brigade through and through) it gives me hope, it challenges me, I learn from it and most of all I can serve God through enabling families to become a part of the Girls Brigade and church community. I would love to share Girls Brigade with you. I would love you to become involved in Girls Brigade. It would be great to get to know you, to work together to enrich the lives of girls and their families through Christ.

We have a great time, (sometimes we get a bit messy but all in aid of learning and fun!) the girls will tell you I am all about glitter! We play silly games, make beautiful crafts, and displays, take part in challenges, and get to know each other. Throughout lockdown, my current group (in Cottingham) has been online, and it has been essential that we have been there for girls providing some ‘normality’ throughout this pandemic, providing a safe space where girls can talk freely, a chance to complete their badgework and raise hope. I know it has done wonders for my mental health and having spoken with lots of families over this time, they have all appreciated how we have been there for their family and supported them. I will be sad to leave 1st Cottingham, however I am looking forward to bringing the Girls Brigade family to join Hull Minster, and the adventure that will bring. Girls and leaders have opportunities to meet with others from across the district, region and nationally. This is a great outlet, girls can meet at band with other girls across Hull, take part in events, from camps, parties, and days out. Leaders can take part in training programs, go on retreats, and enjoy meals out. We can all learn from each other both in sharing our skills and Christian faith.” Lauren Jeffries.

Hull Minster Heritage Project Update May 2021

During the lockdown, members of our church family who enjoy history and heritage have been meeting each week on Zoom to find out more about the Minster, its people, and its treasures. Over coffee, and a chat, we have been able to keep in touch, keep our spirits up and carry out research into Holy Trinity and Hull Minster’s history. We have found out about some of the characters celebrated here in memorials and windows, and some of the important architectural features which tell us how people of Hull worshipped and what they believed in the past. Dr Marianne Gilchrist’s research expertise has led us to find out about the medieval vestry glass. If you did not know we had medieval vestry glass, please read her article by clicking the link below.

https://hullminster.org/new-page-96

At the same time, much of our ‘moveable’ heritage has been relocated to safe storage and is either being stored locally in an appropriate way, archived at the Treasure House, or stabilised and conserved with specialist conservators.

We have ideas about the heritage should be shared with the wider public in the future and would love input from the congregation and wider church family, visitors, and volunteers. We would like to engage people in our religious history when they visit and would like your input about how we might do this. Please take a few minutes to respond to our questionnaire and help shape how we present our heritage to visitors.

CLICK Microsoft Forms to fill in the survey

Coming up the heritage group have two talks scheduled:

The first is this Friday, 21st, by Eve Johannson of All Saints Church, Hessle, about the early medieval links between the two churches - All Saints and Holy Trinity. The second is next Wednesday, 26th, by our very own churchwarden, Robin Alden, about the bells and tower of Holy Trinity. To join either talk use the following zoom link at 10.00am. Talks last approximately an hour, are very informal, and are open to anyone.

Friday 21st May-10am-Hessle All Saints and Holy Trinity-Eve Johannson.

Wednesday 26th May-10am-Hull Minster tower and bells-Robin Alden

Join Zoom Meeting here:

Heritage Talks

Meeting ID: 450 348 5643 Passcode: 099670

If you would like to find out more about the heritage project at Hull Minster, join in some of the zoom coffee mornings and talks, or ask about the survey please contact Jane Owen at jane@hullminster.org

Here are some of the things we have found:

Irene concludes with:

SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10am Recorded Service.

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

ART EXHIBITION

READINGS FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY

Psalm 104:26-end

Romans 8:22-27

Acts 2:1-21

John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

COLLECT FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire;

strengthen your children with the gift of faith,

revive your Church with the breath of love,

and renew the face of the earth,

through Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

12 May 2021

Minster Lifeline #19

Guest User

12 May 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

Slowly but surely things are beginning to open up, we have even begun to discuss the possibility of refreshments after the services. It is so difficult building up a ‘church family’ when no loitering after services is allowed!

I love this verse from Hebrews

Hebrews 13:2, NIV: "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

I wonder how many times we, or others, have offered hospitality to an angel and not known it!

We are busy reading wedding banns at the moment and will be holding our first baptism on Sunday this week, it is so long since we were able to baptise inside the Minster. Imani’s baptism will be the first of many that are booked for the next few months. It is so good that families still feel it is important to bring their baby/child for baptism and have waited patiently for the opportunity to do this. Please pray for Imani and all the other babies that are to be baptised in the near future.

Last week we heard about the journeys of Lisa and Connor, how they came to be confirmed at Easter, today we hear from the third candidate Ellie, so encouraging to see God working in lives:

‘How do I really share with you my faith journey in just a few minutes, when I would never have believed I would be standing here today. I left the church many years ago, but I now know God never left me, he was always there waiting for me to take that step forward again.

It started with two buttons at the Battered and Berthed exhibition in Princes Quay in 2017. I stepped into the exhibition and was warmly welcomed by Liane & Fiona (the start of lovely friendships). It invited visitors to see the artwork from the perspective of being battered by the elements at sea and finding a home in a safe place.

So, my battered button was placed under the painting: Storm over the lake, I was looking at this as an outsider so to speak, and could only see the pain, fear in people’s eyes trying to keep their heads above water, trying to survive just like so many people do each day.

I also believe one evening when I knelt under another painting while taking photographs, I experienced something quite profound. I kept quiet, not really knowing at the time what had happened to me. The painting was called ‘The healing of the lunatic boy’ and the boy had epilepsy; I also have epilepsy.

My 2nd button went under the painting ‘Rest on the Flight of Egypt’ for me the tree represented peace, love, fruit, strength, roots-grounding, shade, nature.

The exhibition had quite an impact on me which led to all the wonderful people and things I have become involved with since. Liane, Anna, Fiona, Liz, Joy & Susie Re ORTS, which is such a special place. I am so grateful to every one of you for being part of my journey and your friendships, also Cathy and Anne who I met later in my faith journey.

My next experience was at a ‘You Event’ at St John’s Rosmead Street, the theme that evening was love. I still have the slip of paper with Love Is: and I wrote all around us. I found myself quietly asking God to come into my life that evening.

During my welcoming volunteer roll at Hull Minster last year, I met Anne and we got chatting about things and she suggested I may enjoy Taizé service. So, I went along to the next one, Anne was right I really connected to the music in a spiritual way, I loved it.

Then on Christmas Eve after one of my walks I kept fighting in my head do I go to church or not? Church won and I booked my seat at last minute and went down to Hull Minster and received Holy Communion for the 1st time, another amazing experience difficult to put into words. I will just say my life has been on quite a roller coaster since, not even knowing who I was any more as I was changing so much.

And this week as been so special joining Anne some days on her Urban Pilgrimage walks around Hull, spending time with the wonderful people at ORTS and special services being held at Hull Minster.

It is strange and wonderful how God gently holds us and guides us to certain people, places, and things he knows will help us and guild us on our path. I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I am now looking forward to being involved with Mustard Seed - Stepping Up, which will be another part of my journey with God.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone, and to Connor, Lisa, and Dominic, for all your lovely support and prayers. Thank you, Liane & Anne, for agreeing to be my sponsors.’ Ellie Hardy.

Irene concludes with:

MAY SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10am Recorded Service.

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

Ascension Day-Thursday 13th May:

Ascension Day is one of the key moments in the story of salvation. After his resurrection Jesus appeared in physical form for 40 days to his disciples Jesus ascended to his heavenly Father as they awaited the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1.1-11).

We will be marking Ascension with two celebrations of Holy Communion.

The first will be at 6.30am at the end of which the choir will ascend to the tower roof for the final hymn after which we will grab some breakfast!

The second celebration will be at lunchtime following the Christian Aid Coffee Morning at 12.30pm in the Nave.

From Ascension to Pentecost we will be encouraging people to spend some time in prayer as part of the Archbishops' Thy Kingdom Come Initiative. You can find the prayer app and online resources at www.thykingdomcome.global . We will be giving out resources for this on Sunday. In particular you may want to think about five people you want to commit to pray for during the season who you would like to come to know Christ.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

**CCoffee morning, 13th May, 10am-12noon.** **This event is to raise funds for the excellent work that Christian Aid does around the world. Hopefully, there will be tables and chairs in the market square. Everyone is welcome.**

ART EXHIBITION

READINGS: SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Risen ascended Lord,

as we rejoice at your triumph

fill your church on earth with power and compassion,

that all who are estranged by sin

may find forgiveness and know your peace,

to the glory of God the Father.

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

5 May 2021

Minster Lifeline #18

Guest User

5 May 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

Christian Aid motto:

We stand together. For dignity. For equality. ... We work in 37 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality, and justice. Together we can create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.

As our Christian Aid coffee morning grows closer (13th May, see below for details), please spread the word to your friends and neighbours. If you are able to bake a cake etc. it would be much appreciated.

'Let us love, not in word or speech but in truth and action' (1 John 3:18).

I am delighted that this week we hear the story of two of the congregation that were recently confirmed by Bishop Alison during our Easter Vigil Service. They were not part of Hull Minster last year when they joined the Alpha course being run by Dan Broom and supported by Mandy. Great things have happened in such a short time so I hope you enjoy reading and please pray for them on their Christian journey.

'When I look back at my past, I can see that the seeds for my future with God were already being sown. It is clear to me that God has always been with me. When I prayed, he answered. When I cried out in times of need, he was there. He has never ceased to call me within the depths of my heart and mind.

But there has been an ebb and a flow to my faith. Over the years, my answer has been sometimes yes, and sometimes no. The problem, I believe, was my desire to reduce all to reason.

For a while, I became convinced that where reason ended, for all intents and purposes, the world ended too. I could think God, but I could not feel Him. I had a heart of stone. But for the first time now, I have learnt not only to think God, but to feel His presence too. And as I feel His presence, my mind drifts away and unanswered questions no longer matter.

I am at peace because I know within my heart, my new heart of flesh, that God is real and that He is with me.

But not only do I have God, but I have also been blessed with many people - those who have welcomed me here, those who have helped me mature in faith, and those that walk this path with me. I thank you, and I thank God that you are with me.

I truly look forward to my new mission in Christ, to spread the word of the one I have come to accept as Lord, as Saviour, and as a friend to whom I can always turn. I do not ask for confirmation lightly but do so with the conviction of living the rest of my life in faith, in love, and with forgiveness.' Connor Reaney

‘My journey into faith all began with the Alpha course last year. At first, I had so many questions, and there was so much that I did not understand, but as the days and weeks and months have gone on, I now feel like I understand the depth of belief.

Whilst being on this journey I have felt love like I have never felt before. Love from my friends and family who have supported me, love that has surrounded me in the Minster every Sunday, and most of all, I feel a tremendous amount of love from God.

Furthermore, I now feel a sense of purpose and belonging in my life- which is something that I struggled with before I started this journey. I now know that my purpose is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and I am willing to make the commitment to live as a practicing Christian for the rest of my life.

I find it extremely liberating to know that I am forgiven for all my sins, which has left me with a feeling of a fresh start, a new life- one where God is by my side and is guiding me through every step.

Therefore, my confirmation will allow for my relationship with God to be heightened further, and it will also allow for God to be the light that guides me through the rest of my life and beyond.’ Lisa Bird

LLisa Bird, Bishop Alison, and Connor Reaney

Irene concludes with:

MAY SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10am Recorded Service.

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

Ascension Day-Thursday 13th May:

We will be marking Ascension with two celebrations of Holy Communion.

The first will be at 6.30am at the end of which the choir will ascend to the tower roof for the final hymn after which we will grab some breakfast!

The second celebration will be at lunchtime following the Christian Aid Coffee Morning at 12.30pm in the Nave.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

ART EXHIBITION

READINGS: SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Risen Christ,

by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:

help your Church to obey your command

and draw the nations to the fire of your love,

to the glory of God the Father.

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

29 April 2021

Minster Lifeline #17

Guest User

29 April 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

We have given our choir well deserved praise over the past year during the restrictions so today I would like to draw your attention to our music group:

They helped lead worship at the church @ 4 service las Sunday, and it was uplifting to say the least. Although the group have not been together long, they really complement each other; both singers and instrumentalists. Included in Sunday’s repertoire was ‘Praise the name’, ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ (Townend) and they supported the prayers with ‘Take my life and let it be’. They are so much more than a group of musicians the Holy Spirit was definitely with them last Sunday. I must also give Terry a mention because not only did he preach for us he sang that old favourite ‘I saw the Light’, unfortunately we had to make do with ribbon waving instead of singing!

We would love to see more of our families back with us so if you are able, give it a try.

You read about Rev. Dominic and Rev. Anne being admitted to the college of Canons of York Minster, now Rev. Dominic tells us about this special day:

It was over a year ago since Archbishop Sentamu wrote to me to say that he was nominating me as a Canon at York Minster, but then just as it was announced the pandemic began and quite when it could happen was completely uncertain.

What was lovely was to see when it was finally announced, was that Anne Richards had also been nominated, someone that I had worked with many years ago in Orchard Park when I was a curate and at that time was the youth worker. So, it is lovely to be able to share that special day with her.

The ceremony could have happened in the normal way in the chapter house and choir because of special social distancing and I think the floor of the of the chapter house has been repaired but we got to see our stalls in the choir. I had forgotten just how big York Minster is, having gotten used to the size of Hull Minster which of course is a huge building, but York is on a completely different scale; it is simply vast.

Part of the role of honorary Canon is to link the Cathedral to the life of the wider diocese. This link is particularly important in relation to Hull Minster as nearly a third of the population of the diocese live in the city.

Some of the ceremony goes back to the Middle Ages and the notes for the swearing in of the canons are written in the margins of the York Gospel is a 900-year-old written manuscript and some of it that was just kind of updated in the 1500s but otherwise is virtually remain the same just an exceedingly long and torturous legalise set of set of oaths and the sort of language. In the past you were given the Prebendary of Weighton which was a sum of money so back in the 1300s it was the sum of £40 a year which could have provided a good life back in the 1300s. Today of course there is no extra money for being an honorary canon. So, what do you get today? It is a badge, and a bread bun, which I turned into a cheese and pickle sandwich.

RRevd Canon Dominic Black and Revd Canon Anne Richards

Irene concludes with:

MAY SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10 am Recorded Service

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

Ecclesiastical Insurance have provided cover for the Minster and the clergy houses for a long time and have a special interest in helping churches undertake maintenance through their grant scheme. We have benefitted from these generous grants in the past. In this, their 130th year they are offering donations of £130 to our church for every person who takes out home insurance cover with them - at any point during the year. Some of the staff team have been using their home insurance for several years and it is very comprehensive and reasonably priced. So, if you are thinking of renewing with your provider please take a look at Ecclesiastical. The post below shows what you have to do. Just name the church and they will find it for you. Click the button below for full details.

Ten Trust130 Donations

READINGS: FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Risen Christ,

your wounds declare your love for the world

and the wonder of your risen life;

give us compassion and courage

to risk ourselves for those we serve,

to the glory of God the Father.

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

21 April 2021

Minster Lifeline #16

Guest User

21 April 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

On Sunday, this week Rev. Dominic and Rev. Anne Richards will be going to York Minster where they will be admitted to the College of Canons of York Minster. You may be like me and wonder what that means so I have asked Rev. Dom. for a short explanation:

College of Canons

The Canons are the Charity Trustees of York Minster, the college comprises the Dean, the four Bishops and three Archdeacons appointed in the Diocese of York, and up to 36 Honorary Canons of York (24 are Clergy canonries and the other 12 are Lay canonries).

The College is ‘the voice of the Diocese of York’ in the governing body’s discussions about the current and future direction, focus and priorities of the Cathedrals work. All its Clergy members must hold the Archbishop’s Licence in the Diocese of York.

Rev. Dominic will write an article next week telling us more about his day at York Minster.

This week Bill Bishop, a long-term Sunday welcomer, writes about his Minster experience:

It is 11 years since I arrived at Holy Trinity and I have been welcoming for 11 years, which has been a big part of my life. My job is to look after the congregation.

I started life going to Courtney St. School then onto David Lister when it first opened in the early sixties. During my younger years I sang for the school in the choir at St. Andrew’s Church and at The Mission, Courtney Street. I also sang at the City hall on a few occasions.

Then I had to start taking some money home for my family, so I began working as a Butcher and had a fantastic career and I loved it.

It took a long time to get back into my Church and Christian journey but in 2014, I was confirmed and a great occasion that was.

Eleven years ago, Stella Barnes and Julia Allam asked me to welcome which I gladly accepted. Dave Allum was also a great help to me on my journey and I thank you, all three, for your help.

My love is music and I do think we have one of the best choirs on the Planet led by Mark Keith! Thank you for the music and hopefully we will be back singing our heads off shortly.

The good thing about my work at the Minster is giving the congregation the warmest welcome I can. Matt Woodcock left a fantastic legacy with his time at the Minster. He got families to come to the Minster, and I look forward to seeing the families back again once we are out of covid. Nothing better than seeing happy kids running about and laughter which brightened the church when they were there.

Finally, lockdown, my take on this is it was horrible. Personally, it was no good for myself and I think the church did a wonderful job by keeping in touch with phone calls and the weekly Lifeline. I am grateful for Tim Wilson ringing me over the past year. One thing I have learned is to try and help people who are lonely and there are plenty out there, but Hull Minster and myself will soon get people back on track.

Thank you for inviting me to write a few lines about myself and what I am about. I look forward to looking after all of you for a long time to come.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

THE BISHOP OF EAST HULL (BILL BISHOP) THANK YOU!

This Past Sunday also saw the return of our Minster Kids group during our 10:30am service, and Family activities during our 4pm Service. It was lovely to have children back participating in worship and Mandy has lots of fun things planned for coming weeks. Please book all children in using our book a seat service here to allow Mandy to prepare safely for each child.

MMinster Kids AM and Family Activities PM.

Irene concludes with:

APRIL/MAY SERVICES AND OPENING TIMES:

SATURDAYS 4 PM 1st and 3rd Evensong, 2nd Taize, 4 & 5th Evening Prayer.

SUNDAYS 10 am Recorded Service

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm there will be a café style service. Due to Covid, please bring own refreshments.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

PLEASE NOTE: The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30am and 4pm SUNDAY SERVICES

APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) The meeting this year will be held on TUESDAY 27th APRIL via zoom at 7pm. Click on link below for access.

Link for APCM Zoom Meeting

13TH MAY 10-12noon CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING. This event is to raise funds for the excellent work that Christian Aid does around the world. Hopefully, there will be tables and chairs in the market square. Everyone is welcome.

Ten Trust130 Donations

READINGS: FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Almighty God,

whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life;

raise us who trust in him

from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,

that we may seek those things which are above,

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

14 April 2021

Minster Lifeline #15

Guest User

14 April 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

I have just read an article in the Yorkshire Post about a conversation between Dr John Sentamu and Prince Philip. A warm and encouraging article in which Dr Sentamu says about Prince Philip:

“There was this unbelievable depth of his rootedness, because he was so rooted in Christ, he didn’t have any problem in relating to people about their faith or people who didn’t believe at all,”

Prince Philip, like all of us, did not live in a perfect world, with a perfect family. Being part of the Royal family did not exclude him or them from the traumas of life. He did however show a determination and devotion in his loyalty to support the Queen and selflessly put others before himself, all this rooted in Jesus Christ. We pray for his family at this sad time.

I want to say ‘thank you’ to Jack for sharing with us below a little of his journey, particularly his time at Hull Minster. A very honest account of his initial intentions and how he feels things have changed. We, as a church family, must work hard at making sure that all who are involved whether singing, welcoming, ringing bells etc. feel a welcome that makes them want to stay with us, get to know us and maybe get to know Jesus.

“I have been a member of the choir of Hull Minster for roughly four years, and during that time I have seen the church go through a lot of change. In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be a significant challenge for the Minster to overcome, but over the past 12 months the clergy and leaders of the church have admirably risen to that challenge.

Easter this year has shown just how much the Minster is doing for its congregation, with the Passion, sung services and the Easter Eve vigil, and as a choral scholar I have been fortunate to be involved in a lot of those services. The main reason for my initial involvement in church (both here at Hull Minster and back home when I was younger) was an academic pursuit of music and singing, and I saw myself more as supporting worship for others, not actively partaking myself. I have never had any strong religious beliefs, but it has become clear to me during my time at the Minster, and particularly in recent months, that the community here is open and welcoming to all.

I think Hull Minster is a wonderful place, both the building itself, and the community that it supports. Despite the difficulties that this year of Covid has brought, the church has continued to provide support and space for worship and has even provided new things which previous Holy Weeks have not featured. I’m exceptionally proud to be a member of the Hull Minster family, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Jack Bridges

Irene concludes with:

SUNDAYS 10am Recorded Service

10:30am Holy Communion in the Minster - Please click here to book in.

Church@4 will take place in the Minster from 18th April, please note the new time of 4pm. All are welcome. Please click here to book.

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion

EVENING PRAYER will commence again from the 17th of April. Further details to follow as we hopefully find out more information on singing etc.

PLEASE NOTE The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

This Sunday the Revd Anne Richards will be speaking on BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship at 8:10am in a Service led by Archbishop Stephen about praying when prayer seems impossible, reflecting on her experience of prayer in grief. The following Sunday she will again be joining Archbishop Stephen for the C of E online service.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30 am SUNDAY Holy Communion

GOOD NEWS

At present Dominic is Priest-in-Charge of the parish of Holy Trinity. On 6th June, the position will change when the Bishop of Hull will institute Dominic as vicar. To enable this to happen the Bishop has agreed to allow the patrons (CPAS) to bring Dominic forward as their nomination as Vicar, this is a position supported by the PCC.

APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) The meeting this year will be held on TUESDAY 27th APRIL via zoom at 7pm. Further details to follow.

Ten Trust130 Donations

READINGS: FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Almighty God, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples

with the sight of the risen Lord;

Give us such knowledge of his presence with us,

that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life

and serve you continually in righteousness and truth,

Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

6 April 2021

Minster Lifeline #14

Guest User

6 April 2021

7 April 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

I do hope that you had a happy and peaceful Easter. We are now in Eastertide which lasts for 40 days from Easter Sunday until the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord, this year on 13th May.

As you will see a little further in this letter we are beginning to extend our services to include Saturday Evening Prayer/Evensong or Taize and our Sunday at 4 service will begin in the Minster.

I have got over the nervousness of being in church again by preaching on Easter Day but understand that some will still be feeling unsure about mixing again. Take your time we will look forward to seeing you when it is right for you.

To be in the Minster again for worship and look at the stained glass windows and hear the wonderful sound of Mark on the organ and the choir (very limited in number) was just transcending and made me realise just how much I feel at home in that wonderful place with God’s family around me. It will be great when we can open up to the public and share God’s love through all that the Minster offers.

IT IS GREAT TO HEAR FROM LAUREN THIS WEEK:

My husband and I first came to Hull Minster after we had become engaged in 2010, and he said that he wanted to get married in a ‘pretty’ church. I told him that we could only get married in a pretty church if we attended. Luckily, when we both turned up at this amazing church, the congregation and Ministry Team were so friendly and welcoming that we continued to attend.

In 2014 Mark and I were married in a day I will never forget. It was amazing to be married in such a splendid place that celebrated our love, faith and friendliness. We love being part of the Hull Minster family as it is a great place to learn more about our faith with likeminded people.

In 2019, a lady was talking about what we could do for God during the sermon, how we could serve him. I started to think how Girls Brigade through its Christ centred approach would benefit the central Hull community. I have been involved with Girls Brigade since the age of 8 and I’m now a leader. We are always striving towards our motto ‘Seek, Serve, and follow Christ’.

I choose to volunteer because it is joy to get to know girls and their families, to share in their lives and the good news of God. Being involved in Girls Brigade has got me through difficult times, especially with my mental health. It gave me a purpose and focus for my week and it helped me knowing that I was able to help someone else, even though I was finding things difficult.

On a typical evening we play games, have devotional time, complete crafts and badgework. Our badgework includes important topics such as caring for others, friendship, bullying and drugs. We also undertake lots of life skills such as cooking which the girls really enjoy. As girls get older, they can undertake a leadership program and undertake different awards including the ‘Queens Award.’

Our District also has a band (Northern Lights Girls Brigade Band) where girls aged 8 and over can learn to play a brass instrument, drum, or glockenspiel. We also teach marching and perform in concerts, parades and marching displays. This helps girls learn about self-discipline and practicing a new skill, appreciating and sharing talents with each other and the wider community.

My hope with starting a group at Hull Minster is to enrich the lives of our young people to explore and grow their faith, to be a part of the Minster and wider Girls Brigade community. To be able share Girls Brigade with my church family at Hull Minster is so important because I feel that I am undertaking what God has directed me to do. Lauren Jeffries.

Irene concludes with:

April services and opening times:

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion and Sunday 10:30am Holy Communion. Please click here to book in.

EVENSONG/EVENING PRAYER will commence again from the 17th of April. Further details to follow as we hopefully find out more information on singing etc.

Church@4 will take place in the Minster from 18th April, please note the new time of 4pm, All are welcome.

All other public services are cancelled at the present time. However, changes could take place in the coming weeks so please keep checking in Lifeline or on the Hull Minster website.

PLEASE NOTE The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

ELECTORAL ROLL If you have been attending Hull Minster for at least six months you are eligible to be put on the Electoral Roll. This allows you to vote at the annual meeting. If you are interested, please see Val Fotherby before 13th April. Please note, if you are already on the electoral role you do not need to fill out another form.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30 am SUNDAY SERVICE

GOOD NEWS

DO YOU WANT TO HELP?
10:30 am SUNDAY SERVICE

The Heritage Volunteering group have been meeting via Zoom Coffee Mornings to have a chat and carry out some research about the Minster's history. As part of this, our Heritage Project Manager, Jane Owen, has organised several talks and would like to open these up to the wider church to join in. These will take place via zoom on a Wednesday or Friday morning at 10.00am, with a 15-minute chat before the talk starts. The dates and topics are below. Please send Jane and email if you would like to join in any of them - or if you would like to give a talk in future - and she will send you the links. They are very informal and can be accessed by computer, telephone, tablet or even by telephone to listen in.

We are also looking for any volunteers who would like to join our team to do some computer-based research at home about the church, the community surrounding it, the graveyard at the east end and the burial ground at Castle Street. Again, if you would like to be involved, please contact Jane at jane@hullminster.org Click here for full details.

APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) The meeting this year will be held on TUESDAY 27th APRIL via zoom at 7pm. Further details to follow.

Ten Trust130 Donations

READINGS: FOR SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Psalm 133

Exodus 14: 10-31, 15: 20-21

Acts 4: 23-25

John 20: 19-31

COLLECT FORSECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Risen Christ, for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred;

open the doors of our hearts,

that we may seek the good of others

and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace,

to the praise of God the Father. AMEN

This Month’s Prayer Diary

Daily prayer points throughout the current month can be found here.

Guest User

31 March 2021

Minster Lifeline #13

Guest User

31 March 2021

Rev. Irene writes:

More changes, we have welcomed the lighter nights and at last we can meet up with friends in outdoor places. For myself it is strange to journey through Holy Week yet not be in the Minster each day of that journey. However, this is a great improvement on last year when we were all in the shock of the first lockdown and Easter took place behind closed church doors!

There is something reassuring that amidst all the unknown and the changes we are facing, we can walk with Jesus through this Holy Week knowing that new life is what he promises us. His journey to the cross and resurrection from the dead give a guarantee that we can experience new life. It will never change. No-one can take away the Easter promise, so enjoy and have a Happy Easter.

Talking of meeting up outdoors: Yesterday our toddler group, Little Fishes, met up for a socially distanced picnic at a local park and Mandy reports that a great time was had by all:

It was so amazing to meet face to face for the first time in quite a few months, to see how big some of our little people have grown over the past year, and also to meet some new members who we’ve previously only seen via the computer screens on zoom!

We had some snacks sat on the grass where me and Hannah took turns to lead us in a few songs then we went for a walk together to see the ducks and we finished with a play in the play park and some of us had an ice cream to finish our morning.

All children received a takeaway craft bag and I also delivered some to children who were isolating and therefore could not make it. It was so lovely for the mums and dads to chat freely and just enjoy the moment that even I did not think to take any photos but luckily some mums did and so we have a few to share above.

One little boy (aged 2) had such a great time that during his bath time last night he prayed ‘Thank you God for playing in the park with our friends today’, Melts my heart, and I cannot wait until we can resume Little Fishes each week either in the Minster, or outside if nice weather. 😊 Mandy Richardson

Rev. Dominic writes for us today:

Alleluia Christ is Risen!

If my boys really want to wind me up, of the many ways they have learnt over the years, is to use the ‘A’ word during lent. Since they were tiny our family life has been built round the patterns of the practice of the Christian Church. They have grown up surrounded by people who have shared the same annual and weekly rhythms of celebration, the same framework of beliefs and values. They have heard repeatedly the stories of the Bible, sung the songs of the faith as we have celebrated year after year Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. But as they have grown up there has been an increasing cultural dissonance from the wider society that no longer has a common story and few common values. It is predicted that for the first time ever it is likely that less than 50% of people when asked their religion in the census will answer ‘Christian’. This is partly to do with immigration and the growth particularly of the British Muslim community, but it is mostly due to rapid growth in the ‘nones’, people who say they have no religion. The rate of decline since the mid 1960’s has been staggering. The younger you are the more likely you are to describe yourself as having ‘no religion.’ For the vast majority of these people, the research suggests, it is not that have not become atheists, most would still describe themselves and spiritual but not religious.

This week Guardian journalist John Harris, one of those who ticked ‘no religion’, reflected on the cultural loss that represents. As believers we have all struggled over this last year to keep strong and see meaning at times, but without the framework of faith and supportive community that we as believers have, what sense does it all make? As John Harris laments ‘how do faithless people like me make sense of this past year of Covid? Many of us yearn for meaning. But in our individualistic, secular society we lack even the flimsiest of narratives to guide us.’ He continues, ‘For many of us, life without God has turned out to be life without fellowship and shared meaning.’ It is unlikely that the vast cultural shift of the last 50+ years is suddenly reversed. However, there will be many people who are searching for meaning and community and as St Paul saw in Athens (Acts 17:23). There will be many people who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ who are worshiping an unknown God who will be open to be led towards the one true God not made by human hands. There is a hunger, there is a restlessness that can only truly be satisfied by Christ alone. As we tell again the greatest story ever told this Holy Week let us proclaim loudly and boldly once again the story of the one who came to share our humanity that we might share in his divinity. The one who died and rose again for the salvation of the whole world. Alleluia, Christ is risen! Rev Dominic.

Irene concludes with:

April services and opening times:

The Minster will continue to be open for Wednesday 12:30pm Holy Communion and Sunday 10:30am Holy Communion. Please click here to book in.

EVENSONG/EVENING PRAYER will commence again from the 17th of April. Further details to follow as we hopefully find out more information on singing etc.

Church@4 will take place in the Minster from 18th April, please note the new time of 4pm, All are welcome.

A full list of our Easter services can be found by clicking here:

Easter Services

All other public services are cancelled at the present time. However, changes could take place in the coming weeks so please keep checking in Lifeline or on the Hull Minster website.

PLEASE NOTE The Minster will be open for personal prayer each Saturday 12-3pm.

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? 10:30 am SUNDAY SERVICE

GOOD NEWS

Last week of Lent 2021

During Lent there will be a zoom bible study on Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:30pm beginning 24th February. Do join Rev. Irene and Val in study and discussion around Gladness and Generosity, in the Holy Habits series. You can join here.

APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) The meeting this year will be held on TUESDAY 27th APRIL via zoom at 7pm. Further details to follow.

Ten Trust130 Donations

READINGS: FOR EASTER DAY

COLLECT FOR EASTER DAY

God of glory, by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell;

fill you Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open