REV. IRENE writes:
.It is so good on a Sunday morning to see people on a regular basis as well as visitors to the area. I had a lovely surprise on Sunday last week when Rob Carlisle (who welcomes at the 11 a.m. service) brought along his brother Stuart and his wife Cath. Stuart and Cath were one of the first couples I met when I started visiting Hull in the 60’s having met my husband from Hull whilst he was holidaying in Scarborough. Fifty years since I last saw them!!
You will read about our young choristers later in this Lifeline. Not only is it good to have them singing with us, but it is also great to meet their parents/grandparents/carers who bring them along each Sunday morning and stay to worship with us. I hope you have all received a warm welcome.
It is of course a huge commitment for parents as well as the children to be part of Hull Minster as it is not only Sunday morning but Friday evening practice and Saturday singing school.
As these children grow in confidence we pray that they will experience the love of Jesus in the words that they sing.
RADIO HUMBERSIDE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
As I rode down Cottingham Road the other day a slogan outside one of the churches caught my eye. It said something like ‘what’s important to you – the love of power or the power of love’?
I am sure that many of you will have ridden or walked past these signs outside churches and even if you have read it may not have thought anything more about it.
This one stuck in my mind as I realised how dangerous the love of power can become. A few days later I picked up on the news the article about the desperate people who were not able to pay their energy bills and so had fallen into arrears. The consequence of this was changing people’s meters to pre-payment meters. I was quite disturbed to hear one of the bailiffs saying going into a house to do this was the best part of the job and it made me realise how the love of power can become seductive. I would like to think this person was a one-off and that most who have to do such a harrowing job would do it with compassion and care.
If only the love of power could become the power of love! It surely is so much more productive if we live by love and not power: love for our neighbours and one another, being there for each other, and working for the good of all.
As Christians, we know that Jesus showed the ultimate love by dying for us and all people and offering each of us eternal life.
THIS WEEK’S GALLERY
EXCITING JUNIOR CHURCH!!
This week our junior church moved from the Old Testament to the New. The exciting story about the angel Gabriel that appeared to Mary was the first lesson. The group also looked at the words of the Magnificat, beautiful words spoken by Mary after the angel had spoken to her. Many of the children were familiar with the words having sung The Magnificat during Evensong. (Below - this is what KEEN looks like!)
Sunday morning was a moving time for us. It was a real treat for us to formally admit seven choristers into the choir, and to present them with their surplices. It was also wonderful that their families came up to participate. We are very proud of the progress these children have made, and very grateful to their families for the support and time they commit to enable this progress.
And more! We welcomed two probationary choristers into our ranks. Leila and Aria attended their first choir rehearsal on Friday, and bravely decided that they were ready to try their first choral service. This can be a very daunting experience, and they handled it with aplomb!
We are currently inviting children to become choristers as part of our Choral Strategy work in six Hull primary schools. All of the schools have now developed excellent cultures of classroom singing, and their school choirs are blossoming. Many children have expressed interest re becoming a chorister at Hull Minster. However, the recurring barrier facing most of these children is transport. All too often parents work long hours or struggle to find accessible means of transportation. Therefore, we are seeking to establish a minibus service (Friday evenings, occasional Saturdays, and Sunday mornings) to help overcome these barriers. One of the most important factors will be finding enough volunteer drivers to help make this happen. Could this be you? Do you know someone who would like to get involved? Many of us benefitted hugely from the generosity of community support during our formative years. It would be fantastic to continue this proud tradition of community generosity for the new (and future) generation.
Finally, we would love to see you all at Choral Evensong on Saturday the 18th February (16:00). Mark
REV. DOMINIC writes:
Following on from the fabulous Scientists in Congregations project around Gaia we were delighted to welcome the York Based Riding Light's Theatre Company's latest production 'The Uneasy Sleeps of Max Maxwell' exploring through drama the growing role that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is having and will have on our society. After the interval, the show was followed by an absolutely fascinating question and answer session with four expert scientists in the field. The panel explained what this technology was about and the tremendous potential for good, especially in medicine and health and the deep ethical questions that need to be addressed. There was a plea from the scientists that Christians need to understand these issues and bring the deep wisdom of our faith into these important debates. The Church needs to be involved in the conversation between science and faith and society. Please pray for the cast and crew as they tour the show around the country, that was show number three of twenty!
PILGRIM COURSE: TURNING TO CHRIST
What do Christians believe? Turning to Christ explores the heart of Christian belief through the six questions asked at baptism. Wednesday evenings in Lent at 7:00 pm from Ash Wednesday 22nd February.
START COURSE
Start Course: Thursdays in Lent 11:30 a.m. from 23rd February.
Got questions about life and the Christian faith? If you’re looking for answers then maybe it’s time to make a Start. Normally run in groups of about six to ten people, each session involves video clips, exercises, group discussion, and time for reflection. Each session lasts about an hour and is free to attend. - What’s life all about and where are we going? - Does God exist and what is He like? - Why is the world in such a mess? - Who was Jesus, and is He relevant? - What does Jesus’ death on the cross mean for me today? - How far can I go forward with God in my life? ‘Start’ will help you discover more about God, Jesus, and the journey of life.
BIBLE STUDY
This takes place, on Zoom, every Wednesday at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The study is based on the faith of Daniel and his friends.
WARM SPACE BECOMES ‘LISTENING SPACE’
The 'Warm Space' provision has been in operation since early October, every Thursday.
The take-up has been low in number, but we are not deterred. It is the quality of the interaction that matters.
After much thought and discussion, it is our intention that the provision be known as ‘Listening Space’, simply because that’s what we do. Listen.
There's still the offering of tea, coffee and biscuits and, across lunch time, home-made soup.
MINSTER PRAISE
This will be held on Thursday 16th at 10:30. Everyone is welcome to this short informal service followed by cakes and coffee/tea
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY
· We pray for all volunteers and staff at the Minster
We pray for all those struggling to keep warm and well-fed during this difficult economic period
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort
We pray for peace in our world
We pray for the family of Nicola Bulley during these difficult days
COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT
Almighty God
give us reverence for all creation
and respect for every person
that we may mirror your likeness
in Jesus Christ our Lord
AMEN
READINGS FOR THE 12TH FEBRUARY
Psalm 136
Genesis 1:1-23
Romans 8:18-25
Matthew 6:25-end
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE FOURTH WEEK OF JANUARY
We pray for all volunteers and staff at the Minster
·We pray for the ‘warm church’ initiative. For guidance as changes are made and another day is introduced
For those we know who are sick or bereaved, for healing and comfort.
We pray for an end to the unrest in our country due to the many strikes that are taking place – for an acceptable solution
COLLECT FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
READINGS FOR 29nd JANUARY
