Rev. Irene writes:
Advent – the arrival, coming or presence.
We enter the season of Advent yet again as we prepare and wait to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.
In Christian communities around the world, Advent refers to a four-week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. It is a time to reflect on the humble birth of the Messiah and to join in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth as was promised:
‘Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and
there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as
a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.’ Revelation 21
May this Advent season be filled with peace, with time for prayer, reflection, and anticipation so we may be prepared to celebrate once more the Christ child and all the promises that brings for each of us.
REMEMBERING SERVICE
On Saturday this week at 2 p.m. Rev. Irene will be holding our service for remembering children and siblings that have gone before us. A small reflective service followed by refreshments and time to share with one another.
It will be an opportunity to light a candle, add your loved one’s name to the prayer tree and continue to fill our Christmas tree with memories.
THE MINSTER SHOP
Minster Christmas Card 2023
This year’s Christmas card is from an original oil painting by local artist Tony Denison. The cards are now on sale from the Minster Shop. Packs of 5 are £6 and single cards are £1.50. There are nativity advent calendars for £3.50 and a stand-up advent card for £2. Advent candles will be in stock soon.
Sue McGaw, Buying Team.
CHRISTMAS CARDS 2023
If you would like to wish all your friends at church a Happy Christmas but do not want to buy individual cards there will be a board for Christmas cards in the church throughout Advent. This is an opportunity to send one card only and maybe the saving can be given to your choice of charity.
Alpha and the Bible courses will all commence again in January. If you would like to take part, please speak to one of the clergy team.
THIS WEEK’S VOLUNTEER
Meet Ellie Hardy
Ellie has been volunteering at the Minster for four years.
She has completely thrown herself into church life volunteering on a number of roles including welcoming and cleaning, as well as stepping up as assistant verger.
She is also part of the Mustard Seed programme along with being on the pastoral team at Archbishop Sentamu academy under Rev. Ann Richards.
She helps out at most events, sometimes staying until late at night to help set up for the following day.
Thank you Ellie for your incredible efforts.
WALKING WITH ANGELS
An advent Companionship over four Saturdays in December
Bishop of Hull Dr Eleanor Sanderson, with Believe in Hull, invite you to join them in prayer walking across the city of Hull on four successive December Saturdays from the 2nd.
Advent is a time of looking to, and longing for, the coming of Christ. It is also a time when we retell our nativity stories and are reminded of the remarkable ways that the heavens and the earth came together through ordinary people and extraordinary angels responding to God.
More information available on:
https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/news-events/news/walking-with-angels-in-hull/
REQUEST FOR THE CHILDREN IN THE UKRAINE
We are asking everyone if finance's allow, if you could buy a selection box to donate to the children of Ukraine for Christmas. The box's have to be collected by the 10th December latest.
If you can help, please give your selection box to myself or leave in my office and I will pass on to the appropriate persons.
Thank you and God bless
Shirley
BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST!
Hi all,
I've had a few people ask me if we're doing another ceilidh, well we are! Sat 16th December - 6.30pm. Free entry, for family and friends of the Minster. There will be donation boxes to cover the costs of heating and lighting. (And hopefully a bar) Bring your own supper.
This time we're asking people to sign up through the link below, so we can gauge numbers.
Thank you!
Katie
https://hm.churchsuite.com/events/8arngifx
OLDER JUNIOR CHURCH
Today we talked about the difference between preparing for Christmas and preparing for the arrival of Christ.
CHANGES TO SEW FOR THE SOUL AND MINSTER CRAFTERS MEETING
Both will now take place on Thursday mornings during the Welcome Cafe, and all are welcome to join in.
MINSTER CRAFTERS WILL BE THE FIRST THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH.
SEW FOR THE SOUL WILL BE THE THIRD THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH.
Currently both Crafters and Sewing is solely attended by Glenis and me, so more members or people would be gratefully appreciated. Let me know if you are interested.
Many thanks. Becky.
WELCOME CAFÉ (from strangers to friends) & LISTENING SPACE
Welcome Café is held every Thursday morning 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please do visit and support whenever you can.
From 12:30 soup will be served and drinks throughout the afternoon until 3 p.m.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
It is great to have ReNew and Hull City Council present during our Welcome Café held every Thursday in the Minster. These groups are there to help anyone with concerns or queries
READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Psalm 85:1-2,8-end
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Almighty God, purify our hearts and mind
that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour
we may be ready to receive him
who is our Lord and our God.
AMEN
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
· For those who are awaiting and undergoing hospital procedures both emergency and non-emergency.
· For peace in Israel and Palestine and other areas of conflict in the world. For the coming together for peace talks.
· For those in need at this time, that people will respond to meet those in difficulty.
· That all those entering the Minster this Christmas may experience the love of Jesus
DIARY FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
“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