new MU member

Sunday 18th March I became the latest member of our local Mothers' Union. Yes a male member of an organisation that’s normally thought of as a female preserve. Now Brian (Trowell) won’t feel so lonely! And of course I join other well known male members like Martyn Westby. So why did I join? The answer I gave this morning in church is that the aims of the Mothers' Union are to strengthen and preserve marriage and Christian family life. Over recent years I have became very aware of the way marriage and family life is being eroded and I wanted to join an organisation that seeks to uphold these values.
So there you are a new recruit to St.Columba church Mothers' Union , I’m sure right now that my mum & mum-in-law in heaven are looking down and smiling.

Drypool Walkers

Drypool Walkers Inaugural Walk

A minute to nine and we were all waiting for our illustrious leader, Lorelli. 2 minutes past nine and she arrived. Having sorted out cars and where we were going all eleven of us set off. 10.15 we arrived at Fridaythorpe to do the Huggate circular.
We were a mixed group of walkers, some more experienced than others, but all on the walk to have exercise and an enjoyable day out. With the recent dry weather the ground was not the muddy experience the New Year’s Day walkers had experienced but we had the gale force wind to contend with. As we walked down Horsedale we soon discovered we had several knowledgeable folk among us and Jill told us how these dales were formed in the Ice Age. Having a breather after our first incline of the day we soon found we had a resident wildlife expert in Mark and throughout the day we were amazed as a small bird would fly by, and Mark would instantly tell us what it was.
Arriving at the outskirts of Huggate at 11 o’clock we sent a reccé party on ahead to book our table at the pub while the rest of us did a short detour to kill time before lunchtime.11.45 and as we strolled up we saw our advance party standing outside waving their arms. Our hearts momentarily sank and we did a quick mental check of what we had with us to feed us. Fortunately as we got closer we realised we wouldn’t need five loaves or two fishes, the pub didn’t open till twelve. The menu was very tempting and cries of, “ooh steak pie, fish & chips…” But bearing in mind the afternoon ahead we all went for the healthy option of jacket spuds or baguettes.1¼ hours later, suitably refreshed we sallied forth. Through out the day it was good to see how we all seemed to mix and talk with everyone and at times to be in front and others at the back.
The afternoon stages seemed to be particularly strenuous at times, having to walk against the wind and face a couple of inclines. Eventually, after a minor error we descended down into Millington Pastures and a stretch sheltered from the wind and on the level. Like children on a long journey we began to ask how much further it was to be told ‘Not much further now’. Eventually we returned to our start point and at 4.15 11 weary but happy walkers sat down in the comfort of our transport and returned to Hull, where the sun proceeded to come out!
Speaking to several on the walk and today (the day after) the consensus of opinion was, we did it, it was tiring at times but we enjoyed it and the next one will be an easy one. Everyone I spoke to said they felt exhausted last night and a little achy today but thoroughly enjoyed it. Our next walk is Easter Monday (9th April) and is a walk over the Humber Bridge to the Far Ings Nature Reserve, so bring your binoculars. And could I ask if you could let Lorelli or myself before so we know how many are going.

new vicar

Well, we had the news on Sunday. We have a new team Vicar for Victoria Dock.Its Jason Taylor currently curate at All Saints in Ripley in the Derbyshire Diocese. Now news yet of his licensing but he will be moving in May.

New Years day walk

New Year Walk

What better day to start my new ‘get fit’ campaign than New Year’s Day? So having been collected by Lorelli and picking up Ann on the way we headed off towards Market Weighton.
Being an experienced walker Lorelli quickly sorted out where to start the walk so we could be in Market Weighton for lunch, smart girl – get the priorities right.
A bright but cold & windy day we soon got warmed up as we begun our trek. Within 10 minutes of our walk we hit what would be our companion for a good deal of the walk, namely MUD! Any gardener will tell you that round here we have heavy clay soil which when wet brings heavy sticky mud. All good fun, your boots weigh twice as much. Make sure they’re securely fastened or you might leave them behind in the mud. Leaving the fields behind us we arrived at Goodmanham and continued up the road until we took the turn off the Hudson Way. This is the old Market Weighton to York railway line which is now a bridle path/pathway. We set off in the direction of Market Weighton. We passed one or two other walkers and family groups out for a New Years Day (r)amble and arrived in Market Weighton just on lunch time.
Forward planning is a marvellous thing and fortunately Lorelli had suggested that we might pack up ‘just in case’. Two pubs we tried were not serving food that day so we sat on seats outside to eat our rations and clean our boots, as much as we could, before going in the pub for liquid refreshment. Unfortunately the pub was not serving hot drinks either - would it be too much to boil a kettle, so we had cold drinks, in which the barman put ice cubes! Still it was a nice warm pub to restore us for the next part.
We then set off up the road and picked up the path across fields, yes more mud, towards Londesborough. By now the clouds were gathering and we had one or two short bursts of rain. Eventually we left fields for a quick detour into Londesborough itself. The village started off as the Londesborough Hall estate workers cottages and the present hall is hidden away behind the trees but we passed the lake from the earlier hall. Having a quick look at the church notice board Lorelli saw that one of her college friends would be at the church later in the year which was a nice surprise. We then retraced our steps back on the last lap of our walk. More muddy fields to cross before we finally arrived back at Towthorpe lay-by as the light was fading. We did 7½ miles in about 4 hours so not bad going. The walk was all on the flat so our legs weren’t protesting too much and speaking to my walking companions later in the week none appeared to have suffered any aching limbs. We are already planning more walks possibly along Hessle Foreshore so watch out for more announcements and if you feel like limbering up come along and join us.

New Years Eve

Hello everyone,
2006 draws to a close and 2007 beckons. I make a point of NOT making new year resolutions as I never keep them! Like the old joke "In one year and out the other"

Tonight we are actually going out on New Years Eve. Our curate is having a party and then seeing in the New Year with prayers & worship. The plan tomorrow is to go for a walk on the Wolds Way, but weather forcast isn't that good.

We had a baptism during our Communion service today and we actually had an adult being baptised. It was good to hear her say she wanted to be closer to God and start her journey. She chose one of the hymns as it is her favourite. The first line is,
"I'm special because God has loved me." (© Graham Kendrick 1986). We are all unique and God loves us as we are. Each individual and known and loved. As we approach 2007 may we know that God is with us day by day.

NU 6:24-6 " ` "The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." '

all the best to you and those you love in 2007

Sunday 24th December 2006 - Christmas Eve

An odd Christmas this year being on a weekend. I finished work on Friday and we both felt it should be Christmas Eve. It is now 15.38 and shops will be closing shortly and the buying frenzy will be over for another year (or till Boxing day when the sales starts!).

As we await Christmas Day and the gifts we have been given I wonder how many will recieve the present they asked for. What Mary must have been feeling at this time 2000 years ago. Baby almost due, trying to find warm and shelter in a dark and smelly cattle barn, hardly the most hygenic and ideal places to have a new born infant. But Mary held on to God's promises. you see God is a Promise Keeper not a promise breaker and as Mary held on to the promises God had given her so we too can hold on to God's promise, "...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." matthew 28 v 20.

So till the celebrations tomorrow have a happy and blessed Christmas.

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Tuesday 19th December 2006

As we draw ever closer to Christmas I would like to share this Advent prayer with you all from Henri J W Nouwen

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen

As reported earlier an appointment has been made for the replacement at Victoria Dock but we are not allowed to say who until after Christmas.

Has anyone noticed the lack of religious Christmas cards this year? At home we have received many religious ones, but then a high proportion of our cards come from Christian homes.

I read with regret of the death of Rev Lawrence Hoyle in November. He was vicar at Thwing near Driffield and began Lamplugh House, a christian retreat and conference centre, in the late 1970's he then went on ( with other like minded folk) to start "Anglicans For Renewal" . I remember my first visit to lamplugh House hearing Lawrence speak on christians and comparing the life of an eagle witha christian.

Until we meet again, goodnight and may God be with you and give you peace.