Our AGM this evening, the reports we share of our engagement, work and service together reflect very much our faith and ongoing commitment to God’s church and the people of our community of Hessle and beyond.
The writings of St Paul, come to mind, as he writes to the church of Corinth encouraging the work of faith and love, challenging them in action.
He reminds them of not only what they do and why they do it, but for whom they give to and act in the name of. And that is Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
And St Paul, underpins the value and meaning of their actions in Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians, when he speaks clearly of love as the embodiment of all and a reminder of God’s self-giving love and service to us.
God commissions us in service through the power of the Holy Spirit with us and in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, we see God at work in us as the body of Christ, each wonderfully diverse coming together to build up the life of the whole.
This last year like the previous couple of years has had its challenges around the covid pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and rising costs including fuel and energy. The impact of the war on Ukraine through Russian authorities, impacted on every community and yet the love and service in response to those in need from the people was deeply moving to which we took our part.
I was encouraged to see local fundraising and the people of Hessle coming together to help gather resources and pack in order to ship across to Poland to reach those in need. One example of love in action!
We sadly have seen a rise in need in Hessle for the foodbank, which now supports around 90 families. It was however encouraging to strike up partnerships with local Councillor Viv Padden, the Community Centre and shops like the Co-Op and Morrisons who have been able to give food in support for those in great need.
Last year saw almost every week daily pick-ups and drop offs of food and although it was highly rewarding in outreach, it was extremely tiring. Morrisons has since changed it practice on how it gives and so we are incredibly grateful to Co-Op and the work of Sally Smith, including our monthly church contribution.
Christmas Eve gave us the opportunity to cook and provide Christmas meals to 63 people who were alone or struggling financially. And with the help of Dot Askew and Norma a member of Age Concern, Christmas gifts were provided to each one, bringing much cheer in the beautifully wrapped shoe boxes.
Prayer was answered this year around music in the life of the church seeing the development and joy of two choirs form and grow. The Spire Choir held on Tuesdays with 23 members of church and community together, and the Church Choir run by Paul Benson.
The Handbells group gained a new lease of life under the direction of Emma Robinson and again now practices regularly.
Bellringers have seen new members and growing interest and it has been a real joy and privilege to witness their strength and presence not only in our worship and services, but also in the many visiting bell ringers and a peal rung.
We have also enjoyed a variety of music concerts bands like the Saxophone player Snake Davis and Dave Bowie junior, which brought a wider group of people to our amazing church and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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All Saint’s Church has welcomed many new members during this last year also and it is wonderful to see and welcome together new members and visitors on a regular basis. Including our continuing links with schools and community groups alike.
The church is a real gift to this community and has had a strong presence on this land since 1086.
The church is so much more than a building and serves to bring glory to God by all it does in mission, service, and prayer in action.
We have seen over this last year baptisms almost every week of babies, children, teenagers, and adults and soon we welcome the confirmation of nine of our congregation members, whereby they affirm for themselves the baptism promises made for them at their baptism.
The church building is a visible sign in Hessle of God’s presence amongst God’s people and of a church that is welcoming to all and is out reaching in mission, through love and service in faith.
We continue to earnestly pray and fundraise for our Tower Appeal to keep this magnificent place of worship open for all, for generations to come.
We have seen this last year huge progress in terms of strategy and partnership with Brian Gilliland (Charity Fundraiser at Hull Minster) and looking ahead to structural engineering reports and drawings to come from our architect, which will open doors to a full faculty and funding.
Internal works have been seen alongside organ, clock and bell maintenance, we have seen work on the roof, clearing of gutters and cracks in the walls repaired on the south side of the church. And with a gift of paint through a legacy and with talent and generous giving of time we will soon see the walls painted, refreshed and complete.
I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of so many of you in church, (too many to mention!) for your time, energy, prayer and giving in grace.
I do, especially want to thank - my Wardens Robin and Gillian for their support and hard work. My Ministry Team (John, Carol, Phillip and Stephen) who generously give of their time in ministry to this church, especially as they work full time and have other commitments. To the PCC and Jane in her role as Secretary. To Stuart our Treasurer, Gail, and Janet for their assistance. To my volunteer co-ordinator Paul. Heidi our Verger, Sandy our Baptism secretary, Lorna our Safeguarding Officer. To Andrew our head Sacristan who helps in so many ways to make ready for our services. And to all others who are a part of welcoming, on tea duty and organising events and the like - to all and every single one of you – I thank you.
All Saints is a special place of worship a place of prayer, a place of refuge and shelter. A place of joy, for social activity, for getting involved, a place to make lifelong friendships and family – A place to put down deep roots and to be a part of a great community.
It is a place to feel and know of God’s presence here and to know the value of all human life under God’s loving and abiding care.
I finish as I started in the words of St Paul:
We are called to be saints together, with all those who in every place call on the name of the Lord.
I give thanks to God always for you.
God bless – I am proud to be your Priest and the Vicar of Hessle.
Revd Gemma Turner
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