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The Minster Church of

St Michael & All Angels, Sunderland.

     Long known as Bishopwearmouth Parish Church, it can boast a long history and has seen many changes, the most recent of which -- perhaps the greatest - is its elevation to Minster status some ten years ago, a decision which caused some dispute when it was heralded as the first  Minster to be created since the reformation. Now the parish is no more - Sad, but we must move on! The church continues, but with a 'congregation' rather than a parish! 

 Some time ago it also adopted St Hilda as another patron, following the demolition of that daughter church, and with Minster status has come a further dedication, St Benedict Biscop - as the 'Patron Saint' of the City of Sunderland. 

    Some would say that this rather modest little church building struggles to justify the grandeur of its title. Nevertheless, despite the relative modesty, the parish and church of Bishopwearmouth had a history stretching back a thousand years and more.

 That history is well documented and can be followed in greater detail on other websites, under Sunderland Minster, but I hope that this and the other pages that I offer will give some insight into my love of "Bishopwearmouth" church and indeed everything which made this place special (particularly the richness of the Book of Common Prayer services) for a great many generations - and  that it will, indeed, become and remain a special place for those now using it -- and generations to come !                                                           

See details of the church's other organisations on the Activities and Organisations pages. These, I hasten to confirm, are only my own gleanings rather than official announcements , which hopefully will shortly be renewed on   www.sunderlandminster.org.  

Meanwhile, I will endeavour to keep things up-to-date on these columns, but please contact the Minster office by telephone for confirmation.   .... and please visit News & Views for up to date reports and comment.

As we approach ADVENT, I have reloaded my Advent Calendar, which begins on Advent Sunday and continues to Christmas Eve with Images, Prayers and Poetry.  Click HERE to access this Calendar 

THE PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY VISITED THE MINSTER FOR CHORAL EVENSONG ON SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER AND TRULY ENHANCED OUR WORSHIP  - Again, visit News & Views for details.

 

  

 

Minster Bells

Many of you will be wondering if we will ever see the restoration of the Minster Clock or appreciate a Ten Bell' peal ringing out across the city on a Sunday morning?!  After recruiting someone with project management experience to the staff team earlier in the year, Chris Mitchell, our new assistant administrator, visited the Bell Engineers in July.  Due to several empty promises over the years, and a recent heart attack which looks to delay plans further, I have asked the Archdeacon of Sunderland and Minster Council to help find a quick and achievable solution to the delays and frustrations. Please pray for wisdom as potential negotiations follow with Architects, Contractors and Solicitors...

Minster Shop

Following a Congregation Committee 'Thinking Day' in January 2010, and the building on the advice of Urban Minsters and Greater Churches around the country, we began the process of upgrading and redeveloping our Minster Shop in Easter this year.  Whilst continuing to stock Fair Trade items, and promoting the work of Fair Trade in the city, the new shop will also sell a wider range of items to help generate a much needed source of income. The success of the shop will depend upon the good will and commitment of volunteers, and become an increasingly important part of our visitor welcome. Volunteer application forms are available in the  Minster office if you or others you know might be interested in helping on the rota. Please advertise the shop to friends and family, and let us know your thoughts and suggestions as we venture into the world of retail.

Alpha Course

Youth Alpha will provide a new opportunity to bring young people together from the beginning of October, to help deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and grow closer to God. This course will take place on Sunday evenings and is aimed at those aged 14 and above. Alice Venning, our Lay Chaplain would be happy to chat further with anyone you know who might wish to consider taking part. Please pray for this course, and for our growing ministry with children and families that brings new life to the Minster church.

 Minster Council

A small working party has begun meeting under the chairmanship of Archdeacon Stuart Bain to assist with the appointments process of a new canon Provost, and it is intended that interviews will take place by the end of October, in consultation with the Dean of Durham and the Bishop's Staff. Please do pray for wisdom and discernment, and for the process of appointing a new Coordinating Chaplain at the University of Sunderland once the Provost appointment is made.

 Finance & Stewardship

Alistair Jenkins, the Diocesan Stewardship Adviser reminded us in March 2011 that our personal giving week by week plays a significant role in paying for our continued ministry and mission. The Minster currently manages to meet Diocesan expectations of annual quota payments or 'parish share', and this is highly thought of as the Diocesan Secretary and Board of Finance regularly scratch their heads and wonder how to make ends meet. Sandra Thurlbeck, known to many of you as our former Administrator, has recently taken up the role of Covenant Secretary at the Minster, and is happy to chat confidentially to anyone about their annual giving, not least concerning Gift Aid and how extra money can be claimed back for the church. She can be contacted anytime via the office.

 I assure you of the ongoing commitment of Revd. Stephen Hazlett and myself in this time of transition at the Minster, as well as the dedication of our very able Staff team and Wardens. With my sincere good wishes and prayers as we approach the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels in a few weeks time, and give thanks to God for his faithful love & gracious favour to us all.

 Sincerely, ln  Christ,

 Revd Martin Anderson 

St Michael & All Angels & St Benedict Biscop

 

What’s on- AUTUMN 2011 

 Minster Minstrels Toddler Group: Every Tuesday 10.00am-11.30am

Toys, crafts, and letting off steam with the under 4's in the Minster, with plenty of Tea, Coffee and biscuits for the Mums and Dads... Come and Join us!

'Family@4' lst Sunday of the month from 3.30-5.00pm

These 'family-friendly' services takes place at Sunderland Minster on Sunday afternoons to fit in with the schedules and work commitments of busy families. The child-friendly services with songs, crafts and short talks begin at 3.30pm on 2nd October, and continue on 6th November and 4th December, with a Candlelit Christingle service at 5.00pm on Christmas Eve.

 Youth Alpha: October-December 2011

An invitation for Young People aged over 14 to meet weekly to discover more about the Christian faith, share food together, and grow in confidence in their commitment to Jesus. For more information, contact Alice Venning -Lay Chaplain. Tel. 5654066.

All Saints & All Souls Memorial Service: Tuesday 1st November 7.30pm

A  Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving with representatives of the University of Sunderland. An opportunity to-give thanks, and celebrate the memory of loved ones who have died in recent years, with popular hymns and readings.

East Durham Artists Network Exhibition (open daily)

Local artists display projects and specific works to reflect the Minster's engagement and ministry with the city of Sunderland. Visual arts: paint, sculpture, print, textile, glass, installation art & photography. Exhibition from Tues 4ft October - Monday 31st October. See website www.edan.ore.uk for details

Minster Autumn Fayre: Saturday 19th November 10.00am-2.00pm

Home-made Jams, Cakes, Grand-Prize draw, Tombola, Jewellery & accessories, Face-painting, Bottle stall, Childrens toys, Minster Shop, Christmas stall, Cards & gifts, mince pies and mulled wine. 

For more lnformatlon/detalls contact: Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland SRI 3ET

Tel: 01 9 1 5654066 Mob: 07983 71 0559      Email: admln@sunderlandmlnster.org

www.sunderlandminster.org

 

Regular Services at the Minster:-

 SUNDAYS

 

Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)  8.00am

 

Sung Eucharist (Common Worship)         10.00am

 

CHORAL EVENSONG -Book of Common Prayer - Now held ONLY on the 3rd Sunday in the month, (except August when the choir is on holiday) with an Anthem, chanted Preces & Responses and the Canticles, usually sung to settings by such composers as Sumsion, Stainer, Moeran, Walmisley.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT, REGRETTABLY, THE CHORAL EVENSONG (PBS) FOR NOVEMBER IS BEING REPLACED!!

 

                   WEEKDAY

Wednesdays                     10.00am

Thursdays and Saints' Days         12.15pm

(For other occasional services see the Services and Events page and the notice sheet (Click HERE )

 

Your opinion on these pages is invited. Please contact me by e-mail:- herring57@btinternet.com with any queries, comments, criticisms or suggestions - all are equally welcome !

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Pages prepared/updated by David Herring 22/11/2011