Partners in the Gospel
Canon Maggie Mclean recently visited St Philip’s with a group from York Minster to see and hear how this small church on the edge of Hull is sharing the Good News of God’s love in the local community.
Partners in the Gospel
Paul describes a wonderful partnership in the gospel, particularly with the church in Thessalonica. (Philippians 4:14-20). Paul thanks the Philippians for their gifts of support and adds that he does not simply want to receive gifts, he wants the church in Philippi to receive back more than they have given. He describes them as Partners in the Gospel.
York Minster has formed a partnership in the gospel with St Philip’s on Bilton Grange in East Hull, as part of our Ambassadors Network.
There are considerable challenges for the Church as there is only one small building where the heating has not worked for a considerable time, and which is in need of some major repair. It was inspiring to meet Wendy who is a local resident who was warm and welcoming and see how she was interacting with the local residents. She made us much needed sausage baps before we left and talked about how she had benefited from the project. We heard a lot about the work of Mustard Seed and how much the support from the Minster will help. We look forward to welcoming the volunteers to the Minster soon. Tina
I was touched by the warmth and hospitality of those we met at St Philip’s, a church living their values, and building community amidst challenging circumstances. Julie
Being Open is central to the values of St Phillip’s:
Centred on God - through prayer and worship
Open to each other - building a real community and family together.
Valuing each person - encouraging and giving everybody opportunity to use their gifts.
Open to You - working with the people of Bilton Grange and beyond.
The people of York Minster are opening their hearts to join with the open hearts of the people of St Phillip’s in sharing God’s love in Bilton Grange.
The York Minster visit happened on a busy day as volunteers from the church and community were preparing for their food community on Friday mornings, serving hundreds each week with food parcels, and a community of love and care.
St Philip’s has received a gift from York Minster’s charitable giving to provide heaters so the church could stay open and continue to serve the community when the boiler broke in the middle of winter. St Philip’s has a vision to redevelop their building, with new toilets, kitchen and an extension as the current church building is no longer fit for purpose. York Minster is providing much needed support with programme management and grant funding applications. This kind of support is invaluable and is part of developing an on-going relationship between churches as they share and learn from each other.
Some reflections from the day:
I came away with a sense of the determination, passionate belief in community building, and raising people up that St. Philip’s gives out. It has really moved me and has made me think about how I can do more, in my role at the Minster, and at home, to contribute to and build community. We were so warmly welcomed; I feel really grateful to have spent this time together. Kirsty
St. Philip’s - a simple building in an evident area of deprivation, the door standing open and inside a varied group of people busily preparing for the next day’s food bank. This is the Church ministering to the local community. We received a very warm and hospitable welcome and an account of the work done with very limited resources. Veronica