Last month I wrote in this space on the theme of saying goodbye, and I am pleased to be able to balance that with something about saying hello! As I said in July, the life of the church has a continuity that does not depend on particular individuals – but it is also the case that every one of us can have a significant impact on the overall ministry and mission of the Cathedral.

I am delighted, therefore, to be able to announce the appointment of two individuals with the gifts and experience to make a hugely positive difference to our life and work. Last Sunday I gave verbal notice that the Bishop has appointed the Reverend Kathryn Percival to the post of Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean, and this week I can add the good news that Mr Richard Abraham is our new Chapter Clerk and Chief Operating Officer.

Richard is the son, grandson and great-grandson of Anglican clerics; a Canadian who has lived and worked in London for the past twenty years, working in senior roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors – mostly recently for the Diocese in Europe. Kathryn is a former barrister who comes to us from her role as parish priest and Area Dean of Tandridge (the most rural part of the diocese of Southwark). She is also (in her own words) a ‘keen singer, a useful pianist, and a lapsed violinist’. More information about Richard and Kathryn is available on the Cathedral website, on Cathedral notice boards, and as a handout.

Richard will begin on Monday 2nd September, and we will announce Kathryn’s start date as soon as we can. She will be with us before Christmas and hopefully well before! I invite you to join with me in both praying for, and in due course welcoming, both of them. The following prayer is a good place to start, as it can apply both to individuals and to the whole Cathedral community:

‘Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’

The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane

Dean of Portsmouth

TODAY

Welcome to all those attending our services today and visiting choir the Naylor Singers who are singing for us whilst the Cathedral Choirs are on holiday.

Refreshments Homemade Lemonade will be served outside today after the 10.30am service. Many thanks to all those who help with our Sunday morning refreshments throughout the year.

Lighten our Darkness, our sermon series focussing on aspects of mental health, as part of our Annual Theme: Living Well, continues at Evensong, ‘Caring for people in the community’, given by The Revd Jen Holder, Honorary Chaplin from Southern Health NHS Trust.

The Service and Events Lists New editions are available in the Cathedral or on the website.

NEWS

Appointments of new Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean: Kathryn Percival and Chapter Clerk: Richard Abraham Further information is distributed with these notices and also available on the website and notice boards.

NOTICES

August Bank Holiday The Cathedral Offices will be closed on Monday for the Bank Holiday. Morning Prayer will be held at 8.40am and Holy Communion at 9.00am, Evening Prayer will be at 5.00pm.

Care of Cathedrals Measure The Chapter has applied to the Fabric Advisory Committee for approval to investigative and carry out survey works of the South Transept, internally and externally, and the Flower Room internally. Details of the proposed works can be viewed in the Cathedral Offices during working hours and any representations made by 27th August.

Feeding the 5000 11.30am - 4.00pm Saturday 7th September on Castle Field, Southsea. Local churches are working together to recreate the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with bread and fish. This is a free family event with live music, kid’s zone and free refreshments. 5,000 battered cod baps will be given away for free. Further information from St Jude’s Southsea at www.sjs.church.

Choral Evensong with the Installation of the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight Following his licensing, collation and installation at Newport Minster, the Venerable Peter Leonard, will be welcomed at the Cathedral during Choral Evensong at 5pm on Saturday 7th September. The service will be followed by a reception. All are welcome.

Pastoral Care If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Dean on 023 9282 4400.

The Pantomime Lunch to be held at the Abarbistro on Friday 20th September is now sold out, but donations in support of the event and the Roberts Centre Christmas party can be given to Gerry Chilton.

Christmas Fair Saturday 30th November. Please put this date in your diaries. If you would like to volunteer or help then please send an email to fair@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. If anyone is making jams or chutney over the summer please consider adding an extra jar or two for us to sell at the fair.

EVENTS and SERVICES

‘The English Cathedral’ by Peter Marlow an exhibition of photographs of the naves of all 42 English Cathedrals continues until Sunday 8th September. Closing Reception 6.30pm – 8.00pm Thursday 5th September. All welcome but please confirm attendance to outreach@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

Cathedral Lunch Club will restart on Tuesday 3rd September and Baby and Toddler Group on Wednesday 4th September.

Silver Screen: An American in Paris (1951) 2.00pm Tuesday 3rd September in Becket Hall. Free event, tickets available from the Cathedral Shop.

Craft and Chat 2.30pm Thursday 5th September in the Bishop Kenneth Room. All Welcome.

Becket’s Bunch our Sunday school restarts on the 8th September at 10.30am in the Bishop Kenneth Room.

Lunchtime Live 1.10pm Thursday 12th September with Isabel Nisbet and Rhidian Jones (contralto & piano). Free with retiring collection. Light refreshments available from 12.30pm.

A Reflective Afternoon in an Emsworth home and garden Wednesday 18th September ‘What does a socially responsible and engaged church look like’ led by Canon Nick Ralph. Booking through the Cathedral Shop next week.

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance 6.30pm-10.30pm Saturday 21st September. Adult £15.00 (includes hog roast or vegetarian cheese ploughman’s option with a free drink and dancing), Child £6.00 (includes hog roast). Free water, squash and cheese and biscuits. There will be a paid bar providing wine, beer, G&T and snacks. Tickets available from the Cathedral Shop.

25 Years Heritage Open Days 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturday 21st September and 12.00pm – 4.00pm Sunday 22nd September. Areas of the Cathedral not normally accessible will be open and special talks arranged during this year’s event.

Taizé-style Night Prayer Our next service will be at 8.00pm on Sunday 29th September. All welcome.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

All those in need including: Donald, Robert, Poppy, Barry, Tim, Stuart, Derek and Maureen.

And those who have died: Elisabeth (Lis) Richards and Mary Joseph RIP.

For a complete listing of this week’s notices click here