While there can be little doubt that the country is very divided, and people are quick to make judgements about the motivations and integrity of those with whom they disagree, it is incumbent on the Christian community, to maintain relationships and communication, in a positive and generous spirit, with everyone, including those with whom we disagree. There are many people feeling lost and anxious at the moment, and it is in our gift to restrain ourselves from ensuring our view is clearly heard and to give space, time, and the gift of being listened to, to those for whom life is stressful and worrying. We are all lost sinners, and we are found only in repentance and in Christ, as today’s Gospel demonstrates.

Whatever happens in the next few weeks with regard to Brexit, those who are already struggling, are likely to find it still harder, and supplies are currently very low. This is a good moment to refresh the commitment to providing food for the foodbanks. At the Cathedral we continue to collect contributions but the boxes have been moved to a more secure place. Please speak to the vergers and they will show you where to put donations. With Harvest Festival next week also, it will be good to show strong support for organisations that support people in need like the Roberts Centre.

The Reverend Canon Nick Ralph

Residentiary Canon

TODAY

Welcome to all those attending our services today. We also welcome family and friends of the late Monica Ditmas, who was a Cathedral Lay Canon and warden of our diocesan retreat house, will be remembered during Choral Evensong.

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

NEWS

Art and Christianity Awards Pete Codling’s ‘Soup of Souls’ the work produced during the Art Residency ‘The Hermitage’ funded by a grant from the Arts Council England as part of the 2018 Annual Theme: Time has been short-listed the A+C Award for art in a religious context - temporary installations and exhibitions. The final result will be announced in November.

NOTICES

Ride and Stride Thank you so much to all who have sponsored me for ‘Ride and Stride’ this year, raising money for the Hampshire and Islands Historic Churches Trust (with the Cathedral as my nominated church). As I write this Clare and I have not actually fulfilled our promise to cycle to churches across Portsmouth and the Meon Valley, but by the end of Saturday – barring something unforeseen – we will have done. It is still possible to contribute either via the sponsor form in the Cathedral, or online https://bit.ly/34dDo5g. Many thanks once again. The Dean.

Chapter and Fabric Advisory Committee the agendas for this week’s meetings are on the noticeboard and website.

Harvest Festival Eucharist 10.30am Sunday 22nd September. Please bring gifts and contributions of dried and tinned food, cereals and long life milk to be distributed through the Roberts Centre. There has been an enormous demand for this service and supplies in local depots are very low. It would be great for us to make a real difference helping those who are hungry and in need of support locally.

Living Faith Course Module 6 Challenging Choices – Christian Ethics, 10 week evening course starting on Wednesday 18th September at The Dolphin. Please pick up a registration from in the Welcome Area or contact Patricia Gray on 023 9289 9656 or MDM@portsmouth.anglican.org for further details.

Acting Archdeacon of Portsdown Canon Karina Green will serve as acting Archdeacon working closely with the other Archdeacons and the Bishop during the vacancy. Karina will continue as parish priest of West Leigh and will shortly be stepping down at the end of a five year term as joint Area Dean of Havant.

Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral visit to Southampton Thursday 17th October. Spaces are still available for the visit by coach to the Tudor House, Sea City Museum and Art Gallery. Booking forms in the Cathedral and on the website.

@CofEPortsmouth Copies of the latest edition of the diocesan magazine which includes articles on Choir Church and ‘Why I love my churches’ with Amanda Sim, chorister parent who is about to start training for ordination.

Pastoral Care If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to speak to someone, please contact Canon Jo on 023 9275 2335 or The Dean on 023 9282 4400.

Lunch Club Volunteers required to help cook and serve food at our weekly Lunch Club in Becket Hall on Tuesdays. Please contact the Cathedral Offices for details.

EVENTS and SERVICES

A Reflective Afternoon 2.00pm–4.30pm this Wednesday 18th September in an Emsworth home and garden. ‘What does a socially responsible and engaged church look like?’ led by Canon Nick Ralph. An afternoon of thought and discussion on social issues, engagement and opportunity. All welcome. Last few places available, please book by Tuesday through the Cathedral Shop.

Lunchtime Live 1.10pm Thursday 19th September with Louise Salmond-Smith and David Butler (recorder & organ). Free with retiring collection and light refreshments.

25 Years Heritage Open Days 10.00am–4.00pm Saturday 21st September and 12.00pm–4.00pm Sunday 22nd September. Enjoy a guided tour of Memorials associated with ‘People Power’ in Portsmouth, the ‘Singing Gallery Tour’ followed by ‘Organ Gallery Tour’ on the hour Saturday from 10.00am and Sunday from 12.00pm. Bell ringers ‘Demo and Workshop’ Saturday 2.30pm. Children’s activities also available.

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance 6.30pm-10.30pm Saturday 21st September in the Nave. Tickets which include a hog roast and drink priced £15 (adults) £6 (children) are available from the Cathedral Shop or Eventbrite.

Living Well - “Lighten Our Darkness” – sermons on aspects of Mental Health Sunday 22nd September. ‘Young people and mental health’ with the Revd Tony Forrest, Rector of the Meon Bridge Benefice (and former head teacher). Please join us at 6.00pm Choral Evensong as we continue to explore wellbeing and mental health.

Cathedral Club 2.45pm Thursday 26th September. The Reverend Matt Bray, Cathedral Curate, on his background and aims for the Harbour Church and St George’s Church. All welcome. £1 donation. Free tea and coffee.

The Solent Symphony Orchestra Concert 7.30pm Saturday 28th September in the Nave. Tickets £15, £5 (students), kids for a Quid and group concessions available on the door, 01730 601074 or via https://bit.ly/2HwdYpW.

Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral AGM Midday Sunday 29th September following Festal Eucharist at 10.30am. To confirm your attendance and to book lunch (£14) please return the form available in the Cathedral and on the website.

Michaelmas Carol Service 6.00pm Sunday 29th September sung by the Cathedral Consort. All welcome.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

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

And those who have died: Eric Symonds RIP.

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