Update from Portsmouth Cathedral - Easter 2020
From the Dean
Dear Friends,
Warmest wishes and prayers from the whole clergy and ministry team of the Cathedral.
As we approach the most holy part of the Christian year, it feels particularly strange that we are not able to gather together in the Cathedral building. Nonetheless, we continue to be a community, gathering together in prayer and worship online. As the Archbishop of Canterbury said this week, this period of deprivation from our cathedrals and churches is showing us that, whilst our buildings will always be a treasure, we do not depend on them. Rather, we are learning (or perhaps re-learning) to depend on “the presence of God, through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, who leads us into his love, into his mission, into following him”. I hope you are able to join us for many of our online services over the coming days. Full details are below.
Last week we hosted our first ever online coffee morning on Zoom. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to catch up on how everyone is doing. Details of how to join this week are in the emailed version of the notices, for security reasons.
Please continue to be in touch with us if there is any way we can support you, or simply if you like to chat! Details of how to contact us are below.
With my love, prayers and best wishes for a blessed Easter.
Anthony Cane
Dean of Portsmouth
Following Government guidance we are using postal services as little as possible. As we celebrate Easter a version of this message has been posted to those on the Electoral Roll who do not have email. Click here for a copy.
Online worship and services
Holy Week and Easter
Maundy Thursday
5.30pm: Evening Prayer
7.30pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper on the Portsmouth Cathedral Facebook Page here. Followed by the Watch of Prayer in two parts. Part 1 is a video including readings and music from the Cathedral Choirs and will be broadcast on YouTube here. Part 2 follows and is a silent Watch of Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on the Portsmouth Cathedral Facebook Page. The Order of Service for all parts is available here.
Good Friday
8.15am: Morning Prayer
9.30am: Diocesan Family Service: Diocesan schools adviser Sue Bowen will present a broadcast designed to explain the significance of the cross for children, from her home and garden. Tune in through the Diocesan Youtube channel here.
10.00am: Portsmouth Cathedral All Age Good Friday Service: Cathedral clergy will present an all-age service, during which children will be invited to use everyday items from around the house to explore the significance of the cross. Details of which items you might need are here. The service is streamed live on Facebook here.
12 noon-1.00pm: the Dean will present a series of addresses, readings, prayers and music for Good Friday on Facebook here.
2.00pm: Good Friday Liturgy: pre-recorded Good Friday Liturgy with music from the Cathedral Choirs. Available on YouTube here.
Easter Eve
8.00pm: Bishop Christopher will present a short address the night before Easter Day via Facebook Live. Details: here.
Easter Day
9.00am: Bishop Christopher will present an Easter celebration from his home via the Diocesan YouTube page. Among those featured will be three of our choristers who will be singing from their own home. Details here.
5.30pm: Easter Carols, a celebration, including an address from the Dean, will be broadcast on our Facebook page.
Regular services
Monday-Saturday Sunday
8.15am Morning Prayer 9.00am Holy Communion, followed by online coffee at 10.00am
5.30pm Evening Prayer 5.30pm Evening Prayer
How to join the services
You do not need to be a member of Facebook to join the services. Please use this link. when the service is about to begin. You will see a prompt asking you to join Facebook, just click ‘not now’. We regret that it is not technically possible to add captions to the broadcasts.
How to join the online Sunday Coffee Hour
Coffee is hosted on Zoom. In order to maintain security details will be sent with our emailed notices.
Details of how churches across the diocese are celebrating Easter are on the following link https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/news/2020/04/07/churches-set-celebrate-easter-digitally/
Music
This week’s music is ‘He Is Risen’ (Easter Blessing) by Mark and Helen Johnson. Performed by the Cathedral Choir, from the album One Life an arrangement from Same Boat Music , Click here to listen
Prayers and Intercessions
A prayer during COVID-19
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
We remember in our prayers all those who are affected by COVID-19 including those who be have been asked to pray for by name through our Prayer Wall on Facebook.
Cathedral Prayers
We remember the followiing members of the Cathedral Community in our prayers
All those in need including: Stephen, Paul, Marinus, Chris, Colin, Jan, Tracey, Philippa, Terry, Sally, David, John, Bob, Barry, Tim, Derek, Joey, Nigel, Trevor, Roy, Emrys, Reuben, Neil and Andrew, Paul.
Food Banks and Support for the vulnerable
At the present time we are unable to receive donations. Our local food banks do still need your support so when you are shopping for your essential items please consider making a donation of food in the containers in your local shops. and supermarkets. Information about food banks and the homeless is available here.
Support
HIVE Portsmouth is currently dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here for details.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a charity committed to alleviating poverty in all its forms through practical assistance and are offering practical help to those who are self-isolating or vulnerable. Details here
Easter Lilies
Thank you to all those who have made donations for Easter Lilies in memoriam. The donations will be used to buy lilies as part of our services once public worship is possible. The Lily Book will be written up and on display at that time. If you have any questions about the new arrangements please contact the Cathedral Offices.
Getting in touch with the Cathedral
We know that this is a lonely and anxious time for many people. Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
By phone:
Dean: 023 9282 4400
Canon Dr Jo Spreadbury: 023 9275 2335
Canon Kathryn Percival: 023 9289 2967
Messages can also be left on the cathedral phone system 023 9282 3300 and will be responded to as necessary.
By email:
For pastoral matters pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
General matters info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Revision of Electoral Roll
The APCM which was due to take place on 26th April 2020 has been postponed. The new date later in the year will be announced as soon as possible together with details about the revision of the Electoral Roll.
Chapter meets on 6th May to approve the 2019 Financial Statements.