Portsmouth Cathedral Notices Sunday 26th April - Third Sunday of Easter
Welcome from The Reverend Canon Dr Anthony Rustell
A significant part of the Christian story is about community: about its formation and reconciliation. During the last 250 years theology has often tended towards the individual, and has concentrated on a Robinson Crusoe type of figure in which the story is entirely about one person and their God. Yet to think of Christianity as a solitary business is to strip it of much of its meaning and force. Christianity is not primarily a religion about individuals, but about communities.
From the very beginning of the biblical narrative we are presented with the view that ‘it is not good for man to be alone’. Humans are made for community. Their identity is forged and found by being with other people. The story of sin that is told through the Old Testament after the expulsion from Eden is one in which human relationships because possessive and violent. To deal with this God creates community. He interacts with certain individuals in Genesis and Exodus to form a people for himself.
Jesus’ own ministry was one of community building. One of his first acts was to call disciples. The miracles are not simply about wonders, but rather they are stories that tell of people being restored back into their communities, and therefore of healing and reconciliation. Jesus’ last act before his death is a fellowship meal with his friends, and after the resurrection he appears to them to make them a new community as the church.
To be a Christian, from the very earliest of times, was about belonging to the community of faith. The early Christians suffered persecution for belonging to the church and participating in the eucharist. The Western church for over a thousand years formed society so that it adhered to Christian ideals regarding the moral and good. Until modernity (after 1750) thinking about Christianity as mainly an individual commitment to God would have made little or no sense.
And that is what makes the current situation so difficult for us… We are a community of faith, and yet we cannot physically meet. To be church means to be an assembly, and yet we cannot assemble in one place. This is why maintaining community is of paramount importance. As tempting as it may be to pull up the drawbridge from the rest of the world, Christians are called to be a community and to engage with the world.
I think that in some ways the word ‘virtual’, when we refer to electronic communications, is not helpful here. When we speak to someone over Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Teams or other programmes, we are establishing and maintaining real relationships and real communities, and there is actually little that is virtual about that. We would all prefer to be back as we were but, until churches can re-open, building community is a profoundly Christian thing to be doing. And so especially during this time, I encourage you to use the technology that is available to maintain relationship, prevent isolation, and support the vulnerable.
The Reverend Canon Dr Anthony Rustell
Residentiary Canon
Supporting the Cathedral
In common with many other organisations and individuals, Portsmouth Cathedral is facing an almost unprecedented economic situation which presents serious challenges to us financially. We know that some of you might also be experiencing financial uncertainty at this time as well. If you give to support our ministry and mission and would like to pause this, please speak with our Head of Fundraising and Events, Sophie Henstridge-Brown by email or phone (023 9289 2964) and leave a message.
Although the Cathedral is closed we are still working hard to stream services every day and provide spiritual and pastoral support to those who need it. If you are in a position to continue supporting us, please consider enabling us to make the most of your generosity:
if you normally give through the collection plate please join our Planned Giving Scheme
if you are a UK taxpayer and not currently signed up for Gift Aid, please download the Gift Aid declaration from our website to enable us to claim an additional 25% of your donation from the Government at no cost to you.
details can be found here or email Sophie.
We are beginning to look to the future and the period of recovery that will come after the Cathedral and the country reopens. We know we will need your support to enable the Cathedral to be sustainable and flourish now and in the years to come, and look forward to sharing more about this in due course.
Cathedral Governance
The Finance and Investments Committee met on Tuesday to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 budget and its ramifications on how the Cathedral operates in the future. Chapter meets on Wednesday to consider these issues and on 6th May to approve the 2019 Financial Statements. A meeting of the Cathedral Council will be held in May.
In the notices this week:
Living Faith - theological education course for lay people run by the Diocese of Portsmouth
Easter Pilgrim app
Lighting a candle for a loved one
Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing
#Youarenotalone
As well as regular details of online worship, prayers and intercessions. Dr David Price’s weekly music choice and ways to contact the Cathedral.
Spring flowers in front of the West End of the Cathedral
Living Faith - theological education course for lay people
Living Faith is the Diocese of Portsmouth’s theological education course for lay people. Two Living Faith modules will be running this term via Zoom free of charge.
New Testament - Tuesdays at 7pm, starting on 28th April
Christian Doctrine - Thursdays at 7pm, starting on 30th April
Materials will be sent out electronically, and both courses are free of charge. Please contact Bev Hughes on 023 9289 9656 or Bev.Hughes@Portsmouth.anglican.org for further information.
Easter Pilgrim app
Take a journey through the Lord’s Prayer this Eastertide with the Church of England’s new, free app – Easter Pilgrim. It offers 40 reflections, one for each day from Easter Day until Ascension Day.
You can download the Easter Pilgrim app from the iTunes App Store (for those using iPhones) or Google Play (for those using Android devices). You can also sign up on the Church of England website here to receive the daily reflection directly to your email address.
Lighting a virtual candle for a loved one
We may not be able to light candles in the Cathedral for our loved ones, but the Church of England website now allows you to light a virtual candle and make space to remember someone special to you.
Click here to light a candle.
Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing
Covid-19 is a difficult time for many people, and it’s just as important to maintain our mental health and wellbeing as much as our physical health. Even small things such as staying in contact over phone or the internet, focusing on what you can control, trying to get a good amount of sleep and talking about worries or concerns can make a huge difference.
The Cathedral’s ministry team is always here to talk, they can be contacted using the pastoral contact details below. If you would rather speak with someone else, the Samaritans are free to call at any time of the day or night on 116 123.
Resources and websites
The Church of England has developed a set of thirteen reflections to support good mental health. These are available on our website here.
NHS guidance for mental wellbeing while staying at home.
For help when things are really difficult, Portsmouth City Council suggests contacting one of these services:
CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm-midnight every day)
Papyrus HopeLineUK: 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967, email pat@papyrus-uk.org (this service is aimed at those under 35)
If it’s an emergency, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
#Youarenotalone
We are all being asked to stay at home, but for some people home is not a safe place. The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in the number of calls to its helpline since social distancing measures have been introduced. If you or someone you know is suffering or at risk from domestic abuse, you are not alone. Here are some places to find help.
Telephone and email
National Free Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day)
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 help@galop.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Karma Nirvana, UK Helpline for ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage: 0800 5999 247
Victim Support National 24-hour Support line: 0808 1689 111
Websites and online guides
Refuge website: click here
Women’s Aid guide to private browsing: click here
In an emergency, always call 999 and press 55 if you are unable to talk. The call handler will know what to do.
Food Banks and support during COVID-19
At the present time we are unable to receive donations for food banks. 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
Resources for Families
For ideas for worship and activities at home with children and young people, please see the ‘Resources for Families’ section on our website. This week, there are some ideas for joyful Easter worship at home for 0-18 year olds, and some instructions for making an Easter garden! Our Cathedral Toddler Group will be restarting via Facebook Live in its usual slot, next Wednesday (29th) at 2 pm. You can find it on the Portsmouth Cathedral Facebook page, and you don’t have to be a member of Facebook to join in.
Music
This week’s selection of music chosen by David Price is the haunting spiritual ‘There is a balm in Gilead’ arr by June Clark and sung by our boy and girl choristers on the CD ‘To sing thy love’ https://youtu.be/c8Lvhf1-m7M
Online worship and services
Regular services
Monday-Saturday
8.15am Morning Prayer
5.30pm Evening Prayer
8.30pm Compline during Eastertide
Sunday
9.00am Holy Communion, followed by online coffee at 10.00am
5.30pm Evening Prayer
8.30pm Compline during Eastertide
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.
Watch our Easter services again
The Maundy Thursday Liturgy, Good Friday Liturgy and Easter Carol Service are all available on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel here. You can also rewatch any of our live broadcasts on Facebook by visiting out Facebook Page and scrolling down to find the video you want to rewatch.
The Dean’s Holy Week and Easter sermons and the Bishop’s Easter Sermon are available to read on our website here.
Prayers and Intercessions
A prayer during COVID-19
O God,
help me to trust you,
help me to know that you are with me,
help me to believe that nothing can separate me
from your love
revealed in Jesus Christ 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 following members of the Cathedral Community in our prayers: Christopher, Michael, Richard, Stephen, Paul, Marinus, Chris, Colin, Jan, Philippa, Terry, Sally, David, John, Bob, Barry, Tim, Derek, Joey, Nigel, Trevor, Roy, Emrys, Reuben, Neil, Andrew, Jonathan and all those in need.
All those who have died: Derek Bastide, John Robinson and Samantha Wood RIP.
Getting in touch
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:
The Dean: 023 9282 4400
Canon Kathryn Percival: 023 9289 2967
Canon Jo Spreadbury: 023 9275 2335
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.