Weekly Notices | 26 May 2024
A reflection from Dean Anthony
‘Put not your trust in princes, not in any human power, for there is no help in them’: this text from Psalm 146 stood out for me at Morning Prayer the day after the general election was called. As I write this in between the feasts of Pentecost and Trinity, it likewise stands out that, from a Christian perspective, we live in world where the gifts of Holy Spirit are alive and active, and yet also a world characterised by sinfulness and a failure to live up to the vision of God, and what God calls us to be.
As the House of Bishops put it in a ‘letter’ (a longish reflection, really) published in the run up to the 2015 election: ‘Because grace and sin are in tension in everyone, claims to have grasped ultimate truth for all time, whether in theology, politics, economics or anything else, are bound to be wrong.’ ‘Who is my neighbour? A letter from the House of Bishops to the people and parishes of England’ is still worth reading and is easily available online here.
It was only last Sunday that I preached at the annual City Service, to a congregation including many involved in our civic and political life who will now be in campaigning mode. In that sermon I mentioned advice given to newly elected Portsmouth councillors: ‘Be like Frank’. This was a reference to Frank Jonas, who had just been granted the Freedom of the City after many years’ service as a local councillor. He had won the respect of all by the manner in which he conducted himself in public life, true to his convictions, but with civility, courtesy and humour.
We live in an increasingly polarised world, in which some seem more concerned with putting down those perceived to be their enemies than looking after their own interests, let alone engaging with lofty concepts such as the ‘common good’. The words of the House of Bishops from 2015 are still worth reading and reflecting upon: ‘The privileges of living in a democracy mean that we should use our votes thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the good of others in mind, not just our own interests. Pursuing the common good is a Christian obligation and is expressed in how we approach our role as voters as much as in our personal priorities.’
It is likely, based on precedent from previous election campaigns, that we will host a hustings in the Cathedral, chaired by Fr James McAuley, my opposite number from St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Although the election date is very soon, we also hope that our own Cathedral Institute will be able to run a discussion based session or two for those who would value the opportunity to reflect together on how the Trinitarian vision of God impacts on our vocation as Christians to follow Jesus in every sphere of life, both public and private.
Prayers and best wishes,
Anthony Cane,
Dean
Dates for your diary…
Future Folk - Cathedral Sessions - 24 May
Half Term Family Activities - 28 May – 29 May
Summer Celebration - 1 Jun
Lunchtime Live Performance - PHS Musicians - 6 Jun
Hans Zimmer's 'Interstellar' in concert with Roger Sayer - 7 Jun
Friends Relaunch Event - 11 Jun
Vintage Games & Stories hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy - 8 Jun
Community News
APCM approves the 2023 Annual Accounts
Our COO, Richard presented the 2023 financial accounts to the APCM for approval. The Finance Committee and Chapter having previously review and approved the Accounts.
The accounts were externally audit by the accountancy firm Sheen Stickland. Our auditors approved these accounts “without qualification” and agreed the Cathedral was a “going concern.” Huge thanks to our Finance Office, Nicky Taylor Roberts, for all the work that made this possible.
Richard says” I am hugely grateful to the team – both staff and volunteer – for this collective effort since I took up post in late 2019. Much progress has been made, but as our auditors did point out the Cathedral is not yet on a firm financial footing in the medium to longer terms with the possibility of £200,000 annual deficits returning from 2025 unless the Cathedral remains focused on increasing revenues to support mission and containing spending to reflect its income. But the steps taken are beginning to bear fruit.”
The Word is Near
Our Wednesday discussion group, 'The Word is Near' will take a break for the next two Wednesdays (29 May and 5 June) and will return on Wednesday, 12 June at 10:30am in Bishop Kenneth Room.
Canon Harriet
#PompeySundays celebrates 3rd birthday
Last Sunday, as well as celebrating the birthday of the church at Pentecost, we celebrated the third birthday of our all-age service, #PompeySundays. Since we started in 2021, our café-style service has grown into a truly inter-generational and supportive community, with a monthly Eucharist. It is great to see how we are growing. Join us on Sundays at 9.30am. The service lasts around 30 minutes and then we gather for coffee and chat in Becket Hall.
Cathedral Choir to sing Evensong at Harbour Church
The Cathedral Choir is singing evensong at All Saints Church, Portsea. As part of our regular series taking the Cathedral Choir out to sing in the diocese we look forward to singing on 14 June, 5:30pm Evensong at All Saints Church in Commercial Road. All Saints is now part of the Harbour Church team of churches in our diocese, and we are pleased to be working with them to the take our music out into the community.
Half Term Family Activities - 28 and 29 May
Come and explore The Cathedral of the Sea with our fish and sea themed activities. Follow our trail to find out how many fish are hiding in the Cathedral. Make a clay fish to take-home. Drop-in, no booking needed.
See times and learn more →
The Stocks are ready for next Saturday 1 June
Thank you to the Portsea Men's Shed for their creative talents in making the 'Stocks' for the ‘Douse the Dean’ Stall!
Join us for family fun, live music, BBQ, market stalls and games, including your chance to throw a wet Sponge at some of our Cathedral's favourite staff. Donations of fiction books, children’s books, jigsaws for any age, new toiletries, and other items for the Bric-a-Brac stall, can be dropped in the boxes in the lower cloister from Monday 27 May. Cakes on the day and please make all donations containing alcohol through the Cathedral Offices or vergers for my attention as they need to be kept secure.
Raffle tickets are on sale in the shop. The shop also has envelopes of raffle tickets for you to sell to family and friends so please grab one!
We have plenty of amazing and some unusual prizes up for grabs: 1st Prize: £100 Paultons Park gift card 2nd Prize: Golden Lion 3 course meal voucher for 2; 3rd Prize: Williamson's Photography framed print. And much more… Tennis and Paddle Boarding lessons, a family ticket to Exploria, 2 Tickets for Fontwell Race Course, Odean Cinema tickets, a Signed Portsmouth Football Club Home Shirt, limited edition print from I can See the Sea, Silver & Serenity Crystal necklace by Twinkly Bits, Arts & Crafts Hamper from The Creation Station, Mammas Greek Olive Oil, Jo Malone Candle from LMB Cosmetics, Neal’s Yard goods, Mumma B’s organic products and a Fudging Fabulous selection box to name but a few, we even got Man’s Best friend the perfect prize with a bag of homemade dog treats and a £20 gift voucher for Bark Bakery!
Please let me know if you can help at the Summer Celebration on Saturday 1 June email rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
The Cathedral Choir has just started a new recording project
The Cathedral Choir has just started a new recording project. Our Girl Choristers and Back Row have just spent two evenings on recording sessions for a new disc 'A Year in Portsmouth' for Regent Records. The Boy Choristers will also have two similar evening sessions in June. The recording will be released later in the year on CD and streaming platforms. The whole project has been kindly sponsored in full.
It's back… Seafood on the Green – 22 June
Join us for an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers, with a variety of locally sourced dishes. Proceeds supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association who, as ever are organising the event.
Taking place on the picturesque green at Portsmouth Cathedral, which provides a stunning backdrop for the foodie festivities, take the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including seafood platters, pâtés and delicious desserts. There is something for everyone!
Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply curious about trying something new, Seafood on the Green is the perfect opportunity to discover the unique flavours of the sea. All profits from the event go towards supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association, so you can indulge in delicious food while supporting a worthy cause.
It's the perfect way to spend a summer day, don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the highlights of Portsmouth's foodie calendar. For more information, please visit our website at portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. If you have already decided to come this year, then please fill in our expression of interest form and help us reduce food waste.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral
Everyone is warmly invited to the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Relaunch on Tuesday 11 June hosted by Bishop Jonathan and the Lord-Lieutenants of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. There will be an opportunity to meet the new members of the Friends Council and learn about the Friends and how it supports the Cathedral. RSVP and further details from friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
Scaffolding Advisory: Southwest corner
The scaffolding that has been in place for a few weeks will now remain there for at least the next month. Investigations into the leak in the southwest ambulatory have found more extensive damage than first thought, including the need to replace some oak beams.
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Wendy, Tom, Andrew, Jan, Chris, Aidan, Alison, Rosy, Richard, Catherine, Debs, Bevan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: John, Suzy, Jill, Mathai, Philip, Alistair, Graeme, Rachel and Muriel.
We remember those who have died: Peter Reeve (Cathedral Funeral Monday 3 June at 2.30pm) Margaret Purnell (Cathedral funeral Friday 7 June), Margaret Townson, Derek Hall, Joan Lowe. Marilyn Billingham, Maurice Easton, Theodore Whelan, Janet Kent, Clive Johnstone, Flora Wallace. RIP.
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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