Weekly Notices | 21 July 2024
A reflection from Anthony Cane
This weekend sees us marking two significant but rather different anniversaries in the cathedral: twenty-one years of marriage for John and Anthea Hill, and forty years since a member of the ship’s company of the Mary Rose was interred in the Navy Aisle. Both are reminder’s God’s love and faithfulness, and important markers in time that allow us to pause, reflect, give thanks and celebrate.
Warm congratulations to John and Anthea. In their original wedding vows, renewed this Sunday, they made promises that are binding until ‘death us do part’. This is an amazing, wonderful thing to do, and part of the wonder is that over ten or twenty years (and more) we all go through many changes. You are marrying not only the person present at your wedding, but also the person still to come.
For making wedding vows is not about promising to stay the same, or a prediction about what the future will hold. Rather the solidity of the vows gives the freedom and the courage to change, to take risks and be bold, knowing that you can trust your commitment to each other through whatever life may bring. In this there is an analogy, explicitly drawn out in the wedding service, with the relationship between Jesus Christ and his Church. In baptism, we are all united with Christ in a love that is eternal and unwavering, which sustains us through all the joy and sorrows of our lives, whether or not we are married.
It is also true that God’s loving commitment to us, which precedes and invites an answering response, remains steadfast even when ‘death does us part’. On the 19 July 1984, as the unknown member of the crew of the Mary Rose was laid to rest, these words were spoken at the graveside: ‘God will show us the path of life; in his presence is fulness of joy: and at his right hand there is pleasure for evermore.’
With my prayers and best wishes,
Anthony Cane
Dean of Portsmouth
Dates for your diary…
Hampshire Calligraphers Exhibition – 9 July – 21 July, 9:00am
Regency Rendezvous Dance Workshop – 20 July, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
– 20 July, 7:30 pm
Brass Rubbing Trails – 22 July – 1 September
Specialist Summer Tours – Stained Glass Tours SOLD OUT– 23 July, 1:00 pm
Wednesday Workshop – Stained Glass – 24 July, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Specialist Summer Tours – Architecture Tour – 30 July, 1:00 pm
Wednesday Workshop – Arches and Roofs – 31 July, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Community News
“Bridgerton” comes to Portsmouth - 20 July
Saturday, 20 July promises to be a day of learning and enjoyment here at the Cathedral for fans of the TV show “Bridgerton”, Jane Austen and/or of all things Regency.
There will be a day of talks and workshops culminating in a Rendezvous Evening Ball in the evening. A live band will perform Regency music for the Ball.
Participants will spend an interactive day learning more about the codes and signals of each dance where fan movement, or indeed just how a fan was held, meant quite different things.
The day is aimed at all levels from beginners to experts of dance. Also, for those just interested in this period of history and understanding more about it.
Come to all two events on the day or just one – the choice is yours.
If looking for an enjoyable day and/or if you enjoyed our tango dance experience or our Annual Barn Dance, then book your tickets today.
Regency Rendezvous: Dance Workshop.
6:00pm – 7:00pm Tickets: Free – booking still required - Book Tickets
Regency Rendezvous - Evening Ball. (18 years plus only) 7:30pm - 10:00pm. - Book Tickets
Season of Generosity 2024
Our annual season of giving and generosity ends for 2024.
Click here to view our "Thank You" Video
Thank you to everyone who returned a pledge for the Season of Generosity 2024, including those who have reaffirmed their existing support to our mission and work. This year's season has seen a great response from those able to consider increasing their financial support to us culminating in many thousands of pounds a year more which all helps to keep our building open, our choristers training, surrounding schools engaged, daily worship taking place, art exhibitions, music recitals, conservation work and much, much more.
Workshop Wednesdays for families this Summer!
During the summer holidays there will be a series of Wednesday Workshops where families can come and explore Portsmouth Cathedral. Follow different trails around the Cathedral and take part in some craft activities. Drop-in, no booking. Free entry
Stained Glass Windows: Wednesday 24 July, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm
Arches and Roofs: Wednesday 31 July, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm
Monuments and Memorials: Wednesday 7 August, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm
Specialist Summer Tours
Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral this summer! Join us for Specialist Summer Tours. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building, as you join us for these new tours!
Stained Glass Tour: 23 July, 1pm - 2pm (Sold Out)
Portsmouth Cathedral offers an hour-long guided tour focusing on its stunning stained glass. This tour presents a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of stories depicted in the Cathedral's vibrant windows. Adults can enjoy this historical and artistic experience for £5, while a reduced rate of £3 is available for children 16 and under. Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Architecture Tour: 30 July, 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers an in-depth hour-long guided tour that delves into the Cathedral's 800-year history and architectural features. Adults can enjoy experience for £5, while a reduced rate of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Memorial Tour: 6 August, 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers a new tour focusing on the memorials that are held within its historic walls. Join us on a tour to uncover stories and honour the memories preserved at the Cathedral. Adults can explore this poignant aspect of the Cathedral for £5, while a reduced price of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.
Brass Rubbing Trails
Embark on a journey of creativity and discovery at Portsmouth Cathedral's Brass Rubbing Trail! A great activity for families where you'll get a hands-on history!
Portsmouth Cathedral is hosting a Brass Rubbing Trail this summer, inviting people of all ages to participate in this engaging activity. For a small fee of £2 per pack, available at the Cathedral Shop from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. The trail will be available to participate in from 22 July to 1 September, offering a unique way to explore the Cathedral and its history.
Food Bank donations over summer
During the summer holidays many families in Portsmouth will not be able to give their children proper meals. The food bank is an essential lifeline. Please donate canned or dried foods through the basket on the north corridor. Personal cleaning items like toothpaste and household materials like toilet paper are also needed. Thank you for considering this outward witness of our faith.
You can make donations to the collection point in the North Cloister.
Exploring the Bible: Mark's Gospel
Canon Harriet will be leading a new series called "Exploring the Bible", starting in September. We will begin with Mark's Gospel and look to explore more books from both the Old and New Testaments during the year.
Mark's Gospel is thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels. It's written in a style that is direct and "to the point", an exciting and short read. It's an excellent place to start if you have been considering reading more of the Bible and delving into its depths!
Mark's Gospel will run from Monday 9 September, for 6 weeks. We'll meet on the following dates (all Mondays): 9, 16, 23, 30 September, 7, 14 October at 6:45pm in Bishop Kenneth Room.
All are welcome. You don't need to have any prior knowledge to take part, just a readiness to read, and enjoy some discussion. Please bring your own Bible.
If you would like to join, please email Canon Harriet at: harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
School Leavers' Services and Activities
Last week we have had the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of Year 6 leavers from Church of England schools across the diocese to Portsmouth Cathedral. The children have taken part in morning workshops, focussed on the theme of "gamechangers"; reflecting on people who have made a big difference to the lives of others, and how they too are "game changers" in their own time. They've also taken part in singing workshops with our music department before joining together in the afternoon for the Leavers' Service itself, led by Bishop Jonathan and Bishop Ian.
Building on the theme of "gamechangers", Year 6 children have been learning about Anthony Gormley and in particular his sculpture "Field of the British Isles", which comprises of 40,000 clay figures each individually made. Each Year 6 child has made their own clay figure, unique to them, and these can be seen in St Thomas's Chapel in Portsmouth Cathedral for the duration of this coming week - do have a look!
The workshops and services have been organised by the Diocesan Education Team in conjunction with the Cathedral and I'd like to take this opportunity to heartily thank Diana, our Learning and Schools Officer, for her significant role in ensuring everything ran smoothly; our Cathedral Education volunteers for their time and energy in running the different workshops; to David and Sachin for their musical input; and the volunteers who kindly arranged lunch each day.
July Jamming Sessions
Thank you to all of you who have been busy making jam over the past few weeks, making the most of the abundance of fresh summer fruit. Sarah kindly sent in her pictures of bubbling pots of Strawberry and Blueberry jam – Thank you Sarah!
If your garden or allotment is overflowing, then please consider making something for the Jam & Preserves stall at this year’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 7th December. If you need jars or have some to donate for others to use, label free please, then drop then into the basket in the Lower Cloister. Thank you and if you are Jam making, please send a picture of you bubbling pans.
Save the date - Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair 11am Saturday 7 December Send pictures to rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
New interpretation signage now available
On Monday we installed our new signage for the Cathedral. This new interpretive signage will provide insights into the building's extensive history for our visitors. The new signage also shares the current role of the Cathedral and how our fascinating building is used today. Rayne, Visitor Experience Manager, has been leading the project and would like to thank all those involved.
'This is the first step in a long process to bring new interpretation to the building for all our visitors. I hope visitors will find the Cathedral's story as interesting, as I do. Thank you to everyone who helped with this project so far.' Rayne, Visitor Experience Manager.
The Word is Near
Our last meeting before a summer break will be on Wednesday 24 July at 10:30am. We then have a break until we return on Wednesday 4 September at 10:30am in the Bishop Kenneth Room.
All welcome - if you would like to join us in September to read the upcoming Sunday Bible readings and enjoy discussion and fellowship, do be in touch with Canon Harriet - harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Our Sarah Shreeve: New Head of Education Policy for the Church of England
We are delighted to announce that Sarah Shreeve, a member of the #PompeySundays congregation and one of our Deanery Synod reps, is to start a new job for the national church as Head of Education Policy.
She will be moving from her role as Head of Early Years and Primary at the education charity, Teach First, to lead the education policy team for the Church of England across all stages including higher and further education. With Bishop Jonathan’s role as lead Bishop for education, Portsmouth will be playing a significant part in the Church’s initiatives around education!
Sarah says: "I couldn't be more excited to be starting my new role as Head of Education Policy with the National Church Institutions in August. I trained to teach and built my career here in Portsmouth and taught across various primary and special schools in the city before moving into teacher education and training teachers in schools across the region and, in turn, the country.
At this time of change (after nine years at Teach First), I am incredibly thankful for the support of the Cathedral and in particular the #PompeySundays community, both in recent years while I've been studying for my doctorate, working in the political and policy space and moving forward in my career, but also as I prepare for this new season at the NCIs. Working as I will be across churches of all traditions, and with educational establishments from Early Years all the way up to Higher Education, the joy of being part of such a multi-generational, inclusive and diverse worshipping community will continue to sustain and inspire me in my work. I hope it will also prove a salve to some of the frustrations that can come in working with politicians, at Westminster and in contested policy spaces. In my interview it was a privilege to talk about the innovation and creativity we've seen through establishing and growing the #PompeySundays community, and I look forward to working closely with the Growing Faith foundation to see how we can continue to learn with and from each other. I truly believe teaching and education is a vocation and am thrilled to be following God into this new position."
We pray God’s blessing on Sarah as she prepares to start the role.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Yearbook
The 2024 Friends Yearbook will be posted to members next week. If you would like to know more about membership of the Friends, please contact friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
Scaffolding Advisory
Scaffolding is now due to come down shortly. Works have been delayed until later in the year because of scheduling difficulties on the part of the contractor.
Safe arrival of baby Green
We are delighted to announce, on behalf of Malina and Adrian, the safe arrival of baby Sophia on Sunday.
Mother and daughter are doing well. Big brother Oscar taking on his new responsibilities!
Much love and best wishes from all the Cathedral community.
Vacancies: Cathedral seeks sessional Visitor Experience Assistants
Are you interested in history, religion, architecture, visitor experience and/or events management?
Do you enjoy interacting with visitors?
As part of an exciting new programme, Portsmouth Cathedral has a number of sessional visitor experience assistant roles available.
Working with our existing marvellous volunteer welcomers and guides, these part-time roles will help us at peak times, normally the summer holidays, Christmas and Easter when we experience an increase in the number of people visiting the Cathedral. Your role will be to be the face of the Cathedral, welcoming people in and inviting them to explore our glorious Cathedral and learn more about the building, its history and its purpose.
If this sounds of interest, please click here for the Application Pack
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 pray for Freddie Collins and his family - being baptised at #Pompey Sunday.
We give thanks with John and Anthea Hill - as they celebrate 21 years of marriage and renew their wedding vows at the 11am Eucharist.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Chris, Wendy, Tom, Rosy, Jan, Richard, Zoe, Yolanda, Paul, Gemma, Joan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Catherine, Gordon, Andrew, John, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Alistair, Alison, Graeme and Muriel.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Barbara Kendall RIP - and all whose anniversary falls at this time.
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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