Weekly Notices | 10 November 2024
A reflection from Dean Anthony
On Sunday morning many will gather in Portsmouth Cathedral for an act of Remembrance. I will be up on Guildhall Square, helping to lead representatives of our city in doing likewise. As we focus on the courage of those who have served in our navy, air force and army, especially those who lost their lives, it will be impossible not also to remember the current suffering in the Middle East (as well as Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere) because such Remembrance Services always reference the future as well as the past. On the Guildhall steps, for example, a prayer will be offered that ‘the world may be made better for our children’s children’.
The task of actually building such a world can surely only be achieved by the grace of God, given the depth and ferocity of current conflicts. I recall two challenging and thought-provoking sayings of the late Donald Nicholl, Rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute near Jerusalem. They are as follows: ‘The task of the Christian is not to be neutral – but to be torn in two’ and ‘anyone whose first response to a tragedy is ideological rather than humanitarian, should go on a cleansing pilgrimage’.
I take these sayings to mean (amongst other things) that the Christian vocation can never be to turn away from suffering and the messy business of working what out what needs to be done, nor ever to see fellow human beings – however seemingly incomprehensible their actions – as somehow beyond the pale. This latter principle might be applied to all kinds of situation, from the Middle East to the outcome of the presidential election in the United States. Part of building a better world, it seems, is the difficult but necessary task of really listening to those whose words and actions are most at odds with our own worldview.
Only through the grace of God, as I said earlier, is this achievable.
I end with a Remembrance Day prayer I will be leading at the Guildhall:
Everliving God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples, and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
With my prayers and best wishes,
Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth
Dates for your diary…
The Word is Near – 11 November, 10:30am – 11:30am
Portsmouth Authors Collective Book Signings - Annie Kirby – 13 November, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Lunchtime Live Performance - Karen Kingsley – 14 November, 1:10pm – 2;00pm
Yoga at the Cathedral – 16 November, 10:30am – 11:30am
Community News
Tickets Now On Sale for Grand Georgian Christmas!
We are thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for the much-anticipated Grand Georgian Christmas concert, presented by Gabrieli and ROAR. Join us for a magical evening of music on 27 November at 7:00pm in the stunning setting of Portsmouth Cathedral.
This concert will transport you back to the Georgian era, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the time. Expect a delightful programme filled with beautiful choral pieces and instrumental works that evoke the spirit of Christmas, featuring hundereds of young singers from local schools around the area.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique festive event! Tickets can be purchased directly from the Gabrieli website here.
Meet the Dean – 11 November
Come and meet Dean Anthony, at our new quarterly opportunity for members of the Cathedral community to meet over a cup of tea or coffee.
Takes place on 11 November at 12:00pm
Chief Operating Officer moving on
“It is with sadness that I write to let you know that after five years of dedicated service to the Cathedral (for which I am extremely grateful) our COO Richard Abraham has decided to move on to new challenges. It is fair to say that much has changed over the past five years and I am thankful to Richard for his work not only in helping to guide us through Covid, but also for all he has done to improve our financial position to better support our overall mission and ministry, including care of the fabric. Most recently his securing of a grant to enable a master planning and feasibility study related to the renewal of the Cathedral precinct to improve access, outreach and financial sustainability has helped to position the Cathedral well in relation to all that lies ahead in our second century. He leaves a hugely positive legacy and well deserves our thanks and good wishes for the future."
Dean Anthony
“First, I would like to thank the Dean, Chapter, its committee members and the most excellent team of staff, volunteers and clergy for the work we have accomplished together over these past five years.
A colleague from another cathedral who recently stood down commented that he viewed his role as a runner in a relay race – giving it his all and then passing on the baton to the next runner – and it feels like this for me now. We have done much to improve our finances, but not there yet with much still to do, we have transformed the shop, developed and delivered new events and experiences bringing many people into the Cathedral for the first time – a place to hopefully start their Christian journey or a renewal of it.
Second, I am also grateful to our partners in the community be that the City, Chamber of Commerce, Shaping Portsmouth and our local politicians of all political stripes for their support and encouragement over these years. It’s been an amazing five years. Many thanks to all in the Cathedral congregation and wider community for their support and prayers over this time. I look forward to watching what happens next!”
Richard’s last working day with the Cathedral will be 29 November 2024 after which he will be on annual leave."
Richard Abraham
Chief Operating Officer
Specialist Tour Tuesdays
Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral! Join us for Specialist Tour Tuesdays. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building as you join us on our new monthly tours!
This month join us for an Art Tour on the 19 November 1pm - 2pm, our last specialist tour of 2024.
Learn about the art pieces proudly on display throughout the building including sculptures by Annie Cattrell and Peter Eugene Ball.
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 advance. Booking fees to apply.
Click here to book your tickets.
Make sure to check our What's On page for 2025 tour dates!
Congregational Lunch - 24 November
Please note, and save the date in your diaries, that the next Congregational Lunch will be on Sunday 24 November - the Sunday before Advent begins!
We will be offering Cottage Pie and Apple Crumble (with vegetarian, vegan and dietary options as requested). There will be a sign-up form available soon - but please keep the date free for now. It will be an informal opportunity, we hope, to offer our appreciation and best wishes to Canon Anthony and his family before his formal farewells the following week.
Please let Canon Jo or Rachael know if you might be willing to cook a dish to bring, once we know numbers, or help on the day, or contribute in any other way.
Canon Anthony Rustell
Canon Anthony and his family's final Sunday at the Cathedral will be on Advent Sunday, 1 December.
Over the past 10 years Anthony, Georgianna and the family have been a central part of our worshipping and community life, and we wish them all well as they move to Dorking. Contributions towards a leaving present can be made through the Cathedral Offices (clearly marked in envelopes saying 'The Rustells').
The Churchwardens & Parochial Church Councils of the Benefice of Dorking (St Martin) with Ranmore have extended an invitation to those who would like to attend Anthony's licensing on Wednesday 4 December at 7.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact St Martin's here by 11 November.
Fancy John Lewis Shopping Spree?
Raffle tickets are now available for this year’s Cathedral Christmas Fair Raffle! Grab some early from the Cathedral Shop and be in with a chance of winning £100 worth of John Lewis Vouchers!
Read more here.
Friends Newsletter
The Autumn Newsletter has been mailed to members of the Friends. The Newsletter includes interesting articles on the AGM, the successful Quiz Night hosted by the Coastal Family Kitchen and news about upcoming Friends events including the Coffee Morning on 5 December when the speaker will be Andrew Gant - author of ‘Deck the Hall’ (an anthology of all the best Advent and Christmas carols well known to us all). All welcome.
Learn more about how to join here.
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.
Sunday 10 November - Remembrance Sunday
8:00am - Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer
9:30am - #Pompey Sundays
10:50am - Mattins for Remembrance Sunday
5:45pm - Requiem for Remembrance
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Muriel, David, Margaret, Spencer, Pauline, Elizabeth, Chris, Tom, Gemma, Zoe, baby Joy (and her parents Tabitha and Tom) and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Paul, Alistair, Jill, Alison, Suzy, Richard, Rosy, Mathai, Philip, Graeme and Geraldine.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Meg Hopkinson (Cathedral funeral Monday 18 November at 2.30pm), Sue Marklew (Cathedral Service of thanksgiving Wednesday 20 November at 2pm), David King, Joan Eddings, Sue Chapman, Julian Litten, John Jarvis, and Wendy. 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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