Weekly Notices | 29 December 2024
A reflection from Canon Harriet
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown".
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way". (Minnie Louise Haskins)
I have always loved these words, and I think of them each time we come to the end of a year and look towards the new one. I remember the first time I heard them, as a child. It was in a dark candlelit church, and I was struck by the mystery and magic of the words, and by the idea that if you were to put your hand into God’s hand – and step out with God into the unknown, it would be more compelling, more exiting, more extraordinary than you could ever imagine. And still now, these words send a shiver down my spine, for that same reason.
We all approach the turning of the year differently, and depending on what the passing year has held for us, we may by pleased to see the back of it, or reluctant to let it go. These words remind us that we can rely utterly on the Lord for our ultimate security and safety. That’s a difficult promise to trust, in a year which has seen so much devastating war and violence, but it is the promise that Christians are called to trust in and to live by, in this world and the next.
The words remind us too that so often we cannot see the way ahead: it may not be obvious to us, it may be obscured, it may not be as we imagined. And yet, in the darkness of the unknown, there is always a hand, reaching out to us, waiting for us to place our hand within it and to hold it with confidence, and joyful expectation. That hand belongs to the God who loves us, and who in Jesus Christ, came to be so close to us that he could bless us with human hands.
May the new year be one of peace and joy for you. And of confidence in the God of love.
The Reverend Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens
Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean
Dates for your diary…
‘Nativitas’ - 5 Jan 2025 at 5:45pm - 7:15pm
Epiphany Eucharist - 6 Jan 2025 at 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians - 6 Jan 2025 at 6:45pm – 8:00pm
The Word is Near - 8 Jan 2025 10:30am – 11:30am
Eucharist followed by Blessing of the Sea - 12 Jan 2025 at 11:00am – 12:15pm
Lunch Club - 13 Jan 2025 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians - 13 Jan 2025 6:45pm – 8:00pm
Community News
Christmas at the Cathedral
We warmly invite you to celebrate Christmas with us at Portsmouth Cathedral by joining us in worship throughout the season.
The Christmas season continues after Christmas Day - please see ourservice listandwebsitefor details of Morning and Evening Prayer, and our daily Eucharist. On Sunday 29 December we remember our patron Thomas of Canterbury, on the anniversary of his martyrdom, and hold our usual pattern of Sunday services with visiting choir from Holland, Koorhuys, singing Choral Evensong. On Wednesday 1 January there will be a Eucharist for New Year's Day, an opportunity to reflect on the year past and look ahead with hope to the year to come.
Later in the Christmas season, on Sunday 5 January at 5.45pm, there will be an opportunity to joins us for Nativitas, a sequence of music and readings by Philip Moore, followed by our candlelit Taize worship at 8pm. We celebrate the Epiphany on Monday 6 January with a Eucharist at 5.45pm.
Explore the Cosmos: Luxmuralis brings the universe to Portsmouth Cathedral with ‘Space’.
Portsmouth Cathedral is thrilled to announce Space, a breathtaking immersive light and sound installation by Luxmuralis, running from 25–29 March 2025. This extraordinary event promises to transform the Cathedral into a celestial journey, immersing visitors in the wonders of the cosmos through stunning visuals and evocative soundscapes.
Luxmuralis, the internationally renowned artistic collaboration of sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper, is celebrated for reimagining sacred spaces through their innovative installations. With Space, they invite visitors to explore the universe and humanity’s place within it, creating a profound and thought-provoking experience that bridges art, science, and spirituality.
This unique installation offers an opportunity to reflect on the grandeur of the cosmos within the magnificent setting of Portsmouth Cathedral. Through state-of-the-art projections and moving soundscapes, Space takes audiences on a journey that highlights humanity’s achievements, the beauty of creation, and our connection to the vast universe.
With its blend of art and science, Space is perfect for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a truly awe-inspiring experience.
What’s more, it makes an exceptional Christmas gift. Imagine giving loved ones the chance to step into the universe and create unforgettable memories in one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks. Whether it’s for a family outing or a thoughtful gift for someone special, tickets to Space are a present they’ll never forget.
Tickets are now available for this five-night-only event. With demand expected to be high, securing tickets early is essential. For more information and to book, visit www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk/luxmuralis
Don’t miss this chance to experience the Cathedral like never before and give the gift of the cosmos this Christmas.
Exploring the Bible: Galatians and Ephesians
Our next course in the Exploring the Bible series will focus on Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians and starts on Monday 6 January from 6:45pm to 8:00pm. The course will run for 5 weeks and will involve reading and discussion as we explore together. No prior knowledge is necessary, and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining, please contact Canon Harriet here.
Cathedral Offices over Christmas
The Cathedral Offices will be closed from midday on 24 December until Monday 6 January. If you need to contact Cathedral Staff please do so hereor through the main number 023 9282 3300 which will be monitored throughout.
Chapter Member Announcement
We are pleased to welcome Pippa to Chapter. Pippa is the Sales and Marketing Director at The Mary Rose Trust, where her dynamic role spans visitor centre operations, sales, and marketing. Her recent achievements include launching the Dive the Mary Rose 4D cinema experience, revitalising learning and engagement areas, leading a Resilience Heritage Lottery Fund project, and delivering marketing campaigns that exceeded sales targets by an impressive 23% for 2023/24. Pippa is also a Director of Portsmouth Creates, driving initiatives such as light festivals, creators’ markets, and a creative space in Portsmouth City Centre, supported by over £1 million in Arts Council funding. Previously, as Business Director at the University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Creative and Immersive XR (CCIXR), she led impactful projects, including a £7 million immersive technology centre, major collaborations with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and innovative partnerships with artists and organisations. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a school governor, and a resident of Hayling Island with her husband and three children, Pippa brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our team.
Quote from Dean Anthony for Catherine Edenborough's Leaving
Catherine has made a really impressive contribution to the ministry and mission of the cathedral, not least in helping to launch and lead ‘Pompey Sundays’ as we emerged from the pandemic. Her creativity and flair has helped to build up this new congregation, and also been seen in other events such as her pioneering ‘spirituality of the tango’ day at the cathedral. Catherine is a person of prayer, wisdom and good sense, with a real pastoral touch, and as her curacy comes to and end, we will miss her very much. When the time comes, she will go with our grateful thanks, and the assurance of our prayers as she moves on to her new post.
Revision of Electoral Roll and Electoral Roll Officer
Every six years we are required to completely revise the Electoral Roll under the Church Representation Rules. The renewal is due in 2025 and will take place before the APCM which will be held on 22 May. Those on the Electoral Roll will be contacted direct and there will be further details in notices nearer the time. If you would like to check whether or not you are on the current role please contact the Cathedral Offices.
Our current Electoral Roll Officer, Terry Ward, has generously offered to help with the renewal of the roll but will stand down before the APCM. If you would be interested in more details about what the roll entails and skills required, please contact the Dean or Cathedral Office.
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 29 December
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am – Eucharist (Organ Mass)
5:45pm - Evensong sung by Koorhuys
Prayers & Intercessions
We give thanks for: the improvement in health for Margaret
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: David, June, Jess, Muriel, Tom, Spencer, Pauline, Elizabeth, Chris, baby Lottie and baby Etta.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: David, Jill, Alison, Suzy, Richard, Alistair, Graeme, Rosy, Philip and Mathai and all in need.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Diana Turner, Andrew (Andy) Skora, Kathleen (Kay) Clark (funeral Wednesday 8 January 2:30pm at Portchester crematorium), Geraldine Tucker (Cathedral funeral Tuesday 21 January at 10:30am), Sheila Meaden (burial of ashes Wednesday 22 January at 11:00am), Susan Morlock, Peter Hamer, Kenneth Reilly 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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