Weekly Notices | 5 January 2025
A reflection from Canon Jo
Journeying into this new year together, I wonder how you are looking back on this past Christmas and how the prospect of 2025 is feeling? A book that I often re-read at this time of year, as we venture into the season of Epiphany, is Helena by Evelyn Waugh. It is a wonderful evocation and invention of the life of Helena the mother of Constantine. Brought up in Britain on the farthest outskirts of the Roman empire, she forms an unconventional marriage with a Roman official who survives the intrigues of his day to eventually become emperor. Distanced from her son and feeling as if she doesn’t fit in anywhere, she fulfils in old age a longing to travel to Jerusalem and the places where Jesus is remembered.
Against all the odds at Bethlehem, Helena discovers that the events of Jesus’ birth begin to have a special meaning for her. Late in life, her dreams and ambitions apparently overlooked, she realises the significance of the journey her life has taken. I will be re-reading this book again, this Epiphany-tide – especially as 2025 is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which the emperor Constantine called to seek agreement on Church teaching. And as I try to be open to all that God may have in store this coming year, I remember thankfully, like Helena, that there is room at the manger for any who wish to kneel with the kings in the straw.
“The low vault was full of lamps and the air close and still. Silver bells announced the coming of the three vested, bearded monks, who like the kings of old now prostrated themselves before the altar. So, the long liturgy began. Helena knew little Greek, and her thoughts were not in the words nor anywhere in the immediate scene. She forgot even her quest and was dead to everything except the swaddled child long ago and those three royal sages who had come from so far to adore him. ‘This is my day,’ she thought, ‘and these are my kind.’
… ‘Like me,’ she said to them, ‘you were late in coming. The shepherds were here long before, even the cattle. They had joined the chorus of angels before you were on your way. For you the discipline of the heavens was relaxed and a new defiant light blazed amid the disconcerted stars. ‘How laboriously you came, taking sights and calculating, where the shepherds had run barefoot! How odd you looked on the road, attended by what outlandish liveries, laden with such preposterous gifts! ‘You came at length to the final stage of your pilgrimage and the great star stood still above you. What did you do? You stopped to call on King Herod. Deadly exchange of compliments in which began that unended war of mobs and magistrates against the innocent!
‘Yet you came and were not turned away. You too found room before the manger. Your gifts were not needed, but they were accepted and put carefully by, for they were brought with love. In that new order of charity that had just come to life, there was room for you, too… ‘You are my especial patrons,’ said Helena, ‘and patrons of all late-comers, of all who have a tedious journey to make to the truth, of all who are confused with knowledge and speculation, of all who through politeness make themselves partners in guilt, or all who stand in danger by reason of their talents. ‘Dear cousins, pray for me,’ said Helena, ‘and for my poor overloaded son. May he, too, before the end find kneeling space in the straw…’ - “From: Helena – by Evelyn Waugh
The Reverend Canon Jo Spreadbury
Canon Precentor
Dates for your diary…
‘Nativitas’ - 5 Jan 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
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.
Philip Moore's 'Nativitas'
On Sunday 5 January, Evensong will be replaced by a sequence of music by composer Philip Moore and the poetry of David Broadbridge reflecting the narratives of the Nativity and Epiphany.
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.
Service Update
Holy Communion with prayers for Wholeness and Healing will now be taking place on 8 January.
No heat: Cathedral Boilers off 6 & 7 January
Due to necessary works on the North Ambulatory radiators, it will be necessary to turn off the Cathedral boilers from just after Evensong on Sunday, 5 January until late on the 7 January.
We apologise for this inconvenience and advise visitors and worshippers alike to put on an extra layer for those days and the 8th while the building warms up again!
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.
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 5 January – Second Sunday of Christmas
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays Eucharist with Admission to Communion
1100am - Eucharist Congregational
5:45pm - ‘Nativitas’ A sequence of poetry and readings for Christmas-tide Music by Philip Moore
8:00pm - Taizé Service
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, 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, Muriel Allen, 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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