Weekly Notices | 12 January 2025
A reflection from Canon Nick
The gospel for the first Sunday after Epiphany is always about Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan at the hand of John the Baptist, whose baptism was a baptism of repentance. He was also baptised with the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and this marked the start of his public ministry. Our own baptisms marked the moment when we became members of the Church and while we cannot be baptised more than once, we can renew our baptismal vows, and this is what many Christians do on this particular Sunday which is a good thing to do at the beginning of the new year.
This renewal of baptismal vows will happen at the 11am service at the Cathedral on Sunday and at the end of the service, everyone is invited to join in as we process to the seafront for the traditional Blessing of the Waters at the start of the new year but then also to come in for a swim! Call me a snowflake if you like but, for the avoidance of doubt, there is not the remotest chance that I will be amongst those going in the sea on Sunday or any time soon!
There are, of course, some people who go in daily which is exceedingly brave and impressive. I feel no need to join them and have no understanding of why anyone would want to, but very happy to celebrate their ability to withstand perishing cold water in the middle of winter!
Portsmouth normally benefits from a mild climate but when it has been as cold here as it has been this week, you can be sure it is exceedingly cold elsewhere in the country and we have seen recently many areas struggling with snow, ice and flooding. At the same time, Los Angeles has experienced colossal wildfires fuelled by high winds. Nowhere seems immune from increasingly extreme and devastating weather events. We pray for all those who have lost homes, livelihoods and treasured memories. They also serve as a reminder that the increasing temperature of the planet (in 2024 it was up by 1.6ºC), is not simply a minor rise in warmth but that it has a huge impact on our weather as well, and we all have a part to play in minimising the human impact on our environment for the sake of all.
Nick Ralph
Residentiary Canon
Dates for your diary…
Eucharist followed by Blessing of the Sea, 12 Jan 2025 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Lunch Club, 13 Jan 2025 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians, 13 Jan 2025 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
The Word is Near, 15 Jan 2025 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Lunchtime Live Performance - Musicians from RM Band, 16 Jan 2025 1:10 pm – 2:00 pm
Epiphany Carol Service, 19 Jan 2025 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
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
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.
Specialist Tour Tuesdays 2025!
After the success of the Specialist Tours last year, we are happy to announce a new series of Specialist Tour Tuesdays. Join us for a range of hour-long tours led by one of our knowledge Guides throughout 2025 to learn more about Portsmouth Cathedral!
Stained Glass Tour- 21 January, at 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Organ Tour- 25 February, at 1:00pm – 2:00pm
More dates to be added soon!
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advance. Book here
Candlemas Come and Sing
Join us for “Candlemas Come and Sing” at Portsmouth Cathedral, where the magnificent architecture and inspiring acoustics set the stage for a memorable musical experience.
Booking is required click here to be taken to our page to secure your ticket today, for an unforgettable experience at the Cathedral!
Next chapter for the Revd Catherine Edenborough
Revd Catherine Edenborough, who has been Curate here since 2020, has been appointed to a new post as Associate Priest at Holy Trinity & St Columba, Fareham.
Dean Anthony said: “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 an 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.”
Contributions towards a leaving present can be made through the Cathedral Offices or by BACS (either to be clearly marked ‘Edenborough’) by 21 January please.
We will say farewell to Catherine on Sunday 26 January, which will be her last day at the Cathedral. The date of her licensing in Fareham is to be announced in due course.
Chorister Update
At the end of our 11:00am Christmas Eucharist we witnessed the end of an era!
We bade farewell to Head Chorister David Cuthbert – this marked not only the end of David’s remarkable seven years a chorister, but also the end of over twelve years association of the Cuthbert family for older brothers George and James also served as Head Choristers during their tenures as Choristers here.
We thank mum and dad Anjana and David for all their support of their boys and know that they will continue to be part of the choir and cathedral family – albeit now not having to drop and collect their boys to and from the cathedral eight times a week!
Appointments
Bishop Jonathan has announced the following appointments: Philip Poulter as Lay Canon, Andy Atkins, former CEO of as Canon of Honour and the Revd Dr Sharon Prentis as Canon Theologian. They will be installed during Choral Evensong on Sunday 2nd March.
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.
Services this Sunday
Sunday 12 January - The Baptism of Christ
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist followed by Blessing of the Sea sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
Prayers & Intercessions
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: David, John, June, Jess, Muriel, Tom, Spencer, Pauline, Elizabeth, Chris, baby Lottie, baby Dylan 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: Jack, Derek, Diana Turner, Andy Skora, Kay Clark, Geraldine Tucker (Cathedral funeral Tuesday 21 January at 10:30am), Sheila Meaden (burial of ashes Wednesday 22 January at 11:00am), Muriel Allen (Cathedral Memorial service Thursday 30 January at 2:30pm) 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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