A reflection from Anthony Rustell

The first two readings this Sunday talk about wisdom and the knowledge of God. This raises some interesting questions. Primarily, what is the point of theology? 

A question I am often asked is “What is the point of the stuff that you teach to lay people, ordinands, Readers and clergy?” Part of the thinking behind this question, sometimes asked by clergy themselves, is rooted in an experience of theology that involved a lot of specialism and theory that had little practical application. So let me persuade you that theology might be worthwhile after all.

In the view of the twentieth century’s greatest theologian, Karl Barth, theology is about a critical study of the church’s proclamation: in other words, it is about the study of what we should be teaching and preaching about God. Or a more catholic perspective is offered by the great Anglican liturgist Dom Gregory Dix, who described theology in terms of a study of the prayer and worship of the church. Either way, theology has to do with what we think is the ultimate cause of everything in the universe.

Such a study therefore matters. It matters because it tells us who we are, why we are, where we are going, and how we should go about getting there. Theology is about meaning: the meaning of life, the universe and everything.

Towards the end of The City of God, St Augustine asks what it is that makes a people. The answer, Augustine says, is that a people love a common object: what they love holds them together and determines their character.

Theology is about working out what that thing is and trying to decide how we respond to it. Without such a study it is impossible to decide what true belief is, and therefore how we should act, as individuals, as a church, and as a society. It is therefore a great concern when the church, society or universities decide that theology does not matter, and there is no concern to strive after ultimate truth.

I was once asked what it was that the church brought to the table of public debate. The answer, I believe, is rooted in its faith: the understanding we have of God, humanity and the world. Good theology is about communicating truth about these matters.

 Anthony Rustell

Dates for your diary…

·       Portsmouth & Hampshire Art Society Summer Exhibition 2024 – 17 August – 26 August

·       PHAS Workshop – Paula Mitchell – 20 August, 11:00am – 2:00pm

·       PHAS Workshop – Julie Alice Chappell – 23 August, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

·       Lunch Club – 9 September, 12:00pm – 2:30pm

·       Exploring the Bible: Marks Gospel – 9 September

New Fields for Canon Anthony

It has been announced from Guildford Diocese that our Canon Anthony Rustell will take up a new post at Dorking (St Martin) with Ranmore later this year. 

Dean Anthony writes “Since coming to Portsmouth ten years ago, Canon Anthony has made an immense and distinguished contribution to the life of the Cathedral and the wider diocese.   As Director of Mission and Ministry for the diocese, his work has been outstanding and extraordinarily varied.   In relation to the Cathedral, we have appreciated the wisdom and judgement he brought to Chapter meetings, and amongst all he has done in relation to our life and worship, his ministry team colleagues are in awe of his ability to speak eloquently and without notes about any scriptural passage put in front of him.   It has been wonderful that the whole Rustell family have joined in so fully with different aspects of Cathedral life, from Georgianna’s astute contributions to our Finance Committee to Katharine, Elizabeth and John’s singing in the choir.    We will really miss the whole family, and assure them of our thanks, prayers and good wishes, as they make the move to Dorking later in the year.”

His last service at the Cathedral will be Advent Sunday.  He will be licensed at Dorking in December 2024.

More details of ways we will mark Canon Anthony’s service to ourth Cathedral community and the wider Diocese will be published in the Notices in due course.

Community News 

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.

Are you our new Cathedral Cycle Champion?

Are you interested in

·       promoting the benefits of cycling?

·       championing the work the Cathedral is doing to increase access to sustainable modes of transport?

If you are then your Cathedral is looking for its next Cycle Champion in succession of Hannah Gunga, who has stepped down after three successful years

Hannah has done an amazing job as our inaugural champion organising cycling opportunities and leading the annual Portsmouth leg of the Cathedral Cycle Route Relay route (Cathedrals Cycle Route challenge | Cycling UK).

We are now looking for an enthusiastic successor to further our efforts in this area.

The role involves being an advocate for cycle use in our personal lives and in our journeys to and from the Cathedral.  The Champion works with the staff team to help publicise events.  The Champion will help to ensure that we increase the ability of those visiting and worshipping at the Cathedral to use pedal power to get to and from here (e.g. bike storage, safer routes).

As we look to go from the A Roche Eco Silver Church status, we achieved in 2023 to Eco Gold Status over the next few years, increasing the opportunity to use sustainable means of transportation will be a key element to helping us achieve Gold status, reducing our carbon footprint along the way.

So, are you up to helping your Cathedral in this important role?  If so, please speak with or email our COO, Richard Abraham – richard.abraham@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Changes to Shop Opening Hours

The shop has moved to summer opening hours. It will be open until 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday; Sunday closure remains at 3pm.

Coming soon

Ballroom Dancing Classes

Ballroom and Latin dancing classes begin at Becket Hall on Friday 23 and 30 August. These two taster sessions (£12 per couple, £7 single) will lead to a six-week block where you will learn the Waltz, Quickstep, Samba, Cha-cha and Ballroom Jive. No booking required, pay on the door. 

Summer Songs of Praise - 1 September at 5.45pm

Led by Canon Angela Tilby, a chance to sing and enjoy some of our favourite hymns and hear how they have inspired individuals from our Cathedral community.
 
A new sort of service here for some summer Sunday evenings, Canon Angela will introduce the hymns and the contributors. Angela worked on Songs of Praise during her BBC career.

The Word is Near returns 4 September

Our last meeting before a summer break was held on Wednesday 24 July at 10:30am. We are now on 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

 The Parish Lunch Club - 9 September

The Parish Lunch Club restarts on Monday 9 September.

The Parish Lunch Club restarts on Monday 9 September providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends following the Summer break, as our fantastic volunteers create and serve a delicious two course meal followed by tea or coffee.

New members are welcome to join the Parish Lunch Club which runs fortnightly during term time on Mondays and provides a sociable occasion to catch up and meet new friends.  Arrive in good time at Becket Hall for lunch which is served at 12.30pm.

The cost of a two-course hot lunch is £5. New member registration details are taken on arrival. Please make a note of the autumn term Parish Lunch Club dates Monday 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 14 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov, 9 Dec 24. Monday 9 December will be the Christmas meal including turkey, all the trimmings and even a glass of wine, at the final Lunch Club date for 2024.

Exploring the Bible: Mark's Gospel - starting Monday 9 September

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

Hampshire & IOW Memorial Quilt

The Hampshire & IOW Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt is a beautiful ongoing piece of art created with love in memory of people lost to suicide by their bereaved friends and family. This project has been inspired by the quilts made in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.
 
The initial quilts are being sewn ready for their unveiling at an event “Let’s get talking about suicide” in Victoria Park, Portsmouth on the 7 September and will then be displayed in Portsmouth Cathedral from 9–27 September.
During the exhibition, there will be a special evensong to remember those whose lives have been lost, and also sometimes set aside for quiet prayer and reflection as well as other events.
 
If you would like to make a square for a loved one you can get in touch with the Hampshire and IOW group, by emailinghampshirequilt@gmail.com.

Restorative Training for Portsmouth Churches, Saturday 14 September

Christians across Portsmouth are invited to a Restorative Training Day, which will be delivered by John Swindell of Portsmouth Mediation Service.

Restorative Practice teaches people relational skills, which strengthens relationships and equips people with the skills to positively handle conflict. Restorative Practice follows the biblical mandate of ‘peace and reconciliation’.

These restorative skills will be beneficial to the whole church and for anyone in a leadership role, it will provide them with a restorative approach to leading which has maximum impact but with the minimum stress. 

The day runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm on Saturday 14 September at St Margaret’s Church, Highland Road, Southsea.

For more information and to book, click here:

Ride and Stride 2024 – Saturday 14 September

Portsmouth Cathedral will once again be welcoming Riders and Striders for the annual event in aid of Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. 

We also hope to put together a team of Riders and Striders to support the Trust through sponsorship as they visit other churches in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight that day.   50% of the sponsorship raised is returned to your nominated church so your participation can also help the Cathedral.  If you would be interested in taking part please contact us through info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. 

Anna Chaplaincy - World Alzheimer's Day Coffee Morning

World Alzheimer's Day will be observed on Saturday 21 September.  The day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and combatting the stigma associated with various forms of dementia. 
 
The Anna Chaplaincy invites anyone affected by dementia including carers, friends and family to join them in the Cathedral Nave for light refreshments and an opportunity to reflect, from 10.30am until 12pm.
 
Alzheimer’s disease is among the most prevalent forms of dementia, which is a set of disorders that disrupt mental function.  It is estimated that 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80 will be affected by Alzheimer's in the UK.
 
Anna Chaplaincy – a ministry of the Christian charity BRF – has been established specifically to provide care for older people, especially those living in care homes and sheltered accommodation, and to their families and the staff that look after them.
 
Anna Chaplains promote the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.  Anna Chaplains are named after the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel; both are good role models of faithful older people.
 
World Alzheimer's Day Coffee Morning
Saturday 21 September 10.30am
Portsmouth Cathedral Nave

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance – 21 September

Saturday 21 September - Harvest Celebration Barn Dance & Hog Roast
Dig out your checked shirts, brush off those cowboy boots and join us for a for an evening of lively entertainment and traditional dancing lead by the Woodsiders Ceilidh & Barn Dance Band. 
 
Doors open 6:30pm, dancing commences at 7pm with a break for a Hog Roast supper at 8pm. 
 
This is a fundraising event for Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association
 
Portsmouth Cathedral Nave. Tickets include Hog Roast or vegan alternative: Adults £20, Children £10, Under 5s and small dogs free, cash bar.

Get your tickets here.

Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral AGM – 22 September

We look forward to seeing many members of the Friends at the AGM on Sunday 22 September. The meeting will be held in Becket Hall at 4.00pm and our President, Bishop Jonathan, will be present. Tea/coffee will be available after the meeting.

More details 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.

Prayers & Intercessions

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Chris, Tom, Wendy, Jan, Richard, Zoe, Paul, Gemma, Joan, Geraldine and all in need. 

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Andrew, Gordon, Rosy, John, Alistair, Alison, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Graeme and Muriel.

We remember those who have died recently, including: Cope Hodell, Barbara Kendall, Margaret Wilson (widow of Roy - Cathedral funeral 30th August at 2pm), Yolanda Ralph, Kenneth Gibbons and all whose anniversary falls at this time. 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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