A reflection from Canon Harriet

As many of you know, the Cathedral Day begins at 7.40am with prayer and a daily celebration of the Eucharist in St Thomas’ Chapel.  The Cathedral clergy take it in turns to preside at this Eucharist, which follows hot on the foot of Morning Prayer, and there’s usually a few minutes between the two for the member of clergy to prepare.
 
In those few minutes, when I am on duty, I sit in the Lady Chapel and look at the stained-glass window above the altar which depicts, on the left-hand side, Jesus walking on water, and on the right, Peter sinking in the waters whilst looking to Jesus who is about to save him.
 
I love this window – and the moment it depicts – a moment which is full of hope and promise. It’s a story which is very similar to the storm at sea which features in this week’s Gospel passage when Jesus moves across the stormy waters towards the frightened disciples saying, “It is I: do not be afraid.”
 
It’s interesting that this window in the Cathedral, depicting Christ’s command over the sea and creation – and compelling us to trust in his promises – is above an altar. If you were to attend a Eucharist in this chapel, and during it, find your eye drawn to the window, I wonder what connections you might make between the storm at sea and the Eucharistic feast. In both the storm and the feast, God does extraordinary things with the raw elements of this world. A stormy sea and raging wind are brought to a calm; bread and wine are transformed into the sustaining food of Christ’s own body and blood.
 
It's no coincidence then that as well as the storm at sea, this week’s Gospel passage also features the feeding of the 5000, a story which foreshadows the Eucharist in so many ways. Here, God, in Jesus Christ, shows his people that with their seemingly insufficient offerings of bread and fish, he can feed them to overflowing. 
 
The calming of the storm and the feeding of the 5000 were unexpected moments of grace and glory, signs that in Jesus God was and is at work. They show us the power of God to take command of chaos, and to sustain and nurture life with God’s own life.
 
We looked at this passage from John’s Gospel this week, in our Wednesday discussion group, The Word is Near. And we observed that these two stories, back-to-back in John’s Gospel, show us the fullness of God at work in the world. And what a marvellous vision it is!
 
The writer of the letter to the Ephesians, in this Sunday’s passage, writes: I pray that you might have the power to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
 

May this prayer be extended to us too as we learn to live and move in the light and love of Christ.
 
Canon Harriet
Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean

Dates for your diary…

• Specialist Summer Tours – Architecture Tour – 30 July, 1:00 pm

• Wednesday Workshop – Arches and Roofs – 31 July, 9:30 am – 11:30 am

• Yoga at the Cathedral – 3 August, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

• Specialist Summer Tours – Memorial Tour – 6 August, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

• Wednesday Workshop – Memorials and Monuments – 7 August, 9:30 am – 11:30 am

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

Community News 

Workshop Wednesdays for families this Summer!

During the summer holidays there will be a series of Wednesday Workshops where families can come and explore Portsmouth Cathedral. Follow different trails around the Cathedral and take part in some craft activities. Drop-in, no booking. Free entry
 

• Arches and Roofs: Wednesday 31 July, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm

• Monuments and Memorials: Wednesday 7 August, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm

Specialist Summer Tours

Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral this summer!  Join us for Specialist Summer Tours. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building, as you join us for these new tours! 
 
Architecture Tour: 30 July, 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers an in-depth hour-long guided tour that delves into the Cathedral's 800-year history and architectural features. 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 advanced.
 
Memorial Tour: 6 August, 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers a new tour focusing on the memorials that are held within its historic walls. Join us on a tour to uncover stories and honour the memories preserved at the Cathedral. Adults can explore this poignant aspect of the Cathedral for £5, while a reduced price of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
 
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.

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.

Chapter

The Cathedral’s governing body met on 18th July for the second time since the Cathedral became a registered charity.  Members received reports on all elements of the Cathedral’s life including finances and safeguarding.  Dean Anthony gave an update on the recruitment of new members and thanked those coming to an end of their terms of office: Emma Broome, Mary Makin and David Carpenter, for their contribution to the governance of the Cathedral.  Appointments following the recent recruitment round will be announced as soon as possible - the Nominations committee meets on the 6 August.
 
Chapter meets again in late September.

Senior Leadership Safeguarding Training

All the members of our Senior Management Team (The Dean, Chancellor, Precentor and Chief Operating Officer) participated in a day-long training day for Senior Diocesan staff this past Tuesday. This was the second day following up on an interactive session held in February this year.
 
The day provided the opportunity to review progress over the last six months in terms of policy, practice and communications that underpin the continuous improvement we are all committed to in terms of providing a cathedral that is safe for all to worship and visit.
 
During Tuesday's session we reflected on risk profiles and steps we can take to enable all to speak up and challenge where there are concerns.
 
We reviewed the cases of Jean Vanier of L'Arche and the concerns about “Soul Survivor” in Watford where an internal Church of England investigation found serious safeguarding concerns and misuse of spiritual authority.
 
In addition to our SMT, the day was attended by the Bishop, Archdeacons, and senior diocesan staff.
 
Safeguarding is foundational here at the Cathedral. Our collective ministry to spread the joy of the Good News of Christ can only happen when we work to ensure a safe place for all who visit, worship, work and volunteer with us.  Our Team, led by the Dean with support from Canon Harriet as Chapter Safeguarding Lead, meet regularly to review and improve policy and practice.
 
Learn more about Safeguarding at the Cathedral →

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.

Despite it being July, when a friend posted a picture of her Rowan tree in fruit, my thoughts turned to Christmas and Boxing Day for many reasons…
 
The 26th of December, commonly referred to as Boxing Day, is also the feast of St Stephen’s day and my friend has sung for many years at St Stephen’s Church in Canterbury.   The cosy relaxation of Boxing Day, when all the pressure is off and eating leftovers is all that remains to be done, is the part of the festive season I enjoy most.  One of my favourite items to add to the boxing day feast is Rowan Jelly, which pairs perfectly with leftover cold meats.  Boxing Day, in Victorian times became associated with giving to the Church, as well giving boxes of Christmas leftovers to the poor and for the wealthy to give a day off to their servants.   
 
So as the Rowan Berries ripen, please consider making Rowan Jelly for the Jam & Preserves stall at this year’s Christmas Fair.  I’m happy to help connect growers and makers so please email if you are either and don’t forget if you need or have jars, you can drop and collect them from the basket in the lower cloister.

Thank you and if you are making jams, jellies or other preserves please send a picture of your bubbling pans and topped up jars.
 
Save the date - Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair 11am Saturday 7 December
Send pictures to rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Funeral service for Barbara Kendall RIP

The funeral of Barbara Kendall will take place at the Cathedral on Thursday 15 August at 12:30pm.  Barbara was a volunteer and member of the Cathedral congregation for many years and all are welcome to attend her funeral and share recollections afterwards. To help with arrangements if you are planning to attend, please let us know throughinfo@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

Out and About

Dean Anthony will be preaching at the Cowes Week Regatta Service at Holy Trinity Cowes, 6:15pm on Sunday - seehere

Later this year…

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

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

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.

Vacancies: Cathedral seeks sessional Visitor Experience Assistants

Are you interested in history, religion, architecture, visitor experience and/or events management? Do you enjoy interacting with visitors?
 
As part of an exciting new programme, Portsmouth Cathedral has a number of sessional visitor experience assistant roles available. 
 
Working with our existing marvellous volunteer welcomers and guides, these part-time roles will help us at peak times, normally the summer holidays, Christmas and Easter when we experience an increase in the number of people visiting the Cathedral. Your role will be to be the face of the Cathedral, welcoming people in and inviting them to explore our glorious Cathedral and learn more about the building, its history and its purpose.
 
If this sounds of interest, please click here for theApplication Pack

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, Yolanda, 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 (Cathedral funeral 5th August at 12:00 pm), Barbara Kendall (Cathedral funeral 15 August at 12:30 pm), Margaret Wilson (widow of Roy - Cathedral funeral 30 August at 2:00pm)

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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