Weekly Notices | 19 May 2024
A reflection from Kitty Price
Tomorrow, Saturday 18 May, is the 30th anniversary of the first ordination service of women to the priesthood in Portsmouth Cathedral. For many, especially those ordained that day – including our former Canon Pastor, Jane Hedges - this was a long time coming. It was something people had fought for for decades and was finally here. As with all aspects of change, this move by the Church of England was celebrated by some and criticised and mourned by others. Some of you reading these reflections may still be against the idea of women in ministry.
In 2000, The Vicar of Dibley aired on BBC One. The sitcom explored the varying attitudes towards women an ordained ministry, and it did so in a sympathetic, witty, and wise way. David Horton, head of the parish council, was against the idea of having Geraldine Granger as their new vicar, but gradually his perception of women priests changed, and he came to realise and appreciate her talent, value, and vocation. As is often the case in real life, exposure to something you and profound change can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it is possible to adjust to a new way of living.
Today, 30% of clergy in the Church of England are women. Answering God's call to ordained ministry is never easy, but doing so when you face opposition takes even more strength, determination, and integrity. It is these virtues that we should be nurturing whether lay or ordained, regardless of gender or sexuality. One of the great things about the Church of England is the breadth of tradition and with that comes breadth of opinion. Agreeing to disagree well is necessary, even if this is something I'm not particularly good at!
Having celebrated a significant birthday recently, I have reflected on how time marches on and change happens whether we like it or not. If we believe in the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit in God's Church, then things will never - and should never - stay the same.
Kitty Price
Cathedral Reader
Dates for your diary…
Celebration of 30 years since the ordination of women as priests - 18 May
Lunchtime Live Performance - Fumi Otsuki & Gisela Meyer - 23 May
Future Folk - Cathedral Sessions - 24 May
Half Term Family Activities - 28 May – 29 May
Summer Celebration - 1 Jun
Hans Zimmer's 'Interstellar' in concert with Roger Sayer - 7 Jun
Friends Relaunch Event - 11 Jun
Vintage Games & Stories hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy - 8 Jun
Community News
APCM approves the 2023 Annual Accounts
Our COO, Richard presented the 2023 financial accounts to the APCM for approval. The Finance Committee and Chapter having previously review and approved the Accounts.
The accounts were externally audit by the accountancy firm Sheen Stickland. Our auditors approved these accounts “without qualification” and agreed the Cathedral was a “going concern.” Huge thanks to our Finance Office, Nicky Taylor Roberts, for all the work that made this possible.
Richard says” I am hugely grateful to the team – both staff and volunteer – for this collective effort since I took up post in late 2019. Much progress has been made, but as our auditors did point out the Cathedral is not yet on a firm financial footing in the medium to longer terms with the possibility of £200,000 returning from 2025 unless the Cathedral remains focused on increasing revenues to support mission and containing spending to reflect its income. But the steps taken are beginning to bear fruit.”
Read more →
Election of Chapter member results
At the APCM, the results of the election of a member of the congregation to Chapter were announced.
Ronald Rabbetts was elected to a three-year term on Chapter with 56% percent of eligible votes cast on a turnout of 25.6% of the Electoral Roll
This election will now go to the Bishop for his approval and issue of subsequent Licence.
This election was by electronic vote only under the new Constitution and Statutes as adopted under the Cathedrals Measure 2021. Chapter, as part of its continuous improvement activities, has undertaken to review this process in advance of the 2025 APCM.
Election of Church Wardens results
Our Church Wardens Canon Sheila Picton and Canon Ronald Rabbetts were re-elected unopposed to a further one-year term at this year’s APCM.
Reappointment of Electoral Roll Officer
At the APCM, Terry Ward has accepted reappointment as Electoral Rol officer for a final one-year term. Terry has served faithfully in this important role for the past five years and has announced that he will stand down at the next APCM in May 2025. He is looking for a member of the congregation to shadow him this year with a view to succeeding him. Please do reflect if you can help serve your Cathedral in this capacity and take the opportunity to speak with Terry or the Dean about this important, but not onerous role.
Christian Aid Week – there still time to donate!
It's not too late to add your donation to Portsmouth Cathedral's Christian Aid appeal. Pick up an envelope in the cathedral, fill in the gift aid slip if possible and drop your contribution into a collection box, or give online using the link in the notices or the QR code available in the cathedral. There's still time to hold a coffee morning or tea party too. See Sue Ward or Carole King. Heartfelt thanks to all who have already given!
Many thanks,
Sue and Carole
Summer Celebration Saturday 1 June – raffle tickets on sale!
Without donations for stalls and raffle ticket sales our Summer Celebration will not be able to raise much needed funds to support the mission and work of our Cathedral Church. Please drop off your donations to the Cloister from Monday 27th May. Or grab some raffles tickets to sell…
Donations of fiction books and children’s books, jigsaws for any age, cakes & cupcakes etc, bottles of spirits, wine and fizz, new toiletries, and other items for the Brick-a-brack stall. Items for stalls will be collected in the boxes in the cloister, except for, cakes on the day please and alcoholic donations need to be kept secure so please pass to the cathedral offices or a verger for my attention.
Don’t forget that the raffle tickets are on sale in the shop. The shop also has envelopes of raffle tickets for you to sell to family and friends so please grab one. We have plenty of amazing and some unusual prizes up for grabs:
1st Prize: £100 Paultons Park gift card
2nd Prize: Golden Lion 3 course meal voucher for 2
3rd Prize: Williamson's Photography framed print
And much more… Tennis and Paddle Boarding lessons, a family ticket to Exploria, 2 Tickets for Fontwell Race Course, a voucher for a 2-night Family Camping Stay at Fairthorne Manor, Odean Cinema tickets, a Signed Portsmouth Football Club Home Shirt, limited edition print from I can See the Sea, Silver & Serenity Crystal necklace by Twinkly Bits, Arts & Crafts Hamper from The Creation Station, Mammas Greek Olive Oil, Jo Malone Candle from LMB Cosmetics, Neal’s Yard goods, Mumma B’s organic products and a Fudging Fabulous selection box to name but a few, we've even got Man’s Best friend the perfect prize with a bag of homemade dog treats and a £20 gift voucher for Bark Bakery!
Please let me know if you can help at the Summer Celebration on Saturday 1st June email rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral
Everyone is warmly invited to the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Relaunch on Tuesday 11 June hosted by Bishop Jonathan and the Lord-Lieutenants of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. There will be an opportunity to meet the new members of the Friends Council and learn about the Friends and how it supports the Cathedral. More details from friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
City Service Eucharist - 19 May at 11am
The Cathedral Choir is singing evensong at All Saints Church, Portsea. As part of our regular series taking the Cathedral Choir out to sing in the diocese, we look forward to singing on 14 June, 5:30pm Evensong at All Saints Church in Commercial Road. All Saints is now part of the Harbour Church team of churches in our diocese, and we are pleased to be working with them to the take our music out into the community.
Vintage Games & Stories hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy
Join the Anna Chaplaincy to share your childhood memories and games. Try a knitting nancy, make paper planes or play a vintage game.
Suitable for older people especially those with dementia. Accompanied children welcome. Refreshments available.
Read more →
Half Term Family Activities- 28 and 29 May
Come and explore The Cathedral of the Sea with our fish and sea themed activities. Follow our trail to find out how many fish are hiding in the Cathedral. Make a clay fish to take-home. Drop-in, no booking needed.
See times and learn more →
It's back… Seafood on the Green!
Join us for an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers, with a variety of locally sourced dishes. Proceeds supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association.
Taking place on the picturesque green at Portsmouth Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop for the foodie festivities, take the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including seafood platters, pâtés and delicious desserts. There is something for everyone!
Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply curious about trying something new, Seafood on the Green is the perfect opportunity to discover the unique flavours of the sea. All profits from the event go towards supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association, so you can indulge in delicious food while supporting a worthy cause.
It's the perfect way to spend a summer day, don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the highlights of Portsmouth's foodie calendar. For more information, please visit our website at portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. If you have already decided to come this year then please fill in our expression of interest form and help us reduce food waste.
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: Wendy, Tom, Andrew, Jan, Chris, Aidan, Alison, Rosy, Richard, Catherine, Bevan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: John, Suzy, Jill, Mathai, Philip, Alistair, Graeme, Rachel and Muriel.
We remember those who have died: Derek Hall (Cathedral funeral Tuesday 21st May at 11.30am), Peter Reeve (Cathedral Funeral Monday 3rd June at 2.30pm) Margaret Purnell (Cathedral funeral Friday 7th June), Margaret Townson, Joan Lowe Marilyn Billingham, Graham Lloyd, Maurice Easton, Theodore Whelan, Janet Kent, Clive Johnstone 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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