Weekly Notices | 5 May 2024
A reflection from Canon Nick
The local elections have now taken place and the results are out. No prizes for guessing that the first outcome is an increase in tribalism. It seems to be the sad inevitable outcome of our times, but it does not have to remain like that. The election is now over, albeit there is another one still to come at some point within the next year.
We can either lament the divisions and differences from our armchairs or we can do something about it by seeking to connect with those with whom we have differences and looking for ways to unite rather than divide. This is not about departing from principles but treating one another with care and respect. It is the choice to treat another individual with humanity rather than an idiot with views only to be denigrated.
This surely is what Jesus meant when he said in the gospel for Easter 6, repeatedly, ‘love one another’. And we are also told that the way to abide in God’s love is to obey his commandments, so loving one another is a matter of obedience as well. The passage is particularly poignant as we approach in a month’s time the anniversary of the D Day landings and think of those who gave their lives in the service of freedom and peace and pray that despite the troubles we see across the world, it would not be necessary for others to do the same again.
Nick Ralph
Residentiary Canon
Dates for your diary…
Community News
Beating the Bounds – this Sunday, 5 May
On Sunday 5 May – Rogation Sunday - following the 11:00am Sung Eucharist we will walk the boundary of the Cathedral parish. This includes going along the seafront towards Clarence Pier and then through the City to the Guildhall.
We hope the Lord Mayor may be able to meet us at the Guildhall as we pray for God’s blessing on our parish and our City through this coming year. We will pause to picnic also on the Guildhall Steps. After this we travel by train from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour, as the train track itself marks our parish boundary. Then we take the Gosport Ferry across the harbour and back – in recognition that the Cathedral parish boundary is on the Gosport side of the channel!
We go on to walk round outside the Dockyard and up to the International Ferry Port. The distance one way is about 4 miles. You can come part of the way or meet us and join in enroute if you prefer. You could walk back to the Cathedral at the end if you are feeling fit (about 1½ miles direct) or we can find a bus or arrange a car-share if preferred back from the Ferry Port.
Please bring drinks and a sandwich - and sun cream if fine, or waterproofs if wet!
It is a fun and friendly occasion, enjoying the open air and a chance to walk and talk together - and discovering more about our Cathedral parish.
More information and expressions of interest, please contact Canon Jo.
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 →
Christian Aid Week begins on 12 May!
Already ten people have agreed to hold a fundraiser in their homes to raise money towards our £2500+ target. Please see Carole King or Sue Ward or contact them on sueandterryinpk@yahoo.com or by phone at 07505 608651 if you are able to add your name to the list. You will receive a pack with invitations, envelopes, a quiz and a badge next Sunday (or we can deliver). There are also links to a film you can show and to an e-envelope for those who want to give by card.
There will of course be the usual envelopes in the cathedral and the link to an e-envelope so that you can show your usual generosity to this very needy cause.
Christian Aid week runs from 12 May through 18 May 2024.
Thank you!
Carole and Sue
National Fishing Remembrance Day – 12 May
National Fishing Remembrance Day on Sunday, 12 May 2024 is a day for reflection and commemoration of all those who have lost their lives while working in fishing in the UK.
It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of fishing as a profession to a wider audience and to remember those who have lost their lives at sea. For those living and working in local fishing communities it is hoped that this will become an annual focal point for remembrance and connection with the national fishing industry. This period of remembrance will also provide an opportunity to focus on initiatives aimed at improving safety in commercial fishing.
Maritime welfare charities have joined together to commemorate this day throughout the UK. The Fishermen’s Mission and Stella Maris will have a programme of local events at fishing ports around the country on Sunday 12 May 2024. Canon Harriet will be attending the Portsmouth remembrance event at 12pm.
Learn more and see details →
Summer Celebration Saturday 1 June – raffle tickets on sale!
Whether you are 3 or 93 the Summer Celebration raffle offers the opportunity to win a little adventure to brighten up your summer even if the weather doesn’t.
The Summer Celebration raffle, to be held on Saturday 1st June at 2pm includes lots of exciting prizes including...
1st Prize: £100 Paulton’s Park gift card
2nd Prize: Golden Lion 3 course meal voucher for 2
3rd Prize: Williamson's Photography framed print
If that hasn’t whetted your appetite for adventure, then we also have Tennis and Paddle Boarding lessons as well as a family ticket to Exploria and 2 Tickets for Fontwell Racecourse! Of course, we also have lots of other delightful items such as 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, The Golden Lion pub in Southwick have donated a three-course meal for two people and a Fudging Fabulous selection box to name but a few.
Many of the raffle items have been donated by the local small business stall holders who will be there on the day, so be sure to join us and have a look around.
The Summer Celebration opens at 11:30am and includes entertainment and activities with singer Stacey Mogg on stage from mid-day, and the adorable animals from Ems Friendly Farm available to interact with throughout the 3-hour event, as well as Face painting, Douse the Dean and much more. We’ve got lunch covered too with a delectable BBQ provided by The Bridge Tavern, strawberries, and cream for dessert as well as cakes and ice-cream stalls.
Raffle tickets are on sale in our Cathedral shop from Saturday 4 May. If you have time to sell a few books to family and friends, then an envelope containing 4 books of tickets and instructions can be collected from the shop.
Many Thanks for supporting this fundraising event!
Don’t forget to vote! Election of non-executive Chapter Member
The election of a non-executive trustee will take place electronically, as required by the Statutes, between 27 April and 10 May. Please note that voting for this post ends on 10th May 2025.
All those on the Electoral Roll for whom we hold email addresses should have now received an email link to vote. Please contact the Cathedral Offices if you did not receive an invitation and think you are on the roll. or if you would like to know more about the voting process.
Contact us by email election@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or call 023 9289 2963.
Revision of Electoral Roll and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The revised version of the Electoral Roll, and names removed from the Roll are now on display in the Cathedral or in the Cathedral Offices.
This year's Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday 12 May at 12.30pm. The APCM will include the presentation of the 2023 accounts. A copy of the accounts can be found on our downloads page here.
Apologies for meetings can be sent to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.
The annual election of churchwardens will take place during the Parish Meeting. Nomination forms are available from the Cathedral Welcome area and also from our website.
Join our team
Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer (Maternity Cover)
We will be advertising a vacancy shortly for a full-time (up to 40 hours per week) Assistant Verger and Precincts Officer through Charity Job. The opportunity is to provide cover from June while our Head Verger and Precincts Manager, Malina, is on maternity leave.
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 pray for: William Hounslow and Lucas Gunga, who will both be baptised on Sunday.
We pray for: God’s blessing on our Cathedral parish this Rogation Sunday and through the coming year.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Peter, Tom, Andrew, Chris, Aidan, Alison, Rosy, Richard, Wendy, Jan, Catherine, Bevan and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Muriel, Janet, Rachel, John, Suzy, Jill, Mathai, Philip, Alistair and Graeme.
We remember those who have died: Derek Hall, Marilyn Billingham, Joan Lowe, Margaret Townson (Cathedral funeral Tuesday 14th May at 1.45pm), Graham Lloyd, Margaret Purnell, Margaret Sherwin, Maurice Easton, Peter Matthews, Theodore Whelan 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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