Weekly Notices | 14 January 2024
A reflection from Canon Jo
“…the word is very near to you…” (Deuteronomy 30.14)
It is very encouraging to see and feel that new things are happening already this new year at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Canon Harriet has started the new group ‘The Word is near’ meeting on Wednesday mornings to look ahead and share thoughts about the Bible readings for the following Sunday.
So some in our congregation this Sunday will be hearing the readings at our services with new insights already from the group: listening with us to the story of the young boy Samuel being called by God, or the beautiful praise of God in Revelation 5, or Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him and promising they would see extraordinary things happen.
There was a lovely poem suggested to accompany the group’s reflection. By Jessica Powers, one couplet spoke to me particularly:
… I kneel down in the vastness of His love,
cover myself with creaturehood and pray.
And Canon Harriet included a powerful drawing by Robert Hodgell: ‘Called’ depicts something of the reality and reluctance of the prophet, overwhelmed even from the womb by the awesome and inescapably challenge of God (and frankly looking like he wants to block his ears!) I think this is a wonderful image to prompt us to think about how we respond to God in our lives.
This Sunday we also have the opportunity to reflect and respond to God at the Epiphany Carol Service at 17.45. We hear again of the star, and the journey, and the gifts offered to the Christ-Child, with some thrilling and moving music sung by the choir and played on the organ. One of the pieces was commissioned for Portsmouth Cathedral from the composer Philip Stopford and asks:
What shall we offer thee, O Christ,
who for our sakes hast appeared on earth as man?
Every creature made by thee offers thee thanks.
And so near the start of the new year we also can think what we might be called to offer to Christ ourselves in the weeks and months ahead. Our joys and perhaps our sorrows; our known talents and new opportunities and also our uncertainties; our work and our witness to all that God’s love can make possible. Above all perhaps, like the Magi who were wise, we will offer the incense of our worship and prayer; the gold of our giving and resources; the myrrh of our service to others.
In the words of an Epiphany-season collect, we pray:
O God, in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory. Amen.
Canon Jo Spreadbury
Community News
Cathedral Saturday Screenings
Join us for Saturday screenings of classic films for all ages in the Cathedral….
20 January- Animation meets real world. For all the family, the musical favourite of Mary Poppins at 4:30pm. Following on at 7:30pm is the iconic Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
10 February- Romance in very different forms. For the family, the unusual and brilliant story of Shrek at 4:30pm. Then for a more classic story, Casablanca at 7:30pm.
2 March- Music madness. For all the family, a fantasmigorical machine - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at 5pm. Then a fun night out with Mamma Mia at 8pm.
Book tickets online →
Annual Muslim Christian Evening
The Annual Muslim Christian Evening will take place in the Cathedral Nave on Tuesday 23 January after Evensong, starting at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend this long-standing annual event. The theme that will be explored this year is Hope. We will hear from both the Muslim and Christian perspectives on what hope means in both faith contexts and reflect on what gives us hope in our daily lives and in the world. We will also share together in a light meal, on a bring and share basis. If you would like to attend the evening, please do bring some food to share if you are able, ensuring that it is vegetarian and clearly labelled.
Half Term Family Activities: Build a Cathedral!
Come along to our free Half Term Family Activity days in February Half Term. Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 February, 10am-3pm in the Cathedral. Take part in a ‘Build a Cathedral Trail’, have a go at building an arch and tiling a roof, and create a take home craft activity. All welcome, no need to book.
Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Coffee Morning
The first Friends’ event in 2024 is a Coffee Morning on Thursday 18 January starting at 11:00am until 12:30pm. For the first time the event will be held in the Nave of the Cathedral and on this occasion, Canon Harriet will give a short presentation on the Learning and Education department and its role in the life of the Cathedral. We look forward to seeing as many members as possible and please bring your friends as everyone is welcome.
More information about the Friends here.
New group - The Word is Near
‘The Word is Near’ is a new group for those who would like to explore how the Bible readings coming up each Sunday in our worship might relate to our daily lives. Canon Harriet will lead us in a weekly reading group which will include prayer and discussion on the upcoming texts, using poetry, art and other writings as a prompt and inspiration. An opportunity to consider how God speaks to us through the scriptures as well as a time for fellowship and the sharing of faith. You don't need to be an expert on your Bible to come to this group - all are welcome, and all that is needed is a willingness to read and reflect together! Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am in the Bishop Kenneth Room.
Read More →
Cathedral Institute - Singing the Lord's Song: Music and our Encounter with God
Six talks to get you thinking, and maybe singing… Cheer up those winter nights with six talks that explore the relationship between music and our relationship with God. Starting on January 15 and running for the following 5 Monday evenings, from 7pm–8pm.
Read More→
Marking the end of Cathedral Council
With the implementation of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, nearly a quarter of century of Cathedral Council meetings have come to an end. The 1999 Cathedrals Measure introduced Councils, and since then many individuals from the parish, diocese and the wider civic community have given of their time to give counsel and service to the Cathedral.
A reception is being held for all former Council members and Clerks to the Council followed by their attendance at Epiphany Carols on Sunday, 14 January 2024. Amongst our guests will be the Very Reverend David Brindley (the former Dean of Portsmouth), Major General Sir Martin White (a former chair of Council) and Professor John Craven (former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth).
Parish Lunch Club
The Parish Lunch Club restarts on Monday 15 January providing the perfect opportunity to catch-up with friends following the Christmas 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 spring Parish Lunch Club dates:
15 January 2024
29 January 2024
19 February 2024
4 March 2024
18 March 2024
Join the Team as an Administrative Assistant
Would you like to join the Cathedral team in either a temporary or permanent part-time role. We’re looking for two versatile people to fill part-time Administrative Assistant roles from early 2024. The posts offer the opportunity to work across the wide range of the Cathedral's activities and provide a central resource across alongside existing staff.
Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 21 January with interviews week commencing 29 January.
Further details and applications 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: Philip, Judith, Alison, Nuno, Rosy, Mathai, Philip, Chris and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Ann, Ian, Janet, Alistair Graeme, Renee, Richard, Rachel, John, Jill and Suzy.
We remember those who have died: Myrna Hall, Mike Jackson, Anne Russell (funeral 2.30 Friday 12th Jan at The Oaks), Maureen Capel-Edwards, 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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