Weekly Notices | 19 November 2023
A reflection from Canon Harriet
This past week, on Wednesday evening, we held a Silent Prayer Vigil in the Cathedral Nave; an opportunity for people to come together to pray for peace in Israel and Gaza. Silence was maintained throughout as people came and went during the hour, many lighting candles on the peace globe which stood in the centre of the prayer space.
Holding silence is sometimes the only way to pray. Words seem insufficient, insignificant even, in the face of extreme suffering and trauma, and so we come before the Lord, helpless and unsure, placing these things into his hands as best we can.
And it’s that action of offering things to the Lord that is at the heart of prayer in the Christian tradition. We offer into Christ’s hands the things of this world and its people – particularly at this time, all the pains, the suffering, the devastation – so that he may redeem and transform what we offer. We may feel helpless in the face of the current conflict in the Middle East, but we are not hopeless. Our hope, and our help, is in the name of the Lord, who has made heaven and earth.
The name of Jesus is something to hold on to in times of trouble and crisis. There is power in his name. One of the ancient prayers of the church, which comes from the Bible, and is used by many Eastern Orthodox Christians, is the Jesus Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, is how it is said in its simplest form. It’s a prayer that does two things – in it we recognise our own part in the world’s sin and sadness, and in offering ourselves into Jesus’s hands, we call on the saving power of Jesus’s name. It’s a prayer that can be used quicky and urgently – you can keep it to hand, as it were, for those times when you want to give something over to Christ. It’s a prayer you might use as you watch the news, or hear of a particular sadness in someone’s life, or are in need yourself.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me…or simply, Lord, have mercy.
No prayer is ever wasted by the Lord. So let us pray urgently and ardently for peace.
Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens
Community News
Safeguarding Sunday – this weekend!
This Sunday, 19 November, the Church of England marks Safeguarding Sunday.
We are very pleased that Liz Hastings, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor with responsibility for the Cathedral, will be with us at both Pompey Sundays and the Sung Eucharist. As well as joining us in our worship, Liz will be staying for coffee after both services to enable members of the congregation to chat with her and ask her any questions they may have. Safeguarding is an integral part of all we do here at the Cathedral, and an intrinsic part of God's call to love our neighbours as ourselves.
The Cathedral takes its responsibility to care for children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and their welfare is paramount. Our Cathedral Chapter Safeguarding Lead is the Canon Chancellor, Harriet Neale-Stevens, and Harriet will also be present on Safeguarding Sunday to answer any questions you may have.
Our Safeguarding Policy and Policy Statements are availablehere.
Next week: The Christmas Gift Market
Get ahead of the rush and dive into a festive world of unique treasures created by local makers and artisans. Find a diverse selection of gifts, from homemade crafts to artisanal treats.
Come along on Friday 24 November from 10am–5pm, or Saturday 25 November from 10am–7pm. On Saturday 25 there will also be a very special visit from Em's Friendly Farm mobile farm, on the Cathedral Green from 11am–1pm!
See more details →
Meet the organisers of our 2023 Advent Course: Preparing for the revolution!
Anne Wright, Carole King and the Revd Catherine Edenborough invite you to explore the idea of Advent as preparing for the revolution by looking at the song of Mary and other poetry in a variety of ways.
Read more & watch interview →
Congregational Lunch and Farewell to Hannah Barraclough
All are welcome to join us at a Congregational Lunch on Sunday, 26 November. To help avoid food waste, please let us know if you and your family are able to stay after the 11 o’clock Eucharist by clickinghereor filling the form on the welcome desk. All are welcome to share in this community focused occasion which will also provide an opportunity to say farewell to Hannah, one of our curates, who has become such a treasured member of our community.
Should you wish to contribute to Hannah’s leaving present– please either email accounts@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk to request bank details, then make a transfer using the reference ‘Hannah Leaving Gift’ or put a cash or cheque donation made out to “Portsmouth Cathedral” in a clearly marked envelope (same reference) and deliver it to the office. Please make your donation by 5pm on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
Fancy winning a wine tasting or signed Pompey FC shirt?
Raffle tickets are now available for this year’s Cathedral Christmas Fair Raffle! Grab some early from the Cathedral Shop and be in with a chance of winning a Portsmouth FC signed shirt or wine tasting for 6 at Camber Wines…
Read more →
Christmas Nativity Trail from 1–20 December
A Nativity Trail will be available at Portsmouth Cathedral during December. Come and explore the story of the Nativity, whilst taking the opportunity to reflect. Please check the Cathedral calendar before visiting.
Cathedral Advent Calendar
Please contact Canon Jo if you would be interested in taking part in the Cathedral Advent Calendar display this year around the ambulatory. For each day, an individual/group or household is invited to contribute a poem, prayer, drawing, reflection - or a collage of all of these!
Themes are suggested, based on the names/titles for Jesus on the Advent Candles on display in the Cathedral shop.
It could be something on a piece of A4 or display up to 2 ft x 4 ft. There could be a wonderful lot of variety - and insight - for people to enjoy as we lead up to celebrating Christmas this year.
Career Opportunity – Head of Fundraising
Underlining our commitment to grow in service to our Diocese, city and beyond while ensuring our long-term sustainability we are looking for an outstanding fundraiser with the drive, experience, skills and flair to build on the work of our previous Head of Fundraiser and transform the Cathedral’s income generation.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm Sunday 26 November
More details available online →
Upcoming Cathedral Office closures
The offices will be closed all day on the 21 November 2023 to enable a whole staff training day. The Cathedral will be open as normal.
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, Myrna, Judith, Chris, Rosy, Nuno, Philip, Mathai, Joan, Tom and all those in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Ann, Ian, Janet, Rachel, John, Alistair, Graeme, Renee, Richard, Suzy, Jill and Alison.
We remember those who have died: Oonagh Knight, David Sands, Nick Robertson, Katy Hounsell-Robert, Kathleen Davies, Dawn Glover, Mavis Whitehead, Kate Taylor 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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