A New Year's reflection from Canon Harriet

Having journeyed through the season of Advent with all its longing and waiting, and received the gift of the Christ-child at Christmas, we come now to the final mini-season of the Season – Epiphany. And over the next few weeks our Gospel readings will draw us to contemplate the different ways in which Christ has been revealed to us as Lord of all the earth and heaven.  This Saturday we celebrate the Epiphany, recalling the journey of the Magi to the Christ-child, and then on Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Christ. 
 
We know very little about Jesus’s early life. It is thought he was about 2 years old (or younger) when the Magi visited, and aged about 30 at his baptism. The only Gospel story we have that sits between these two is Luke’s rendition of Jesus staying behind in the temple for three days when he visited for the Passover with his parents, sending Mary and Joseph into confusion and panic because they thought he was lost.
 
Of course, in writing their accounts, the Gospel writers put together the most significant things that had happened in Jesus’s life, drawing out, each in his own way, the meaning and nuances of those events and happenings to help shape the story they wanted to tell about Jesus Christ. Jesus’s birth, his visit to the temple, and his baptism, are key events that revealed to others the significance of who he was.
 
As we begin a new year, a turning point when we very often look both backwards and forwards, it’s a good time to reflect on the key events and happenings in our own lives. There will be moments for all of us, in our individual lives, which have been significant for us. Or indeed whole seasons of our lives where we have known that something was going on for us: new growth in a particular direction, a healing of a wound or memory, a new idea or venture started. And very often it’s only when we look back at events and memorable moments that we are able to see the fuller picture, to piece together how one event led to another, and how, for example, one difficult season might have led to a season of goodness and grace. Looking back at our lives in this way helps us to discern the hand of God and the work of the Spirit; to see perhaps that God has been with us all along, working through the very circumstances and challenges of our lives to draw us ever closer to himself, redeeming what we thought was lost, and making all things new.
 
Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens

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 →
  

Starting soon - The Word is Near

 ‘The Word is Near’ is a new group for those who would like to explore the Bible readings coming up each Sunday in our worship. Canon Harriet will lead us in a weekly reading group which will include prayer and discussion on the upcoming texts, as well as an opportunity 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, starting 10 January.
 
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→
  

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

Guides AGM confirmed for March 2024

 The Guides AGM will be taking place on the 11 March 2024, from 10am–12:30pm with tea and coffee. All Guides and Stewards are welcome.
 
More details will be shared shortly.
  

New Head of Fundraising appointed.

 The Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of CP Robinson as its new Head of Fundraising. CP joins the Cathedral from his current role as Head of Corporate Partnerships at the charity “Over the Wall.” He is also, in a voluntary capacity, a trustee and Campaigns Manager for the Portsmouth Pride Trust
 
His broad experience ranges from successful micro-donation campaigns to individual giving campaigns, to lottery and grant funding applications. His work has also involved securing funding from £8,000 to £1.5million and developing multi-year funding partnerships in the process.
 
Our COO Richard says, “It’s a great pleasure to welcome CP to the team.  His work in Portsmouth as a successful fundraiser is well known. He brings the right experience to this role at the right time as we gear up our efforts to mark our 100th anniversary as a cathedral in 2027 and the 850th anniversary of Jean de Gisors gifting land to establish a chapel in memory of his late friend, Saint Thomas of Canterbury in 1180. Building on the success of initiatives, including the “Season of Generosity” which has seen an increase of 45% in planned giving, CP will help to secure funding to help us meet the Carbon Net Zero 2030 goals set by the Church of England and to help secure the long-term viability of all that we treasure here at the Cathedral of the Sea as well as new things that we may not even yet have thought to do!“
 
CP adds, “"I am delighted to accept the role as Head of Fundraising at Portsmouth Cathedral, a role I undertake with great enthusiasm and commitment. As we embark on the journey towards the Centenary in 2027, I am honoured to contribute to the Cathedral's legacy and growth. Having worked for several years to support the relationship between Portsmouth Cathedral and my voluntary work with Portsmouth Pride, alongside building a career in fundraising and development within young people and disability charities, I am now privileged to take on this pivotal role. My focus is to spearhead the income development of the Cathedral by implementing new and innovative fundraising events & campaigns, as well as advancing capital fundraising projects. This strategic approach aims to secure the sustained flourishing of the Cathedral, ensuring its significance in heritage, culture, music, worship, and community endeavours remains a cornerstone of our city's history."
 
CP starts with us in late January 2024.
 
Chapter would like to thank and acknowledge the Cathedral Sustainability Fund for their support in funding this permanent position for the first year.
  

Join the Team

 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.
  

Office available for rent in Cathedral House

A small office suitable for a person looking for an office outside the home or a single person operation has become available in Cathedral House. If you are interested or know someone who is then please email richard.abraham@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

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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