A reflection from Revd Catherine

 “What is the Cathedral doing hosting an event on the tango?  Isn’t that a rather sexy dance?  Surely, it’s not appropriate for the Cathedral?”  A number of people asked me this in the run-up to the Divine Dance day last Saturday.  I could understand their question – when you see the Argentine tango danced on Strictly, it is portrayed as passionate and intense.  When you dance socially however, it is a very different animal.  It is not about showy kicks and jumps; you can’t do that on a crowded dancefloor.  It is much more about feeling the connection between you and your partner, and interpreting the music collaboratively.
 
I find many echoes of our spiritual life in the tango and vice versa, and this is what we explored in the afternoon workshop.  In order to dance well, you have to be really present, put down all distractions and focus on your partner and the music.  Because it is improvised, as a follower you don’t know what is coming next, so you must pay full attention to the signals from the leader and be open.  It doesn’t help to anticipate the next move.  That makes the dance juddery and out of flow.  In the same way, in our journey of faith, we have to make ourselves fully available to God, pay attention to God’s voice and not think we know what is coming next.  We have to entrust ourselves to our leader!
 
In tango, every dance is a new creation because it is improvised.  You can dance with the same partner to the same music many times and it will always be a new dance. To me this speaks of God’s endless creativity – always doing something new and bringing new life. 
 
In all of this, there is something about experiencing it in an embodied way through dancing that brings these points home more vividly.
 
So, after months of planning, it was wonderful to see the nave alive with tango dancers.  People came from far and wide - London, Devon and Norfolk for example - to experience tangoing in a Cathedral.  Some described the atmosphere in the evening particularly as magical.  I hope people left touched by the experience and more open to God’s leading in the dance of their spiritual life.
 
The Reverend Catherine Edenborough,
Cathedral Curate

Community News

Festival of Storytelling -  Now On!

 The Festival of Storytelling is now on at Portsmouth Cathedral! Alongside the wider programme featuring free story sessions, hands-on activities and outdoor theatre, the final events encapsulate storytelling and fashion with an after-dark experience; "The Curiosities of the Cathedral Library", and a special exhibition featuring the iconic dress worn by local MP, the Right Honourable Penny Mordaunt, at the Coronation of King Charles III.
 
Portsmouth Cathedral are pleased to be working with one of our local MPs; Penny Mordaunt, inviting visitors to delve into the enthralling world of storytelling through fashion. At this special exhibition, see a piece of modern history up close, and learn more about the symbolism behind its design and embroidery. The exhibition is part of the Festival of Storytelling and will be on display for a limited time, from Monday, July 24th until Monday, July 31st.
 
Penny Mordaunt made history as the first woman to assume the role of Lord President of the Privy Council, participating in this historic Coronation. Her intricately designed dress quickly captured the public's imagination, becoming a symbol of modernity and empowerment. Discover how the dress pays tribute to the vibrant city of Portsmouth, with its stunning teal fabric, fondly called 'Poseidon,' a clear nod to Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. Locals are encouraged not to miss this extraordinary opportunity to see this piece of modern history for themselves. Entry to the exhibition and the Cathedral is free, with visitors encouraged to make a £5 donation per visitor.
 
Curious explorers are also invited to step into a magical world after dark at Portsmouth Cathedral, with "The Curiosities of the Cathedral Library." This immersive adventure will transport you into a captivating realm where stories come to life through a magical blend of light, projection, and sound. As dusk falls, you and your fellow explorers will embark on a journey to help the bumbling Library Apprentice restore order to the library as stories escape their pages. This unique experience features specially designed projections and sound recordings with contributions from members of the Cathedral and local community, creating an enthralling experience for adventurers of all ages. Taking place on 29 July and 5 August, spaces for this popular after dark experience are limited, so people are encouraged to pre-book online to avoid disappointment!
 
The wider Festival of Storytelling has several events which are free to enter, alongside craft and activity sessions, Dungeons and Dragons nights, outdoor theatre, art pieces created by local schools, plus much more. For more information and to book tickets for selected event, please visit festivalofstorytelling.com.
  

Last chance to see… The Dress!

 For the past week, the Cathedral has been pleased to host an exhibition of the dress worn by the Right Honourable Penny Mordaunt during the coronation of Charles III. This dress and the role Penny Mordaunt played as Lord President of the Council was one of the defining moments from the Coronation.
 
Our weeklong exhibition comes to an end on Monday, 31 July 2023. The dress will then transfer to the Speaker's House in the Houses of Parliament for his summer exhibition. In the autumn Ms. Mordaunt will auction off the dress with the funds raised given to charity.
 
You can come and see the dress in the Welcome Area during standard opening hours, on exhibition until this Monday!
  

Reduced Notices during August

 Please note during August there will be a reduced schedule of Notices being published. Notices will only be published on the 6th and 27th August 2023. Normal weekly Notices return from the 27 August, keep an eye on our social media and website for any important updates.
  

Out and About

 Dean Anthony will be preaching at the Royal Yacht Squadron Annual Service, in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, this Sunday Evening.
  

Summer exhibitions at Lambeth Palace Library

 The new Lambeth Palace Library is opening its doors for two exhibitions over the summer and early autumn.  If in London over the summer, the new library, completed in 2020, is worth a viewing itself whilst you take in one of these two exhibitions.
 
Moral and Material Decay: four centuries of the Court of Arches
 
This exhibition invites you to peer into the courtroom of the Province of Canterbury’s most senior ecclesiastical court. The records of the Court of Arches follow misbehaving clergy, watchful servants and members of the gentry with much to lose, as they battle their way through allegations of infidelity, defamation and wayward religious practices. This free exhibition runs until 20 October 2023.
 
Cantate Domino: Music in the Lambeth Palace Library collections
 
The exhibition features the Arundel Choirbook (one of the most important records of Tudor polyphonic music); Sion College’s illuminated York Breviary from the 15th century; and sermon notes pertinent to the composition of the hymn “Amazing Grace” (celebrating its 250th anniversary this year). The free exhibition runs until 18 September 2023.
 
About the Library
 
Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610 and one of the earliest public libraries in the UK, has a purpose-built home for the first time, designed by Wright & Wright Architects. Completed in 2020, the new Library is a sensitive addition to the site of the Grade I listed Palace and is the first new building on the site for 185 years. The façade is designed in homage to the Tudor gate tower of the Palace and blends into the red brick perimeter wall of the gardens. Nestling amongst mature trees at the north end of the garden, the location preserves the collection’s historic link to the Palace, while increasing public access to the library.
  

Chapter meets - Cathedrals Measure

Chapter meets in special session on Monday evening (31 July) to agree required documentation for submission to the Charity Commission. 
 
Later in the year there will be a formal 28-day consultation on the new Constitution and Statutes.  During this time there will be an opportunity for members of the community and others to hear more about the Cathedrals Measure. This will be followed by formal meetings of Chapter and Cathedral Council.  More about this in future Notices after the summer break.
 
These steps are part of the process, under the Cathedrals Measure 2021, by which the Cathedral will become a charity later this year with dual accountability to the Church Commissioners and the Charity Commission.
  

Extended Shop Opening Hours

We’re pleased to announce that our Cathedral Shop will be opening for longer throughout the week starting from Monday 24thJuly, thanks to our wonderful volunteers.
 

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm

• Sunday’s 12:00 (on completion of service) -3:00pm.

 
As always you can also shop online fordelivery or collection on our website.
  

Ordinands on placement

We are currently joined by two people doing placements here at the Cathedral.
They are both currently Readers and will be among the group of seven ordinands being ordained Deacon here at Michaelmas by Bishop Jonathan.
 
Bevaly Rackett is from Brading on the Isle of Wight, currently serving at St John's Ryde, and Coleen Jackson is from Hayling, currently serving at Blendworth, Chalton, Idsworth and Rowlands Castle. They already have a breadth of experience from their Reader ministry, and are engaging with the pattern and range of worship and witness we offer here at the Cathedral and the ways we link with our congregations, community and the wider diocese.
  

CCTV notice

CCTV will temporarily operate in the Welcome Area. Appropriate advisory notices have been placed in the area to make people aware that CCTV is in operation. We have taken these steps to better secure the Lord President of Council's Coronation dress.
  

Honorary Canons Preaching

This year’s series of sermons by our Honorary Canons on the subject of “I believe in...” continues on Sunday 30 July when we welcome the Revd Canon Will Hughes (Petersfield) as our preacher at Choral Evensong.
  

Welcoming Baby Lucas!

Hannah and Sachin welcomed Lucas Gunga to the world this week He was born at 4:40pm on Thursday weighing just under 3kg (6lb 8oz). He and Hannah are still recovering, but they are very happy.
  

Service of Healing and Wholeness

On the first Wednesday of the month at 12:00pm we celebrate a Eucharist of Healing and Wholeness with anointing in St Thomas' Chapel. This service provides a quiet space with Holy Communion to pray for those who are sick or struggling in any way. There is the opportunity to be anointed with oil and time for prayer ministry with one of our ministry team.
 
The next service is on Wednesday 2 August at midday, we look forward to seeing you there.
  

Canon Jane Isaac RIP – Interment of Ashes

Canon David hopes that friends, particularly those from the Cathedral Congregation will be able to attend the interment of Canon Jane’s ashes, which will take place after the 11:00am Eucharist on Sunday 6 August.

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 and Intercessions

 We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Judith, Mathai, Nuno, Edward, Chris, Janet, Richard, Carol and all those in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Anne, Joseph, Alistair, Yvonne, Renee, Beverley, Rachel, John, Graeme, Peter, Suzy, Sarah, Alison and Jill 
 
We remember those who have died: including those whose anniversary falls at this time.

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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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