Weekly Notices | 23 June 2024
A reflection from Canon Anthony
Today’s gospel reading about the storm at sea is one that those of us who live in Portsmouth can readily understand. I can think of numerous occasions during my ministry here when I have had to get across the Solent in the aftermath of a storm when the sea has been more than a bit choppy.
For the early Christians this story was about their experience of the life of discipleship and the real possibility of a storm of persecution. They were called into the boat of the church and looked to Christ in faith to still the storms surrounding them.
One thing that we often fail to notice about the story is that it is about more than survival and endurance for the disciples. The story tells of a moment when the boat sets out to cross the lake to the strange and potentially hostile Gentile region on the other side. This is the point where Jesus takes his mission outside of his initial mission territory around Nazareth and Capernaum.
The stilling of the storm is therefore about Jesus maintaining direction and purpose for his disciples, even when they are terrified. It is about what is now often described in coaching and management as resilience: our ability to maintain our course and purpose even when we are under pressure.
Such a sense of purposefulness I want to suggest should be part of church life, and part of our politics. We seem to live in a world where very often good ideas and plans are suggested, but then shelved or abandoned because the storm of opposition is too severe. There is something in this story that suggests it is good to show persistence if we want real change to occur.
Anthony Rustell
Residentiary Canon
Dates for your diary…
An Evening with the Scholars - 24 Jun, 7:30pm
Brunswick Cathedral Choir Concert – 26 June, 4:00 pm
French Wine Tasting Evening - 27 Jun, 7:00pm
Ordination of Deacons - 29 Jun, 11:00am
Ordination of Priests - 29 Jun, 4:00pm
Seafarers Service 2024 - 30 Jun, 11:00am
Cathedral Institute - How should a Christian vote? - 1 July, 7:00pm
Wholeness and Healing – 3 July, 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Live Performance – Francesca Romana Di Nicola – 4 July, 1:10 pm
Community News
Season of Generosity 2024
Our annual campaign to explore generosity in all its forms is off to an amazing start.
We're now over halfway through the 2024 Season of Generosity, once again giving us the opportunity to explore what it means to be generous as individuals and a community. Alongside those who give time and talents, the season emphasises donations to the Cathedral in response to God's overflowing generosity to us.
We've already received many pledge forms which have been returned either with increased donations or with commitments to sustain giving to the Cathedral, which are all greatly appreciated. The Dean has also written to all of our existing supporters and donors with his ask of our communities to act as a collective to support our work, and we have shared our new 'Supporter Update' publication too. Additional copies of the Supporter Update as well as blank pledge forms are available in the Cathedral.
Our Head of Fundraising, CP has had some wonderful conversations with our community about fundraising and giving to the Cathedral at the many services and events he's been at during the season - from how we sustainably fundraise for music and outreach work at the relaunch of the Friends, to the metrics we use to calculate environmental sustainability and the 'return on investment' of campaigns like this at the Eucharist, even to our capital fundraising plans and how we can engage the big businesses who call Portsmouth home over coffee after #PompeySundays. CP will be at #PompeySundays, at the 11am Eucharist, the Congregational Lunch and Evensong this coming Sunday as well as #PompeyTots next Wednesday if you would like to speak with him about any giving or fundraising at the Cathedral.
Next week sees the end of our 'Focus Fortnight' where we'll share initial results from the campaign as well as our thanks for all who have contributed so far.
Please remember to return your pledge form to the Cathedral by Thursday 4 July so that we can dedicate all pledges in the morning services on Sunday 7 July when we celebrate Patronal Sunday.
You can read more about this year's Season of Generosity here.
Cathedral Institute: How should a Christian Vote?
Join us ahead of the general election, where Dean Anthony will be in conversation with David Carpenter, a member of the Cathedral Chapter, who is a retired lecturer in moral and political philosophy.
The Dean has been studying Michael Wear’s ‘The Spirit of our Politics’, and a letter from the House of Bishops published in relation to the 2015 election (but still worth reading) called ‘Who is my neighbour?'. This one-off session will allow plenty of time for discussion and contributions from all who attend. It is offered on the basis that (despite what is sometimes said) faith and politics should not be seen as disconnected, as being a disciple of Christ has implications for the whole of life, including our politics. All very welcome – please pre-book a free space online or from our Shop.
Book online →
The General Election - Pray Your Part
Pray Your Part is an invitation from the bishops of the Church of England to encourage prayer and participation in the life of our nation and communities, both as voters and as citizens.
This 21-day journey of prayer and reflection is designed for use in the run-up to the UK General Election. Each day explores a different theme, with a short Bible reading, reflection and prayer for a different aspect of our common life.
You can receive the daily reflections online, or there is a printed booklet (some copies are available from the Cathedral shop).
Seafood on the Green - Saturday 22 June
The Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association are excited to announce that we are expanding the menu at Seafood on the Green this year to include Seafood Paella! So do join us for an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers, with a variety of locally sourced dishes.
Taking place on the picturesque green at Portsmouth Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop for the foodie festivities, take the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including seafood platters, pâtés and delicious desserts. There is something for everyone! Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply curious about trying something new, Seafood on the Green is the perfect opportunity to discover the unique flavours of the sea.
All profits from the event go towards supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association, so you can indulge in delicious food while supporting a worthy cause. It's the perfect way to spend a summer day, don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the highlights of Portsmouth's foodie calendar.
For more information, please visit our website at portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. If you have already decided to come this year, then please fill in our expression of interest form here and help us reduce food waste.
Safeguarding Committee meets – 24 June
The Cathedral’s Safeguarding Committee meets on Monday, 24th June. The meeting chaired by the COO brings together the Dean, Canons Jo and Harriet with Heads of Department on a regular basis to review policy and practice. It is one of the practical steps taken to continue to embed safeguarding practice in all that we do. The agenda for the meeting may be found here.
“Safeguarding is integral to how we operate as a Cathedral and is at the centre of proving a safe place for worshipper, visitor, volunteer, staff and clergy alike. As well as these regular safeguarding meetings, safeguarding is a standing item for all Senior Management Team and Chapter meetings as we continue to review what we do and how we do it and look to strengthen it.” says our COO, Richard
For more information please our Safeguarding page.
Wine Tasting Evening - 27 June
Something a little different for us here at Portsmouth Cathedral - Wine Tasting - A Taste of France - with Julie from Wine Next Chapters.
Julie is WSET qualified having travelled across many wine regions around the world and spends some of her time working with two nearby English Vineyards. Julie will be guiding us through tasting 4 French wines, one with Bubbles, a White, a Rose and a Red with some delicious French cheeses to enjoy alongside. The wine will be supplied by the lovely and local Camber Wines and will all be from smaller family run vineyards with stories to tell. This is set to be a delicious, fun and informative evening.
Do join us beforehand for Evensong at 5:45pm
Tickets are available from our shop or online here.
Cathedral of the Sea exhibition in the Ambulatory
With our annual Seafarers' Service coming up, followed by our Patronal Festival on 7th July and the Mary Rose Sunday on 14th July, there is a display around the Ambulatory of the many wonderful and unusual images we have in the Cathedral of ships and sailing vessels. These are accompanied by some prayers relevant for our own day, as well as some fascinating historical details.
Chorister Luca and D-Day 80
One of our junior choristers, Luca shares his experience of reading live to the nation for BBC One and D-Day 80.
From Luca…
“It was such an amazing experience reading for the King, Queen and Prince of Wales and all of the veterans. It took lots of practice and I was very nervous, but it was a really good piece of writing and I wanted to get right, and I wanted to portray Trevor Butler as much as I could.
I was also part of the choir who sang God only knows at the end. We had practised a lot with Dr Price, and it was worth it because the end product was really rewarding.
I loved being on the BBC and meeting Helen Mirren, the food was very good we all got put in a white tent which was your dressing room. I'm very grateful for the opportunity I was given to represent Trevor and Portsmouth and I'm very proud to be from Portsmouth.”
Amazing Launch to Refugee Week
We were delighted to host the start of Refugee Week here at the Cathedral of the Sea.
This past Monday (17 June) we welcomed over 300 guests to our Nave for the start of this week which helps to celebrate the rich diversity within our City. Organised by the City of Sanctuary, the event saw music, dance and poetry from around the world and the most amazing food.
“It was a terrific event with such talented people from across the world sharing their talents in dance, the spoken word and the music. Having this event in our Nave was a tangible and important way to practically demonstrate the “Partnership and Engagement” strand of our Vision and Strategy. It was a terrific and inspiring way to spend an evening,” says our COO, Richard.
Friends Relaunched and expanding!
Following the successful relaunch of the Friends on 11 June 2024 where over 125 guests attended Evensong followed by speeches and drinks in the Nave, we are pleased to report that Friends’ membership has increased.
But it’s still not too late to join the Friends and support al the marvellous activities taking place here in the Cathedral and into the wider community. The annual subscription starts at only £15 per year.
Join online here to learn how you can support their activities.
The answer is 169
Yes, that’s right it’s just 169 sleeps until the Jam & Preserves Stall will be selling your wonderful creations again.
The Summer has arrived and with it an abundance of fresh fruit. If your garden or allotment is overflowing, then please consider making something for the Jam & Preserves stall at this year’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 7th December. The stall was a hit last year making £437! Thank you to all who made and donated produce, but with a range of summer fruit creations such as Strawberry & Rose petal conserve, Raspberry & Passion fruit or Summer Berry & Juniper jam perhaps it could do even better.
If you need jars or have some to donate for others to use, label free please, then drop then into the basket in the Cloister. Thank you and if you are Jam making, please send a picture of your bubbling pans.
Save the date - Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair, on Saturday 7 December from 11am.
Send pictures to rachael.forder@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 pray for those Licensed as Readers here on Saturday:
Will, Lindsey, Kathryn, Tim, Matt and Sandra.
We pray for those to be Ordained here next Saturday:
Deacons - Emily, Lorraine, Tom, Lizzie, Rosie, Sandra, Polly, Charlotte, Kevin, Jo, Sue, Jo-Anne, Jo, Elizabeth,
Paul, Sr Teresa-Lucia, Emma and Deb
Priests - Will, Jenn, Jan, Sue, Buffy and Jill
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Chris, Wendy, Aidan, Jan, Tom, Rosy, Richard, Catherine, Bevan, Zoe, Gordon and all in need.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: John, Andrew, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Alistair, Alison, Graeme, Rachel and Muriel.
We remember those who have died recently: Gill Syms – and all whose anniversary falls at this time 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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