A reflection from Canon Jo

We have had a lovely glimpse of summer this past week, just as the holidays start for all our schools. And the Paris Olympics are off to an impressive start too, bringing people together from so many countries and continents and cultures. The Olympic vision is still so much needed in our day, and not just in sporting terms, that we are brought together - and helped to be more than we can be individually - by collaboration, community and solidarity. ‘Faster, higher, stronger’ was the original Olympic motto, dating back to 1881. And in 2021 a final key word was added: ‘Faster, higher, stronger – together.’ Even if we are not Olympic contestants, whatever our goals or aspirations, we are more likely to be able to fulfil them in relationship with others.
 
Many contestants will have come from the Southern hemisphere and from their winter season to the sunshine and heat of Paris (after the initial rain!). This reminds me how much sense it seems to make that here in our tradition we have the liturgical space for holidays in the summer, rather than having our celebration of Christmas in the summer months. Christmas on the beach is a phenomenon for those who live or visit ‘down under’ I know, but not one I find it easy to contemplate. This is accidental, I know: a chance coincidence of geography. We have holiday time – holy days – as a bonus in the summer, it seems, outside the ‘Holy days’ or ‘holy seasons’ of Christmas or Easter.
 
And yet even in the midst of times of bright celebration and festival there are some terrifying atrocities. The Southport knife attack has devastated those families, and other recent news has been clouded with injury and violence. So much seems senseless: often the tragic outcome of lone individuals that their own families and communities find it hard to recognise.
So I wonder how we might allow ourselves to use any holiday days more as holy days: to pray for our community more and to pray for more community – for those who are isolated or estranged from others. To catch up with people we have not had time to be in touch with lately, perhaps.
 
To use a little time and space for rest and refreshment for ourselves - in ways that will help us find resilience and be sustained us through any testing times that might lie ahead. The first letter of John speaks of Christ as ‘the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us’ and who draws us into relationship with God and with one another. Spending time, even moments of time, in that light of eternal life will indeed be a wonderful way for us to spend these holy days.
 
Canon Jo Spreadbury
Canon Precentor

Dates for your diary…

• Yoga at the Cathedral – 3 August, 10:30am – 11:30am

• Specialist Summer Tours – Memorial Tour – 6 August, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• Wednesday Workshop – Memorials and Monuments – 7 August, 9:30am – 11:30am

• Portsmouth & Hampshire Art Society Summer Exhibition 2024 – 17 August – 26 August

• PHAS Workshop – Karl Rudziak – 17 August, 11:00am – 2:00pm

• PHAS Workshop – Paula Mitchell – 20 August, 11:00am – 2:00pm 

Community News 

Workshop Wednesdays for families this Summer!

During the summer holidays there will be a series of Wednesday Workshops where families can come and explore Portsmouth Cathedral. Follow different trails around the Cathedral and take part in some craft activities. Drop-in, no booking. Free entry
 

• Monuments and Memorials: Wednesday 7 August, 9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm–3:30pm

Specialist Summer Tours

Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral this summer!  Join us for Specialist Summer Tours. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building, as you join us for these new tours! 
 
Memorial Tour: 6 August, 1pm - 2pm
Portsmouth Cathedral offers a new tour focusing on the memorials that are held within its historic walls. Join us on a tour to uncover stories and honour the memories preserved at the Cathedral. Adults can explore this poignant aspect of the Cathedral for £5, while a reduced price of £3 is available for children 16 and under.
 
Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advanced.

Brass Rubbing Trails

Embark on a journey of creativity and discovery at Portsmouth Cathedral's Brass Rubbing Trail! A great activity for families where you'll get a hands-on history!
 
Portsmouth Cathedral is hosting a Brass Rubbing Trail this summer, inviting people of all ages to participate in this engaging activity. For a small fee of £2 per pack, available at the Cathedral Shop from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. The trail will be available to participate in from 22 July to 1 September, offering a unique way to explore the Cathedral and its history.

Food Bank donations over summer

During the summer holidays many families in Portsmouth will not be able to give their children proper meals. The food bank is an essential lifeline. Please donate canned or dried foods through the basket on the north corridor. Personal cleaning items like toothpaste and household materials like toilet paper are also needed. Thank you for considering this outward witness of our faith.

You can make donations to the collection point in the North Cloister.

Chapter

The Cathedral’s governing body met on 18th July for the second time since the Cathedral became a registered charity.  Members received reports on all elements of the Cathedral’s life including finances and safeguarding.  Dean Anthony gave an update on the recruitment of new members and thanked those coming to an end of their terms of office: Emma Broome, Mary Makin and David Carpenter, for their contribution to the governance of the Cathedral.  The names of those going through the appointment process will be announced as soon as possible.

Chapter meets again in early October.

Senior Leadership Safeguarding Training

All the members of our Senior Management Team (The Dean, Chancellor, Precentor and COO) participated in a day-long training day for Senior Diocesan staff in late July. This was the second day following up on an interactive session held in February this year.
 
The day provided the opportunity to review progress over the last six months in terms of policy, practice and communications that underpin the continuous improvement we are all committed to in terms of providing a cathedral that is safe for all to worship and visit.
 
During Tuesday's session we reflected on risk profiles and steps we can take to enable all to speak up and challenge where there are concerns.
 
We reviewed the cases of Jean Vanier of L'Arche and the concerns about “Soul Survivor” in Watford where an internal Church of England investigation found serious safeguarding concerns and misuse of spiritual authority.
 
In addition to our SMT, the day was attended by the Bishop, Archdeacons, and senior diocesan staff.
 
Safeguarding is foundational here at the Cathedral.  Our collective ministry to spread the joy of the Good News of Christ can only happen when we work to ensure a safe place for all who visit, worship, work and volunteer with us.  Our Team, led by the Dean with support from Canon Harriet as Chapter Safeguarding Lead, meet regularly to review and improve policy and practice.
 
Learn more about Safeguarding at the Cathedral →

Changes to Shop Opening Hours

The shop has moved to summer opening hours. It will be open until 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday; Sunday closure remains at 3pm.

Rowan Berries and Boxing Day – Christmas Fair

Despite it being July, when a friend posted a picture of her Rowan tree in fruit, my thoughts turned to Christmas and Boxing Day for many reasons…
 
The 26th of December, commonly referred to as Boxing Day, is also the feast of St Stephen’s day and my friend has sung for many years at St Stephen’s Church in Canterbury.   The cosy relaxation of Boxing Day, when all the pressure is off and eating leftovers is all that remains to be done, is the part of the festive season I enjoy most.  One of my favourite items to add to the boxing day feast is Rowan Jelly, which pairs perfectly with leftover cold meats.  Boxing Day, in Victorian times became associated with giving to the Church, as well giving boxes of Christmas leftovers to the poor and for the wealthy to give a day off to their servants.   
 
So as the Rowan Berries ripen, please consider making Rowan Jelly for the Jam & Preserves stall at this year’s Christmas Fair.  I’m happy to help connect growers and makers so please email if you are either and don’t forget if you need or have jars, you can drop and collect them from the basket in the lower cloister.

Thank you and if you are making jams, jellies or other preserves please send a picture of your bubbling pans and topped up jars.
 
Save the date - Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair 11am Saturday 7 December
Send pictures to rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Funeral service for Barbara Kendall RIP

The funeral of Barbara Kendall will take place at the Cathedral on Thursday 15 August at 12:30pm.  Barbara was a volunteer and member of the Cathedral congregation for many years and all are welcome to attend her funeral and share recollections afterwards. To help with arrangements if you are planning to attend, please let us know throughinfo@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

Later this year…

Ballroom Dancing Classes

Ballroom and Latin dancing classes begin at Becket Hall on Friday 23 and 30 August. These two taster sessions (£12 per couple, £7 single) will lead to a six-week block where you will learn the Waltz, Quickstep, Samba, Cha-cha and Ballroom Jive. No booking required, pay on the door. 

Summer Songs of Praise - 1 September at 5.45pm

Led by Canon Angela Tilby, a chance to sing and enjoy some of our favourite hymns and hear how they have inspired individuals from our Cathedral community.
 
A new sort of service here for some summer Sunday evenings, Canon Angela will introduce the hymns and the contributors. Angela worked on Songs of Praise during her BBC career.

The Word is Near returns 4 September

Our last meeting before a summer break was held on Wednesday 24 July at 10:30am. We are now on a break until we return on Wednesday 4 September at 10:30am in the Bishop Kenneth Room.
 
All welcome - if you would like to join us in September to read the upcoming Sunday Bible readings and enjoy discussion and fellowship, do be in touch with Canon Harriet -harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Exploring the Bible: Mark's Gospel - starting Monday 9 September

Canon Harriet will be leading a new series called "Exploring the Bible", starting in September. We will begin with Mark's Gospel and look to explore more books from both the Old and New Testaments during the year.
 
Mark's Gospel is thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels. It's written in a style that is direct and "to the point", an exciting and short read. It's an excellent place to start if you have been considering reading more of the Bible and delving into its depths!
 
Mark's Gospel will run from Monday 9 September, for 6 weeks. We'll meet on the following dates (all Mondays): 9, 16, 23, 30 September, 7, 14 October at 6.45pm in Bishop Kenneth Room.
 
All are welcome. You don't need to have any prior knowledge to take part, just a readiness to read, and enjoy some discussion. Please bring your own Bible.
 
If you would like to join, please email Canon Harriet at:harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Hampshire & IOW Memorial Quilt

The Hampshire & IOW Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt is a beautiful ongoing piece of art created with love in memory of people lost to suicide by their bereaved friends and family. This project has been inspired by the quilts made in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.
 
The initial quilts are being sewn ready for their unveiling at an event “Let’s get talking about suicide” in Victoria Park, Portsmouth on the 7 September and will then be displayed in Portsmouth Cathedral from 9–27 September.
During the exhibition, there will be a special evensong to remember those whose lives have been lost, and also sometimes set aside for quiet prayer and reflection as well as other events.
 
If you would like to make a square for a loved one you can get in touch with the Hampshire and IOW group, by emailinghampshirequilt@gmail.com.

Anna Chaplaincy - World Alzheimer's Day Coffee Morning

World Alzheimer's Day will be observed on Saturday 21 September.  The day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and combatting the stigma associated with various forms of dementia. 
 
The Anna Chaplaincy invites anyone affected by dementia including carers, friends and family to join them in the Cathedral Nave for light refreshments and an opportunity to reflect, from 10.30am until 12pm.
 
Alzheimer’s disease is among the most prevalent forms of dementia, which is a set of disorders that disrupt mental function.  It is estimated that 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80 will be affected by Alzheimer's in the UK.
 
Anna Chaplaincy – a ministry of the Christian charity BRF – has been established specifically to provide care for older people, especially those living in care homes and sheltered accommodation, and to their families and the staff that look after them.
 
Anna Chaplains promote the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.  Anna Chaplains are named after the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel; both are good role models of faithful older people.
 
World Alzheimer's Day Coffee Morning
Saturday 21 September 10.30am
Portsmouth Cathedral Nave

Harvest Celebration Barn Dance – 21 September

Saturday 21 September - Harvest Celebration Barn Dance & Hog Roast
Dig out your checked shirts, brush off those cowboy boots and join us for a for an evening of lively entertainment and traditional dancing lead by the Woodsiders Ceilidh & Barn Dance Band. 
 
Doors open 6:30pm, dancing commences at 7pm with a break for a Hog Roast supper at 8pm. 
 
This is a fundraising event for Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association
 
Portsmouth Cathedral Nave. Tickets include Hog Roast or vegan alternative: Adults £20, Children £10, Under 5s and small dogs free, cash bar.

Get your tickets 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:  Chris, Tom, Wendy, Jan, Richard, Zoe, Yolanda, Paul, Gemma, Joan, Geraldine and all in need. 
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Andrew, Gordon, Rosy, John, Alistair, Alison, Jill, Suzy, Philip, Mathai, Graeme and Muriel.
 
We remember those who have died recently, including: Cope Hodell (Cathedral funeral 5th August at 12noon), Barbara Kendall (Cathedral funeral 15th August at 12.30), Margaret Wilson (widow of Roy - Cathedral funeral 30th August at 2pm)
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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