Chapter Letter 20 November to 3 December
Posted on November 18th, 2011, written by Phil Williams | 0 CommentsPhilip Buckler, Dean Gavin Kirk, Precentor Mark Hocknull, Chancellor
Looking back over the past few days we have seen how the Cathedral has reached out to a large number of people – either by welcoming them here or by visiting them in their homes. The Enthronement of Bishop Christopher was a great occasion of rejoicing which we shared not only with the family of the Diocese but also with representatives of the wide community that makes up our historic County of Lincolnshire. The following day the Service of Remembrance was fuller than for many years – a reflection on the way current conflicts have deepened the awareness of those who sacrifice limbs or lives in the service of our nation.
Then on Wednesday 16th our Choral Evensong was broadcast live on Radio 3 – taking our worship into the homes of a large number of people. This was followed the next day by the Feast of St Hugh of Lincoln – the day when the Cathedral family and the College of Canons gathers together.
I am grateful to all those who enabled such a busy programme (on top of our normal daily worship): among them our choir and musical department, our vergers and stewards, and of course the Precentor. I often remark how Cathedrals are ready to provide large services either at short notice or in quick succession, purely because they are engaged in offerings of worship of a high standard day by day and week by week.
As we look forward, there are a number of other events to bring people together. At the Advent Carol Service on Saturday 26th November we are able to welcome people from across the Diocese who may not have the resources to offer the Advent music by which to focus this season of preparation. Then on Tuesday 29th November we welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to visit the Cathedral. The Prince is going to view the statue of St Hugh at the top of the turret scaffolding, whilst the Duchess looks around our Works Department. Then on 1st December begins the Christmas Market – another occasion when in visits, concerts and services many thousands of people will share in our remarkable Cathedral.
What they find here depends on us – for it is the daily prayer and worship we offer that enables this place to speak at a profound level to all who come here, as they discover (in the words of T S Eliot) “ a place where prayer has been valid”.
Philip Buckler, Dean
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Congratulations to Sophie Dominique Waddie and Ffion Frazher on being made choristers. They will receive their copes at Evensong on Sunday 20th November.
Advent Carol Service will be held on Saturday 26th November at 6.00pm when we welcome parishes and deaneries from the Diocese to share in this service.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting the Cathedral on Tuesday 29th November at 11.10am.
The Dean’s Verger writes: It’s that time of year again when the Christmas Market ‘leaps’ upon us. Saving the unfortunate cancellation of last year’s market, we have been well supported by volunteers who help support the staff of the Cathedral through its [perhaps] busiest period.
If you think you could help by offering two or three hours to: man the telephones, welcome people, sell roof tour tickets, or promote Gift Aid etc. please sign up in the Vergers’ Vestry.
Refreshments are provided and, although we cannot off car parking facilities, we can obtain ‘Access Passes’ to those who could be dropped off.
The Concert of Carols by Candlelight will take place on 14th December at 7.30 p.m. Tickets £10 from the Friends’ Office or the Minster Shop, to include mince pie and hot fruit punch.
The Friends’ recording of A Concert of Carols by Candlelight is now available from the Friends’ Office or the Minster Shop. Seventy-three minutes of well-known carols, price £12.50.
The Trusts and Communications Officer writes: The Cathedral is taking part in the Lincolnshire Echo’s Community Cash Giveaway. By collecting the coupons printed in the Echo, we’ll be awarded a share of £20,000. Coupons are printed in the Echo from November 10th to December 15th. These can be brought to the Cathedral and left in the main collection box in the nave, or handed in at the coffee shop/shop/front desk. The more coupons we collect, the greater share of the pot we’ll be awarded. We’d appreciate your help! Please collect the coupons and encourage colleagues, family and friends to hand theirs in as well.
Micky Philp writes: The Flower Team would like to thank all those generous people who gave towards chrysanthemums for All Souls’ Tide. They were deeply grateful.
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Sunday 20 November - Organ Recital by Claire Innes Hopkins 5.30pm
Saturday 26 November – Advent Carol Service 6.00pm
Sunday 27 November – Bishop Grosseteste Advent Carols 3.00pm
Thursday 1 December – Evensong and Blessing of the Christmas Market
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Bible Readings
Sunday 20th November Christ the King
Sung Eucharist Ezekiel 34: 11-16 and 20-24,
Ephesians 1: 15-end, Matthew 25: 31-end
Mattins Isaiah 4: 2 – 5: 7, Luke 19: 29-38
Evensong 2 Samuel 23: 1-7, Matthew 28: 16-end
Sunday, 27th November First Sunday of Advent
Sung Eucharist Isaiah 64: 1-9, I Corinthians 1: 3-9,
Mark 13: 24-end
Mattins Isaiah 2: 1-5, Luke 12: 35-48
Evensong Isaiah 1: 1-20, Matthew 21: 1-13
Sunday 4th December Second Sunday of Advent
Sung Eucharist Isaiah 40: 1-11, 2 Peter 3: 8-15a, Mark 1: 1-8
Mattins Baruch 5: 1-9, Luke 1: 5-20
Evensong ` I Kings 22: 1-28, Romans 15: 4-13
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