Christine Wilson, Dean Mark Hocknull, Chancellor John Patrick, Subdean
Philippa White, Succentor
The sound of a cock crowing is familiar to us all: a noise of the countryside, the signal of a new day dawning.
However, for Simon Peter, such innocent thoughts were far from his mind: it was for him the moment of realisation that he had failed his Lord and friend, as the words of Jesus just a few hours earlier came painfully back to haunt him, “Before the cock crows you will disown me three times.” The sound of the cock crowing filled him with sorrow and guilt for what he had said and done.
It was to be some time later that Peter realised that cock’s crowing marked not the end but a new beginning, a new age had dawned that was full of potential and great possibilities. It was a new dawn for Peter but in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus a new beginning for humanity as well with the realisation that Jesus on that Good Friday died for everyone – for Peter and the other disciples and for us.
The Easter resurrection is the dawning realisation of what Good Friday has achieved. That Jesus’ way of self-giving love has overcome the worst that humans and even death can do to him. Now there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God and our failure and inadequacy is made good in his strength and new life. The cock crows to herald the breaking of a new age.
As we start Passiontide, may we walk with Christ to the cross, acknowledge our brokenness and celebrate our new life in his glorious resurrection.
John Patrick, Subdean
Palm crosses: On Wednesday 5 April we shall be making crosses for Palm Sunday. If you have some time to spare in the morning, please join us in the Vergers’ Vestry from 10.00 for a little palm folding (palm oil is good for the skin) along with a chance for a cuppa and a chat. We shall be grateful for any help offered.
The Subdean writes…For details of the Holy Week services please see the Service Sheet or the Website. The Palm Sunday Service at 10.30 am will begin with the procession. If anyone is planning to stay for the Watch on Maundy Thursday please could you add your name to the list in the Cathedral.
Ingrid Atkins writes: Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts, cards and messages of goodwill while I was recovering from my surgery. It has been an eye opening journey and I have come through the other side with no lasting effects.
LCCA Spring Walk – Saturday 22 April 2017: This year’s Spring Walk starts at the Royal Oak Pub in Little Cawthorpe at 10.30a.m. on Saturday 22 April. The walk includes a babbling brook, a restored windmill, trout farms, and route around Legbourne Village, before enjoying the Bluebell Trail in Legbourne Wood and then returning for a pub lunch. The morning walk is 4.5 miles and the terrain is flat. The short afternoon walk of 2 miles explores the charming village of Little Cawthorpe, though there are several stiles in the afternoon loop. You are invited to join either the morning or afternoon walk or both. Please note the date and time and the new start point Map Ref 282 358/841 Royal Oak, Little Cawthorpe (to avoid walking along the busy A157). Transport / car sharing will be available – please contact John Harker 01526 323680 if required. Additional details are on the notice board. Would interested walkers please add your names on the notice board.
Lincoln Cathedral Retired Volunteers and Staff Group: In February, we were delighted to see Michael Newstead’s photographs of Lincoln, and anyone who missed this illuminating talk can see Michael’s photographs at www.michaelnewstead.com. This was followed by March’s talk at the Deanery, where we doubled our numbers! Ruth Andrews baffled and amused us with her collection of artefacts and her talk entitled ‘Weird and Wonderful’. Our next talk will take place on Thursday 13th April. This promises to be very interesting and will be entitled ‘Doddington Hall’ and given by Vic Hughes. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. This is also the day to renew your membership with the annual fee remaining the same this year at £5.00. We look forward to seeing new and returning members at The Cathedral Centre for a 10.30am start.
The Dean’s Verger writes….. Pauline and Patrick join me in sending grateful thanks for the incredible amount of; cards, texts, calls, emails, Facebook messages, visits and support received since my heart attack in late February. Your care, concern, thoughts and prayers have all been much appreciated. The support of the medical team who looked and are looking after me,
together with that of the cathedral community and of the wider Lincoln community has been something for which we give constant thanks. I return to Lincoln County Hospital Monday 3rd April to receive a second stent after which, I hope (continuing to do as I’m told), the road to complete recovery and return to the Cathedral will not be too long a journey. Again with grateful thanks and constant prayer – Pax vobiscum
Hallé Saturday 9 September 2017 at 7pm. Tickets to be released on Monday 10 April at 9am. This year the Hallé will be conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth and the performance promises to be unforgettable. Now in its 159th season the Hallé ranks as one of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles. Please visit www.lincolncathedral.com for further information. Tickets are priced from £12 per person.
Handle’s Messiah Saturday 25 November 2017 at 7pm. Tickets to be released on Monday 10 April at 9am. The Lincoln Cathedral Choir are returning with their performance of this incredible piece of music, accompanied by the Lincoln Chamber Orchestra in the Nave of the Cathedral. The acoustics in the Nave are perfect for such a performance where one of the most famous pieces of choral music, the Hallelujah Chorus, will shine. For further information please visit www.lincolncathedral.com Tickets are priced from £18 per person.
Organ Concerts. We are excited to announce our 2017 Organ Concert Series with performances from both local and international organists: 13 May Jeffrey Makinson (Lincoln), 20 May Peter Wright (London), 17 June Colin Walsh (Lincoln) 15 July Alessandro Bianchi (Italy), 16 September Henk Galenkamp (Germany). For further information on the programmes or to purchase tickets please visit www.lincolncathedral.com. Tickets are priced at £6 per person.
2017 Lecture Series. Commencing on Friday 26 May 2017 at 7:30pm. We invite you to attend Dr Thomas Asbridge’s lecture titled ‘Lincoln 1217: The Battle that Shaped History’. As a Reader of medieval history, Dr Asbridge is sure to make this talk in the Nave fascinating and memorable. The second and third lectures in the series are brought to you by Lincoln Cathedrals current Chancellor, The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Hocknull. On Wednesday 28 June 2017 at 7:30pm the lecture ‘The Civilised and the Savage: What the Victorians Thought about Human Nature’ is brought to you in the Chapter House. Our last lecture on Wednesday 5 July is entitled ‘Redeeming Mr Hyde: The Battle between Good and Evil in us All’. Please visit www.lincolncathedral.com for further information and tickets. Tickets are priced at £6 per person.
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical – Theatre in the Nave. Commencing on the Tuesday 22 August 2017 at 7:00pm in the stunning Nave, we are excited to entertain you with the Broadway bestseller ‘Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical’. The finale will be held on Friday 1 September at 7:00pm. There are a limited number of tickets available so order now to avoid disappointment. Please visit www.lincolncathedral.com for further information and ticket sales. Tickets are priced from £22 per person.
The Lincoln 10k Race. Taking place on Sunday 2 April and will see a significant number of uphill roads closed between 9.30 am and approximately 3pm. The roads most affected will be in the areas of Bailgate, Castle Hill, Castle Square, Eastgate, Exchequergate, Greetwell Gate, Minster Yard, Newport, Northgate and Pottergate. Priorygate, being the finish line, will be closed from 7am.
Bible Readings
Sunday 2 April 5th Sunday of Lent
Sung Eucharist Ezekiel 37.1-14; Romans 8.6-11; John 11.1-45
Mattins Jeremiah 31.27-37; John 12.20-33
Evensong Lamentations 3.19-33; Matthew 20.17-end
Sunday 9 April Palm Sunday
Sung Eucharist Philippians 2.5-11; Matthew 26.14-end of 27
Evensong Isaiah 5.1-7; Matthew 21.33-end
Sunday 16 April Easter Day
Sung Eucharist Acts 10.34-43; Colossians 3.1-4; Matthew 28.1-10
Evensong Song of Solomon 3.2-5; 8.6,7 Revelations 1.12-18
