Holidays and ‘holy days’
We are well and truly into ‘the holiday season’. In the life of the cathedral, this is probably most obviously signified by our own cathedral choir taking their well-earned summer break. Through the coming weeks we will continue to welcome visiting choirs from England and further afield who come to Lincoln to sing our services for us, many of them as part of their annual holiday. It’s also our pleasure, throughout each day, to be joined in our worship by visitors from churches and communities around the world who are including Lincoln in their holiday itinerary.
The word ‘holiday’ comes from the Old English hailigdæg (halig ‘holy’ and dæg ‘day’). Originally it referred only to special religious days, but in modern use, ‘holiday’ has come to mean any special time of rest or relaxation, as opposed to routine days off from work or school.
Whether we are having some time away from home during the summer months or not, the lighter evenings and staggering warm spell of weather we have been enjoying in Lincoln serve to remind us that there is very definitely a different quality to this time of year as compared to the other seasons.
As is evident from the word’s origin, the concept of a ‘holiday’ was bound up with religious observances. The intention of a holiday was typically to allow individuals to attend to religious duties associated with important dates on the calendar. Much has been written about Christian pilgrimage in medieval times; in many ways they were the forerunner of the package tour. And, of course, for our Muslim sisters and brothers who must make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca (‘hajj’) during their adult life, the link between ‘holiday’ and religious observance is still very evident.
For many people in contemporary society, however, holidays now serve a purely recreational function. That said, even in societies like our own which are largely secularised, the connection with religious observance is still very evident in the times of year when the nation takes its corporate holidays – Christmas and Easter being the most obvious examples. For must of us, though, holidays are now determined by work or family schedules rather than by religious festivals. That said, it would be naïve not to think that the purpose of a modern holiday has resonances with a haligdæg. Then, as now, it is a break from routine; time with people with whom we are close; a chance to do something different; an opportunity to slow down and take stock.
This time of year may be bringing you a change of scene with new friends and new places to explore; maybe a welcome return to a familiar place and acquaintances, or a ‘staycation’ at home with a break from the round of regular routines; or perhaps a combination of all three. Whichever it is, may this holiday season bring you rest for your body and refreshment for your soul.
Sal McDougall, Precentor
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Bev Dowle, Assistant Chapter Clerk, writes: Dear Friends and Colleagues (Chapter Staff, Volunteers and Tenants), I just want to say a “big thank you” to everyone for their caring thoughts, prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery after my recent accident. Although I sustained painful injuries I count myself blessed that it was no worse. Your support has been greatly appreciated and valued. I hope to be back soon.
Philippa White, Succentor, writes: Thank you to all the Cathedral community for the lovely send-off at the 9.30 on Sunday, 15 July; for the kind words, the lovely card and the presents. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve my title here and with you; this is a very special place and will remain precious to me. I will miss you all very much – and will be sure to stop by whenever I’m in Lincoln!
Colin Beevers writes: Following my accident I have been overwhelmed by the texts, emails cards and good wishes from so many good people. Thank you. Your thoughts and prayers mean I am making a full recovery, and I look forward to being back in the Cathedral before too long to thank you in person.
Organ Recital Series 2018: Join us and experience an instrument like no other! This series of concerts showcases talent from across the UK and Europe, bringing some of the greatest organists to perform on the world famous Father Willis Organ. 8 September – Wolfgang Kleber, Darmstadt, Germany. 29 September – James Lancelot, Organist Emeritus, Durham Cathedral. 5 October – Organ Extravaganza, with Lincoln Cathedral Resident Organists and Lincoln Cathedral Choir. 16 December – Olivier Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur, Colin Walsh.
Preachers at Evensong on Sundays: 22nd July – the Revd Canon Christine Pennock, Rector of the Lafford Group, and Rural Dean of Lafford; 29th July – the Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean; 5th August – the Revd Canon Stephen Hoy, Lincoln Diocese Spirituality Adviser and Vicar of St John the Baptist, Ermine, Lincoln.
Hallé 2018: The Hallé Orchestra are returning to the Cathedral on Friday 21 September 2018 under the baton of Karl Heinz-Steffens. Tickets are now available on the Cathedral website, from the shop or over the phone on 01522 504394.
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Bible Readings on Sundays
22 July
Mary Magdalene
Sung Eucharist
Song of Solomon 3: 1-4; 2; Corinthians 5: 14-17; John 20: 1-2 and 11-18
Mattins
1 Samuel 16.14-end; Luke 8.1-3
Evensong
Zephaniah 3.14-end; Mark 15.40-16.7
29 July
19th Sunday after Trinity
Sung Eucharist
2 Kings 4: 42-end; Ephesians 3: 14-end; John 6: 1-21
Mattins
Song of Solomon 2; 1 Peter 4.7-14
Evensong
Job 19.1-27a; Hebrews 8
5 August
10th Sunday after Trinity
Sung Eucharist
Exodus 16:2-4 and 9-15; Ephesians 4: 1-16; John 6: 24-35
Mattins
Song of Solomon 5.2-end; 2 Peter 1.1-15
Evensong
Job 28; Hebrews 11.17-31
