As we begin this Lent, the world seems to be in need of the good news of Jesus Christ even more than usual. Both the concerning spread of Corona Virus around the world, together with the floods that have devastated homes and livelihoods closer to home, means we have been enduring the start of spring in ways few of us can remember. In our own county, those who work the land continue to endure unprecedented conditions.
These various events provoke a number of mixed reflections. The rapid spread of Corona Virus is worrying and alarming. It reminds us though of how interconnected the world has become and that talk of us living in a global village is not so far from the truth. But it also raises questions of how we treat and interact with our neighbour in a time when we all might be worried about infection.
Who is my neighbour? It is a recurring question of the Gospel. It is easy to be a neighbour to those we like, who affirm our views of the world and whose comfortable life we share. It is far more challenging to be a neighbour to those struggling with illness, loss of home or loss of livelihood.
Yet Lent is an opportunity to renew our compassion and to strengthen our resolve to reach out to our neighbour. We must not become frightened of each other, but strive after the sort of response to those in need we see in Jesus Christ when he heals the sick and responds to those who are isolated or rejected by their community.
This we need to do completely, but also wisely. When it comes to Corona Virus the Cathedral is following the advice given to us by the Church of England medical advisers, and we will keep this under review. We can help each other by following this advice and see this as part of our service to our neighbour; but there will be other practical things we can do to serve those in need too. Those two practices of greater disciplines of prayer and alms giving which are particularly encouraged in Lent should point the way for us.
As we journey once again towards the suffering of the Cross and the hope and promise of salvation that lies beyond it, I am reminded that the words of comfort that the risen Jesus speaks most often to his disciples are ‘Do not be afraid’.
THE VENERABLE MARK STEADMAN
ACTING DEAN OF LINCOLN
Worship & Mission
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Sacred Space
Once a month on a Sunday at 7pm (Doors open 6.45pm)
This popular service is gentle and reflective with time to wonder and explore, encouraging everyone to use all their senses; it offers a different way to experience worship at Lincoln Cathedral.
The next Sacred Space service takes place on Sunday 15 March, and the theme is ‘Walking the Wilderness.’
Themes for the coming months are:
April 19 – Joyful Creation
May 17 – Doubt and Wonder
June 21 – Explore and Grow
July 19 – Community and Connected
Stillpoint
Once a month on Saturday at 9am-9.45am
Please note, Stillpoint now takes place in the Longland Chantry.
Led by Revd Ann Mazur, this is a time of guided silent prayer to be still and aware of the presence of God.
Dates for the coming months:
March 14 April 18 May 16
June 13 July 11 September 5
The Way of the Cross
Saturdays mornings 9am-9.45am
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus:
Reflecting on our Christian discipleship
The Stations of the Cross seem to have begun with the desire of pilgrims in Jerusalem to follow in Jesus’s footsteps from Pilate’s house to Calvary, stopping for prayers on the way. Led by Ann Mazur, this is an opportunity follow the order of devotions, readings, meditations and prayers with others.
Dates for these sessions:
March 7 March 14 March 22 April 4
The Rosary
Last Tuesday of the Month 2.30pm-3.30pm
For many years a small ecumenical group has met in the Langland Chantry. It was possibly started by the Anglican Sisters of Wantage and has continued ever since.
On a personal note, I knew nothing of the way of praying the Rosary, but now I love it having joined a small house-group which introduced me to it. Some people think the Rosary is just for Roman Catholics, but it is for all Christians who wish to honour Mary. Please consider coming along to our next meeting on Tuesday 31 March, when you will be made most welcome, and have a chance to see whether you find this way of praying pleasing – Julia McNeill
Email: juliamcneill@hotmail.co.uk
Community
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The Lincoln Cathedral Retired Staff and Volunteers Group
The Lincoln Cathedral Retired Staff and Volunteers Group are looking for someone from the Cathedral Community who can help with the running of this informal group. Monthly meetings. If you are interested and want to know more get in touch with Ann Martin / Kate Hellen either in person or by leaving your details in the Guides Letter Tray in the Visitor Services office and we will get back to you.
Corona virus:
Guidance for Communion
Lincoln Cathedral is following the guidance issued by the national church, which is regularly updated to take account of the most recent government advice.
At present there is no government advice which suggests that the common cup should be suspended. However, it is advised that anyone suffering from coughs, sneezes and colds should refrain from handshaking during The Peace, and should receive communion in one kind only (i.e. refrain from receiving from the common cup).
The practice of intinction (dipping the bread in the wine and receiving both together) is a known infection transmission route and is discouraged. Anyone who does not wish to drink from the common cup should receive in one kind only.
You can find the full current advice from the Church of England by visiting the following page – https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-parishes
Events
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Passiontide Concert: John Passion
Saturday 28 March 2020, 7pm
Lincoln Cathedral Choir accompanied by Northern Baroque are joined this year by some talented soloists:
Mark Wilde: Evangelist
Jacob Feldman: Christus
This year’s conductor will be Lincoln Cathedral’s Director of Music, Aric Prentice.
John Passion is one of Bach’s most famous pieces of sacred music, telling the Biblical story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Save the date
As always, there are numerous great events planned for 2020. There will be more details to follow, but for now make a note of some of the following dates in your diaries.
- Jazz Concert – 9 May
- Cathedrals at Night – 30 May
- Come and Sing – 6 June
- Be a Chorister for the Day – 13 June
- Flower Festival – 29 July – 3 August
- Museum of the Moon – 12 October – 2 November
- The Hallé – 23 October
- Handel’s Messiah – 21 November
- The Snowman – 12 December
- Carols by Candlelight – 16 December
Organ Concert Series 2020
Four concerts to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Louis Vierne (1870-1937), organist of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.
All concerts will include music by Vierne and JS Bach.
Saturday 20 June – Jeffrey Makinson
Saturday 11 July – Colin Walsh
Saturday 12 September – Jeffrey Makinson with Soprano, Laurie Ashworth
Saturday 3 October – Jeffrey Makinson, Colin Walsh, Lincoln Cathedral Choir and Aric Prentice
Tickets £8.50 including a drink on arrival.
A screen will display a live view of the organ loft.
For details and tickets, please visit lincolncathedral.com, the Cathedral Shop, or phone 01522 561 658.
Bible Readings
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Sunday 1 March
First Sunday of Lent
Sung Eucharist
Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7
Romans 5: 12-19
Matthew 4: 1-11
Mattins
Jeremiah 18: 1-11
Luke 18: 9-14
Evensong
Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, 16-end
Luke 15: 1-10
Sunday 8 March
Second Sunday of Lent
Sung Eucharist
Genesis 12: 1-4a
Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17
John 3: 1-17
Mattins
Jeremiah 22: 1-
Matthew 8: 1-13
Evensong
Numbers 21: 4-9
Luke 14: 27-33
Sunday 15 March
Third Sunday of Lent
Sung Eucharist
Exodus 17: 1-7
Romans 5: 1-11
John 4: 5-42
Mattins
Amos 7: 10-end
2 Corinthians 1: 1-11
Evensong
Joshua 1: 1-9
Ephesians 6: 10-20
