With news this week of a possible new spike in Covid-19 in Europe, the imposition of quarantine periods and the disappointment of many holiday plans cancelled, there has been something of a down turn in public mood. It brings into sharp focus the reality that life is not likely to get back to normal anytime soon. We live in unpredictable times and volatility, instability, uncertainty and ambiguity have become a part of daily living.

This discomfort and worry permeates into all of our lives leaving no-one untouched by it. Job security, financial sustainability, health and well-being have become rocky ground. A priest on social media offered this reflection: “at the beginning of the pandemic, we were told it would be a marathon and not a sprint. We didn’t expect that half-way through it would turn into a full distance triathlon- with a 24-mile swim and a 112-mile bike ride to follow!”

Remaining resilient is becoming an endurance test and as this pandemic continues to grip the world our yearning for stability, calm and points of anchorage becomes stronger.

It reminds of that Sunday School Chorus:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

Here at the cathedral we are making every effort to provide anchors. They come in the shape of duty chaplains ready and willing to listen. In the warm welcome at the threshold and in the prayers at the candle stations where petitions can be offered. Worship, above all, is the place where we can connect with the reassurance of our faith through the comforting stability of familiar patterns and words. We enact our hope in God who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The reason gathering together in worship physically or online can be so meaningful is through the opportunity it affords to connect with the “normal” and the familiar. Set in a sacred space that has stood the test of time and holds the story of countless struggles and joys, it anchors us in a history of faith in Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever. It invites us to share in a common purpose and corporate witness.

The Children’s Society launched a campaign this week to raise awareness to the fact that many teenagers are experiencing emotional and mental health problems with woefully inadequate provision of support. Unlike many of us, who have “been around the block” a few times, they do not have the benefit of life experience nor the learned wisdom to know that this will pass. Teenagers have a great rapport with older generations and often find it easier to talk to grandparents or aunts and uncles. Stability, calm and loving reassurance are gifts that are much in need at this present moment. Why not make that your gift to a young person or an anxious adult in the days ahead? In the words of that chorus:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love

DEAN CHRISTINE

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Worship & Mission

Daily worship
As part of reintroducing worship at the cathedral, Holy Communion is now being celebrated on Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30am.
All are welcome. Please arrive via the door at Judgment Porch.

Daily worship times are as follows:

Monday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Tuesday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.
8.30am – Holy Communion.
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Wednesday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Thursday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine
8.30am – Holy Communion
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Friday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Saturday
8am – Morning Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine
5.30pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Sunday
7.45am – Litany – St Hugh’s Shrine.
8am – Holy communion (BCP) – St Hugh’s Shrine.
9.30am – Holy Communion – Nave.
3.45pm – Evening Prayer – St Hugh’s Shrine.

Patronal festival
Please join us on 16 August at 9.30am for a special service to celebrate the Patronal Festival of The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Update on Covid-19 guidance
We have recently received guidance from the Church of England that face coverings will be mandatory in churches from 8 August.

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Community

Cathedral open for general visits
Lincoln Cathedral will be open to tourists, pilgrims and general visitors from Wednesday 5 August.

To welcome back visitors, and to thank everyone for their continuing support, for the first month there will be a reduced admission of £5 per adult and children under 16 will be free.

The doors will be open to visitors from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 3.30pm on Sundays.

The majority of the Cathedral, including the Cathedral Shop and toilets, will be open for visitors, although the library, some chapels and the Refectory will remain closed.

Lincoln Cathedral has been awarded the “Good to Go” mark by Visit Britain. The award signals to anyone wishing to visit that they can be confident that every opportunity possible is taken to ensure their wellbeing. The UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark demonstrates that the Cathedral is following government and public health guidance in relation to COVID-19.

Peter Fillingham
It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of Peter Fillingham – known affectionately to many as Wiggy – who worked in the Cathedral Works Department until a short while ago when he had to take early retirement due to ill health.

Peter will be missed by those who worked alongside him, his wide circle of friends and the family whom he loved dearly. At the Cathedral he leaves a legacy of good memories, skilled work and those whom he encouraged to be the best craftsmen and women they could be.

RIP
It is with great sadness that we record the death of Amie, the mother of two of our choristers.
Please hold in your prayers Sehren and Jihanna at this tragic time in their young lives.

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Bible Readings

Sunday 2 August
Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Eucharist
Isaiah 55: 1-5
Romans 9: 1-5
Matthew 14: 13-21

Mattins
Song of Solomon 5: 2-end
2 Peter 1: 1-15

Evening Prayer
1 Kings 10: 1-13
Acts 13: 1-13

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Sunday 9 August
Ninth Sunday after Trinity

Eucharist
1 Kings 19: 9-18
Romans 10: 5-15
Matthew 14: 22-33

Mattins
Song of Solomon 8: 5-7
2 Peter 3: 8-13

Evening Prayer
1 Kings 11: 41- 12:20
Acts 14: 8-20

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Sunday 16 August
Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Eucharist
Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8
Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15: [10-20] 21-28

Mattins
Jonah 1
2 Peter 3: 14-end

Evening Prayer
2 Kings 4: 1-37
Acts 16: 1-15