On the first visit I made to the Holy Land I remember being struck by how things didn’t ever quite appear the way I expected them to be.
Unsurprisingly there was no stable in Bethlehem, but the river Jordon was a trickle compared with the vast expanse I was hoping for, and in Cana the stone jars of the type that held the water that became wine were much, much bigger than I had imagined.
This season of Epiphany points to the ways in which we can expect to encounter Jesus. The Magi with their gifts, the approving voice at the Lord’s Baptism and the first miracle at Cana with water becoming wine all tell us something of who Jesus is. But they also reveal something of how Jesus’s ministry will be surprising, varied and unexpected. After all, look at how God chose to enter into this world and look at the way he redeemed it.
To follow Jesus is always to be walking on a journey that can lead in unexpected directions. That is the nature of discipleship and sometimes it takes real courage to follow the unexpected path. You will see elsewhere in this Chapter Letter the news of the Subdean’s decision that now is a good and appropriate time for him to move on. That is a decision I know that John hasn’t taken lightly or easily. But it is a decision that has been wrestled with and is one that is made after much prayer and discernment. John and Jo will have our prayers and support as they prepare for all that is yet to come and there will be plenty of time to express our appreciation and gratitude for all they have given to each of us and the Cathedral. In this season of Epiphany though the question remains for each of us: What does the Lord want of me?
MARK STEADMAN, ACTING DEAN
From The Subdean
I’d like to share with you all the news that after more than 8 years at Lincoln Cathedral I will be leaving in the spring. For me personally the time is right for a change, and with Connected now well into its delivery phase, I’m leaving safe in the knowledge that this wonderful project into which so many people have invested their skills, creativity, knowledge and effort will very soon be open for everyone to enjoy.
While there have undoubtedly been challenges along the way, it has been wonderfully rewarding to be a part of the Cathedral community and I treasure the time that I have spent here and the friendships made, so naturally there is sadness at leaving, but I am also excited for the future and look forward to discovering what lies ahead.
Worship & Mission
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Sacred Space
Once a month on a Sunday at 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 January 19, and the theme is ‘Follow the Star.’
Themes for the coming months are:
February 16 – The Potter and the Clay
March 15 – Walking in the Wilderness
April 19 – Joyful Creation
May 17 – Doubt and Wonder
June 21 – Explore and Grow
July 19 – Community and Connected
Stillpoint
Saturday 15 February, 9am-9.45am
Led by Revd Ann Mazur, this is a time of guided silent prayer to be still and aware of the presence of God.
Confirmation
The annual confirmation service will be held at 8pm on Saturday 11 April at Lincoln Cathedral.
Confirmation is the ‘fulfilment’ of baptism – it is the moment when those baptised as babies or infants affirm for themselves the promises made on their behalf by parents and godparents. (For those who have not yet been baptised, baptism will take place as part of the service of confirmation.)
This year’s confirmation classes (for under 16’s) will be conducted by The Revd Ann Mazur, Chief Duty Chaplain and The Revd Rachel Revely, Assistant Curate.
The first class took place on Thursday 16 January 2020, however it is not too late to join; the cut-off will be the class on Thursday 30 January 2020.
All classes will be in the Longland Chantry in the Cathedral from 4.20pm until 5.00pm.
Community
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LCCA Shrove Tuesday Party – Save the date
A date for your diary – LCCA will be organising its Annual Shrove Tuesday Party on 25 February 2020 in the Chapter House. More details will follow, but, please make a note of the date.
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. Meetings take place monthly. 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 they will get back to you.
Rebecca Hocknull
Mark and Kate Hocknull would like to thank everyone in the Cathedral community for their prayers and support during their daughter Rebecca’s recent serious illness. We are very thankful that she is recovering so well.
Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
The Acting Dean and the Archdeacon of Lincoln are leading a Pilgrimage to Oberammergau to see the world-famous passion play between 13-20 May next year. Staying in Austria and Germany the pilgrimage will explore this beautiful part of Europe, whilst reflecting on the events that lie at the heart of our faith. The play itself is the most extraordinary experience. There are a few places left. More information is available on the verger’s table in the South Choir Aisle or from the Acting Dean.
Events
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Teatime Talks
The Friends will be holding two teatime talks on Tuesdays in February, which will be taking place at the Cathedral Connected premises at 27, Minster Yard.
Tuesday 4 February – ‘The Sandford Trust’
by Judy Jones
The aim of this trust is ‘to celebrate and promote high quality in heritage education.’
Tuesday 18 February – ‘The mysteries surrounding George Elliot’s visit to Gainsborough when writing “The Mill on the Floss,” and celebrates the bi-centenary of her birth, 22nd November 1819.’
by Margaret and John Crompton.
Both talks will undoubtedly be most interesting and stimulating occasions and, as usual, will begin at 3.30pm, preceded by tea, coffee and biscuits.
Annual Choristership Celebration Evensong
Sunday 26 January, 3.45pm
This service is an opportunity for us to give thanks for the permanent named choristerships and annual choristership sponsorships, which are invaluable in supporting the exquisite music here in the Cathedral.
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.
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Bible Readings
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Sunday 19 January
Second Sunday of Epiphany
Sung Eucharist
Isaiah 49: 1-7
1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
John 1: 29-42
Mattins
Jeremiah 1: 4-10
Mark 1: 14-20
Evensong
Ezekiel 2: 1-3:4
Galatians 1: 11-end
Sunday 26 January
Third Sunday of Epiphany
Sung Eucharist
Isaiah 9: 1-4
1 Corinthians 1: 10-18
Matthew 4: 12-23
Mattins
Amos 3: 1-8
1 John 1: 1-4
Evensong
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11
1 Peter 1: 3-12
Sunday 2 February
Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
Sung Eucharist
Malachi 3: 1-5
Hebrews 2: 14-end
Luke 2: 22-40
Mattins
Exodus 13: 1-16
Romans 12: 1-5
Evensong
Haggai 2: 1-9
John 2: 18-22
