We are all one on the journey of faith
I write this on Ascension Day, one of the great “Red Letter Days” of the Church but now just another Thursday amongst the (usual) hustle and bustle of daily life. Not so for many on the European Continent, however, where for many it remains a day of religious celebration. For a number of years – in my role as Chairman of the Diocesan Ecumenical Link with the Diocese of Brugge (Bruges) – I have celebrated Ascension Day with our friends in Belgium. A great and elaborate procession winds its way around the medieval streets of this beautiful Flanders city: a procession that tells the biblical story of Salvation from the first moment of creation and Adam and Eve through to Christ’s life and ministry – the Messiah who lived and died and rose again, finally to ascend to his Heavenly Throne.
It’s a great day watched by thousands of people lining the cobbled streets as they see the Biblical Story – recreated as Street Theatre – pass in front of them; and then as the formal Procession ends those who have been watching follow on behind, becoming part of the procession, journeying alongside one another.
Performers and spectators become ONE: all part of the same drama.
So it is for those of us who celebrate Christ’s ascension now. Whatever our personal situation we are all one on the Journey of Faith, alongside and following those who have walked this path before us, walking with Jesus; walking as one with the same Jesus in whom the pain and glory of the Cross are inextricably woven together in salvation’s journey.
Ascension is far more than easy triumphalism. There is glory and pain walking alongside each other, rich wounds still visible above in beauty glorified. It is indeed a turning point, but not one that signifies Christ’s departure from the world – but rather that same world’s brokenness taken by him up to heaven, where the hands that bless us in our weakness bear the marks of suffering too.
JOHN PATRICK, SUBDEAN
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Worship & Mission
Choral Mattins
On Sunday 31 May, which is Pentecost, we will have Holy Communion, which once again will be found on the links above.
As always, we continue to encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter where we will also be posting prayers, videos and more information about the Cathedral.
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Community
Freda Goodhead R I P
Freda’s funeral will take place at Lincoln Crematorium on Tuesday 2 June at 10.30am
Present restrictions dictate that attendees be restricted to 16. Could those wishing to join the celebration of Freda’s life please contact the Dean’s Verger on deansverger@lincolncatheral.com or 07733 276335.
For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed – more details to follow.
Pastoral care
If you would like support, or just a chat with a friendly voice, please do contact either the Subdean, the Dean’s Verger or the Assistant Curate. We also encourage you to continue to check on the welfare of friends, neighbours and relatives.
John Patrick 07956 566101 subdean@lincolncathedral.com
John Campbell 07733 276335 deansverger@lincolncathedral.com
The Mind website also has some excellent resources to help you manage your wellbeing:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
A face from the past
Archaeologists who unearthed a rare medieval priestly burial earlier this year at the Cathedral have shared a facial reconstruction of the clergy member, enabling us to see what he looked like and giving us an insight into what life would have been like for him.
You can read more about him at: https://lincolncathedral.com/facial-reconstruction-of-lincolns-medieval-priest/
Chapter Letter
A reminder that if you know of anyone that does not have access to the internet, but would still like to receive the Chapter Letter, please email Michelle Andrews on communications@lincolncathedral.com and she will arrange for a copy to be printed and sent by post.
Collection plates and donations
Your donations sustain the life, building, music and mission of Lincoln Cathedral. If you would like to continue to support the Cathedral during lockdown, you can find a range of different ways to contribute on our website – https://lincolncathedral.com/donate
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Bible Readings
Sunday 24 May
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Eucharist
Acts 1: 6-14
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
John 17: 1-11
Mattins
Isaiah 65: 17-end
Revelation 21: 1-8
Evening Prayer
2 Samuel 23: 1-5
Ephesians 1: 15-end
—–
Sunday 31 May
Pentecost
Eucharist
Acts 2: 1-21
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
Mattins
Genesis 11: 1-9
Acts 10: 34-48
Evening Prayer
Joel 2: 21-end
Acts 2:14-21
—–
Sunday 7 June
Trinity Sunday
Eucharist
Isaiah 40: 12-17, 27-end
2 Corinthians 13: 11-end
Matthew 28: 16-20
Mattins
Exodus 3: 1-6, 13-15
John 17: 1-11
Evening Prayer
Isaiah 6: 1-8
John 16: 5-15
