Christine Wilson, Dean John Patrick, Subdean Philippa White, Succentor
I once heard a story about a boat man who had been carrying pilgrims across to Iona for over 30 years. One day as a traveller was stepping off the boat, he asked the boatman how often he had visited the sacred abbey on the Island. With excitement he asked “What is it like? To the visitor’s surprise he learnt that the boatman had never stepped off the boat, only delivered people to the harbour. He could not give an answer. Imagine being at the threshold of that place for all those years and journeying right to the arrival point of that encounter but never stepping on to the Island itself. For someone so skilled at navigating the seas in calm or storm in his daily life, it seems extraordinary that his sense of adventure deserted him at the entry point to this holy place. What intrigued me more about the story was the fact that he would also be receiving pilgrims back onto his boat after their encounter on the Island. People filled with stories and wonder about their spiritual experiences on the Island. Perhaps the transformation he witnessed on the return journey strengthened his resolve not to risk it himself for fear of being changed?
One of the things about sacred buildings and holy places is the importance of curiosity, imagination and an expectation that we will discover something new as we cross the threshold. It requires us to be open in heart and mind and spirit and nurture an attitude of anticipation and inquisitiveness.
Paradoxically the very nature of cathedrals is shaped around tradition, order, stability, the routine of the bells, the clock chimes and the pattern of worship. In a world overloaded with change and uncertainty it is understandable when we want to guard our holy spaces as unchangeable, reassuring, solid ground. Change tends to be regarded as a threat. It can be messy, ambiguous, unchartered territory.
One of the signs of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is transformation. The text from Romans 6 in the readings for the Second Sunday after Trinity speaks of Christ’s resurrection enabling us to walk in newness of life and of being alive to God in Christ Jesus. Ongoing life and newness come as we engage with Christ’s Spirit.
Change is an inevitable consequence of being both human and in particular a person of faith. As we face change and uncertainty both here within the cathedral community and beyond in our nation, God invites us to hold the door ajar and dare to consider stepping across the threshold into new possibilities.
One final thought to ponder draws upon a discussion about cathedrals which some of the deans had this week. It was pointed out that even the stones of our historic buildings, with all their symbolism of constancy and endurance, are changing with the passage of time. We were reminded that conservation is about managing change and working with it as something to engage with creatively and positively.
Christine Wilson, Dean
[separator]
Mrs Jackie Croft, Chapter Clerk – After three outstanding years of contribution and commitment Jackie has resigned and is leaving to pursue new opportunities. As senior lay member of the Cathedral staff Jackie has made an enormous contribution bringing her considerable gifts and professionalism to the day to day running of our complex organisation. Under her leadership huge strides have been made in the operating practices of the Cathedral. Jackie’s last day will be Friday 8 September. There will be an opportunity to come together to celebrate all that she has accomplished and to say thank you and farewell nearer that date.
Heritage Skills Festival- Thank You -A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who have been involved in the planning, preparation and execution of the Heritage Skills Festival, it has been truly inspirational that all areas of the Cathedral have worked together on making this wonderful event a success.
Not to be missed– As part of the 800th Anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln 2017, Lincoln Cathedral Wren Library has loaned three items of print and illustrated manuscripts to the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition. These are currently on display at The Collection from 27th May- 3 September 2017.
Lunchtime Concert: Ossian Huskinson- Friday 30 June 13:10– Performed singularly by Choral Scholar bass baritone Ossian Huskinson this lunchtime concert will include works by Purcell, Handel, Wolf and Mozart.
2017 Lecture Series. Wednesday 28 June – The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Hocknull Jekyll & Hyde Lecture. 7:30pm in the Chapter House. The Civilised and The Savage: What Victorians Thought about Human Nature. This lecture will draw on sources from the 19th century to reveal the ideas of civilisation and humanity that lie behind Stevenson’s tale. It will explore story of the teenage Jemmy Button, who was ‘civilized’ and returned to his native land as a Christian missionary. Both Jekyll & Hyde lectures will feature extracts from the Theatre in the Nave production.
2017 Lecture Series. Wednesday 5 July – The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Hocknull Jekyll & Hyde Lecture. 7:30pm in the Chapter House. Redeeming Mr Hyde: The Battle Between Good & Evil in us all. Both Jekyll & Hyde lectures will feature extracts from the Theatre in the Nave production. For further information and tickets please visit www.lincolncathedral.com Tickets are priced at £6 per person.
Organ Concerts. Saturday 15 July – Alessandro Bianchi. 7pm in The Nave. Italy’s Alessandro Bianchi is travelling to Lincoln Cathedral to perform on our world renowned Father Willis Organ, which has recently been restored to its original condition. In 2014 the City of Cantu’, where Alessandro plays the Organ at St. Paul’s Basilica, awarded him with the title of “Honorable Citizen” for all of his work in art and culture. For further information and tickets please visit www.lincolncathedral.com Tickets are priced at £6 per person.
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical. Tuesday 22 August – Friday 1 September. 7pm in the Nave. When the Cathedral announced the follow up production to Jesus Christ Superstar was to be Jekyll and Hyde, more than a few eyebrows were raised. It was a bold choice perhaps, but absolutely in keeping with the Cathedral’s Christian purpose. Jekyll’s division of himself has a great deal in common with the apostle Paul’s description of the split in his own personality which Paul believes is common to us all. We have limited tickets available – please visit www.lincolncathedral.com for further details and tickets. Tickets start from £22 per person.
Hallé. 9 September 2017. 7pm in The Nave. Lincoln Cathedral’s previous Organ Scholar Ryan Wigglesworth will be returning to the Cathedral to conduct the Hallé Orchestra. There will be striking solo performances from Sophie Bevan and a programme which is certain to be stunning. The Orchestra will perform Strauss: Four Last Song and Bruckner; Symphony No. 9. Tickets are priced from £12 per person. For further information and tickets please visit www.lincolncathedral.com
Cathedral Choir – The Director of Music, Aric Prentice is looking for volunteers to drive the Cathedral Choristers Minibus at the following times; 8.30-9.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings – 3.15-4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. The minibus can be driven on a regular driving licence and any potential drivers must be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check. For insurance purposes volunteer drivers would also need to be under the age of 70. If you would be willing to help or would like to discuss the role, please contact Rachel Woodward, Volunteer & HR Officer volhrofficer@lincolncathedral.com, Telephone: 01522 561618
Coffee after 09:30 Service – In addition to previous notices when we have been asking for people to join the team of volunteers to serve coffee, is anyone willing to occasionally act as a “runner”; no, you don’t have to run anywhere, but when those who are serving coffee find their flasks empty, the “runner” refills them from the urn in the kitchen. If interested please have a word with Prue Chadderton; Janis Daly or John McNeill. Thank you.
Bible Readings
Sunday 25 June 2nd Sunday after Trinity
Sung Eucharist Jeremiah 20.7-13; Romans 6.1b-1; Matthew 10.24-39
Mattins Deuteronomy 11.1-15; Acts 27.1-12
Evensong I Samuel 24.1-17; Luke 14.12-24
Sunday 2 July 3rd Sunday after Trinity
Sung Eucharist Jeremiah 28.5-9; Romans 6.12-end; Matthew 10.40-end
Mattins Deuteronomy 15.1-11; Acts 27.13-32
Evensong I Samuel 28.3-19; Luke 17.20-end
Sunday 9 July 4th Sunday after Trinity
Sung Eucharist Zachariah 9.9-12; Romans7.15-25a; Matthew 11.16-19,25-end
Mattins Deuteronomy 24.10-end; Acts 28.1-16
Evensong 2 Samuel 2.1-11; 3.1; Luke 18.31-19.10
