Weekly Notices | 4 May 2025
A Reflection from
Canon Harriet
“Maybe we will see him…”
In these days of Easter, in our Sunday and weekday worship, we become used to hearing the stories of Jesus’s resurrection as told in the Gospels from the perspective of those who met the risen Christ. We see and hear, and touch Jesus, through the experiences of those to whom he appeared: we are with Mary in the garden on the first day of the week, we’re hiding with the disciples in the locked room, we walk with the friends on the road to Emmaus, and we see Jesus through the eyes of the disciples in their fishing boat early in the morning…
We’re invited to enter into these vivid and well-loved stories week by week during this Easter season. Last Sunday in Pompey Sundays we spent some time inhabiting the story of ‘doubting’ Thomas by looking together at a remarkable painting by New Zealand artist Michael Smither. It is painted on the wall of a church and as such, the figures are life size. If you were to visit, and even to worship in this space, you would find yourself right there in the midst of John’s Gospel, surrounded by Jesus’s incredulous friends and followers.
Our Pompey Sundays congregation replicated this painting in the Nave last week – and if you look very closely you’ll see that even the candlestick being held up on the left-hand side of the painting and the little dog, are there in our version. We had huge fun making this image, and it gave us too a sense of the physical reality of the Gospel, then and now. Jesus was raised in a body – and he appeared to people like us, in the flesh. He invited Thomas to touch him. He invites us today to seek him, to know him, and to love him – in our own lives and in the many ways in which we share in one another’s lives.
In Pompey Tots this week, we also thought about Jesus’s resurrection – in seemingly very simple terms. We talked about our gardens and what we had in them at home, and then about how Jesus came back to life in a garden. As we all toddled outside to see the cathedral Easter garden by the South door, still thinking about the risen Jesus, one of our toddlers (age 4) said, with great expectation, “maybe we will see him…”.
And maybe we will. For the Lord is risen! Alleluia!
The Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens
Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean
Dates for your diary…
Choral Evensong, sung by the Choir of St Thomas-on-The-Bourne, Farnham - 3 May, at 4:00pm
Soul Sessions presents: Boogie Wonderland - 3 May, at 7:30pm
The Word is Near - 7 May, at 10:30am – 11:30am
#PompeyTOTS - 7 May, at 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Future Folk - Spring Cathedral Session - 7 May, at 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Lunchtime Live Performance - Fumi Otsuki & Natalie Bleicher - 8 May, at 1:10pm – 2:00pm
Yoga at the Cathedral - 10 May, at 10:30am – 11:30am
Lunch Club - 12 May, at 12:00pm – 2:30pm
The Word is Near - 14 May, at 10:30am – 11:30am
Community News
New COO appointment - Zoë Colbeck
The Cathedral has appointed Zoë Colbeck as Chief Operating Officer. She will begin work on Monday 30 June. Zoë joins the Cathedral with a wealth of expertise and experience, most recently from the Strawberry Hill House Trust as Executive Director. The Dean says, "I am delighted to welcome Zoë as our new Chief Operating Officer. She comes to us from the heritage sector with an impressive range of skills and experience well fitted to the next phase in our life and work as we move towards our centenary in 2027."
Zoë writes “I’m delighted to be joining Portsmouth Cathedral and to contribute to its life and mission. Having lived in Portsmouth for many years, I know what a vibrant and diverse city this is, one that is often undersold. I’m looking forward to helping the Cathedral play an even more active role in the community, serving as a beacon in people’s lives and ensuring it has a sustainable future at the heart of the city. With over 20 years of experience working with heritage buildings, I’m excited to bring that knowledge to support and strengthen this remarkable place.”
VE Day 80th Anniversary – Sunday 4 May
Portsmouth City Council will be commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE day with a service being organised on Sunday 4 May, 11:00am at Governor’s Green, Old Portsmouth. This event is free to attend and will involve a 1-hour Commemorative Service, procession of Veteran Standards, the planting of crosses and wreath-laying ceremony at sea to honour the sacrifices made during WWII. The music will be led by the Cathedral Choir alongside The Royal Marines Association Concert Band and Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band. An order of service will be provided on the day.
Seafood on the Green – Saturday 21 June
Join us for an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers, with a variety of locally sourced dishes, with proceeds supporting the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association. Taking place on the green at Portsmouth Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop for the foodie festivities, take the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including seafood paella & platters, pâtés and delicious desserts!
New this year is La Paella Paella company who will be providing a freshly cooked luxury seafood paella with king prawns, calamari rings, mussels, and langoustine sautéed in garlic, tomatoes, saffron, mixed Mediterranean spices & authentic Spanish rice. It's the perfect way to spend a summer day, don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the highlights of Portsmouth's foodie calendar.
For more information, please visit our website here and book tickets early, as the Paella portions are limited and to help us reduce food waste!
VE Day 80th Anniversary Bell Peal
This Thursday evening (8 May), our bell ringers will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special commemorative peal. The bells will ring out from 6:30pm until approximately 10pm as part of a nationwide tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.
Please feel free to pause and listen if you’re nearby - and take a moment to reflect, remember, and give thanks.
Chrisitan Aid Week 11–17: Together in Hope
Help us equal last year's amazing £3000 total to support the work to transform the lives of those facing the devastating effects of climate change and global inequality. Envelopes and a QR code will be available from next Sunday and all fundraising efforts will be very welcome!
Special 80th Anniversary Service - 11 May at 5:45pm
Christian Aid Week begins with a bang next Sunday evening at 5.45 when we are privileged to host a special regional service to celebrate 80 years of Christian Aid! The preacher is John Plant, Christian Aid's national church relationship lead. Please join us!
Christian Aid - The Big Tea
Bishop Jonathan invites us to come along and take part on Sunday 11 May from 4:00pm as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Christian Aid. Tea and refreshments will be served from 4:00pm and there will be a chance to join in the open conversation and Q&A between Bishop Jonathan and John Plant from Christian Aid. The Big Evensong celebration follows on at 5:45pm.
Christian Aid discussion
I WONDER how much you know about Christian Aid? Maybe you know they are a global charity that raises funds to help with humanitarian crises, such as after the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Maybe you’ve had churchgoers knocking on your door, asking you to contribute during Christian Aid Week? So you know that it’s also a charity that is supported by many local churches. One thing you might not know was how the charity began 80 years ago. At the end of the Second World War, British and Irish churches raised more than £80,000 for emergency supplies to help refugees in mainland Europe.
Read more here.
Volunteer opportunity - Shop Supervisor
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Voluntary Shop Supervisor to oversee the daily operations at Portsmouth Cathedral’s shop. This role is vital in ensuring the smooth running of the shop, managing volunteers, and providing excellent customer service.
You can view all of our roles available here.
Credo: Why I Believe - this year's series of sermons by our Cathedral Honorary Canons
We are pleased to have the Honorary Canons of Portsmouth Cathedral preaching again this year on Sunday evenings. The title for the sermon series is: "Credo: Why I believe..." as this is the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which met after Easter in the year 325 and agreed what was to become known as the Nicene Creed.
Canon Tom Kennar (Vicar of Havant) - Sunday 4 May
Canon Bob White (Acting Archdeacon of Portsdown) - Sunday 8 June
Canon Annie McCabe (Vicar of St Luke's, Southsea) - Sunday 15 June
Canon Richard England (Vicar of Crofton) - Sunday 20 July
Canon Will Hughes (Rector of Petersfield) - Sunday 3 August
Canon Susie Collingridge (Vicar of Steep) - Sunday 17 August
Canon Andrew Sheard (Vicar of Emsworth) - Sunday 24 August
Canon Andrew Hillier (The Chaplain of The Fleet) - Sunday 31 August.
New Electoral Roll, Annual Meetings and Elections
The new Electoral Roll has now been published and a copy will be available in the Cathedral to view until the APCM which is being held at 6:30pm on Thursday 22 May. The Annual Meetings will include the Election of Churchwardens and one Deanery Synod Representative. Nominations have now closed for the non-executive member of Chapter and nominations are being considered by Chapter, the Nominations Committee and the Bishop. The election will take place via electronic means between 8 and 21 May.
Please contact election@portsmouthcathedral.org.ukif you need further details.
Friends Upcoming Events
We’re delighted to invite you to a series of upcoming events hosted by the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral. Do join us for moments of learning, reflection and fellowship.
Coffee Morning – Tuesday 3 June at 11:00am, in the Nave
Enjoy a warm welcome over coffee and cake, and hear from our guest speaker,Mark Button, who will be sharing insights on‘How to avoid being scammed’– a timely and important topic. A lovely opportunity to meet other Friends and enjoy some light refreshments together.
Friends Patronal Feast Day – Sunday 6 July
Join us as we celebrate our Patronal Festival withChoral Evensong at 5.45pm, followed by informal drinks in a local pub – a chance to mark the occasion with worship and good company.
Friends AGM – Sunday 21 September
TheAnnual General Meetingof the Friends will take place at4.00pm in Beckett Hall, followed byChoral Evensong at 5.45pm. We hope you’ll be able to attend and share in the continued life of our community.
Evening Talk – Tuesday 14 October at 7:30pm, Beckett Hall
We are honoured to welcome Jeremy Prescott (Lieutenant Colonel retired), who will give a thought-provoking talk titled ‘Remembrance’. Jeremy is widely recognised for his powerful and engaging presentations.
Tickets are £7.50 for membersof the Friends and £10.00 for non-members, and include(s) a complimentary glass of wine.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events. You can find out more about the Friends here.
Two Saturday Evensongs!
This weekend and next we are delighted to have two visiting choirs with us to sing Choral Evensong on Saturdays. This Saturday (3 May) the service will start at the earlier time of 4:00pm, sung by the choir of St Thomas on the Bourne who are here for a reunion weekend. On Saturday 10 May Evensong will be at the usual time of 5:45pm, and sung by a choir from the RSCM Voices South initiative to encourage choral singing.
Ministry Team
We are delighted to announce that Kitty Price and Chris Nicol, currently both Lay Readers and much appreciated members of the Cathedral’s ministry team, are to be ordained this summer. They have been part of a small diocesan cohort of Readers exploring a vocation to the priesthood. This does mean, however, that they will go on to curacies in other parishes; more details on these will follow shortly as they are announced in the parishes themselves. Prayers and congratulations to both Kitty and Chris as they prepare for this exciting new phase in their ministries.
Chapter - Member Announcement
We are pleased to announce the appointment, following interviews, of Marcelle de Sousa as a non-executive trustee of the Cathedral. Marcelle will be installed as a member of Chapter on Sunday 11th May during the 11.00am Eucharist.
Marcelle de Sousa is a retired nurse, who trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital and worked there and subsequently at Guy’s Hospital and University College Hospital in London. She initially specialised in the treatment of children with kidney failure, helping to set up the first children’s dialysis unit in the country, and later in providing dedicated medical services for adolescents. She led several initiatives in London and nationally to improve the medical care of young people. In 2009 she was made an MBE in recognition of services to healthcare and in 2014 she was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing.
Since retirement she has been a trustee and board member of the principal UK charity for people with kidney disease. She has also been a volunteer working with women who have been the victims of domestic abuse. Since moving to Portsmouth in 2022 she has become a regular worshipper at the Cathedral and enjoyed her involvement with the local community. She lives here with her husband and has family, including her two grandchildren, living close by.
You can view the full story here.
Election of Churchwardens and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place at 6:45pm on Thursday 22 May in Becket Hall.
The meeting of parishioners includes the election of Churchwardens who are elected annually. Nomination forms are available in the Cathedral.
The APCM includes reports on finances, the meeting is required to receive the annual accounts which are available on the website, fabric, safeguarding and Deanery Synod. It also includes the election of Deanery Synod representative (s) to fill vacancies.
Our volunteers have been so busy!
Picking up on Canon Jo's reflections in last weeks notices, where she thanked our volunteers for the time and effort they give to help provide a full week of Easter services, here is another look at what some volunteers have been up to...
In the pictures above you can see the Easter Lily displays as they were created by Clare and Rosemary, but other volunteers who are not normally Flower Guild volunteers also came in to provide the extra help needed to decorate the pillars in the Quire and Nave. Our flower guild is in need of new members, would you be interested in joining them?
Read more here.
We had a mini-heatwave this week, so of course... I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Of all the stalls at the fair, Jam and Preserves is the one that takes all year to plan and involves so many to create. This year I have been looking for interesting twists on traditional favourites like strawberry jam. Some of the recipes I have found pair strawberries with the floral notes of elderflower, the sweetness of watermelon or the tangy bite of Jalapeño peppers. If you are thinking of jam making, then thank you and I'd love to hear what you are planning! You can contribute in other ways to the success of this stall by donating jars for the fruits of the labour of others to be stored. Pretty, clean and label free jars can be left in the box in the cloister over the next few weeks. If you are planning to make some jam, then please help yourselves to some extra jars.
Save the date - Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair 11:00am Saturday 6 December
Send pictures to this email here, the picture attached is from Sarah of her 2024 strawberry jam.
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Evensong with Visiting Choir - Saturday 3 May
Join us this Saturday at 4:00pm for a special service of Choral Evensong, sung by the Choir of St Thomas-on-The-Bourne, Farnham. The service will last around 45 minutes and offers a peaceful and reflective end to the day. All are warmly welcome.
Services this Sunday 4 May – Third Sunday of Easter
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #Pompey Sundays
11:00am - Morning Worship
11:00am - Governor’s Green: A Service to commemorate VE Day 80 sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
5:45pm - Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
8:00pm - Taizé Style Worship
Prayers & Intercessions
We give thanks for: all who served in WWII - whom we commemorate this week with the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Carole, Jim, Ken, Tina, Francine, Mike, Marion, Peter, John, Chris, Tom and baby Lottie.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick including: Richard, Spencer,
Suzy, Alison, Jill, Mathai, Philip, Alistair, Graeme and all in need.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Pat Valler, Betty Lebbon, and Richard Owen RIP.
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
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