Cathedral News February 2012
From Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Cathedral News pdf version with colour pictures available here.
Contents |
From the Dean
One of the forms of bible reading and prayer that has regained popularity in recent years is what is known as Lectio Divina. Instead of reading a bible passage or collect through as fast as possible, one is encouraged to take things slowly (a little like intentionally chewing each mouthful of food at least ten times), savouring, thinking and praying. During the season of Epiphany I keep coming back to these words: “open the door of your kingdom to all who stand upon the threshold of faith” (Celebrating Common Prayer, Epiphany Collect for Morning Prayer). How appropriate they seem for those of us who worship in a Cathedral, where many people come for all sorts of reasons. In some ways we all stand on the threshold of faith, waiting, listening, anticipating God’s call to … do what? What will 2012 hold for you? What will it hold for us as a Cathedral community, a Diocese (at the very least a new bishop), a nation (please God, no more disasters) and a world? To those who are new to Wellington and the Cathedral – welcome. We look forward to getting to know you, and walking alongside you as, together, we travel more deeply into faith.
Another bundle of words that lingers with me is a short prayer following Psalm 21. This psalm sees the king as God’s representative on earth. It clearly acknowledges that the authority as king comes from God and comes only when the king is obedient to the will of God. In the form of prayer we use on weekdays during the Epiphany Season we pray that God will “guide all those you call to authority in the way of your justice, the knowledge of your liberty and the wisdom of your gentleness”. There seem to be some important words here that are worthy of our prayers as we pray daily for those in positions of authority – in our nation, city and communities, at work and home and, especially at this time, as we seek a new bishop.
As you know, for some years we have described the Cathedral as a sacred space of worship, hospitality and education. Following the summer holidays, it is as well to remind ourselves of this and to think about these words too. The heart beat of our worship is that offered here on Sundays and weekdays. While Sunday worship numbers hold up reasonably well, the same is not always true of our weekday services. With Lent approaching, you might like to think of making a weekday service part of your rule of life.
Being a welcoming community means constant work by many people. Each one of us can take responsibility for looking out for the visitor and newcomer. I am often made aware that we don’t always know each other - even those who are here week by week. Move around in the congregation; sit somewhere different; arrive slightly earlier, cross the ‘sound barrier’ and say hello to someone you don’t normally talk to; stay for a cuppa (the coffee is really good).
Our education programmes start up again with the new year. Once again we have a full intake of 1st year students for EFM, with students continuing their studies at levels 2, 3 & 5. Keep your eyes open for details of a Lent and Easter programme on the first Sunday of the month, and sign up now for the Quiet Day with Archbishop David. Take notes during sermons, pick up a hard copy, or go and re-read a sermon on the web. Not that the sermon is the last word, but it may provoke thought, prayer and action. Gen Y people may like to join others following Evensong on Sunday nights, for discussion, food and teaching. Children meet weekly in the Worship Centre, and those with preschool little ones gather each Tuesday morning.
Get involved in the life of the Cathedral. There’s no better way to feel involved than to be involved. We are always looking for people to volunteer their time as vergers, crucifers, servers, liturgical assistants, cleaners of silver and brass, welcomers and greeters on weekends, and a host of other opportunities to be involved. Don’t wait to be asked. Speak to someone who is doing what you think you could do too. Next month we will be having the annual appeal to ensure our finances are in good order. Among the particular challenges facing the Finance Committee in 2012 will be the poor returns on investments and the anticipated hugely increased insurance costs. Are you a financial giver to the mission and ministry of this Cathedral? Contact Janet Tiffin, our Bursar.
As we gather for our Patronal Festival on Sunday 29th January, we have much to celebrate and another year in which to do so. Hold the faith, step over the threshold.
- Frank Nelson
Easter in Art
A DVD series presented by Tim Marlow invites us to enter into the great themes of Lent and Easter through art. On the first Sunday of each month beginning in March, we will take time after Evensong to delve into the thoughts of others expressed through their art.
- Venue: Brian Davis Room, 6.30pm - 8.00pm
- Sunday 4th March: Betrayal - the Last Supper as seen in a 6th century mosaic, Bellini, Bosch and Tintoretto.
- Sunday 1st April (Palm Sunday): Crucifixion - the most iconic image in the history of Western art.
- Sunday 6th May: Resurrection - see what Grunewald and Rembrandt make of it all.
Arise Sir Desmond
Congratulations to The Reverend Canon Sir Desmond Britten on being made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. It is a worthy recognition of his ministry and that of the Wellington City Mission over many years.
Invitation to Farewell
After fourteen years as our Diocesan bishop, and twenty-one as a bishop, Bishop Tom will retire at the end of February. As a Diocese we will gather in Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Sunday 26th February, 4.00pm to celebrate the ministry of Tom and Dwyllis. Following the service people are welcome to share in refreshments and a social time as we continue to celebrate the wonderful ministries of Bishop Tom and Dwyllis.
To acknowledge this long and faithful service, a presentation will be made to Bishop Tom and Dwyllis. Parishes and individuals are invited to make a financial contribution towards this gift. Please send money directly to the Anglican Office clearly labelled “Bishop’s Farewell”. Cheques should be made out to “Anglican Diocese of Wellington” and sent to Anglican Centre, P O Box 12 046 Wellington 6144.
Acknowledging our Bishops
A new plaque has been commissioned to be placed near the cathedra (bishop’s throne) in the Cathedral. It will list the names of all ten Diocesan bishops of Wellington, with room for many more. Donations to cover the cost of the plaque (about $4000.00) are invited. Please send to the Cathedral Office.
Bishops of Wellington
- Charles John Abraham 1858 - 1870
- Octavius Hadfield 1870 - 1893
- Frederic Wallis 1895 - 1911
- Thomas Henry Sprott 1911 - 1936
- Herbert St Barbe Holland 1936 - 1946
- Reginald Herbert Owen 1947 - 1960
- Henry Wolf Baines 1960 - 1972
- Edward Kinsella Norman 1973 - 1986
- Brian Newton Davis 1986 - 1997
- Thomas John Brown 1997 - 2012
Garden Party to mark Diamond Jubilee
The Cathedral Companions will be holding a Garden Party to launch the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year on Sunday 5 February 2012, from 3.00pm to 4.30pm. The Garden Party will be held in the Cathedral Gardens wet or fine. Afternoon tea will be served and formal dress is requested. The cost per ticket is $15.00. An invitation is extended to all Companion members and friends in the Diocese to join in launching this special year. At 5.00pm Evensong in the Cathedral will follow, and this will include special music suited to the occasion.
- For more information please contact Valerie Whisker valeriewhisker@mail.com
Cathedral Font
In 1964 a young emerging artist was commissioned to make a font for the new Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. As one of her first works Beverley Shore Bennett executed the font which has been the doorway for new Christians ever since. In the latter part of 2011 Beverley and her daughter Diana Newbery have carefully restored and refurbished the font. Thank you to both.
Quiet Day in Lent
Spend a day in worship, silence and contemplation at the beautifully refurbished All Saints’ Church in Belmont, Lower Hutt. Enjoy the rhododendron garden, the riverside walk, the silence and worship.
- Leader: Archbishop David Moxon
- Saturday 25th February, 9.30am – 3.30pm.
- Cost: $25 (teas and lunch)
- Register: Cathedral Office phone 472 0286 or admin@wellingtoncathedral.org.nz
Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Parish of Thorndon and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul will be held on Sunday 18th March beginning with Choral Evensong at 5.00pm (including the Dean’s report) and continuing, after refreshments, in the Loaves and Fishes Hall at 6.30pm. Reports no later than 19th February please to Canon Jenny canon@wellingtoncathedral.org.nz
Ethics at Work
Challenges and opportunities in working ethically in the public, corporate, professional and voluntary sectors - an all-day workshop led by Simon Longstaff of St James Ethics Centre, Sydney. Friday 30 March 2012, Loaves and Fishes Hall (Wellington Cathedral of St Paul), 8.45am-4.45pm
- To register contact ips@vuw.ac.nz
- Cost: $225 (including teas and lunch) .
Dr Longstaff will also give a free lunchtime seminar 12.30pm - 1.30pm in Wellington Cathedral.
- For more information, visit www.wellingtoncathedral.org.nz
Archives
For past versions of the Cathedral News, see Cathedral News Archives.
