Cathedral News Sunday 16 August - Sunday 30 August
Come Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs Hymns are very important in our worship; they complement the readings, deepen the theme of the service, and allow us to express our love and faith in a personal way. The wonderful hymns chosen for our Patronal Festival on 16th August enabled us to do just that. So, I looked ahead to the hymns for next Sunday and noticed Come, let us join our cheerful songs by Isaac Watts — a name that appears again and again in the history of English hymn writing. Isaac Watts, often called the Father of English Hymnody, transformed congregational singing by allowing heartfelt, individual expression to shine through. Born in 1674, he entered a world marked by religious tension. His father, a Dissenter, was imprisoned for worshipping according to conscience, and Watts’ mother famously nursed baby Isaac on the jail steps during her visits. Isaac Watts showed a gift for verse from an early age. When he spotted a mouse climbing a rope during family prayers, he instantly composed the playful couplet: “A little mouse for want of stairs / Ran up a rope to say its prayers.” His father, thinking this irreverent, punished him — prompting Isaac to respond with another spontaneous rhyme, “Father, father, mercy take / And I will no more verses make.”
Dissatisfied with the metrical psalms of his day, he accepted his father’s challenge to write better ones. During his lifetime he went on to write over 600 hymns. At twenty seven, Isaac Watts became pastor of a London church, serving faithfully for a decade until illness forced him to step back. His congregation refused his request to stop his salary and instead increased it to cover medical costs. Later, the wealthy Thomas Abney welcomed him into his home, where he lived for the rest of his life. Even after a stroke left him unable to write, he continued dictating hymns and poems until his death in 1748. Many of his hymns remain central to Christian worship today: Jesus shall reign, Joy to the world, O God, our help in ages past, Come, let us join our cheerful songs, and the beloved When I survey the wondrous cross. Isaac Watts’ life reminds us that gifts — whether musical, pastoral, intellectual, or practical — are meant to be offered, not hidden. He used his talent for language to enrich worship, encourage faith, and strengthen the church. He wrote when he was young, when he was busy, when he was ill, and even when he could no longer hold a pen. We may not write 600 hymns, but each of us has something to bring: a voice to sing, hands to help, time to give, compassion to share, or creativity to offer. Like Isaac Watts, we can use what God has placed within us — however small it may seem — to build up our community and deepen our worship. His legacy encourages us to ask: What gift has God given me, and how might I use it in his service? When we offer our gifts, however modest, they become part of the song of the church — a song that continues to this day.
Ann Mazur, Co-ordinator Duty Chaplains
Worship and Mission Weekly Service Schedule Details of services and music can be viewed on the Cathedral’s website. Visit: www.bit.ly/services-and-music Stillpoint This is a time of guided silent prayer to be still and aware of the presence of God. We meet in the Longland Chantry from 9.15am to 9.45am on the following Mondays: 7 September, 5 October, 2 November, 7 December Visiting Choirs While our choir is on summer break, we’ll be joined by a variety of visiting choirs for our choral services. Continue reading to find out who will be joining us and when. • 13 August - 16 August: Goring Chamber Choir • 20 August - 23 August: Coventry Cathedral Choir • 24 August - 28 August: Sussex Festival Singers Cathedral Confirmations Confirmation is an important sacramental stepping stone in our Christian life at which we affirm our faith for ourselves and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit for service and witness. In response to requests from members of our community, we are very pleased that Bishop Nicholas will be celebrating with us the Sung Eucharist for All Saints’ Day, Sunday 1 November, at which he will baptise and confirm. This will be in addition to the usual baptisms and confirmations at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested in exploring this, please contact: kevin.walton@lincolncathedral.com
Community Candle stand trials We are trialling new style votive candles at all the usual locations and now, also at the Shrine. Why? • The increasing use of the sand trays/ bowls has created a dangerous situation where the heat from the candles is causing them to melt, and people are often reaching over flames to place their new candle. Also, the cleaning of the tray often mean the vergers are touching sand that is soaked in hot wax. • The low-level trays and bowls make it difficult for people with physical restrictions to place their candles. • The new stands are mobile so they can be redeployed to areas of need when the cathedral is not open to visitors e.g. to the Morning Chapel during carol services. • The system we are trialling is safe, smokeless and environmentally friendly. • Day to day maintenance is efficient, clean and well supported by the supplier.
Could you help shape the future of Lincoln Cathedral? We are currently recruiting for two exciting opportunities: Head of Marketing Lead the strategic planning and delivery of marketing for one of the UK’s most iconic heritage attractions. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you’ll drive audience growth, visitor engagement, digital marketing, campaigns, brand development and storytelling. Closing date: Monday 31 August. Chapter Members (2 vacancies) We are seeking two new members of Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body and trustee board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in conservation of historic buildings, estate master planning, fundraising, human resources, or legal and governance matters. Closing date: Wednesday 26 August. For full details of both roles and how to apply, visit: www.lincolncathedral.com/ current-vacancies/
The trial will last into September and a decision will be taken then. Thoughtful feedback should be given to a Verger or the Succentor.
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Music Celebration 2026 The Dean of Lincoln, The Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, and Chair of the Music Fund Council, Mr Andrew Clark DL, invite you to evensong and a celebration of the wonderful music of Lincoln Cathedral on Sunday 4 October, starting at 3.45pm (please be seated by 3.40pm).
The Community Roll allows us to keep in touch and send you updates, including Cathedral News by email. You can also join the Worshipper’s Roll, which helps us stay connected as a congregation and allows eligible members to vote in Deanery Synod elections. To join either or both rolls, scan the QR code.
To help us with catering arrangements, we kindly ask that you reserve your place by Friday 18 September. Please RSVP to amber.hardy@lincolncathedral.com, by calling 01522 561613 or by using the link below: www.bit.ly/Music-Celebration-2026
Events Threads Summer Crafts Every Tuesday to Friday in August, 10am to 3.30pm Looking for something creative to do this summer? Join us for Threads Summer Crafts in the Learning Centre and get hands-on with activities such as paper plate basket weaving, colourful collage creations, and art-inspired clay crafts. Plus, crafts change every week, so there’s always something new to discover. All our crafts are FREE with your Cathedral admission, so don’t miss out, come make some summer memories with us! Threads Through The Bible – Late Night Opening Wednesday 19 August, 6.30pm to 9pm Enjoy an evening opportunity to explore the spectacular textile project Threads Through The Bible, which tells some of the stories from the first and last books of the Bible.
Cathedral of Curiosities Friday 28 to Monday 31 August Celebrate Lincoln’s Steampunk Festival with a weekend of exploration, discovery and curious encounters at Lincoln Cathedral. From hidden treasures and fascinating stories to special themed offers, there’s something for visitors of all ages. Cathedral of Curiosities Trail Set off on a journey through the Cathedral, pausing at marked points to uncover strange tales, remarkable characters, and intriguing objects that have left their mark on this ancient place. Cathedral of Curiosities Tour Join our special guided tour on Saturday 29 August at 1.30pm and discover the Cathedral’s Victorian Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, supernatural tales and fascinating curiosities. Advance booking is required: www.bit.ly/Curiosities-Tour Steampunk Offers Complete your visit with special steampunk-themed treats in the Cathedral Café and browse unique gifts and souvenirs in the Cathedral Shop throughout the festival weekend.
Take the time to explore the exhibition and enjoy the gothic architecture and atmospheric surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral on a late summer evening. Entry is our regular admission price. No need to book, just turn up.
Threads Through Revelation:
Interpreting the Bible’s Most Puzzling Book Saturday 29 August, 3pm Join our Chancellor, Kevin Walton, for his second lecture in conjunction with Threads Through The Bible. In this lecture, he’ll explore what kind of writing Revelation really is, how its first readers might have understood it, and how we might make some sense of its vivid imagery, mysterious symbols, and coded language. This is a free event, but booking is essential: www.bit.ly/Threads-Through-Revelation Be a Chorister for a Day Saturday 12 September, 1pm Do you know a child who loves to sing? Join us for ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’! Experience a taste of what it is like to be a chorister at Lincoln Cathedral. It is aimed at children in school years 2 to 6. During the afternoon you’ll get a free singing lesson with one of the Cathedral’s specialists, a tour of the Cathedral, afternoon tea and the opportunity to sing with the Cathedral Choir during Evensong. To book your place, please complete the form on our website www.bit.ly/Be-A-Chorister Academy of St Martin in the Fields Wednesday 23 September, 7pm Returning to its founder Sir Neville Marriner’s birthplace, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields will be joined by violinist Stella Chen to perform one of the greatest violin concertos of the nineteenth century. From the opening drumbeats, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto unfolds into a journey from wind chorales to warm string chords and orchestral climaxes, all woven together by Chen’s lyrical and expressive violin playing.
Grand Organ Festival Tickets for this year’s Grand Organ Festival will soon be on sale. Join us for a spectacular series of recitals showcasing the power and versatility of Lincoln Cathedral’s renowned Father Willis organ. Featuring some of the UK’s finest organists, this year’s festival offers a wonderful variety of music. Jeffrey Makinson Tue 22 September, 7pm Works by Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Eben and Duruflé. James Gough Tue 29 September, 7pm Works by J.S. Bach, Franck, Bridge and Duruflé. Philip Rushforth Tue 6 October, 7pm Performing works by Alcock, Bowen, Hollins, and Roger-Ducasse. David Pipe Tue 13 October, 7pm Works by Franck, Guilmant, Fleury and Vierne. Organ Extravaganza Tue 20 October, 7pm Featuring J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Widor’s Toccata and choral favourites. Daniel Cook Tue 27 October, 7pm Works by J.S. Bach, Whitlock and Reubke. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details of when tickets go on sale. For more details of forthcoming events and to book your tickets, go to our website at: www.lincolncathedral.com/events