Cathedral News
Sunday 19 July - Sunday 2 August
Connections and Unity
One of our best-kept secrets is the regular pattern of worship, day by day. Amidst all the Cathedral’s activity, it roots us in our spiritual heritage, connected to God, the source and ending of all we do. It is also a reminder to the visitor, who may happen upon this worship, of what we are about, with the gentle invitation to eavesdrop.
As ‘bookends’ to the day are the simplicity and stillness of Morning Prayer, a precious start before the Cathedral springs into its busy routine, and, at the other end, Choral Evensong, a particular treasure with a different sort of participation, where we are carried by the singing of the choir, responding in heart and mind. We are very fortunate indeed to have such a regular musical and spiritual treat, but it is very much a ‘best kept secret’, deserving to be better known.
In addition is the daily celebration of the Eucharist, offered in the morning quietness during the week at 8.30am and daily at 12.30pm, irrespective of whatever else is going on. It is much simpler than the Sunday liturgy, but essentially the same: we hear the reading of Scripture, and then, in the Eucharistic prayer, we join in Christ’s selfoffering to the Father. We pray the Lord’s Prayer, looking for God’s kingdom and for ‘our daily bread’. Having been fed with the body and blood of Christ, we are then sent
to be ourselves Christ’s body in the world. In this way, our daily dependence on God becomes embodied in daily communion.
To this rich variety of worship, from September, we are introducing a new addition as part of Evening Prayer on Wednesday. Within the Western Church, a longstanding tradition has been a special service involving a period of silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, placed in a monstrance on the altar, before being blessed with this Sacrament, such as we encounter at Corpus Christi.
This service of Benediction is an opportunity for a deeper encounter with Christ, making us more aware of his presence in the Eucharist, which lies at the heart of our life and worship. We will be starting on Wednesday 23 September and thereafter on the third Wednesday of each month, so please do consider joining. This will, of course, be in addition to prayers for healing at Evening Prayer on the first Wednesday of each month.
Of course, we cannot all take an active part in every aspect of our worship. We each have to find that spiritual regime which fits our particular circumstances and inclinations. But it is good to know that this daily offering is taking place and is at the heart of what we are about, and maybe you could make it your habit to become a frequent or infrequent attender during the week.
Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor
Worship and Mission
Weekly service schedule
Details of services and music can be viewed on the Cathedral’s website. Visit: www.lincolncathedral.com/worshipmusic/services-list
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
An Evening of Sheppard & Tallis
Thursday 23 July, 7pm
Join the Haylock Consort in the Chapter House for an evening of Sheppard & Tallis. Aside from the usual plainchant associated with Compline, they’ll also be doing the following polyphonic setting: John Sheppard – In Manus Tuas II John Sheppard – In Manus Tuas III Thomas Tallis – The Dorian Service: Nunc Dimittis
This service is free to attend, and will last approximately 45 minutes.
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.
• 20 - 26 July: Grace Church Cathedral Choir Charleston, SC, USA
• 27 July - 2 August: DomMusik St Gallen, Switzerland
• 3 August - 9 August: Lyra Davidica
• 13 August - 16 August: Goring Chamber Choir
• 20 August - 23 August: Coventry Cathedral Choir
• 24 August - 28 August: Sussex Festival Singers
Community
A Glazing Trip
Last week, the Cathedral’s Glazing Department made a trip to the biannual International Stained Glass Conference held this time in Krakow. This Forum brings together stained glass conservators and scientists from all over the world to share recent advances and challenges in the field. Some key takeaways from this year’s meeting were advances in methodologies for removing old epoxy resins and issues to be aware of with regard to fired blue and green enamel paints that have been unexpectedly darkening in our changing climate. It was an excellent conference and a chance to reconnect with colleagues across the cathedral sector.
Chapter Members
We’re seeking to appoint two new members of Chapter.
Chapter is the governing body of the Cathedral, and its members are trustees for the purposes of charity law. Chapter plays a vital role in the strategic direction and governance of the Cathedral, supporting the Dean in overseeing its life.
We are particularly interested in recruiting individuals with experience in any of the following areas: conservation of historic buildings, estate master planning, fundraising, human resources and/or legal matters including governance, employment practice, and regulatory compliance. Visit our website to find out more - www.lincolncathedral. com/current-vacancies/
St Hugh Conservation
A plaster figure of St Hugh by Slovakborn sculptor Arthur Fleischmann (d. 1990) was kindly donated to the Cathedral by his son, Dominique, in 2023. It is a plaster replica of the bronze statue at Buckden Towers, Cambridgeshire, which dates from the 1960s.
After years of wear, the statue is now undergoing careful conservation to return it to its original gilded glory. In the photograph below, experienced conservator Paul Wooles is shown meticulously cleaning the surviving gilding as part of this fascinating restoration project.
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special community screening: The People’s Emergency Briefing
Wednesday 5 August, Doors at 6.30pm St Peter in Eastgate (LN2 4AA) is hosting a special screening of the eye-opening 50-minute film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, which brings together nine leading UK scientists and experts, presenting the latest evidence and explaining why it matters for things like extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living.
The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing with appearances from Chris Packham and a range of UK voices. After the film, there will be a facilitated discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally. We will invite local councillors, hoping they will join their constituents for this important discussion about our future. Seats are free but limited, so please book in advancewww.bit.ly/Peoples-Emergency-Briefing
Careers Day Inspires Future Craftspeople
In partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), Inspiring the Future hosted a Careers Day at North Kesteven Academy. The event welcomed 120 Year 9 students, and gave them the opportunity to learn about careers in traditional crafts.
Representing the Cathedral Works Department, Mike Graves spoke to students about the specialist skills involved in the conservation and maintenance of historic buildings, highlighting career pathways within the heritage and construction sectors. The day provided an excellent opportunity to inspire young people and promote the value of traditional crafts in preserving our historic environment.
Join the Community Roll
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Join the Community Roll!
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.
Events
The King’s Men at Lincoln
Monday 20 July, 7.30pm
The King’s Men will perform in St Hugh’s Choir with a programme including a mix of madrigals and close harmony numbers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear world-class music in a unique setting as part of a three-cathedral tour.
Threads Exhibition Wine and Wander
Wednesday 12 August, 7pm
An exclusive opportunity to explore the Threads Through The Bible exhibition in the serene atmosphere of the Cathedral after hours. Enjoy a drink as you explore the astonishing colours and patterns of the textiles and see Bible stories brought to life in a unique way.
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.
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.
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
Wednesday 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. Visit our website to book your place - www.bit.ly/ThreadsThrough-Revelation
Be a Chorister for a Day
Saturday 12 September, 1pm
Do you know a child who loves to sing? Join us at Lincoln Cathedral to ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’!
This fun event gives young singers 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 at the end of the day during Evensong.
To book your place, please complete the form on our websitewww.bit.ly/Be-A-Chorister
For more details of forthcoming events and to book your tickets, go to our website at: www.lincolncathedral.com/events
