The Chapter Letter. First Sunday of Lent Sunday 18 February Lent Cathedral:

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1 The Chapter Letter First Sunday of Lent Sunday 18 February 2018 Welcome A very warm welcome to worship at the Cathedral, with a particular greeting to those who are newcomers or visitors. It is a delight to welcome you. Lent has begun: After the pancake party came the sharper focus of Ash Wednesday. And now we are in Lent. Sunday Lent addresses; Lent books; Stations of the Cross; a Quiet Day; Christian Aid lunches; and an invitation to join more regularly in the daily worship of the Cathedral all this is on offer through these forty days leading up to Holy Week. Lent 2018@Wells Cathedral: Today s preacher at (with tea to follow and a short seminar for those who wish ): Canon Rachel Mann is a parish priest in the Manchester diocese, and an Honorary Canon of Manchester Cathedral. She has published and reviewed widely, and her most recent book, Fierce Imaginings, tells the story of the collapse of Victorian and Edwardian culture as found in poetry, prose and human stories of the trenches. This year s Lent series looks precisely into how the First World War has shaped the world we live and believe in. Next week s preacher is Professor Joy Carter, Vice Chancellor of Winchester University. She will look at the emergence of women into the public realm during and after World War One. This seems very timely. We have just marked the centenary of votes for some women. Something rather special: a celebration of reconciliation: Saturday 24 th February sees something very special at Wells Cathedral at the German Choir of London will join with the Cathedral Choir to sing. I ve been asked to offer a very short address highlighting the theme of reconciliation, and I ll gladly do that. In this anniversary year, marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, it seems an excellent thing to offer in parallel to the November commemorations, a celebration of cooperation and partnership. Our guests will be very welcome. And we are hoping to see

2 a fine turnout of Wells people to signal a welcome not only for these guests, but for the principle of reconciliation too. Christian Aid Lent Lunches in Wells: Every Monday (19 th February 19 th March) enjoy a soup and bread lunch at Seager Hall, Union Street 12-1:30pm. A suggested donation of 3.50 supports Christian Aid. Stations of the Cross: It is our custom in Lent to meet each Friday at 12:00 noon in the Nave in order to walk the way of the Cross following our Stations of the Cross placed around the walls of the Nave. It is a moving devotion to look at each Station painted beautifully by the Bulgarian artist Silvia Dimitrova in the style of an Orthodox icon. A short reading and prayer is used at each Station. This year we shall be joined by Fr. Philip Thomas from the Church of St. Joseph and St. Teresa in Wells together with members of his congregation, so it will be good to add this ecumenical dimension to our keeping of Lent. Each week will be led by a member of the Cathedral clergy and Fr. Philip. The service lasts about 30 minutes. Do join us if you have not experienced this way of praying before. The Revd John Sclater, Priest Vicar Priest Vicar: Chapter and the wider Cathedral Community are hugely grateful for the liturgical and pastoral work of our Priest Vicars. But Chapter is also mindful of asking too much of clergy who are already retired! So we are looking to appoint a third Priest Vicar. Details of the post and an application form can be found on the Cathedral website at The Precentor will chair the appointment process. After the hurricane in Haiti: A chance to hear from Christian Aid s senior relief officer in Haiti, Victoria Jean-Louis, as Haiti recovers from devastating storm damage. Bishop s Table café, Bishop s Palace, Tuesday 27 February from 10:30am. All welcome. Many, many thanks to all who have who have sent us cards, had a quiet word with us, or who came to one of the lovely and moving send offs last week. We are completely bowled over by your love, support and expressions of kindness. Also a big thank you for the generous gifts you gave us and for those who organised the various parties. The Sunday afternoon service was very special for us and we shall remember it for a long time. It is lovely to see all the great things happening in the

3 Cathedral and I am sure it will not be too long before you will see me (and us) around as I take on the responsibilities of my new post as Bishops Chaplain. With huge appreciation. Graham & Pauline Dodds On Tuesday 6th February in the morning 38 pupils attended the GCSE RS Revision Conference from four local secondary schools: The Blue School, Wadham School, Downside and Huish Episcopi. The students enabled peer revision of the syllabus by giving presentations on course topics such as Creation, Evil, Life after Death, Environment and Stewardship, Homosexuality, Abortion, War and Forgiveness, and other ethical subjects. The pupils then posed questions from these areas of study, coming up with some excellent and at times fairly challenging questions to a panel comprising Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, Anglican and Jewish representatives. During the afternoon we held a free public seminar on The Golden Rule in Today s World, hearing from these various faith perspectives. A full Education Room listened to presentations on the theme of Who is my brother? Who is my sister? Love Thy Neighbour Treat others as you would like to be treated. Here was a chance to explore the common ground, and possible differences, in the religious traditions of our world, with representatives of the Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish and Sikh traditions. After the talks, the audience asked questions investigating the idea of Who is my Neighbour? in the context of contemporary political events as well as the human condition generally. The panel members demonstrated wisdom and humour, gaining respect from the audience for their candour. The audience clearly valued this opportunity to explore and engage with other faiths. Our thanks go to the Cathedral s newly appointed Canon Theologian, David Thomas. Professor Thomas chaired both morning and afternoon sessions, skilfully navigating the questions and responses to provide balanced participation. Miranda Young, Head of Outreach & Learning The Children s Society are holding their annual buffet lunch on Thursday 22 nd February 12-2pm at the Town Hall. It costs 10 per person, pay at the door. A great cause! Offering a welcome: Our plans for strengthening the sense of welcome and community around the Cathedral Eucharist are moving forward. The Welcome Evening mentioned in a recent Chapter Letter has been arranged for Monday 19 th March, beginning in the Chapter Room at the

4 bottom of Vicars Close. All who have arrived as worshippers or staff over the last year or so will be invited. A date for your diary? More details soon. Organ repairs: In recent weeks Chapter has had to spend 4,000 on unexpected organ repairs. This was an unbudgeted expense. Many value the music here, and some may be in a position to make a donation towards these costs. If you can help, please catch a word with the Dean. And many thanks for the cheques received this past week. The Cathedral Charity Box is looking a bit shabby, so we intend to refurbish it in the spring. Could you spare a few hours to dismantle it, sand down, fill holes, and possibly paint? Offers of help appreciated, to Miranda Young: miranda.young@wellscathedral.uk.net or telephone Miranda Young, Head of Education & Outreach Cathedral Quiet Day for Lent will be held at the Bishop s Palace, on Wednesday 21st March from 10am-4pm; the cost of the day will be 25, which will include lunch. The Venerable Kevin Roberts will lead the day. Kevin was Archdeacon of Carlisle for seven years and was acting Archdeacon in Wells after the departure of Nicola Sullivan. Please see notice on the table in the North Transept for further information and booking. Alison Wilcox READINGS Readings for next Sunday s Cathedral Eucharist, the Second Sunday of Lent: Genesis 17, 1-7, and Mark 8.31-end OF SPECIAL NOTE FOR THE COMING WEEK Every day at 8am, Morning Liturgy, Lady Chapel Mon pm Encircling the Land with Sacred Dance Chapter House Tue 20 12:25pm Holy Communion Lady Chapel Wed 21 9:30am Holy Communion Lady Chapel Thur 22 1:05pm Organ Recital by Wells Cathedral School Quire. All are very welcome. Fri 23 12:05pm Stations of the Cross Nave Sat 24 Joint with the German Choir of London - Nave

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