Cathedral News October 2006
From Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
From the Dean
Of Synod and Boorish Behaviour
The contrast between the widely reported boorish behaviour by senior politicians and the restrained and dignified debate at Synod could not be more marked. Don’t get me wrong, Synod debates can be lively and at times downright unpleasant; but not this time. There was plenty of potential for things going differently. Few issues in recent years are more guaranteed to divide than the ongoing debate over homo-sexuality, ordination and the future of the Anglican Communion. So what makes the difference? Is it that Christians, and Anglicans in this case, actually do take seriously the words of Scripture? Is it because we have peeked over the edge of the abyss and don’t like what we see there? Is it because we are drawn, sometimes irresistibly, unwilling even, towards the cross, in the sacrament of Holy Communion? Is it that there is a built-in opportunity to stop, look, and change every time we gather for worship and make confession?
Make sure you pick up a copy of LinkWELL, the Diocesan newsletter just out and dedicated to Synod. Read the comments by Briar Gordon and Frances Griffiths – our Cathedral’s lay Synod representatives. Go on to the Diocesan website and read Bishop Tom’s Charge, and other bits and pieces from Synod. http://www.wn.anglican.org.nz/synod_2006.htm
To Give or Not to Give
Perhaps the most passionate debate at Synod was that to do with our giving as a Diocese to overseas mission. Through Anglican Missions much worthwhile work is done in the Pacific (Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga), Africa (especially Tanzania) and elsewhere in the world. For some years Synod has rather blithely agreed to regular increases. This year seemed to be no exception – until the motion was amended even before it got to be debated. Prior canvass of parishes, and the actual record of money given to date, suggested the figure of $285,000 across the Diocese for 2007 was unlikely to be met. It was a sober Synod that agreed to a sum $30,000 less.
The Cathedral Vestry, taking its lead from Finance Committee, agreed to increase this year’s budgeted Cathedral contribution by 50% - to a guaranteed figure of $15,000. On top of that, Vestry discussed the Dean’s suggestion that a target of $10,000 be accepted for the Advent Appeal – to be launched at the annual Darkness to Light service on Advent Sunday. This will be a challenge, not only to pockets, but to our ability to look beyond ourselves and see the need of others.
Business as Usual
A glance at the back page will show that the Cathedral continues to offer a multitude of special focus and challenging services and opportunities. In all the busyness time to stop is rare – so the Silent Retreat in November is a precious gift for some. The Feast of All Souls’ (2 Nov) is another time to stop, and remember with thanksgiving those who have died. But before we get there, there is the Pet Blessing Service, the Deans’ Conference, a book launch, a special St Luke’s Tide focus on all in the medical and healing world, and the challenging visit of Dr Jenny Te Paa, one of New Zealand’s most internationally aware Anglicans. Our Cathedral Choristers start the new term with a three day workshop, and the Cathedral Choir join five other cathedral choirs in Christchurch to celebrate that Diocese’s sesqui-centenary at Labour Weekend. Oh yes, don’t forget the Ordination Service on 28 October; one of two this year.
Baptism and Confirmation
I would be interested to hear from anyone wishing to make an adult commitment of faith. In preparation for next Easter we would meet during October and November, and then again in February and March – an opportunity for discussion, a time to ask questions, and draw closer to God. For those baptised and confirmed very young, this could be a chance for an adult renewal of faith. Sixteen is the minimum age for this particular approach.
Welcoming the Visitor
We urgently need more people to be Cathedral Greeters on Saturday and Sunday – especially now that the longer days have arrived. This may well be something people from other churches could help their Cathedral with. We work on a roster, two hours a month. Please get in touch with Tony Fryer ' 479 2326.
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not insist on its own way.” 1 Cor 13: 4
Read it, mark it, learn it, practice it!
Hymn Writer Honoured
Shirley Murray, NZ’s hymn writer extraordinaire was honoured recently by being made a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music. (RSCM). Following a recent day of singing in the Cathedral Paul Ellis, RSCMNZ president, paid tribute to Shirley Murray for her work and contribution to New Zealand hymnody. Part of Shirley’s response is printed below.
“I want to thank you for conferring this extraordinary honour and thank you all for the spirit in which you’ve sung my work today. I also want to express why I feel so happy in accepting it. What delights me most is that RSCM has chosen to honour the words that are sung in worship. Words are so powerful... and can be dangerous. They shape what we believe and they hold it in our hymns and liturgy, to be repeated over and over. Hymns sometimes hold the faith firmly set in stained glass that is beautiful, but static and seemingly inflexible. You are probably aware that there are far more composers of hymn tunes round the world than writers of words, possibly because it takes a certain nerve to expose new ideas and hope that people in ordinary congregations will own them.
“In honouring me in this way the RSCM has recognised that we need to sing in the present tense, we need to sing in our own words and thought forms, not just that of other centuries and countries. We are singing with our own imagery and NZ context, making connections with how we live in the world now, who God is for us, now.
“A signal is being sent to the world church that we in NZ have our own composers, writers and theologians.”
This is the House of Prayer
We love the house of prayer, wherein thy servants meet; and thou, O Lord, art there thy chosen flock to greet
These words, often sung when a place of worship is celebrated, come to mind when I think of the Cathedral and the reason so many find it to be their sacred space. It is a house of prayer. There are regular worship services when our prayers are drawn together as a community. At 10.00 am Choral Eucharist on Sundays the prayers are offered by members of the Intercessory Prayer Team. Yet, there are many other times when people as groups or individuals find in the Cathedral a place where they can bring their needs and longings, their thanksgivings and intercessions to God.
Each week Dr Raymond Pelly writes a page of intercessions which focus prayer on matters of concern in our world today. Let us know if you would like to receive these by email, or collect a copy from the Cathedral.
Before the altar of the ‘Chapel Without Walls’ people are able to place lighted candles as symbols of God’s presence in the thanksgivings or prayers for loved ones that are offered. They often leave notes recording special requests which the priests gather each day and bring to a time of prayer at the 12.15pm Eucharist in the Lady Chapel. Just this week a young soldier serving in Afghanistan was prayed for. A child wrote: “All the little children in the world please keep them safe.” Another asked for prayers in grief that is felt at the death of a beloved family member. A friend wrote for her friend: “Pray that she may recover … and live a full and happy life, in your name Lord Jesus.”
A new way of recording feelings or thoughts about God is seen in the Prayer Labyrinth in Tapestry. Situated near the entrance to the Cathedral, anyone may add their stitches to build up the pattern as prayers are made.
People come into the Cathedral or Lady Chapel each day and sit or kneel before God, finding an oasis of calm away from the busy city streets, a place in which they too can sense God’s presence. Through prayer each person is able to reach out to God, to be open to God, and above all, to be certain of God’s presence in every part of life.
Cathedral Gift Shop
A place to browse:
- Cards for Christmas and special occasions, Advent Calendars
- Cathedral souvenirs and CDs
- Crosses – bone carved, silver on stone, wooden
- Anglican rosaries
- A New Zealand Prayer Book
Open:
- Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.00pm
- Saturday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
The Guide
It’s all I need, really;
bible in one hand, bag in the other.
What’s in the bible? the voice asked.
Stories of long ago, the foundation of my faith;
God in history.
Anything else?
My guide, my map;
my questions, my answers;
my beginning, my end.
What’s in the bag?
My now, my diary, my lists;
my keys, my lipstick;
my phone, my credit card.
Why do you need all these things?
They help me get through the day;
there are people to meet
things to buy
appointments to keep.
It’s a very heavy bag, the voice said.
Yes, it is heavy
My shoulders often ache
My mind is crowded
I struggle with commitments, the weight, the pressure.
You know, maybe you could unpack some of these things.
But I’d forget where to go,
who to see,
the things I need to do.
I’d feel lost, without a guide, disoriented.
I thought you said the Bible was your guide.
Oh.
Surely the people in there can teach you,
comfort you, speak to you?
The wealth of wisdom in its pages
is worth more than any earthly riches
And God’s eternity can’t be limited by a clock
or a diary.
Oh. Yes.
Perhaps after all I could lighten my load,
share responsibility, relax a little.
I’d still have God’s word as my guide
But maybe I’d also have the energy,
the time and the will to look at God’s creation,
to listen to your voice Jesus,
and have a free hand to hold someone else’s.
Written by Judy Wigglesworth during a recent ‘Quiet Evening’ in the Cathedral.
Pastoral Care
In recent months a Wellington Cathedral Pastoral Care Team has been drawn together. Men and women from the congregation visit parishioners who find they are unable to come to the Cathedral and join in worship or other activities. Some parishioners visited may be suffering temporarily from ill health, others, because of infirmity, may no longer be able to leave their homes so the people of the Cathedral travel out to them. Another group is offered transport on the first Saturday of each month to enable them to attend the 10.30 a.m. Eucharist – an occasion which is followed by a lively Morning Tea!
The Pastoral Care Team members keep Dean Frank or Canon Judy aware of the needs of the people visited. Holy Communion will be taken to the homes of those who wish to receive the sacrament.
Please contact the Administrator if you would like someone to call on you.
Saturday Worship and the Choristers
On the first Saturday in October (7th), people attending the 10.30am Eucharist will have the opportunity to hear and sing with the Cathedral Choristers.
The Choristers sing Evensong in the Cathedral at 5.00pm every Tuesday night during School Term-time. On October 6th, 7th, and 8th they will be attending the Spring Choir School in the Cathedral. As well as singing at the 10.30 am service they will also sing at the St Francis Day Animal Blessing service and on Sunday morning. You will be very welcome at these services.
Impressions of Synod
Briar Gordon – Cathedral Representative
It is hard to know where to start in describing a Synod for which preparation had begun many months earlier, with papers in preparation and people assigned tasks for this important event in the life of the diocese. In some ways Synod is like the parliament of the diocese, when the issues are debated, rules are passed, the budget is set, and the policy for the next year is agreed. Synod is also the time when stock is taken, the vision renewed, and “loins girded”, to use St Paul’s metaphor, for the year ahead.
The assembled members of Synod, approximately 300 of us, made a vibrant scene in the Convention Centre at Palmerston North. The common refrain was “Good to see you again…”, as members of former synods met again – and helped those of us finding our way for the first time.
This was a place where there was business to be done in God’s name, to provide for the management of the diocese. There are members who give many hours of their time and expertise to manage what is, after all, a large and complex enterprise. Debate was vigorous, but the broad mission of the Church was not lost sight of, nor the purpose for which Synod is called, to plan and provide for the wise use of the resources of the Church in honouring and worshipping God and engaging the world with God’s message and our service. Synod was indeed a time to recognize that we are all called to serve.
Our place, the Wellington Diocese, is a broad one, and diverse. To traverse it and show us his vision for the Church in this place, Bishop Tom took us on a ‘virtual’ bus ride, with graphics and spoken word. Bishop Tom’s vision is of a Church on the move. A Church with a mission, vision, and values. A dream and a reality.
The diocese is indeed on the move – towards its sesquicentenary in 2008. That is surely a milestone to celebrate. It will be a year of pilgrimage, a bringing together of the far-flung parts of the diocese. The celebration which will begin at Rangiatea, the site of the diocese’ foundation, in February 2008, and culminate in the Cathedral in October. There is a sense of urgency to find and experience fresh expressions of being church.
The reports of where we have come from as a diocese in the last 12 months and where we might head in the next 12 months traversed the areas of ministry, mission, and management. The vision is one that goes beyond the local scene. A challenge was thrown out to the whole synod and the whole diocese in relation to our commitment to mission beyond New Zealand, particularly through the Anglican Missions Board, our own mission agency. Reluctantly, the conveners of the Diocesan Overseas Mission Group moved a reduction in the support of the Wellington Diocese to the Board, in acknowledgement that the diocese has not kept faith with its previous commitments. This was a sobering challenge to Synod and the diocese.
Before the close of Saturday’s proceedings we were joined by two of our three archbishops, Archbishops Brown Turei and David Moxon. Both were present at the Eucharist celebrated on Sunday morning at All Saints. Archbishop Moxon shared some of his early memories with us of his long family association with that Church, and went on to relate link his own experiences at synods to the lessons to be learned from the beatitudes.
Impressions: … though debate was vigorous and differing opinions were freely expressed, this was not the proverbial “bear pit”. Rather, it was a place where the mission and the vision of the diocese and the Church were transcendent. The bus ride beckons.
Frances Griffiths – Cathedral Representative
For me Synod 2006 was a time of challenge and learning: an opportunity to listen and contribute ideas, to absorb a variety of perspectives on matters spoken passionately about and to develop a better understanding of the complexity of issues facing our Anglican church today and how we as a church are unravelling and responding to those issues.
From the PowerPoint presentations interspersed with video clips featuring “fresh expressions of mission” from across the Diocese to the image of the “bus” in the Charge to Synod, the thinking and real dedication in the work produced and presented for Synod was striking. Bishop Tom put it to us that if a bus encompasses an image of the Anglican Church and the seats on it, its members, are we really looking out the window or are we too inwardly focussed only observing the people inside the bus? The motions being put to Synod could be seen as a part of the scenery the bus is travelling through.
I found it fascinating to listen to the varying views people hold within the Church. For example the discussion on the Diocesan Overseas Mission Budget attracted inspired debate; although sadly, it was passed that the missions’ budget would be less than for the last three years. The speakers to the motion on the environment were equally passionate about their topic, reminding us of the importance of our care for creation. The line “Lord we disfigure your world” acted as a haunting reminder to us of the challenge their motion afforded us as a Church: to support and implement environmentally friendly ideas. These were among many ideas shared and motions put that highlighted to me the challenges the Anglican Church has ahead of it.
For me Synod was in some aspects like a trip to a foreign country – a time of appreciating and valuing the differences in our Anglican Church with its broad range of styles of worship, and ideas. I was rather taken aback when someone asked me incredulously “The Cathedral? Why do you go to there?” A question worth thinking about, not only in the context of the “bus” image, but also in the light of Archbishop Moxon’s inspiring sermon on the beatitudes, reminding us all, with a vivid example of Bishop Selwyn’s experience, that often with time schisms are healed . I realised why I prefer to worship at the Cathedral: the music, the style of worship, the real sense of presence, of symbolism and process, the language of the 1662 Prayer book for Evensong, tradition; it’s where I know people. But how much is that because the Cathedral is what I’m used to? For myself, I have tried different sorts of worship so that I can say that I honestly feel more “at home” and connected with the Cathedral. Still, I will keep “looking out the window” so that I am able to value the “scenery”.
One of the lasting impressions that Synod left me with is better perhaps put in the words of a woman who was an Observer to Synod from the Salvation Army. “What always strikes me is that while there are different points of view and passionate debate, the love of Christ really shines through in your respect for and treatment of each other.”
Thank you for the opportunity to attend Synod 2006 as a Cathedral representative.
See also the latest edition of the Diocesan newsletter LinkWELL issue 8 for more on Synod. You can find your copy on the entrance table of the Cathedral.
Cathedral Retreat
Enrol now to attend this Silent Retreat at Star of the Sea, Seatoun; conducted by Raymond Pelly. Friday 10 – Sunday 12th November.
Animal Blessing Service
Saturday 4.00 pm 7th October. A Service of Thanksgiving for creation and the animals who are part of our lives. Bring your pet for a blessing!
Composer in Residence
Sponsored by the Cathedral Companions, composer in residence Andrew Baldwin, has already had his music sung in the Cathedral. Andrew’s tenure will be from August 2006 to July 2007. A 2nd year music student at VUW Andrew composed the music for Binyon’s famous lines, “At the going down of the sun… we will remember them”, sung by the Cathedral Choir at this year’s ANZAC Day service. It will be sung again on Remembrance Sunday.
Musica Sacra in Wellington
Saturday 14 October at 7.30 pm
- Organist John Scott.
- Glorious music by Bairstow, Parry, Pärt, Stanford and Whitacre.
Door sales $20 (Student rush $5 with ID)
The Cathedral Choir
The Choir is singing in Christchurch on Labour weekend as part of the NZ Cathedral Choir Festival to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Christchurch Cathedral.
