Cathedral News September 2006
From Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Contents |
From the Dean
Dedicated Living
Over 120 people gathered for a celebratory lunch and a self-congratulatory pat on the back following the Choral Eucharist on Sunday 27th August. Canon Judy reminded the congregation that well over 200 invitations had been sent out to people actively involved in the many and various ministries that happen in the Cathedral. While some would say this work is nothing more than that expected of Christians and members of a church, for me it is really important to acknowledge publicly the Dedicated Living of the Cathedral family. Of course this day focused only on what is done within the Cathedral confines; the real work of God’s people, the real mission, is done in the work-place, on the sports fields, clubs etc where you, the people of God, live out the implications of your baptism. It may be there are people who are ready to get more involved in the life of the cathedral; speak to others about what they are doing, speak to Canon Judy or myself. One immediate area that comes to mind is the need for greeters on weekends. At the moment we are stretched to roster people for a two-hour slot once a month to keep the Cathedral open, and to have a friendly smile of welcome for our visitors.
Grace: An unexpected Gift
I have often said to others that the sadness of a family death is tempered by unexpected pleasures that come when people gather for the funeral. The love, prayers, cards, support and sheer generosity of cathedral people took my breath away as I experienced what it is like to lose a parent: thank you. Other moments of grace; a chance glance out of the window as the Qantas plane buffeted its way across the southern ocean revealed the exquisite beauty of the Antarctic ice 38,000 feet below us; a two hour delay at an airport meant a two hour lunch with an old scouting friend in Johannesburg; precious time spent with my mother following my father’s funeral.
Sacred and Public
Christopher Lewis, Dean of Christchurch Cathedral and College, Oxford UK, reminded members of Vestry and Cathedral staff that a Cathedral is both sacred and public space. Christopher took time out of his holiday to meet one evening last month and talk about his ideas of what irritates and thrills him about Cathedrals. The unique role of a Cathedral was well-emphasised in August as the rear third of the nave was transformed by displays reflecting a range of conservation and eco-friendly organisations; part of the annual Conservation Week arranged in association with DOC. Lay Canon Ted Abraham has been the driving force behind this week for many years, encouraging the Diocese to take seriously the scriptural mandate to care for Creation. Stimulating and challenging talks and a debate were successfully held in the Cathedral at lunch times.
That Scam
Readers will be well aware of the scam involving the alleged illness of the wife of the Bishop of Kagera. While we shall possibly never know what really happened, anonymous members of the Diocese of Wellington were so concerned that the good work being done through the companion relationship between our two dioceses not be damaged, that the full $14,000 involved was returned to donor parishes. As no one in the Cathedral has come forward asking for their money to be returned to them, Vestry decided that the $500 of Cathedral money should go back to the Diocese of Kagera and towards the building of the Good Shepherd Secondary School. John Rowan QC is keeping a very careful eye on all matters accounting and building.
Continue to hold our world and its people in your prayers, especially those engaged in peace-making activities. In the name of the Prince of Peace, even Christ our Lord.
Dedicated Living
Wellington Cathedral is run by a small paid staff helped by an army of volunteers who serve in a myriad different ways. Some of these tasks are highly visible; many are not.
Those attending services are greeted by volunteers standing in the narthex handing out the "today" sheet, with its details of services. Most of those taking part in the service will be volunteers, who read the lessons, lead intercessions, assist at the altar, carry the Cross, take the collection. The Cathedral Choir and Choristers give their skills and time as do the occasional choirs - the St Paul’s Chorale, the Children's Choir and the Cathedral Voices. Keeping the carefully spaced, straight rows of chairs is a task, done on the knees, by another wonderful Cathedral voluntary worker.
The Cathedral's Linen Guild makes and repairs the exquisite vestments and altar cloths; others keep the Cathedral linen washed and ironed – voluntarily. Members of the Flower Guild arrange the wonderful displays of flowers. A voluntary catering corps prepares and serves up our celebratory meals, yet another team pours the tea and coffee after morning services.
There are people who straighten the prayer books, give up time to dust, who tidy up the car park, plant the gardens and weed the grounds – and those who with great rejoicing ring the bells.
Volunteers give their time with a will and a way to help cathedral funds. They help in the gift shop, organise art shows (the proceeds from this year’s Arts Encompassing will go towards painting the Lady Chapel), plan concerts. One group, the Cathedral Companions, works each year to support a Cathedral project.
Other volunteers provide classes for our children both on Sundays and weekdays, and help with special children focused services such as Christingle and the Pet Service. Voluntary work can begin at an early age - as witness those who sing and serve in the sanctuary.
So many are the volunteers it is impossible in a few paragraphs to name all the tasks they undertake. Those who do them - no matter how small and unrecognized the work may be – help to create the close-knit bond of friendship that is so apparent within the Cathedral. Voluntary work as a part of our Christian way of life is very much alive in our Cathedral of St Paul.
Judy Bradwell
From the registers
Funerals
- Graham Wilkin
- Peter Boag
- Stanley Smyth
- Petra Markham
RSCM Choral Festival
9.00 am – 6.00 pm Saturday 9th September
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
- Conductor: Michael Fulcher, St Paul’s Cathedral
- Organist: Paul Ellis, Christchurch Cathedral and RSCM President
Music includes: Britten’s Jubilate, Aston’s If ye love me, and hymns by Shirley Murray
Register with John Garmonsway on 473 1933
Festival Service at 5.00 pm
Quiet Evening
5.00 pm – 9.00 pm Sunday 10th September Conductor: The Very Reverend Frank Nelson "Is the Christ you know and the Christ I know the Christ we share?" No charge. All welcome.
Vigil for Peace
Thursday 21st September
Use the Cathedral, or some other sacred space, to pray for peace.
Light a candle.
Peace prayers at Choral Evensong, 5.30pm.
Prayer Tapestry Labyrinth
A new and practical way to pray - look out for the prayer tapestry in the Cathedral, and come and add your stitches. Watch the pattern grow as we stitch our way to the cross.
September Services
- Sunday 3rd Sept
- 8.00 am Holy Communion
- 10.00 am Choral Eucharist
- 5.00 pm Choral Evensong
- Sunday 10th Sept
- 8.00 am Holy Communion
- 10.00 am Choral Eucharist
- 5.00 pm Choral Evensong & Quiet Evening
- Sunday 17th Sept
- 8.00 am Holy Communion
- 10.00 am Choral Eucharist - BATTLE OF BRITAIN
- 5.00 pm Choral Evensong
- Thursday 21st Sept
- 5.30 pm Choral Evensong - Vigil for World Peace
- Sunday 24th Sept
- 8.00 am Holy Communion
- 10.00 am Choral Eucharist
- 5.00 pm Choral Evensong
Weekday Services
- Daily 12.15 pm
- Holy Communion
- Tuesday 5.00 pm
- Choral Evensong
- Wednesday 7.30 am
- Holy Communion
- Thursday 5.30 pm
- Choral Evensong
- 1st Saturday 10.30 am
- Holy Communion
