Lent, Holy Week
Joyfullyand proclaiming Easter the love of God in worship, outreach, welcome and care
Worship, Prayer and Christian Formation at Ely Cathedral The Call to Christ Lent, Holy Week and Easter The Call to Christ
Jesus’ call to follow him is the beginning of discipleship for us as it was for the Apostles. In this season of Lent we reflect on different aspects of his call to his people and to us today as his witnesses in the world.
John Wesley said that ‘The Call’ brings us tasks and challenges: some are easy, others are difcult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.
In this holy season we enter deeply once again into this challenge and call to holiness, to listen, to witness, to come to Christ. We pray to ‘deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him’. We are delighted to welcome distinguished visiting preachers, Bishop Stephen Platten, Bishop Jack Nicholls, Dr Paula Gooder and Bishop Rowan Williams. We hope that you will feel drawn to respond to the call to draw nearer to God in prayer this Lent.
* Incense is used at services marked with an asterisk.
Tuesday 5 March Shrove Tuesday 6.15pm The Choristers’ Pancake Race and Big Pancake Party Come and enjoy the fun in our Big Pancake Race and Pancake Party when choristers and musicians (and clergy) will be racing! We will be raising money for the Church Urban Fund’s Food Poverty Campaign and eating away at hunger. Just £3 can provide lunch for a child over the summer as free school meals disappear and £9 will provide an emergency food parcel for a family for one day. The event is free, but for catering purposes please get a ticket from the Cathedral Box Office 01353 660349. For further information visit www.cuf.org.uk/the-big-pancake-party
2 Wednesday 6 March Ash Wednesday* Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin, and be faithful to Christ. These are the words that Christians hear on Ash Wednesday as their foreheads are marked in ash with the sign of the cross at the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is considered a day of obligation for practising Christians and there are various services during the day for people to receive communion and ashing: 8am, 12.10pm. The Solemn Eucharist at 7.30pm includes the singing of Allegri’s extraordinary setting of Psalm 51 - Miserere. The preacher will be Canon James Garrard.
Tuesday 19 March, 5.30pm Monday 25 March, 5.30pm Festal Evensong The Feast of St Joseph Festal Evensong The Annunciation of Our We celebrate the feast of Jesus’ earthly Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary father, the carpenter and husband of Mary We mark the visit of the Angel Gabriel to who was not afraid to follow God’s will for Mary to tell her that she will bear a son, him despite what public opinion might say. Jesus, who will be the Saviour of all people. Joseph is also venerated as the patron saint Mary’s joyful response to this message is to of workers. The choir sings O Joseph being say ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord’, an old man truly, a traditional English song aligning her will with that of God. The choir arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams. sings Thomas Weelkes’ Sixth Service and Ave Maria by Robert Parsons. Sunday Sermon Series
Sunday 10 March First Sunday of Lent Preacher: Bishop Stephen Platten The Call to Holiness
Bishop Stephen Platten was ordained in 1975. His ministry has included time as a residentiary canon at Portsmouth Cathedral, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs, Dean of 10.30am Norwich and Bishop of Wakefield. Since Sung Eucharist including music by Darke, retirement he has ministered in the City of Communion Service in F and Saviour of the London. He is the author and editor of world by Paul Trepte. several books. He served as Chairman of the Church of England’s Liturgical 4pm Choral Evensong with Address Commission, which seeks to develop the To include Lord, let me know mine end by worshipping life of the church. Greene. 3 Sunday 17 March Sunday 24 March Second Sunday of Lent Third Sunday of Lent Preacher: Bishop Jack Nicholls Preacher: Dr Paula Gooder The Call to Listen The Call to Witness
Bishop Jack was Bishop of Shefeld from Dr Paula Gooder is a writer and lecturer in 1997 until 2008 and since retirement has Biblical Studies. Her research areas focus on been an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the the writings of Paul the Apostle, with a dioceses of Derby and Manchester. Serving particular focus on 2 Corinthians and on in his home county of Lancashire and in Paul’s understanding of the Body. Her Yorkshire, he was a Residentiary Canon passion is to ignite people’s enthusiasm for of Manchester Cathedral and in 1990 he reading the Bible today, by presenting the became Bishop of Lancaster. He is a greatly best of biblical scholarship in an accessible sought after preacher and describes and interesting way. himself as a catholic evangelist, believing that tradition and missionary outreach 10.30am go together. He spends a considerable Sung Eucharist amount of time in spiritual direction and in Including music by Monteverdi Messa da leading retreats. cappella and Sicut cervus by Palestrina.
10.30am 4pm Sung Eucharist Choral Evensong with Address Including Palestrina’s Missa Salvum me To include the anthem Like as the hart by fac and Usquequo Domine by Guerrero - a Herbert Howells. setting of Psalm 13 - How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord.
4pm Choral Evensong with Address To include Herbert Howells’ O pray for the peace of Jerusalem (a setting of part of Psalm 122). 4 Sunday 31 March Sunday 7 April Mothering Sunday Fifth Sunday of Lent Preacher: The Dean Preacher: Bishop Rowan Williams The Call to Christ
10.30am Bishop Rowan is a former Archbishop of All-Age Sung Eucharist Canterbury and is currently Master of Including Paul Trepte’s Missa Parodia, Magdalene College, Cambridge. He is known Kenton Coe’s anthem For the beauty of the world-wide as theologian, thinker, writer and earth and a setting of Ave Maria by Simon spiritual leader and we are honoured that he Lindley. The Ely Imps and the Girl and Boy is preaching again during this sermon series. Choristers will be singing together this morning. The newest choristers will be 10.30am admitted to the Foundation, the traditional Sung Eucharist name for the Cathedral worshipping and Including music by Lassus Missa Octavi Toni working family from the days of the sung by the Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers. monastery. 4pm 4pm Choral Evensong with Address Choral Evensong with Address With the anthem It is a thing most wonderful To include canticles by Sumsion in G with by Philip Moore. the anthems Ave Maria by Dupré and Tota pulchra es by Chausson.
Sundays 10, 17, 24 March and 7 April Meet the Preacher Facilitated by Canon Jessica Martin Everyone is invited to discuss the insights and questions the sermons raise, from noon in Powcher’s Hall after the 10.30am Eucharist in Lent. 5 Worship, Music and Prayer
Music and Meditation Tuesdays in Lent, 1pm in the Presbytery The musicians of Ely Cathedral contribute a piece of J S Bach’s organ music appropriate to the season and themes of Lent. The piece is preceded by a short meditation by one of the Cathedral Clergy exploring the music itself and the theological and spiritual threads which can be drawn from it. The whole meditation lasts about 20 minutes. Tuesday 12 March Aaron Shilson An Wasserflüssen Babylon BWV 653 Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit BWV 669 Canon Jessica Martin
Tuesday 19 March Jonathan Kingston Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier BWV 731 Trio super: Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend BWV 655 Canon Victoria Johnson
Tuesday 26 March Andrew Parnell Wo soll ich fliehen hin BWV 646 Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten BWV 647 O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross BWV 622 Canon Jessica Martin
Tuesday 2 April Sarah MacDonald Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele BWV 654 Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott BWV 721 Canon Victoria Johnson
Tuesday 9 April Paul Trepte Valet will ich dir geben BWV 735 O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig (manualiter and Chorale) Valet will ich dir geben BWV 736 Canon Victoria Johnson
Tuesday 16 April Edmund Aldhouse Jesus Christus unser Heiland BWV 688 Aus tiefer Not BWV 686 6 Canon Jessica Martin Candlelit Compline Tuesdays in Lent, 9pm in the Lady Chapel The ancient monastic office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’. It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. This candlelit service is sung by a gathered choir who lead the responses, the psalms and sing two anthems. In the stunning space of the Lady Chapel with its magnificent acoustics this is an uplifting and evocative way to journey prayerfully through Lent and find space for reflection at the end of the day. The service lasts about 30 minutes. On Tuesday 16 April Compline begins at 8pm in the Presbytery. There will be an address by our Holy Week preacher, Canon Victoria Johnson.
Eucharist followed by Lent Lunch Fridays in Lent, 12.10pm Each Friday during Lent there will be a simple eucharist with a hymn and word of reflection followed at 1pm by a Lent lunch in the Lady Chapel provided by the Mothers’ Union. They will be taking donations for their Lent Charity ‘The Wisbech Project’ in support of a Family Worker in the market town of Wisbech.
Monday 8 April, 7pm Organ Recital - Paul Trepte
Paul Trepte gives his last Organ recital as Director of Music, to which everyone is very warmly invited. The programme will include works by Bach, Karg Elert and Reger.
Free admission.
Saturday 13 April, 7.30pm Ely Choral Society Concert Featuring music by Poulenc, Brahms and Sir Edward Elgar’s The Music Makers - the most famous setting of Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s poem, scored for mezzo-soprano solo, choir and orchestra. The references to makers of music allow Elgar to quote from at least six of his best known works. 7 Holy Week at Ely Cathedral Palm Sunday 14 April
Preacher: Canon Victoria Johnson 10.30am Sung Eucharist Canon Victoria Johnson has been a We gather on Palace Green to hear the Residentiary Canon at Ely Cathedral since Gospel of the Palms and raise them to be 2015 and will be the Preacher for Holy blessed and then process into the Week this year. Cathedral. The choir sings the first performance of the Passion according to Whilst studying theology in Cambridge, St Luke written by Paul Trepte as well as his she spent a semester studying homiletics settings of Hosanna to the Son of David and at Yale Divinity School with Thomas the anthem Solus ad victimam (Alone to Troeger. She taught Worship and Preaching suffering thou didst go). to ordinands from across the North West through the University of Chester and is a 4pm Tutor and Trustee of the College of A Prelude to Holy Week Preachers. A service inspired by the Orthodox Liturgy for Palm Sunday Evening providing space She is a writer for the Preacher’s to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for Companion 2019 and 2020 and will the coming of Christ as we enter into this contribute to a book about Preaching by most holy week. The service encourages the Littlemore Group, published later this us to wait expectantly with vigilance and year. preparedness for Christ, the Bridegroom, to be united with his bride the Church Vicky will lead us through the events of through the events of his saving Passion. Holy Week beginning on Palm Sunday With readings, psalmody, and music by afternoon and leading to the Preaching of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Thomas Morley the Cross on Good Friday. and Humfrey’s Like as the hart. The first of the Holy Week addresses will be given by Canon Victoria Johnson. 8 Monday in Holy Week 15 April Maundy Thursday 18 April
7.30pm 10.30am Stations of the Cross Chrism Eucharist with the Blessing of Oils The Stations or Way of the Cross (Via and Renewal of Ordination Vows. Crucis), are a series of images depicting Jesus on the day of his crucifixion, taking 7.30pm his cross to Calvary. First used by the Evening Eucharist of the Last Supper Franciscans, the Stations are one of the with washing of feet* most powerful spiritual contemplations Commemorating Jesus’ institution of the of the Passion of Christ. There is a series Eucharist and his command to ‘love one of fourteen images, beginning with Jesus’ another as I have loved you’. Address given condemnation by Pilate and we move from by Canon Victoria Johnson. This dramatic scene to scene, stopping at each for prayer service concludes with the reading of Jesus’ and reflection, until we mark Jesus’ body arrest and imprisonment the night before being placed in the tomb. his trial and the symbolic stripping of the altar as Psalm 22 is sung. A silent Watch of Tuesday in Holy Week 16 April prayer then takes place.
8pm Candlelit Choral Compline With address by Canon Victoria Johnson.
Wednesday in Holy Week 17 April
7.30pm A Sequence of Music and Readings Music includes Lamentations by Tallis and Paul Trepte’s Jeremiae. 9 Holy Saturday 20 April
5.30pm Evensong sung to plainsong.
8pm Easter Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation* with the Bishop presiding. The first celebration of Easter, with the Lighting of the Easter Fire, Paschal Candle and admission of new Christians to baptism Good Friday 19 April and communion. This is a beautiful service at which we greet Easter in a dramatic and Midday until c.1.15pm joyful way, giving thanks for the faith that is Preaching of the Cross within us. Addresses given by Canon Victoria Johnson with hymns and readings. Easter Day 21 April
1.30-3pm 10.30am The Liturgy of the Day with the singing of Orchestral Eucharist* the Passion Gospel by Victoria and the With the Ely Sinfonia, Mozart’s Coronation Veneration of the Cross in which all are Mass, Handel’s Halleluia Chorus and Mozart’s invited to participate. Ave Verum. The president and preacher will be the Bishop. 5.30pm Choral Evensong 4pm A solemn act of worship for Good Friday Festal Evensong and Procession* with the singing of Lotti’s incomparable Music by C.V.Stanford, Paul Trepte and Crucifixus. Herbert Howells’ Te Deum (Collegium Regale) concludes our Easter celebrations. We bid * Incense is used at services marked with farewell to Paul Trepte who has served as an asterisk. Director of Music for nearly 30 years. 10 Children and Families
Monday 8 & Wednesday 10 April, 10am - Noon Easter Craft Family Drop-ins In the Lady Chapel No charge for entry, small charge for optional trail.
Thursday 11 - Thursday 18 April Easter Prayer stations around the East End of the Cathedral.
Good Friday 19 April 10-11am Children’s Activities and Worship Come and hear the story of Easter and help create an Easter Garden. This child-friendly event lasts about an hour and leads in to an informal act of worship with Christian communities from all over Ely as they gather in the Cathedral after their Walk of Witness. The service is followed by hot cross buns in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome.
10.15am Christians Together Walk of Witness Christians from all over the city gather outside St Mary’s Church for prayer and begin a walk of witness to Market Square. The procession then moves to the Cathedral for a final short Act of Worship at 11am. Everyone is invited to the Lady Chapel for hot cross buns and refreshments.
Easter Day 21 April Eucharist with Children’s Activities and Easter Egg Hunt Children and families are very welcome to join us for our service on Easter Day where we rejoice that Christ has risen! With beautiful music and great hymns. During the service, children will be invited to help create a lovely display at the back of the Cathedral and what Easter celebration would be complete without an Easter Egg Hunt, which takes place immediately after the service in the Bishop’s Garden.
11 Follow the Way of Life: Study and Discipleship Lent and Easter 2019 ‘Way of Life’ Breakfast Meetings in Powcher’s Hall
Come and have breakfast together - excellent coffee (and teas), orange juice, croissants and at the same time take the chance to ponder and deepen your commitment to Christ in these ‘Way of Life’ meetings. The earliest Christians called their faith ‘the Way’ and all Christian identity and commitment is a life-journey. Make yours this Lent with companionship and encouragement, considering the texts and preaching themes for the Sunday which follows the meeting in the light of the Diocesan ‘Way of Life’ materials.
Saturday 9 March, 8.30-10am The Call to Holiness Saturday 16 March, 8.30-10am The Call to Listen Saturday 23 March, 8.30-10am The Call to Witness Saturday 6 April, 8.30-10am The Call to Christ
Ways of Praying Prayer Courses Led by Jane Keiller and others in Powcher’s Hall
Saturday 2 March, 10.30am-noon Thinking Things Over with God
Saturday 4 May, 10.30am-noon Walking Prayer
Saturday 8 June, 10.30am-noon Praying with Written Prayers
FREE - booking essential. Contact [email protected] or call (01353) 660300
Lent Pilgrimage Tours followed by Candlelit Compline Tuesdays 12 & 26 March, 7.15pm
What can this Cathedral, built to the glory of God, tell us about the nature of our pilgrimage through this life and our seeking for God’s presence? Come on a pilgrimage tour and walk the Way of Life. Finish with Candlelit Compline in the Lady Chapel at 9pm.
12 Setting God’s People Free Everyday God. God Every Day
Seven whole days, not one in seven Monday 25 February, 7.30pm I will praise thee. in The Cathedral Centre In my heart, though not in heaven The Community Forum Presents I will raise thee. Setting God’s People Free: Exploring Small it is, in this poor sort how we live the Christian Life, Every Day To enrol thee: All Welcome E’en eternity’s too short To extol thee. Sunday 3 March, 10.30am George Herbert (1593-1633) Canon Martin preaches on Seven Whole George Herbert’s words are a profound Days: Transfiguring Ordinary Life challenge. How can we be in constant touch with God, who fills our everyday world with Please contact [email protected] or his blessings, his strength and his light - (01353) 660304 if you would like to attend. Monday to Saturday as well as Sunday? In partnership with ‘Everyday Faith’ Sunday in Prepare for a transformative Lent by the Diocese of Ely and the ‘Setting God’s People finding out. Meet our everyday God - Free’ initiative of the Church of England. every day! www.churchofengland/org/SGPF
in Powcher’s Hall
Wednesday 27 February, 7.30-9pm Gathering
Wednesday 13 March, 7.30-9pm Theology - An evening exploring the place of theological study in the Christian life of discipleship.
Wednesdays 10 April & 15 May, 7.30-9pm Gathering
Powcher’s Hall 13 Ely Cathedral More details about ‘Lent, Holy Week and Easter’ Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL can be found on our website. Tel: 01353 660300 Email: [email protected] Images © ECPL, Keith Heppell, Andrew Sharpe, James Billings, Timothy Selvage. Box Office: 01353 660349 www.elycathedral.org Front cover: Noli Me Tangere (1964) by David Wynne; Follow us on: Jesus greets Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection.
Worship is offered daily, all are welcome.
Monday - Saturday 7.30am Morning Prayer (a short said service with bible readings, canticles and prayers) 8.00am Holy Communion (said) 5.30pm Evensong
Sunday 8.15am Holy Communion (a said service, in traditional language with a short address) 10.30am Sung Eucharist with music, hymns and sermon 4.00pm Choral Evensong with short address
On Thursdays and Saints’ Days there is an additional Eucharist at 12.10pm. A full list of services can be found on the Cathedral website. ------
Spiritual MOT reply slip
Contact Details
Name:
Email:
Telephone:
Those offering Spiritual MOTs are: Mark Bonney, James Garrard, Victoria Johnson, Jessica Martin, Margi Clarke, Judy Sansom.
If you have a specific request for one of these people please indicate this below.
I would prefer:
We will try, but cannot guarantee, to accommodate these requests.
Please return this slip to The Dean’s PA at Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely Cambs, CB7 4DL by Sunday 3 March.
You will be contacted after this date by the person who you will meet with. Spiritual MOT
Every year we offer the opportunity to sign up for a one-to-one meeting with one of the clergy, or a trained lay person, to talk about prayer and faith and the ups and downs of the spiritual life. This would be a meeting lasting about 45 minutes, in which you can explore your spiritual journey and discuss its joys and challenges. In no way is it a test of your knowledge or holiness - you cannot fail! The process will be completely confidential between you and the person you see. Someone who took part last year said “I’m truly grateful for the blessings I received through my spiritual MOT last year, and am glad the Cathedral will be offering this ministry again.”
Before your meeting please take time to think what it might be most helpful to talk about.
You might find it helpful to consider
• Where you feel you are now with God • What your usual practice of prayer is • Any struggles you have with faith and prayer • What help you might like with your prayer life
The time is yours to talk openly and honestly, and to seek to grow closer to God.
If you wish to sign up please complete and return the reply slip overleaf.