UPON Reflection Cathedral News July 2019
In this issue: • Music News • Welcome to our new Canon Precentor • Divine Beauty Concert • Sanctuary Sunday • New Priests and Deacons • Things to do in the School Summer Holidays • Farewell Canon Nigel • School visits • An update from our Church Wardens • Cathedral bells ring for 2,000th time • Double degree success for music team members • Llamas in Cathedral Square!
birminghamcathedral.com
A MOMENT IN HISTORY DOUBLE DEGREE DISTINCTION
Well done to Assistant Head of Music Ashley Wagner and Organ Scholar Samuel Bristow who have both been awarded first class degrees by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Head of Music David Hardie said “Sam is the latest in a line of outstanding Conservatoire students who have held our organ scholarship. However, it’s very unusual for the Assistant Head of Music also to get a first in the same year, and that’s because it’s very unusual for anyone to obtain and begin an assistant post while still an undergraduate, a reflection of Ashley’s extraordinary ability at a very young age.”
The Birmingham Daily Gazette Friday 12 October 1928 Cathedral Square has been known for its pigeons longer than we may think! This short article written nearly 91 years ago refers to the Bungalow Bazaar at the Town Hall opened by the Assistant Bishop Arthur Hamilton Baynes. The newspaper didn’t report who raised the contentious issue of the pigeons at the event’s opening ceremony, but does state that extermination was a possibility. Whether you love them or hate them, it’s nice to know that people have been ‘cooing’ over the issue of the pigeons for decades and will probably continue to do so!
Birmingham Cathedral Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB Cathedral Office 0121 262 1840/ Cathedral Facilities and Vergers 0121 262 1850
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For up-to-date news and details on our services and events, please visit birminghamcathedral.com WELCOME FROM THE DEAN
On 7 July we said our fond farewells to Canon Nigel as our Canon Missioner. A post he has held since 2008. In that time, he has worked with three Deans and been Acting Dean himself in 2017. More importantly in that time he has preached hundreds of sermons, delivered huge numbers of Tuesday Talks and engaged in countless spiritual and evangelistic conversations in and around the cathedral. All with a single aim in mind: to commend Jesus Christ to his hearers, and to make known to everyone and anyone the love of God made visible in Jesus. With his characteristic warmth and humour, Canon Nigel has been a wonderful advocate for the Christian faith and a faithful servant of this cathedral and the people within its community. He is also much in demand as a spiritual mentor and guide to many clergy and laity within the diocese and beyond. Judy has encouraged the spiritual lives of many through her bible study groups and her ministry of prayer and intercession. Nigel and Judy will be much missed by everyone in our cathedral community and we are so glad that they will be retiring within Birmingham so we can keep in touch. Within this issue of Upon Reflection, you will catch glimpses of some of our special services and events over the last few weeks as well as some of our ongoing work carried out by volunteers and staff from within our community. At the beginning of June, we told the story of seven of our volunteers through social media as a way of celebrating and highlighting the valuable work being done through the generosity of our volunteers. During that same week, we also relicensed the members of our pastoral care team and our communion assistants and welcomed new members too. You can read more about our pastoral care team and about some of our other volunteers in this edition. The life of the cathedral depends hugely on our volunteers as they complement and support the work of our committed members of staff. Together they make a great team - #TeamCathedral!
In the coming weeks, we will begin a short series of As we give thanks for Canon Nigel and consultation events around the new Cathedral Strategic Judy this month, I can think of no better Plan. The first of these will take place on Saturday 13 July prayer to offer you than the collect for following the Corporate Communion – when we give Thy Kingdom Come. It is a prayer that thanks for all those who play their part in building up the Body of Christ in this place. I hope on that day it may be seeks to equip us for mission together: possible to hear from members of our community about Almighty God, what you would like to see the cathedral doing over the next three years of our journey together. It would be great your ascended Son has sent us to see you there! into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love,
that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. Dean of Birmingham, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson
3 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NEWLY ORDAINED
PRIESTS AND DEACONS The Church of England Birmingham welcomed new priests and deacons on a very warm Saturday in late June. The cathedral was filled with family, friends, colleagues, mentors and parishioners to witness the ordinations and celebrated alongside Bishop of Birmingham and the Bishop of Aston.
New Deacons (L-R): Charles Butler (St Bartholomew, Edgbaston), Benjamin Wells (St Stephen and St Wulstan, Selly Park), Leanne Carr (Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield), Colleen Shekerie (Smethwick Old Church), Wendy Martin (St Thomas and St Richard, Garretts Green and Lea Hall), Alison Herbert (St Luke, Birmingham) What exactly is ordination?
Ordination is a church service that marks the beginning of a lifetime of service as a member of the clergy. Vicars are probably the most well-known type of clergy. Those training to be ordained, are known as ordinands. During an ordination service, ordinands make lifelong vows, which include promises to share the gospel and serve their communities. A bishop will pray that the ordinands have the gifts to lead the Church in worship, pastoral care, and mission.
When do ordinations happen?
Traditionally, most ordination services take place at the end of June, during Petertide. Petertide is a feast day marking the martyrdom of Saint Peter, the fisherman, who as a disciple of Jesus was an instrumental figure in the early church.
How does one become an ordinand?
Those being ordained would have felt called by God to serve as a deacon or priest. For some, this will have involved many years of praying before making the commitment to come forward. Almost everyone being ordained as a deacon this summer, will have completed a training course at one of the theological education institutes (TEIs) based around the country. Before entering a TEI, ordinands would have gone through a selection process, where candidates are tested on a range of topics, such as their understanding of the Church, their faith, their sense of vocation, leadership, and collaboration. Training courses typically take two to three years. After the course, ordinands will normally receive either a bachelor’s degree or a diploma of higher education. Tuition fees for ordinands are covered by the Church; the Church also pays a contribution towards ordinands’ living expenses.
Information on the variety of ministries within the Church of England, as well as on the process of selection and training for ordained ministry, is available online at churchofengland.org/vocations.
New Priests (L-R): Mark Waterstreet (St Paul, Dosthill), Catherine Matlock (Kings Norton Team Ministry), Sean Clancy (St Chad, Rubery), Mandy Harris (Sheldon and Tile Cross, St Giles and St Peter), Arif Anees (St Paul, Blackheath), Carole Young (Kingsbury & Baxterley Group), Gail Rogers (St Francis, Bournville)
5 NEW ORGAN SCHOLAR
We are delighted to welcome Oliver Neale to the cathedral as our next Organ Scholar. Oliver is a first-year student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and brings a wealth of experience as an accomplished singer as well as an organist. We will bid a fond farewell to Samuel Bristow next month as he joins Salisbury Cathedral. Thank you for all you have done Sam, you will be missed!
FUN AT THE FAYRE
The rain didn’t put off the crowds for this year’s Cathedral Summer Fayre. Over £800 was raised on the day for the Divine Beauty Project. The fayre included book stalls, crafts, art and refreshments. Visitors were offered free guided tours throughout the day and enjoyed the wonderful ‘Hills of the North’ flower displays. This amount would not have been possible without the hard work and effort from the Cathedral Community Committee and the items donated. Thank you to all who supported this event.
CATHEDRAL HITS 2,000TH TOWER BELL PEAL Congratulations to the bellringing team for making history last month with the cathedral’s 2,000th tower bell peal. St Philip’s ranks third in the top 25 towers in terms of peals rung and is both the leading cathedral and leading 12-bell tower. First place is currently held by Taylor's Bell Foundry Campanile in Leicestershire with a staggering 4,216 peals. Michael Wilby from the St Martin Guild of Ringers said the first peal was rung in 1755 and the last 1,950 peals have been rung since 1949. He said: “The cathedral is renowned as a training ground for up-and-coming ringers and there are scores of the best ringers in the country who owe their development to the opportunities afforded by these peal attempts. We are very grateful for to you for allowing this tradition to continue weekly for the last 70 years.” The band for the record peal included past and present members of the band, some of whom have rung over 400 peals on the bells; some are travelling from as far away as Cambridge, Hereford and York. The ringers in order, clockwise from front right. 1 Stephanie J Warboys, 2 Mark R Eccleston, 3 David G Hull (C), 4 David J Pipe , 5 Frederick Shallcross , 6 Paul Needham, 7 Dickon R Love, 8 Paul E Bibilo, 9 Jonathan P Healy, 10 Simon J L Linford, 11 Thomas W Griffiths and 12 Michael P A Wilby
7
That’s one small step for man … The cathedral Square hosted two spectacular and unique shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Apollo II moon landing.
HAPPY RETIREMENT CANON NIGEL!
With a heavy heart, we said farewell to our Canon Missioner Nigel Hand at his retirement last month. Nigel has been Canon Missioner since 2008 and a much-loved member of the Cathedral Community. He held his last service to a cathedral full of friends, family and old colleagues and was presented with a Brompton bike. We wish Nigel, his wife Judy and their family all the best as they start to enjoy the next stage of life and ministry together. Nigel and Judy sent the lovely letter featured to the right.
9 NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK
Volunteers’ Week is always a wonderful time to say thank you for the fantastic contribution volunteers make across the UK. At Birmingham Cathedral we are extremely fortunate to have an army of volunteers who help make the cathedral a welcoming place. Whether it’s bellringing, cleaning, refreshments, welcoming, stewarding, flower displays, singing in the choir, heritage and education guides or helping with the young people who visit the cathedral – our volunteers and the time they give creates an incredible impact. If you'd like to find out more about volunteering at Birmingham Cathedral, please email [email protected] or call 0121 262 1840. We featured some our volunteers again this year to tell their story during this special week. The features can be read in full at birminghamcathedral.com/nvw
NEW VISITOR INFORMATION PADDLES
Once upon a time there were boxes of cathedral guides in different languages requiring and storage. And all that jazz … Cathedral Square hosted two Using Heritage Lottery Funding performances this month as part of for the cathedral’s tercentenary more cost effective and the Birmingham Jazz Festival environmentally friendly with Colmore Bid. alternatives were developed.
Our innovative visitor paddles carry wording written by Jane NEW ARCHDEACON OF BIRMINGHAM McArdle and are designed to be a lightweight information board During a special Evensong Service in May, the Bishop of Birmingham, for visitors to use in the the Right Reverend David Urquart collated the Reverend Canon cathedral. Jenny Tomlinson as the new Archdeacon of Birmingham. With the generous and patient The Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Matt Thompson installed help of foreign language Archdeacon Jenny as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral. volunteers an early set of paddles using translations from Many of Jenny’s friends and family travelled from the Diocese of Chelmsford Google Translate have now (where Jenny had previously been Mission and Ministry Advisor and Advisor for been fully replaced. Women’s Ministry) to join in the celebration. Recently, Susanna Davis, a University of Birmingham Placement student wrote a paddle especially for use by families. Thanks to funding from Reverend Dr Sharon Prentis, Intercultural Mission Enabler & Dean of Black & Minority Ethnic Affairs we now have a Polish
and an Urdu paddle.
11 ‘A VIEW FROM THE PEW’ BY OUR CHURCHWARDENS SANDRA AND PATRICIA Sandra Bailey and Patricia Williams are the current Churchwardens at Birmingham Cathedral. They are the latest in a long line of Churchwardens, which started in 1715 when St Philip’s was founded as a parish church and still continues, although the church became a cathedral with the establishment of Birmingham Diocese in 1905. All Church of England parish churches have Churchwardens, who are volunteer officers elected on an annual basis by eligible members of the congregation. However, only about a third of English Cathedrals are “Parish Church Cathedrals” which makes the role of Cathedral Churchwarden relatively rare. The office of Churchwarden dates back hundreds of years, being legally recognised by the thirteenth century. Duties and powers have changed over time – for example, churchwardens no longer have the power to raise a Church Levy (or tax). Churchwardens are officers of the Bishop and a legal framework governs who can stand for election as a Churchwarden, the conduct of elections, the functions and powers of Churchwardens. The role of the Churchwardens at Birmingham Cathedral differs in some respects from that of parish Churchwardens because the Cathedral Chapter and paid staff undertake some of the functions that a Parochial Church Council would be responsible for at parish level. Monthly meetings of the Churchwardens with the Dean and, separately, with the Cathedral’s Lay Chief Executive and the Facilities Manager support good communication and ensure that the “view from the pew” informs discussions and planning at all levels. The purpose of Churchwardens remains the same, whether in a parish church or Birmingham Cathedral. Canon Law states that they shall be “foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent”, they shall “use their best endeavours by example and precept to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them”. Another key responsibility is to “maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service.” The cathedral’s Churchwardens have a role in the ceremonial side of the main church services, processing ahead of the clergy bearing their silver-topped wands of office. If the Bishop is in the Cathedral, he or she is escorted. The Churchwardens and their team of Deputy Wardens also play an important part in ensuring the smooth running of the main Sunday Services each week, including welcoming worshippers and visitors; giving out service booklets; processing the collection and also the bread and wine for Holy Communion; conducting communicants to the communion rail in an orderly fashion. They play an important part in making sure the main Sunday services are accessible, responding in many ways such as making space for walking aids and wheelchairs, getting a drink for an assistance dog, finding a comfortable place for a new mum to breastfeed. Less visible roles include making sure there are no gaps in the lay team for the 11am Sunday Eucharist, planning for any emergency evacuations, supporting safeguarding, helping to develop the Cathedral’s Food Policy and organising the Cathedral Community Day. The Churchwarden team supports an increasing range of services and events. Last year, they contributed over 1,750 hours - unpaid, of course - to ensure the success and safety of approximately 147 services, 51 concerts and 20 other events. These included Ordinations of Deacons and Priests; the Windrush Commemoration; the Annual Justice Service; a Christmas Lunch for the homeless with partner charities; Carol Services for Shoppers and Families; Midnight Carol Service at the Sleep-Out for St Basil’s charity for the homeless; Carol Services for a range of businesses, educational institutions and charities; memorial services and weddings; and concerts of music as diverse as Jethro Tull and Mozart. From left Patricia A historic and fulfilling role in the service of the cathedral’s mission and Williams and Sandra witness in Birmingham. Bailey FLOWERS FROM ALL THE NATIONS IN A CITY OF ALL NATIONS
When we thought the Flower Team couldn’t beat last year’s magnificent arrangements, they produced displays depicting the hymn ‘Hills of the North, Rejoice’.
Each floral display was based on a verse from the famous hymn and projected the welcoming message ‘Flowers from all nations in a city of all nations.
The elaborate and striking designs transformed the cathedral for 13 days this month.
Thank you to the flower team who work tirelessly to make the cathedral look and smell it’s best!
13 DIVINE BEAUTY CONSERVATION PROJECT UPDATE
We are progressing our intention to conserve the stained- glass windows by fundraising for Divine Beauty.
The project will provide vital conservation of the remarkable set of Edward Burne -Jones stained-glass windows in the cathedral. Once funds are in place, the windows will be cleaned by specialist conservators both inside and out and the exterior grilles replaced with a more sympathetic alternative. The project will enhance the way we interpret the windows and build upon the cathedral's work with school and communities across the city. Tours of the cathedral and enjoyable talks on significance of the windows are continuing to be delivered to groups across the city. The Divine Beauty concert held this month was a wonderful way of telling our unique story of the windows accompanied by specially selected choral music. divinebeautyproject.com #divinebeauty
We would love to hear from you! If you are inspired by the windows and would like to contribute to the blog, please contact [email protected] WELCOME TO OUR NEW CANON PRECENTOR Birmingham Cathedral’s new Canon Precentor, The Reverend Dr Josephine Houghton was installed during a special Evensong Service in May.
Canon Josephine, aged 39, became a Residentiary Canon at the cathedral working alongside The Dean of
Birmingham, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson. She is responsible for Liturgy and Music at the cathedral, oversees all major services, supervises day-to-day worship and acts as cantor during prayers. Since 2016, Canon Josephine has worked for The Bishop of Birmingham whilst also serving as Acting Precentor at the cathedral. She said: “It is a joy and privilege to have been appointed as Canon Precentor in a cathedral and a city which I love. It has been very good to have had an opportunity to work with colleagues here over the past few months in an acting capacity, and I am looking forward to this next stage.” The Bishop of Birmingham, The Right Reverend David Urquhart, welcomed the appointment of Canon Josephine. He said: “Having benefited from her excellent work in my office for the past few years I know just how blessed the cathedral are to have her. “Josephine brings with her a considerable degree of experience, skill and cheerfulness, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role. I am praying for the Cathedral Community, and for Josephine and her family at this exciting time.” MORE FOLLOWS
The Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Matt Thompson added: “Josephine’s appointment as Canon Precentor is truly wonderful news. Over the last year we have had the pleasure of working with Josephine as Interim Bishop’s Chaplain, then as a seconded member of our cathedral team and most recently as Canon Precentor Designate. Josephine has already demonstrated how her many gifts equip her so well for this demanding role and I am really looking forward to working with her on a full-time basis. The whole cathedral community - congregation members, staff and volunteers – are delighted by Josephine’s appointment and to be able to welcome her and her family into our midst this weekend.” Anna Pitt, the Cathedral Chief Executive said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed Josephine as our Canon Precentor. She not only brings an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding worship at the cathedral but also brings a pastoral heart and a passion for Birmingham. Having had the privilege of working with Josephine in an
interim role I am very happy to be celebrating her formal appointment and installation.”
15 CHRISTIAN AID WEEK UPDATE
Taking over somewhat apprehensively from the capable hands of John Craig, who has organised the cathedral’s Christian Aid efforts
over the last few years, I’ve been tremendously lucky in my first Christian Aid week. Firstly, the weather was excellent, indeed so hot and sunny during the first part of the week that cold drinks for collectors were essential (many thanks Sandra O for providing cartons of fruit juice – one collector said that it was the nicest orange juice they’d ever had!). Secondly, many members of our congregation volunteered to hold a bucket and collect, the list of names and contact details kindly collated by Lucy Akehurst due to me being away on holiday the two Sundays before the week itself. Ultimately a total of 46 people collected. Thirdly, the real one-off bonus was having the inspirational presence and preaching of Rowan Williams on the Sunday at the beginning of the week. Christian Aid bunting and posters were festooned round the cathedral railings - putting all that up took longer than I thought it would, even with some expert help, and used muscles which I’d forgotten I had. With the scene set and collecting authority duly obtained from the Council, collecting started at 8 am on Monday and each weekday, with two or three people strategically positioned in the square to catch the maximum number of commuters heading to their work. Assistance as in previous years by some of the Carrs Lane congregation was much appreciated, especially at this time of the morning! Numbers on the square reduce after the morning rush hour, but people have more time so are sometimes more apt to give. Lunchtime sees more people on the square, and home-going schoolchildren and workers swell numbers from around 4. We finish collecting at 6. Many people collect for an hour or two on one or two occasions during the week, but some people much more than this, and most usefully on a flexible basis to fill gaps in the rota. Here are some slightly random thoughts and reflections of mine on the week. What particularly struck me was the number of collectors who found that something surprised them about the experience, particularly those who had not collected in previous years. It struck me that people who look as though they will give very often don’t, and conversely those who I might have thought wouldn’t give actually do so. So, beware of judging by appearances, indeed beware of judging at all. A number of homeless or recently homeless people were prepared to give, I think appreciating in a more direct way than I probably ever will the value of giving to others. One young man emptied his pockets of change, kept £3 for a beer and gave me the rest. One lunchtime as I was collecting by the west door a seagull did what seagulls do right overhead, narrowly missing me but scoring a direct hit on a tall, slim young lady who was immaculately turned out in a striking black and white striped dress. Well, it was immaculate prior to the seagull! As she was clearly somewhat distressed, I offered her use of the toilet, and I noticed that on re- entering the cathedral she spent some time sitting quietly and as she left, as well as thanking me profusely, wondered whether she sensed a wider significance for her in the incident. Who knows? She’s not from Birmingham so would probably not be in a position to attend church here, though I mentioned our Wednesday lunchtime services. ‘ FROM 2019’S ORGANISER DAVID
Another collector told me of a couple approaching apparently having some sort of argument, the lady then turning and putting a sizable contribution in the bucket, then continuing the argument. Hopefully the donation was not the matter in dispute! I was approached on the square by a student from Gas Street, Chris, who asked could he collect. While I didn’t know who he was, having quickly weighed up the risks was delighted to agree – he stayed for a couple of hours and came back later in the week for another stint of collecting. We had a couple of Muslim ladies helped in the collection. One, originally from Somalia, stayed out for 4 hours, without a drink as required by her observation of Ramadan. Three of our girl choristers decided that they wanted to take part. While the rules are that children can’t collect alone, they were able to participate under direct supervision. A new idea this year was to put out a poster-board with this year’s Christian Aid poster featuring a pregnant lady in Sierra Leone and, because that did not fill all the available space, some pieces cut out of the latest magazine to show what work Christian Aid undertakes. This proved very successful in stimulating interest and response. One man who came past told me that during his work as a photographer in Sierra Leone he had actually met the lady on the poster but didn’t know whether she had been able to deliver her child successfully…. While I can mention some highlights, I can’t pretend that collecting is hugely exciting minute by minute. But being on the square gives opportunities for people-watching, thinking, maybe some brief (and occasionally not so brief!) conversations and provides a witness to Christian giving as well as obviously the opportunity to give. Even those who apparently don’t give may be moved to reflect and maybe do so elsewhere, or on another day. If you have never collected, and even if you have, I do think something about the experience would surprise you. Here are a couple of quotes from collectors: “The first time I volunteered to collect for Christian Aid I saw it as a necessary chore. After an hour outside the Cathedral I felt stimulated and heartened by the contact and brief conversations I had shared with people.” “Didn't we do well! Many thanks for letting me know how much I raised. If you need any more help on anything, please e-mail me…..” So, once collected, the money has to be counted, and we tell each person what they collected individually. While it is obviously the total which matters, it’s amazing how interested people are in their own total. Not that they are competitive, of course! Joe and Gill spent many hours counting. This is no mean job, but both found time to collect as well. Gill was given Swiss 100 mark note (value just over £70), and we also received a Guernsey £25 note, easily exchanged for an English one. I would also mention in appreciation total support and help from the Vergers and Stephen Brooker, which was vital to the operation. Together with the proceeds from the excellent youth string concert arranged by Lucy Akehurst, our grand total collected this year (with no expenses – there were none) came to a total of £5015.32, a figure which in the context of the parts of the world in which it will be spent is much more significant than it might seem here. This is some 10% up on last year and I would like to thank and congratulate again everyone involved on this superb total.
17 SCHOOLCHILDREN CELEBRATE PENTECOST It was a joy to welcome children and staff from St Peters and St John’s C of E Primary Academy Schools for the Pentecost Schools Service. Thank you to the Education and Clergy Teams for providing such a fun and informative day. It was great to remember and give thanks for the descent of the holy spirit upon the disciples
and followers of Jesus.
NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!
Don’t the floral displays around the We are currently working on a new cathedral business district look blooming website. wonderful! Thank you to Birmingham City Council’s The new site will include easier navigation, clearer service Parks Team and Colmore Bid for and event times, strong imagery and the chance to search for choosing the guitar display for Cathedral anything you may want to find at birminghamcathedral.com Square. This year’s theme is Summer of We hope to launch the new site by the end of the year. Rock!
#SUMMERATTHECATHEDRAL
Our summer publicity is in full swing with the message that whatever the weather, Birmingham Cathedral is a
must visit destination. We are proud to be a living tradition in the heart of the city and #SummerattheCathedral offers an experience for all to enjoy. Our beautiful interior will be home to daily worship, choral and organ music and provide a wonderful space to reflect. .
CALLING ALL FAMILIES WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Join our Assistant Head of Music Ashley and Outreach Leader for fun, free morning of music activities this August. We will be holding four Summer Music Clubs 10am – 12pm on Tuesday 6 and 13 and Thursday 8 and 15 August. Children will be able to sing songs, play music games, make new friends and enjoy free refreshments. These sessions are aimed at families of primary school aged children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Further details can be found at birminghamcathedral.com
Schoolchildren from across the city enjoyed throwing ‘prayer-oplanes’ around the cathedral last month. The creative payer morning, led by the Church of England Birmingham School’s Ministry, was part of Thy Kingdom Come.
19 JAMES WATT FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY
Families visiting the cathedral in May half term enjoyed making striking multi-coloured creations inspired by the stained-glass windows. The day, led by the Divine Beauty Project Team, provided the opportunity for visitors to learn about James Watt’s interest in the kaleidoscope. The Burne-Jones windows illuminated ideas for some beautiful works of art.
SANCTUARY SUNDAY
This year’s Refugee Week saw many services and events across the city. The 2019 theme was ‘Welcome to the table: Hospitality and sanctuary for all.’ Thank you to Reverend Dr Sharon Prentis, Intercultural Mission Enabler & Dean of Black & Minority Ethnic Affairs and Reverend Canon Dr Josephine Houghton, our Canon Precentor for organising the commemoration in June. The service celebrated and encouraged a greater understanding between the many different communities in Birmingham.
It was great to have Llama’s in Cathedral Square last month. The fluffy visitors featured as part of an event ‘Beating Knives: Birmingham for peace’.
21 REMEMBERING THE STORY OF A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR
It was a joy to exhibit ‘Echo Eternal’ created by 64 children at Nelson Mandela Primary School last month. Pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 expressed the story of a holocaust survivor through artwork inspired by the cathedral’s stained-glass windows. They came to visit the cathedral and see their work being displayed. Divine Beauty Project Manager Jane McArdle held a workshop and invited the children to explore the cathedral and interpret the Burne-Jones windows. As part of the commemorative arts programme, Echo Eternal the children worked with artist in residence Alistair Lambert to create the Echo Angel. With the idea of an angel in mind, the school and artist came across our stunning stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones. Their bold black outlines, beautiful feathers and embodied light inspired the design that was developed through a series of busy creative workshops with the pupils. Echo Eternal is a commemorative arts, media and civic engagement project delivered in schools. It is inspired by the testimony of British survivors of the Holocaust recorded in interviews by Natasha Kaplinsky for the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation (UKHMF). The project is led by CORE Education Trust and brings together children from culturally diverse communities with a common focus of Holocaust memorial. Nelson Mandela pupils viewed a video testimony of survivor Kurt Taussig’s story, before working with artist Alistair Lambert to create their response – their “echo”. At the age of 15, Kurt Taussig was placed on a train in 1939 by his mother and father to escape from the Nazi occupation of the Czech capital Prague. Along with his brother Karl he started a new life in Britain. Both their parents died in the Holocaust. At 18 Kurt joined the RAF and became the only Czech national in the British Royal Air Force as an officer. He became part of a special squadron, aged 22, and flew spitfires. The children were inspired by Kurt’s story, his strength, love, determination and optimism, and created the Echo Angel as their response. Kurt’s life hinged on the moment when he boarded the Kinder Transport train to escape to Britain. Spanning those two worlds of before and after is the overarching love of his mother, who he repeatedly describes as an angel.
PASTORAL CARE TEAM
Who are we? We are the Pastoral Care Team serving at the Cathedral. Three of us (Anne James, Pauline Stammers and Paul Williamson) have been involved in this work for six years and have in the last year been joined by Dr Ian Williams. All four of us were formally commissioned by Church of England Birmingham for a further five years of ministry within the Cathedral on Sunday 2 June 2019. What are our aims? - To offer pastoral care, listening, support, prayer and encouragement to the Cathedral’s congregations, community and visitors. • Our ministry includes • offering unconditional love and acceptance, • bringing hope and encouragement • where appropriate offering practical advice or signposting to other agencies • providing home communion as needed to members who are unable, through age or illness, to attend the Cathedral, • being present with, listening to and journeying alongside, others. • being available regularly and consistently • praying for, and with, people • sharing burdens • reflecting Jesus’ care for all What skills and gifting can we offer? Each of us has completed at least three years of study, including the 3D course or its equivalent, and specific training in Pastoral Care and Listening. We have covered areas such as Dementia and Bereavement Support, Marriage Preparation and Support, the Bishop’s Certificate in Children’s Ministry, Building Links with Newcomers, and Welcoming ministry to people of other Faith backgrounds. In addition, we have members with experience of the Healing ministry, and some have training in Spiritual Direction and Local Authority Chaperone duties working with the Music Department. How do you contact us? Look for us at the Sunday 11am Eucharist, at other Sunday services and at weekday worship and gatherings. You can also contact us through a phone call to the Cathedral Office (0121 262 1840) or by email to [email protected] asking us to be in touch with you. Are you interested in joining this ministry? We have members of the congregation who, whilst unable to undertake the necessary three years of training, do have a gifting for pastoral care. We value their contribution to the caring ethos of the cathedral’s life. If you would be interested in helping in any way with this ministry, or would like more information about the three-year training for commissioned pastoral work, please speak to the Reverend Elaine King ([email protected]) or the Reverend Canon Dr Josephine Houghton ([email protected])
23 MEET THE NEW CATHEDRAL ARCHITECT We welcome Kathryn Harris joining the Cathedral Team as our new Cathedral Architect.
Kathryn is a conservation architect working for Richard Griffiths Architects, where her work centres around the adaptive reuse and conservation of historic buildings. Recently completed projects include the conservation of the west front of St Albans Cathedral and the alteration of Ernest Gimson’s beautiful Memorial Library at Bedales School. At the moment she is assisting with the Building Futures campaign at St Martin-in-the-Fields as their Church Architect, having previously served as a member of the P.C.C.
Kathryn studied architecture at Cambridge and the Cass School of Art, where her diploma project about the reuse of industrial architecture in the post-tsunami landscape of Japan was exhibited in Tokyo.
In her spare time Kathryn enjoys choral singing, sailing, drawing, and print making.
REMEMBERINGMEET SREBRENICA OUR NEW CATHEDRAL ARCHITECT
Victims of the Srebrenica genocide were remembered at a special evening at the cathedral earlier this month The commemoration was an annual event organised by volunteers from Remembering Srebrenica, aimed at building a more inclusive society in the UK by learning lessons from the genocide at Srebrenica, where 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed in July 1995. The event was chaired by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Right Reverend David Urquhart, and compered by Birmingham Commonwealth Games poet Amerah Saleh. Organised by national charity Remembering Srebrenica, the gathering was attended by faith leaders, local children and members of the city’s Bosnian community.
Over 350 origami flowers made by young people across Birmingham were displayed. Each flower contained a pledge by a young person for a better Birmingham with the hopeful and uplifting messages being read out at the event.
25 MUSIC NEWS This last term has been really exciting for the Music Department. The Easter term is always pressurised because it is exam season, with most of the senior girls on exam leave for two months, and degree exams being taken this year by choral scholars, lay clerks, the organ scholar and even the Assistant Head of Music. Among the older boys, it can often be the season for voice change. The Music Department is Supporting Emerging Talent at all levels, and one of the delights of this term has been seeing younger boys and girls stepping up to sing solos and fill the shoes of their older colleagues. We were proud to be represented by our two Saddlers Choristers, Jeevan and Mollie, at the Choristers of Britain Concert in Liverpool Cathedral. Among many beautiful services, a particular highlight in our own worship this term was our Eucharist for Corpus Christi, where ancient liturgy mixed with modern music mainly by living composers. We will shortly say goodbye to four outstanding young singers as they leave for university, Nosheen, Niamh, Lucy and Ben, all of whom have been in the choir for longer than any of the adult music staff. We are particularly pleased that our Divine Beauty concert on Saturday 6th July will include the world premiere of Ben’s A-level music composition Lo how a rose is blooming. Our outstanding head boy choristers, Matthew and Ellis, are about to depart the front row for the back row, and we are delighted that they will both still be singing with us as their voices mature into adulthood. From the adult choir, we say goodbye to alto lay clerk Ben Goodall who has sung with us throughout his three years at the University of Birmingham and is moving to a post at Magdalen College, Oxford. A particularly significant farewell is to Samuel Bristow, our incredibly gifted organ scholar. Sam has been with us for two years, and for four of his six terms there was no Assistant. The transition following the retirement of Marcus Huxley would have been impossible without Sam, and his hard work has been obvious in his outstanding success at the organ and with the choir. He leaves us with our fondest wishes to be organ scholar at Salisbury Cathedral. Sam’s replacement is to be Oliver Neale, who joins us in September. Oliver is going into his second year at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has a strong pedigree as both an organist and a singer, having previously worked at Truro Cathedral and currently singing with the training choirs of Voces8 and The Sixteen. Looking forward into next term, we are excited to be performing Handel’s Messiah for the second time in December, and the Girls and Lower Voices will give their third Remembrance concert in November. A notable feature of this
coming year will be our Outreach Programme, led by Ashley Wagner. This will begin with a summer holiday club on four mornings in August and continue with a programme through the next academic year which is shortly to be rolled out to schools. However, our core activity will continue to be singing five choral services each week in the Cathedral. We will sing again for the Annual Justice Service in October and we also plan to invite members of the local business community to an Evensong in September to experience the beauty of Cathedral worship. Attendance at Cathedral services is growing nationally, and research suggests one of the main reasons is the quality of Cathedral music, so we are pleased to have many opportunities to share this as widely as possible.
David Hardie Head of Music
Thank you to SIENNA aged 7 ½ FROM ERDINGTON who submitted
THIS WONDERFULLY SUNNY PICTURE OF THE CATHEDRAL!
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