Cathedral Life - Nov to Dec 2012 by Liverpool Cathedral

ISSUE 91 NOV-DEC 2012 LARGEST NATIVITY DISPLAY IN THE CITY LISTEN TO SERMONS ANYTIME HELPING CHILDREN TO REMEMBER

THOUGHT PROVOKING BIBLE STUDY

Large Education Room Sunday 9.15am

Concert Room Monday 6.30pm

13th, 27th January 3rd, 10th February 3rd, 10th, 27th, 24th March

14th, 28th January 4th, 11th February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March

Led by The Very Revd Dr Pete Wilcox Dean of Liverpool Week 1: The Gospel of Luke Week 2: The Psalms Week 3: The Prophet Amos Week 4: The Letter of St Paul to the Galatians Week 5: The Book of Job Week 6: The Book of Ruth Week 7: The Revelation of St John Week 8: The Book of Lamentations

CONTENTS Letter from the Dean

Cathedral and Diocese congratulate Bishop Justin

Halloweve - A dramatic way to encounter Christ

Kitty Wilkinson tours launched

Bishop James welcomes Hillsborough artwork

Works starts on Scott memorial

Welcome to our new Cathedral Architect

Wreath set to cause a 11 stir again this year

Listen to sermons anytime

Two new musical launches

Chorister For The Day is a hit

Choral Evensong live on Radio 3

Jubilee Trees launched at Cathedral

Helping Children Remember

12 Success for new School of Theology course

Next Alpha course starts in January

Embracing Hope service

Three new Tower evenings

A very Messy year!

Running Thanks

LJMU Graduations

Cards for Good Causes

People's Path taking shape

14 Book Club dates

Thoughts and Prayers

Diary

Shop hosts largest nativity display

Excel in the grace of giving

2012 Cathedral Christmas card

Cathedral now part of 16 Hope Street CIC

Next issue: February 17th 2013 Deadline for submissions: January 17th 2013 Article ideas are always welcome and should be sent to Stuart Haynes: stuart.haynes@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk Editors reserve the right to edit contributions.

LETTER FROM THE DEAN Advent – the season of joyful hope, the season of earnest expectation – is absolutely my favourite time of the Christian year. I love the gold amidst the purple, the candles in the darkness. Traditionally, the hope and expectation of Advent are focused on two things: our annual celebration of the birth of Jesus, and our intense longing for the coming of God’s kingdom. For most people, the second of these two aspects of the season is easily neglected. Certainly our supermarkets only stress the birth of Jesus, which is why ‘Advent Calendars’ tend to be promoted as no more than a way to ‘Count Down to Christmas’. In the birth of Jesus there is plenty to celebrate! How extraordinary that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. How amazing that the Living God, Almighty and Eternal, should reveal himself in space and time. And in any case, who can resist a baby? But more and more each year, it is the second aspect of Advent which moves me most: the sense that the work which God began when he sent Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, will one day be brought to completion. The light which, in the birth of Jesus, was kindled in the depths of this world’s darkness, will one day shine with all the brightness of noon on a summers’ day. If you want to get a better sense of this aspect of Advent, I encourage you to look closely at the words of some of the wonderfully uplifting hymns we will be singing on the Sundays of December, before the Christmas carols take over: ‘Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding!’, ‘O come, O come Immanuel’, ‘Lo! He comes with clouds descending!’. These are spine-tingling songs, which reach out in ‘joyful hope’ and ‘earnest expectation’ for the promised day of God. Of course, the other thing I treasure about Advent is the 4

way that so many occasional worshippers join us. Time and again at services in December, we can expect the cathedral to be full. It is a precious missionary opportunity, and each of us has a part to play in ensuring that we make the most of it. Clergy and choir will be striving for excellence in the way the sung liturgy and the spoken ministry of the Word interpret the gospel for our visitors. Our welcomers, stewards and staff will be ensuring the warmth of our hospitality and the smooth running of all our practical arrangements; regular worshippers will be looking out for and assisting those whose attendance here is new or occasional. This year, we will be making a particular effort to extend to these ‘occasional worshippers’ an invitation to join the Alpha Course which will begin in the New Year. It’s a highly effective introduction to the Christian Faith, and an exciting way to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. If you yourself would like to take part in the course, of if you would like to recommend it to a friend, further details are available from Clare Kerrigan at clare.kerrigan@ liverpoolcathedral.org.uk I gather that, during December, anything up to 40,000 people will join us for worship. For hundreds of them, this is likely to be their only participation in Christian worship for 12 months. Together we will have the privilege of holding out to them what many may not yet have fully grasped – or which has perhaps not yet fully grasped them: the fact that, in Christ, the Creator of the Universe has made known both that he is on our side and that he has a good purpose for his creation which he will one day bring to fulfilment. Pete Wilcox Dean of Liverpool

You’re invited to a meal introducing the course on Wednesday 16th January 2013 7.00pm in the Concert Room. To find out more or sign up, contact Clare Kerrigan tel: 0151 702 7220 email: clare.kerrigan@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk 5

CATHEDRAL AND DIOCESE LEAD CONGRATULATIONS TO BISHOP JUSTIN Dean Pete Wilcox and Bishop James Jones led the congratulations as the Rt Rev Justin Welby, former Dean of Liverpool, was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury. Dean Pete said, "He will make an excellent leader of the Anglican Communion. The cathedral greatly benefited from his inspired leadership during his four years here, and in that time he undoubtedly gained the respect of colleagues and congregations alike. It’s an appointment which reflects well on the Diocese and City of Liverpool, and there is great confidence here that the skills and qualities he displayed as Dean will stand him in good stead in the challenges he will face in his new role. Our prayers are with Justin, Caroline and all the family as they embark on their new phase of ministry and with the people of the Diocese of Durham as they adapt to his departure." Bishop James said: "On behalf of the whole Diocese I warmly welcome Justin’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury and we take some pride in him having so recently been Dean of Liverpool and a close colleague. We all pray for him, Caroline and the whole family as they respond to God’s call. It is a unique position from which to serve the people of England and the Anglican Communion. We live in a time of challenge and opportunity for people of faith to show God’s love in the world. Justin has a range of skills and abilities that will equip him well in this important ministry. He can be assured of the faithful prayers of the Diocese of Liverpool as he prepares for this historic opportunity." 6

Bishop Justin said: "To be nominated to Canterbury is at the same time overwhelming and astonishing. It is overwhelming because of those I follow, and the responsibility it has." The rock badger on Bishop Justin’s staff - given to him by the congregation of Liverpool Cathedral – has also received media interest. It was presented to him to remind him of a sermon he preached on Leviticus, in which a reference to the creature set him off on a fit of giggles midsermon. When he left Liverpool for Durham last year, he spoke of what he had learnt here: “I’ve learnt a lot from the robustness of people in Liverpool, the way they don’t let problems and challenges get them down. There’s a drive, push, and fizz about the place.”

HALLOWEVE - A DRAMATIC WAY TO ENCOUNTER CHRIST

It looks set to continue in future years as the cathedral continues to present biblical truth in creative ways.

Our gothic cathedral provided the setting for a creative alternative take on Halloween last month, as Halloweve returned. Opening with a dramatic smashing of a mirror, symbolising the need to smash through our false self images and dare to look at the truth, the service shone new light on the human condition. Canon Richard White led a dedicated team – including many cathedral volunteers and 14 students from LIPA – in establishing an atmospheric service that set out to engage with the human fascination with the spiritual world by pointing people towards Christ. Using zombies, werewolves and vampires as symbols of the human condition, Halloweve gave the worshipper space to consider different aspects in an ambitious and imaginative fashion. The service, which garnered a great deal of media coverage, drew a wide range of people on the night. It gives a great example of how we can explore different ways to present Christian truths in today’s culture. Canon Richard explains: “Although presented differently, the service had the elements you would expect from a Church of England communion service with prayer as well as reflection areas creating space to encounter Christ powerfully.” Dean Pete Wilcox commented on the service, “There was layer on layer of good biblical theology - from the mirror at the outset via the Corinthians glass darkly to the blessing reference, to ourselves in God’s image; from the scheme of werewolves, zombies and vampires, to the cure of hope, faith and love - the invitation to engagement was affective and effective”. Halloweve has established a reputation as a service that dares to challenge the norms and confront people with the Gospel.

KITTY WILKINSON TOURS LAUNCHED Visitors interested in the history of Liverpool and the Cathedral can now take part in a unique guided tour of the building. Actress Lucy Fiori is set to take on the role of Kitty Wilkinson for a series of tours, leading people around the building and weaving in snippets from Kitty’s life as she tells the story of the Cathedral. The aim is to ‘bring to life’ the history of the Cathedral and Kitty – known as ‘Saint of the Slums’ – and whose image can be found in the Lady Chapel. A statue of Kitty was also recently revealed at St George’s Hall. The first tour takes place on Thursday 31st January (2.00pm), with other tours planned for Wednesday 24th April (6.30pm), Wednesday 24th July (6.30pm) and Wednesday 23rd October (2.00pm). The tour costs just £5 and tickets are available from the Cathedral Shop in person or online. Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. 7

BISHOP JAMES WELCOMES HILLSBOROUGH ARTWORK

WORKS STARTS ON SCOTT MEMORIAL After months of careful planning, we have started work on relocating the Scott Memorial at the front of the Cathedral.

Bishop James has welcomed the display of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s poem ‘Liverpool’, which was written to mark the day of disclosure of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report. The poem, with original watercolour calligraphy by Stephen Raw, is on display in the War Memorial Chapel. Bishop James said “Liverpool is a city of poets who know that poems reach parts of the soul that other things fail to touch. The Poet Laureate’s poem poignantly captures the mood of the day when the Hillsborough Independent Panel report was published to the families in the Cathedral”. Carol Ann Duffy said “Liverpool is a city very close to my heart, and the Liverpool People have a spirit like no other.” A print of the artwork (£7.95) is now available from the Cathedral Shop with proceeds going to the Hillsborough Family Support Group and the Cathedral. 8

The memorial, which was damaged and cracked over the years, has been lovingly restored and we are working on a two phase project to replace it on the site of the Scott Grave and protect it for future generations. This will involve creating a paved area that redirects traffic away from the memorial. Once this is completed the stone will be re-laid and then blessed by Dean Pete at a service attended by Scott's family. When the Scott memorial was laid in the ground, the then Cathedral authorities did not envisage the use that the area in front of the great west doors would receive, and regretfully modern traffic had damaged the memorial. Having invested £10,000 in its restoration, the Chapter is keen to make sure that it is properly preserved for future generations. After consulting closely with the Scott family we have found a solution to make sure that the memorial will stand as an appropriate and fitting testament to this outstanding architect. Dean Pete said, “This has been a complicated exercise to get right and ensure that the stone remains as a lasting reminder of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and his contribution to the Cathedral”. The construction of the site is planned to take about a month.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CATHEDRAL ARCHITECT Ulrike Knox (RIBA AABC ) has been appointed as the new Cathedral Architect. Ulrike is the founder of Knox-McConnell Architects which was established in 2007. Ulrike was chosen for her extensive experience in the heritage sector and particular expertise of church buildings and Cathedrals. Ulrike has more than fifteen years of professional experience in the heritage sector and has led teams of the most eminent crafts people and conservators on many outstanding grade one listed buildings. She is currently the Cathedral Architect for Bradford, and over the last ten years worked closely with the Surveyor to St Paul’s Cathedral and was also project architect for many projects at St Paul’s including the £11m Internal Cleaning and Conservation Project. Ulrike is on the approved architects’ list in the dioceses of York, Bradford, Durham and Ripon and Leeds. She holds a number of honorary roles; 2010-2011 President of the Ecclesiastical Architects’ and Surveyors’ Association (EASA), member of the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), member of the Ripon Cathedral Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC) and the RIBA representative on the Cathedral Fabric Commission for England (CFCE). She is also an assessor for the AABC accreditation scheme for conservation architects. Ulrike said: “I was delighted to be offered the appointment as Cathedral Architect for Liverpool. I am very much looking forward to taking over the

stewardship from Martyn Coppin in January 2013. Martyn has been the Cathedral Architect for fifteen years and knows an immense amount about this large and complex building. With his help I have already started on the steep learning curve and I am relishing every minute of it. The Cathedral has been in extremely safe hands and I am honoured to be taking on the task. “It is a huge responsibility to be in charge of the upkeep of the largest Cathedral in Britain. Not only is it a visual icon for Liverpool; it is a place for spiritual sustenance, a place for civic gathering and a place to experience awe-inspiring events. It performs many functions and it is my job to help make the building work hard to fulfil those roles whilst safeguarding the fabric of this outstanding Grade 1 listed Cathedral.” 9

SHOP HOSTS LARGEST NATIVITY DISPLAY IN THE CITY

The shop is also displaying the stories behind each of the Fair Trade nativities, allowing people to find out which communities will benefit. Gemma added: “Christmas is about spreading ‘joy to the world’ as the popular carol tells us; the Fair Trade nativities are a way of doing that and connecting directly with the makers through the Christmas story, no matter where they are in the world.” »» All nativities are available from Liverpool Cathedral Shop in person or online at www. cathedralshop.com

The Cathedral Shop has for the first time brought together more than thirty nativity sets from around the world – believed to be the largest collection of nativities in Liverpool. They have a range of Fair Trade, traditional and children’s nativities of diverse styles, shapes and sizes, reflecting the cultures and Christmas traditions of the countries in which they were made. Some have come from as far away as Africa, India, Sri Lanka and even Bethlehem. There are also nativities made from pottery, bean bag nativities, colour-in nativities and ‘green’ nativities made from recycled newspaper and reclaimed wood. Gemma Malyk, Stock Supervisor, says “As a Christian retailer, we always have at least one or two nativity sets available year round, and they had been selling out. We also came across research that said 85% of people in the UK agree that Christmas should be called Christmas because we are still a Christian country. A nativity set is an ideal way for people of all ages to engage with the Christmas story, to reflect and come together. The choosing of a nativity set is also a very personal thing, and can make for a really memorable family experience.” 10

2012 CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CARD The 2012 Christmas card is now available from the Cathedral Shop. The card features a hand-drawn Cathedral on Christmas Eve against a snowy sky and the wording inside says 'May the Joy and Peace of Christ be with you'. The design comes from an original artwork by Toxtethbased artist Freida McKitrick, who uses primary colours, and in this card emphasises the light of the Cathedral’s stained glass. The Christmas cards complement the Liverpool waterfront baubles, also designed by Freida, that are available from the shop. »» Cards £1.99 for a pack of 5, waterfront bauble £5.99 www.cathedralshop.com

WREATH SET TO CAUSE A STIR AGAIN THIS YEAR

The first week in December sees the return of the wreath that caused such a stir last Christmas. The red, gold and green wreath, which weighed nearly 25kg, was specially made for the cathedral and was believed to be the biggest in the city, if not the whole of the North West. This year’s wreath will use the same frame but have a different colour scheme - which when Cathedral Life went to print was still top secret. Stuart Haynes, Cathedral Director of Communications, said: “Last year, it became a popular talking point with nearly every visitor stopping to have their photograph taken with it. As well as giving festive cheer, the wreath prepares visitors for the Christmas feel that they get inside the cathedral.” The wreath has also become a key image in our Christmas publicity. A photograph of it, taken by Peter Goodbody (www.p3dro.co.uk) features on the front of the Cathedral’s Christmas ‘What’s on’ guide, and on the website. Peter, a lawyer is part of Fab Collective, a group of photographers in Liverpool who take part in various projects around the city, and he has kindly let us use his vibrant image of the wreath, which shows the detail of the greenery. »» Pick up your free ‘What’s On’ guide from the Cathedral welcome desk.

TWO NEW MUSICAL LAUNCHES Two new albums featuring our very own choir and organist have been launched. Liverpool Cathedral Choir has released The Complete Psalms of David (Psalms 37 - 49) directed by David Poulter (Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral) and accompanied by Ian Tracey on the organ. This is the third of a Psalms series by Priory Records and is available from the Cathedral shop or at www.cathedralshop.com for £9.99 (recommended price £13.99). Ian Tracey’s recording, Klais-Orgel, in which he plays the Organ of Himmerod Cistercian Abbey in Germany is also now available. It costs £15.99 and includes 'Overture to the Occasional Oratorio' by Handel, 'Grose Fantasie fMoll, KV 608' by Mozart and a special Bonus Track of 'Grand jeu' by Pierre Du Mage. »» All are available in person from the shop or online at www.cathedralshop.com

CHORAL EVENSONG LIVE ON RADIO 3 On 21st November, at 5.30pm, Choral Evensong was broadcast live on Radio 3 from the Cathedral, featuring the Girls’ and Men’s Voices. They sang Jehova, quam multi (Purcell), Responses to Psalm 73 by Walsh, Second Service (Leighton) and Lord, thou hast been our refuge (Vaughan Williams). »» Listen again on BBC iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer 11

HELPING CHILDREN REMEMBER The Education team welcomed schools from across the North West to a series of day-long workshops exploring Remembrance Sunday. Pupils from Summerhill, Lydiate, Emmaus CE and RC school, Queens Park CE, Ashton St Peters, Childwall Academy and Greenleas School attended the workshops, that as well as looking at the experience of war through history, also dealt with the impact of war on today’s soldiers and their families. Pupils learned about Noel Chavasse - the most decorated British Military solider, heard first-hand accounts of living through air raids and even had the chance to experience an Anderson Shelter. They were also shown battlefield artefacts by the Liverpool PALS (associated with the Kings Regiment). Pupils also spoke to a serving soldier who has spent time in Iraq, and heard his views on what peace means to him. They then wrote their own prayers that will be sent to serving men and women in Afghanistan. Each day of workshops ended with a promenade performance by Maghull High school, who expressed Wilfred Owen’s war poetry through dance and drama. Sarah O’Donoghue, Education Officer said: “It was another really successful year, and our volunteers again did a wonderful job. Our workshops are extremely popular with schools and book up quickly because they are not just a history lesson, but a chance for the children to relate Remembrance Sunday to their own lives. 12

There is also a strong emphasis on peace and empathy, and we help the children to explore how they can also seek peace in their relationships with others.”

EMBRACING HOPE SERVICE The next Embracing Hope service takes place at 7.30pm on November 26th 2012. This poignant service is open to those whose lives have been affected by the serious illness or loss of a child. During the service there will be the opportunity to visit and see the intimate Children's Chapel. For more information contact Sarah O'Donoghue on 0151 702 7210/7201.

A VERY MESSY YEAR! The Cathedral’s BSL Messy Church is celebrating its first full year of craft, food and celebration around a biblical theme. BSL Messy Church welcomes on average 35 adults and children to the sessions which run once every three months, in the Concert Room or the Lady Chapel. This year’s Messy Churches have been based on the Olympics, the Jubilee and the stories of the Good Samaritan and Noah. The next BSL Messy Church is on Saturday 1st December at 4pm, in the Concert Room. The theme is Advent and Christmas and there will be an opportunity to make advent candles and edible mangers with a jelly baby Jesus. There will also be plenty of Christmas food to go round. Rev Dr Hannah Lewis, who leads the sessions said: “This has been a really good year! We have a core of committed families and helpers and I feel we are really achieving our aim of building up a new worshipping community of deaf and hearing adults and children from all over Merseyside and beyond – and for some we are their only ‘church’. We have had several visitors come to visit us and find out what we do – one of them has now started up her own BSL Messy Church in Sheffield. Word is getting out, and more families are expressing an interest in coming along. Next year, we are planning another four Saturday BSL Messy Churches, and hoping to meet in between times as well to do other things. We are being supported by the Sunday morning coffee group who supply us with paper cups and we are very grateful to them. Any other groups or individuals from the cathedral who would like to support us or be involved in any way are more than welcome to talk to me.”

LJMU GRADUATIONS We look forward to welcoming students from Liverpool John Moores University to their graduation ceremonies at the Cathedral on November 26th. Public access to the main cathedral will be limited during the ceremonies (two per day), so please check arrangements if you decide to visit that day. We will have a place available for private prayer throughout the ceremonies and staff will be happy to direct people there. The Welsford Restaurant and Cathedral shop will remain open throughout, with access available via the Welsford Restaurant side entrance (Gambia Terrace side), and the Tower Experience can be accessed via the main entrance.

»» More information from Rev Hannah Lewis: hannah.lewis@liverpool.anglican.org or via mobile text 07919 411817 13

PEOPLE'S PATH TAKING SHAPE The People’s Path is starting to take shape as people from around the world – and closer to home – are choosing to make their mark in the Cathedral grounds. The People’s Path has been especially popular with members of the congregation and staff. Alan Dodd and Hazel Bird have purchased a brick to mark their seven years as desk volunteers and Philip Daniel, Clerk to the Cathedral Committees was bought a brick by the Cathedral Chapter in celebration of his 60th birthday. Alan said: “On the desk, we are often asked about the People’s Path and now we can talk to people about it from experience, and explain in detail how it works. We think it is a lovely idea and a way to give something back to the Cathedral, a beautiful place that we have enjoyed being part of for seven years. Our brick is outside the Lady Chapel, which is a very peaceful part of the grounds.” 86 year old Hazel, who recently raised £350 for the Cathedral by taking on the recent abseil, said: “We get to meet people from around the world and from all walks of life. We are the first people that visitors see, and it is very interesting to see their reactions when they arrive. Some are very quiet, some even ask if they are allowed in! One of the most moving experiences I had was when a lady in her late 70s arrived with her daughter. The lady looked very apprehensive, and didn’t quite know what to do. We welcomed them both, told them what they could see and do and that they could go and get a cup of coffee, and the lady seemed 14

to feel more comfortable. It turned out that she had made it to her late 70s, had never visited the Cathedral and felt awkward about that. On her way out she said how thrilled she was, and that she would be back.” Philip Daniel, Clerk to the Cathedral Committees, said of his brick, “It was a complete surprise when it was announced by Myles Davies at the end of a Chapter meeting. I was very pleased to receive it. We have shared a lot of time together over the years and I thought that it was a nice

way for Chapter to share in my birthday celebrations. It felt like a very personal gift to mark this milestone in my life.” Despite having only taken up his job at the Cathedral in 2008, Philip has been involved with the Cathedral since 1978, becoming a Lay Clerk, after being introduced to the choir through Ian Tracey. Clare Kerrigan helped choose the gift for Philip. She said: “Philip co-ordinates a range of committees including Chapter, the Fabric Advisory Committee and the Cathedral Company Committee. We wanted to get him something Cathedral-related and realised that a brick was the perfect present as he is involved so heavily with the fabric of the building. It was also a way to make a lasting memory of such an important birthday.” Philip added: “The People’s Path seems to have resonated extremely well with the public, and I think it shows the high regard that people have for the Cathedral, in choosing to make their permanent mark here.”

»» Order by 12th December to have your People's Path certificate for Christmas: 0151 702 7226 rebecca.bentham@ liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

EXCEL IN THE GRACE OF GIVING We have recently published new leaflets as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of committed congregational giving. The campaign uses the theology behind 2 Corinthians 8:7, which says, “But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” Dean Pete said: “Committed giving allows us to make plans in the knowledge that we have the long term financial and faithful support of our congregation; it makes saying ‘yes’ to new ideas, projects and building improvements that bit easier.” The campaign will be supported by a series of teachings led by Dean Pete during Lent. The new leaflets feature easy to follow advice on green envelope giving and standing order giving. Members of the green envelope scheme receive a pack of envelopes for the year, allowing people to plan their giving in advance. Standing Orders are also an excellent way for people to manage their giving by simply filling in a form, and it is a good way for the Cathedral to manage resources. Our Giving Officer, Brenda Edwards can help you with any questions. »» See Brenda at any Sunday morning service or contact: brenda.edwards@ liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

CATHEDRAL NOW PART OF VISIT HOPE STREET CIC

LISTEN TO SERMONS ANYTIME Thanks to a new, easy-to-use addition to the Cathedral website, you can now listen to and download sermons almost instantly.

The Cathedral is now part of Visit Hope Street CIC (Community Interest Company), a consortium of key organisations and businesses on and around Hope Street. Visit Hope Street CIC’s vision is for Hope Street to be recognised by all visitors as a unique and essential part of their visit to the Liverpool. Its members have been working successfully together and in partnership with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision, Liverpool LEP and others to raise the profile of the area with leisure visitors for both the daytime and night time economy of Liverpool. Visit Hope Street CIC recently celebrated Hope Street winning the Great Street Award in the national Urbanism Awards 2013, aimed at recognising the best examples of urban places in Europe. Eryl Parry, Liverpool Cathedral’s Director of Enterprise said: “Successful partnership working between the organisations and businesses on Hope Street is well established. Formalising it within a Community Investment Company demonstrates our commitment to continuing to work together, and with other partners in the City to ensure that Hope Street and the surrounding area continues to be promoted and invested in to the benefit of businesses and local people, and as a visitor destination that complements other key destinations in the City such as the Waterfront, Liverpool One and William Brown Street.” 16

Soundcloud, also used by Harvard University, works like the BBC’s iplayer, allowing you to ‘listen again’ on your computer, iphone or ipad, and download your favourite sermons. It also means that an archive of sermons is always available – whether you are looking for a sermon from last week or last year. In the initial three month trial period, Cathedral sermons were listened to more than 500 times. Phil Kiel, Cathedral Graphic Designer, said: “Soundcloud allows us to upload sermons straight away. It is also free, and it has a useful search facility that means we can ‘tag’ sermons and you can search by occasion, preacher, topic and date. Sermons have previously been uploaded in text form, but, as they are designed to be spoken, we are now able to give a real sense of what it is like to be there and listen. Soundcloud also opens up opportunities for things like the School of Theology, Breakfast With the Bible and other educational activities.” »» To try it for yourself simply visit www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/sermons

CHORISTER FOR THE DAY IS A HIT

‘JUBILEE TREES’ LAUNCHED AT CATHEDRAL A project that will see Merseyside schools and community groups planting more than 100 commemorative Jubilee Trees this winter was set to be officially launched at the Cathedral.

The first new-style Chorister for the Day auditions have proven a hit – attracting twenty girls and boys from across Merseyside. Eight places were available and the children were given a full choir experience, which included meeting current choristers, taking part in a music lesson, learning about opportunities for travel and music education and even singing at choral Evensong at the end of the day. Stephen Mannings, Assistant Choral Director and Choral Animateur, promoted the auditions by visiting schools, through the Cathedral’s Liverpool Schools Singing Programme, and appearing on Radio Merseyside and in the Liverpool Echo. Stephen said: "Chorister for the Day has given the youngsters a unique experience and a great insight into singing with the choir. We did it this way because we wanted to make the audition process much less daunting, and ultimately fun. The girls and boys were very excited to get the chance to sing with the main choir at the Evensong service. Even if they don’t all get in, we hope that the day has created lovely memories, encouraged them in their singing and also helped them to make a connection with the Cathedral."

The project was to be launched by Dame Lorna Muirhead, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside with a ceremony that included stories from schools across Merseyside, and choral evensong marking the end of our celebrations of the Queen’s Jubilee year. The Jubilee Trees project is coordinated by The Mersey Forest and Sefton CVS. Canon Myles Davies said: “The Jubilee Year has had many moments of thankful celebration of the sixty years of the reign of Her Majesty the Queen, not least the great service held between our two Cathedrals during the summer. The Jubilee Trees will be a lasting tribute to a very special person and the years of devoted service she has given to our Nation and Commonwealth.” Dame Lorna Muirhead said: “I am delighted that so many schools and community groups across Merseyside have chosen to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in this way. In 60 years these trees will be a landmark to commemorate this special year and a continuing reminder of Her Majesty’s lifelong service to this country.” The inspiration for the project Helen Carty, said: “This It is a great way to round off a memorable year for the country, and the trees will also help create The Mersey Forest – providing habitat for wildlife, helping to improve air quality, and creating greener, even more attractive school grounds for children to enjoy.”

SUCCESS FOR NEW SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY COURSE A new series of Wednesday evening faith exploration courses led by Cathedral curate Rev Tim Watson has been a huge success - attracting up to 40 people to each session. Jesus and the Bible began in September, operating on an informal basis, starting at 7.30pm and lasting no more than two hours, and people could come to just one session or choose to attend them all depending on what interested them. Rev Tim Watson said: “There is a strong emphasis on being free to ask questions, to generate discussion and to feel comfortable about that. Participants have built up a real community as friendships have been made and people have been supporting each other in their faith and in dealing with questions. “We have had up to forty people to some sessions, and we never have less than twenty. There is a great range of ages, and it has attracted people at completely different stages of faith – from priests, to agnostics, to people simply here to explore Christianity and its relevancy to them. One gentleman on the course has come from a place of no faith to becoming a Christian as a result. The approach seems to have really caught people’s attention. We have not just been looking at Bible passages involving Jesus, but at a whole range of themes from the old and new testament - law, prophets, wisdom, the gospels, revelation -showing how every part of the Bible can help us understand who Jesus was and what he came to do.” Next term’s course, The Holy Spirit and the Church, which begins on Wednesday 18

16th January, takes a similar approach. “We will be using the Holy Spirit as a tool to understand the mission of the church today, and why we do the things we do. We will explore sacraments such as baptism, from its institution, through the medieval period to today, asking, does God want us to do certain things, and if so, why? Whilst not a specific course on church history or sociology, it will look at differences over time, ask whether certain practices were healthy or unhealthy for our faith and explore common threads.” Louise Simms took part in the first course, and will also join the next one. She said: “With a busy work, home and church life, it is a flexible way to study, without the

pressures required by an accredited course. It has opened up a range of topics and provided the basic structure for undertaking further reading into areas of particular interest for me. “It is taught at a high level with experienced and knowledgeable teachers, but you never feel overwhelmed. The opportunity to learn with people from different church backgrounds, traditions and experiences makes for interesting questions and discussion. The informal setting at the Cathedral is conducive to learning, allowing anyone to attend, whatever their interest and knowledge of the bible and faith. No one is under pressure to speak out if they don’t wish to. “It has provided me with an accessible, cost effective way in which to learn and grow in the foundations of the Christian faith in a safe environment. It has helped me develop understanding of the bible, how to apply it in a practical way to my personal study and I would recommend it to any anyone who has a spare evening on a Wednesday. The welcome is always friendly.”

NEXT ALPHA COURSE STARTS IN JANUARY

»» The Holy Spirit and the Church runs from Wednesday 16th January-Wednesday 27th March, with a half term break on 20th February. The full programme will be on the website in December.

»» To book contact: Clare Kerrigan 0151 702 7220 clare.kerrigan@liverpoolcathedral.org. uk or Canon Richard White 0151 702 7243 richard.white@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

The next Alpha course begins on January 16th. Alpha has been a regular fixture at the Cathedral since 2010. It is a free, practical introduction to Christianity for anyone, no matter their faith position. The evenings include a meal, a talk and informal group discussion. Canon Richard White runs Alpha at the Cathedral. He said: “Alpha is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has never done it, whether they are completely new to Christianity or value a chance to revisit the basics. One of the joys of running Alpha at this cathedral is the amazing range of people who attend. There is no pressure, but rather a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Alpha looks at topics such as ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’ People can come along individually or as a group.” The first evening is an introductory supper, where people can find out more about the course and decide if it is for them.

THREE NEW TOWER EVENINGS – AND AN EARLY START TO THE TWILIGHT TOWER SEASON The Twilight Tower season was another great success, this year enhanced by the added bell nights which allowed members of the public to see the bells up close, speak to bell ringers and have a go at hand bell ringing. This year we have also encouraged people to #tweetfromthetower, and asked them to post pictures of themselves or their view from the top. It has had a huge response with hundreds of people posting their pictures – see for yourself at www.twitter.com/LivCathedral or visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/ LiverpoolCathedral. We can now reveal that next season’s Twilight Tower season will start on the earlier date of Thursday 7th February, in response to the high demand for specific night time views of the city. On February 14th we are also offering a Valentine’s treat with champagne views of the city. The tower will be open until 8.00pm, with the last ticket at 7.30pm, and champagne and chocolates will be available to buy on the night. Tickets for this event are just £5.00. If you can’t wait until February, we will be hosting two evening tower events outside of the usual season, each of which also offers a new experience of the Cathedral. The first of these nights is on November 29th, when as well as having access to the fantastic views from the tower, people can meet experts and learn how to play Christmas carols on the handbells. Twilight tower access starts at 6.30pm and the workshop is from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. January 31st also sees another first, as craft lovers will be able to combine a tower trip with an embroidery workshop. Cathedral embroidery experts will be on hand to answer questions about the embroidery on display and people can visit 20

the Elizabeth Hoare Embroidery Gallery and also have a go themselves. No previous experience is required for either workshop and they can be booked by groups or individuals. Tickets cost £7.50, which includes the workshop and tower entry. The tower will be open until 8.30pm with the last ticket at 8.00pm. Kevin Stott, Cathedral Retail Manager said: “We were really encouraged by the responses from visitors with our twilight nights this year. The bell nights were especially popular with visitors enjoying parts of the Cathedral that they cannot usually see. The new evenings build on this success. The views across the city in twilight are spectacular.” »» Tickets from www.cathedralshop.com or in person from the shop

RUNNING THANKS Peter Bates (Tenor Lay Clerk) wishes to express his thanks to the members of the cathedral company who sponsored his Half-Marathon in London on October 7th. Peter completed the run in two hours and 17 minutes, raising nearly £450 for Amnesty International. »» You can still sponsor Peter at www. justgiving.com/Peter-Bates1, or text “BACH48 £xx" to 70070 (where xx is whatever amount you want to donate).

CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES Cards for Good Causes has returned to the Cathedral.

BOOK CLUB DATES

Until 18th December, choose from a variety of Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift tags, supporting more than 25 national and local charities. The shop, staffed by local volunteers, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is located inside the porch, next to the Baptistery. Look out for the big red Santas who will show you the way!

The Cathedral Book Club celebrates its fourth anniversary next April, and regularly welcomes new members. The next meeting is December 11th at 7pm in the Staff Room when they will be looking at Shakespeare Sonnets with expert Giulia Harding. Provisional 2013 dates are: 15th January Letters to Malcolm C.S. Lewis 12th February Ultimate Prizes Susan Howitch 19th March Abiding Ben Quash (Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2013) 16th April Mr. Golightly's Holiday Sally Vickers 21st May Angels and Men Catherine Fox (led by the author) 18th June The Island Victoria Hislop 16th July Framley Parsonage Anthony Trollope 17th September The Lion's World: A journey into the heart of Narnia Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams 15th October Cranford Mrs Gaskell 12th November The Christian and the Pharisee R.T. Kendall and David Rosen 10th December The Wasteland T S Elliot »» Contact Nädine Hope for more information choral.evensong@gmail.com 21

IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS NOVEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013 We give thanks for the Cathedral Chapter as they work together to promote the Gospel to the Cathedral and wider community. We remember all those who have attended the Alpha groups, the School of Theology, Zone 2 and Chemin Neuf Prayer group and pray for the Dean as he prepares to lead the new sessions of Breakfast with the Bible and Supper with the Scriptures. We thank God for all our visitors, tour groups and schools over the following months. We pray for all who are preparing for the Advent and Christmas season and remember especially those who find this to be a difficult time. We remember all those who have asked for our prayers and any families who have been bereaved. BSL Messy Church BBC Choral Evensong Embracing Hope Advent Workshops Royal Tank Regiment: March past Schools Carol Services: Liverpool College Carol Service Belvedere Schools Carols Enterprise South Liverpool Academy Carols Cathedral School Singing Programme : Carols Archbishops Blanch St Hilda’s St Margaret’s Cathedral Christmas Charities: Support Asylum Seekers L’Arche; Liverpool The Children’s Society St George’s Baghdad

Christmas Services: Learn to play Carols on Handbells Advent Carols: From Darkness to Light Meningitis Trusts Carols Action for Children Royal Signals Service Sancta Lucia BBC Radio Merseyside Marie Curie “Lights to remember” Lighting of the Tree and Blessing of the Crib The Holly Bough Carol Service Echo Carols Carols for Christmas Eve with signing Festival Eucharist Christmas Day Epiphany service

DIARY December 2nd

10.30am Choral Eucharist for Advent Sunday. Preacher: The Revd Mark Tanner 5.30pm

From Darkness to Light â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Advent Procession

8th

6.00pm

Sancta Lucia Carol Service

16th

3.00pm

The Lighting of the Tree and the Blessing of the Crib

23rd

3.00pm

The Holly Bough Carol Service

24th

3.00pm

Carols for Christmas Eve

11.30pm The First Eucharist of Christmas 25th

10.30am Festival Eucharist for Christmas Day

30th

Choral Services sung by Liverpool Choral Scholars

January 6th

10.30am Festival Eucharist for the Epiphany

8th

1.30pm

Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Epiphany Carol Service

13th

3pm

Epiphany Carol Service

20th

3pm

Choral Evensong with the Girls Voices from the Metropolitan Cathedral for week of prayer for Christian Unity

WEEKLY SERVICES SUNDAY

8:30am 10:30am

Eucharist Choral Eucharist ZONE 2 - Concert Room

WEEKDAYS

SATURDAY

3:00pm

Choral Evensong

4:00pm

Eucharist

8:30am

Morning Prayer

12:05pm

Eucharist

5:30pm

Choral Evensong*

8:30am 12:05pm

Morning Prayer Eucharist

3:00pm

Choral Evensong

*said on Wednesdays and during school holidays unless visiting choirs present

www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ, 0151 709 6271