No. 201
July 2008

THE CANON PASTOR WRITES:
In July there are two significant church events. The first is the meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England in York to discuss the arrangements for the ordination of women bishops. The second is the Lambeth Conference when bishops from the whole Anglican Communion, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, gather together and consult with each other. This happens once every ten years. Sadly some bishops have refused the invitation. They presumably feel that to consult with bishops who disagree with them on certain issues, especially homosexuality, undermines their moral stand and integrity. For both of these events, there will be much publicity over the disagreements that seem to divide the Anglican Church. It is one of the sad realities of life that the media focus on discussions and disagreements rather than on the importance of what we share together. It is amazing that several hundred bishops from very different traditions, backgrounds and cultures, will seek to listen and learn from each other and to understand each other better. Even if they still do not agree, they will have mutual respect and still be in communion with each other. It seems to me that it is far more worthwhile to hold a conference where difficult and diverse issues are debated and different points of view heard, than to have slanging matches in the global media over several thousands of miles.
All this raises the question of how we should cope with disagreements and divisions. As Christians we have strong convictions about the nature of God and the importance of humanity created in the image of God. Sometimes because of these beliefs, others may see us as inflexible and unable to listen to other points of view. In reality these strong convictions should enable us to reach out to others and to seek to understand because we value every person, for all are made in the image of God. Disagreements and divisions mean that we just have to listen more carefully. Listening is not just a passive activity. Listening is giving attention and space to another person. It is not just hearing the words but attempting to grasp what lies behind that person's beliefs and convictions. Even if, at the end of the conversation, there is still disagreement. and that may well be the case, hopefully there will be mutual respect and a greater insight into each other's point of view. This does seem a better way of dealing with divisions. It is too easy to put up the barriers and assume we are right and anybody with an opposing or different perspective is wrong. Such an approach just deepens the antagonism between people.

The process of listening also has another dimension for the Christian. As we listen to the debate, whether on gender or on sexuality, we are surely attempting to listen to what God may be saying to us. God speaks to us in every generation through our experience and understanding of Scripture, through belonging to the Christian community, through the experience and insight of others. We should not say this is God's will but rather this is what I understand as God's will in the present circumstances and situation. Our relationship with God goes on. Our insights into his word for us on any particular issue may develop and deepen. Our journey of faith is a journey of being open to the God who engages us and loves us and sometimes challenges us. Too often we make absolute statements on issues where we should be listening and learning.

July will not be an easy month for the Church of England and for the Anglican Communion. We should pray for the members of the General Synod and for all the bishops gathering for the Lambeth Conference. We should pray that they may listen carefully to each other and in their debates seek to listen to what God may be saying to them. They may not agree with each other but they will, I hope, under Christ still be in communion with each other.
Richard Capper

FAREWELL TO THE OFFERS
The Cathedral community and the diocese will be saying goodbye to Clifford and Catherine Offer on two separate occasions in July. The Archdeacon will be presiding at the Eucharist for the last time at 10.30 am on Sunday 6 July and there will be a presentation immediately after the service, followed by drinks in the Cloister. Choral Evensong at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 9 July will be an occasion for the whole diocese. Clifford will preach for the last time and Bishop Graham will be taking part in the farewells after the service. Everyone is encouraged to attend both events.

Clifford's ministry as Archdeacon of Norwich over the past 14 years has been enormously appreciated, and he and Catherine will be greatly missed. Anyone still wishing to make a donation towards the presentation is asked to leave their contribution in the Vergers' office, in a sealed envelope clearly marked 'CJO leaving gift'.
Graham Smith

LAMBETH CONFERENCE
We are looking forward to welcoming two bishops from the Anglican Communion who will be staying in Norwich prior to the Lambeth Conference in July. The Rt Revd Meshack Mabuza, Bishop of Swaziland in Southern Africa, will be preaching at 10.30 am on Sunday 6 July. The following evening, 7 July, there will be a bring and share supper in Prior's Hall when the Bishop will be speaking about the issues that his country faces and the ministry of the Anglican Church under his leadership Places for the supper are limited but if you would like to attend, please contact Margaret Sexton on 01508 493885. On Sunday 13 July at 10.30 am, the preacher will be Bishop Nedi Rivera, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Olympia, Western Washington State. As one of the women bishops of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Nedi's visit will give us an insight into the challenges and opportunities of women serving as bishops in our Church. Choral Evensong at 3.30 pm will be attended by all the Lambeth bishops who are visiting our diocese and will include a session in conversation with the Bishop of Norwich.

HONOURS FOR CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS
We were delighted to learn that Henry Cator and Allan Bridgewater have been honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Henry has been awarded an OBE and Allan Bridgewater the LVO. They have both been inspirational leaders of the Cathedral Campaign in recent years, with Henry chairing the Appeal and Allan as Vice Chairman of the Cathedral Trust. There is no doubt that we would never have reached the £10 million public appeal target without their energetic and imaginative leadership. We, among many others in Norfolk, have cause to be grateful to them both.
Graham Smith

NORWICH CATHEDRAL ENTERPRISES
Shop: This month the Cathedral Shop bids farewell to Gwen Sales who has now retired after more than ten years of working here. Many of you will have met Gwen over the years or at least seen her displays on the shelves! We will all miss her good company and unstinting hard work, and I would like to thank her for all the help and support that she has given to the Shop during her time here. We wish Gwen and her husband, Malcolm, a long and happy retirement.

We have lots of new items in the Shop this month; the Coltishall Lace Postcard has finally arrived and is on sale now. We also have a collection of wooden jigsaws which show a variety of different Cathedral images and if you look carefully, you will see that they are not your normal puzzles! As summer (?) approaches, it also brings the wedding season and we now stock a selection of unusual wedding gifts, including books and ceramics and some lovely jewellery for the bride. Finally, we have tickets on sale for the Norwich Pops Concert on 4 July and Broadland High School's "Musical Explosion" on 19 July.
Anne Cox

STAFF NEWS
Congratulations to Saul Penfold on his appointment as part-time consultant to "Cathedrals as Partners in Adult Learning". This means that Saul will be leaving his post at Norwich at the end of August, having completed 9 years as Cathedral Education Officer. Under his leadership, the Education function has seen steady growth and we shall miss his energy and enthusiasm in this area of the Cathedral's work. We wish him well for the future.
Graham Smith

FRIENDS OF NORWICH CATHEDRAL
About 120 people attended the Annual Meeting on 10 June. This began with Festal Evensong, beautifully sung by the Girls and Men of the Cathedral Choir, and included the traditional hymn for Friends' Day Christ is made our sure Foundation,. At the meeting, the Dean gave a comprehensive report of recent Cathedral events including, of course, the fact that the Hostry construction is now well underway. The Cathedral Architect, Henry Freeland, and Andrew Buxton, treasurer of the Friends, also gave reports on the fabric and finances respectively. The Dean warmly thanked the retiring members of the Council: Tim Apthorpe, Colin Bodkin, Nan Garrod and Diana Ralphs; he then welcomed four new members all of whom had been duly proposed and seconded: David Bowman, Michael Brunson, Frances Jenkinson and Nigel Savory. The meeting was followed by supper in the Refectory, during which William Falconer entertained us with light classical music and Bishop Graham gave an excellent after dinner speech

All Friends are encouraged to come to the Broderers' Guild exhibition when two of the altar frontals, given by the Friends to the Cathedral, will be on display, as well as many other textiles and examples of church embroidery. Finally, on behalf of the Friends, I would like to congratulate Henry Cator on receiving an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours,, for his splendid work in raising money for the Refectory and Hostry.
Rosie Foottit

STRAWBERRY TEA
The parish of St Mary in the Marsh will be holding a Strawberry Tea, with raffle and cake stall, in the 'Vicarage' Garden (No 52 The Close) from 3.00 to 5.00 pm on Thursday 10 July. Minimum donations of £5 per person are requested. Please contact Angela Capper on 665210 if you would like tickets.

CALENDAR OF SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR JULY

Full details of these and all other services are on the weekly Music Scheme.
Services are sung by visiting choirs as indicated.

Tuesday 1 July
1.15 pm Meditation Group (St Catherine's Chapel)

Wednesday 2 July
2.15 pm Pre-School Music Group (St Catherine's Chapel)

Friday 4 July
7.30 pm Norwich Pops Orchestra Concert

Saturday 5 July
10.00 am - 2.00 pm 'Saints Alive' Diocesan Children's Festival
3.30 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 6 July Seventh Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.15 am Holy Communion (St Mary in the Marsh)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist
Preacher: The Rt Revd Meshack Mabuza
followed by congregational farewell to the Archdeacon of Norwich and Mrs Offer
3.30 pm Evensong

Monday 7 July
6.00 pm Talk by the Bishop of Swaziland with Bring & Share Supper (Prior's Hall) - limited places - contact 01508 493885.

Tuesday 8 July
1.15 pm Meditation Group (St Catherine's Chapel)
4.00 pm Walking the Sacred Path of the Labyrinth

Wednesday 9 July St Barnabas
2.15 pm Pre-School Music Group (St Catherine's Chapel)
7.30 pm Choral Evensong and Diocesan Farewell for the Archdeacon of Norwich Preacher: The Archdeacon

Friday 11 July St Benedict
7.00 pm Sung Eucharist

Saturday 12 July
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by visiting choir - Kirbye Voices)

Sunday 13 July Eighth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist
Preacher: The Rt Revd Nedi Rivera
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by Kirbye Voices)
and the Bishop of Norwich in conversation with visiting bishops attending the Lambeth Conference, followed by refreshments

Monday 14 July
Visiting Choir 14 - 20 July - All the King's Men (Ontario)
12.00 pm Mass of Thanksgiving for the Oxford Movement (Jesus Chapel)
12.30 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Jesus Chapel)
1.00 pm Public reading of John Keble's Assize sermon (Library)
6.15 pm Contemplative Prayer (St Catherine's Chapel)

Tuesday 15 July
1.00 pm 'Literal and Mystical': The Oxford Movement and biblical exegesis.
Talk by Gudrun Warren (Library)
1.15 pm Meditation Group (St Catherine's Chapel)

Wednesday 16 July
1.00 pm The Oxford Apostles: Talk by the Vice-Dean (Library)

Thursday 17 July
1.00 pm The Oxford Movement: its impact upon a country parish.
Talk by the Revd Robert Beaken (Library)

Friday 18 July
1.00 pm The Oxford Movement's impact on the religious life in East Anglia.
Talk by Sister Violet (Library)

Saturday 19 July
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by All the King's Men)
7.30 pm Broadland High School Charity Concert 'A Musical Explosion':

Sunday 20 July Ninth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by All the King's Men)
6.30 pm Compline

Tuesday 22 July
10.00 am 'What are they saying about Paul?' Led by Christine Amjad-Ali (Library)
1.15 pm Meditation Group (St Catherine's Chapel)
7.00 pm Thanksgiving Eucharist

Wednesday 23 July
1.00 pm 'The Colman Tapesty - reading religious images'
Talk by Gudrun Warren (Library)
5.15 pm Evensong (sung by Birmingham Cathedral Choir)
8.00 pm Organ Recital David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral
Admission £6 (with concessions)

Friday 25 July St James
10.00 am - 4.00 pm 'Symbolism and Mythology in Ecclesiastical Textiles' Exhibition (North Transept & Library) (on display until Saturday 2 August)
5.15 pm Festal Evensong (sung by the Elegy Singers)

Saturday 26 July
5.15 pm Evensong (sung by the Elegy Singers)

Sunday 27 July Tenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30 am Sung Eucharist (sung by the Elegy Singers)
3.30 pm Evensong (sung by the Elegy Singers)
6.30 pm Compline

Monday 28 July
6.315pm Contemplative Prayer (St Catherine's Chapel)

Tuesday 29 July
1.00 pm Informal lunchtime concert: Prairie Village Presbyterian Church Choir
1.15 pm Meditation Group (St Catherine's Chapel)

Wednesday 30 July
5.15 pm Evensong (sung by the Cathedral Singers Choir - Australia)
8.00 pm Organ Recital : Simon Morley, Florida
Admission £6 (with concessions)

THE OXFORD MOVEMENT
In 1833 the Church of England was startled by the Oxford Movement. The spark which ignited this powerful religious reawakening was the proposal of the Whig government to suppress half the Anglican bishoprics in Ireland and to re-dispose their incomes, without first consulting the Church. A group of clerical dons at Oxford, including John Keble, took grave exception to the Whigs' proposals. They believed that the Church is a divinely-founded society, with Jesus Christ at its head, and that its reform was nothing to do with a secular Parliament. Their campaign of opposition was inaugurated with an assize sermon preached by Keble in the university church of St Mary in Oxford on 14 July 1833, in which he called Whig government's planned legislation 'National Apostasy.' The Oxford dons next wrote a series of Tracts for the Times, examining aspects of the theological crisis created by the government's action, which they had delivered to every parsonage in England. The Oxford Movement did not go unchallenged, but it proved to be the most important religious reawakening in England during the 19th century. The renaissance of spirituality, theology, scholarship, liturgy, music, art, architecture, and the revival of religious orders and communities, which the Oxford Movement began in the Church of England, goes under the name of the Catholic Revival. To this day , there is not a parish church in the Anglican Communion that has not been affected by it in some way.

An exhibition and a week of events to mark the 175th Anniversary will take place at the Cathedral beginning with a celebration of the Eucharist on Monday 14 July at 12 noon in the Jesus Chapel, followed by an hour of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. There will also be a public reading of John Keble's Assize Sermon in the Library. See the Calendar pages in this newsletter for times of other lectures.

CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
The Annual General Meeting of the Cathedral Community took place in the Refectory on Tuesday 20 May and a copy of the Minutes is now available to read on the noticeboard in the South Transept. Elections to fill vacancies on both the Cathedral Council and the Community Committee for the next 3 years resulted in the following being elected. Council: Paul Downes, Barbara Hacker and John Martin. Committee: Michael Brighton, Christopher Hewitt and Paul Minchin. The next meeting of the Community Committee will be on Tuesday 8 July at 7.15 pm in Prior's Hall.

25TH ANNIVERSARY
The Revd Marigold Hall will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of being made deaconess, in the Cathedral on Tuesday 22 July. A thanksgiving Eucharist will be celebrated at 7.00 pm, followed by refreshments in the Refectory.

CATHEDRAL EVENTS GROUP
A coach outing has been arranged to visit Clarence House, the London home of the HRH the Prince of Wales, on Saturday 27 September. Afterwards there will be a boat trip on the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich, where the coach will collect us for the homeward journey. The total cost of the outing, to include coach travel, entrance to Clarence House and the river trip, is £30 per person and a maximum of 40 places are available so tickets will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings, with payment, must be made between Sunday 6 July and Sunday 17 August, as the full amount for admission tickets must be paid to Clarence House before 30 August. Cheques should be made payable to "Norwich Cathedral Events Group". Please bring a packed lunch with you and we shall have tea at Greenwich before the journey back to Norwich.
Angela Capper and John Hudson

COMMUNITY LEARNING
Do make a note of the summer holiday activities that will be taking place at the Cathedral next month.
Bugs, Beasts & Birds, Tuesday 5 August, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm: Find out about wildlife at the Cathedral and make your own bugs, beasts and birds to take home. Join an afternoon bug hunt with Norfolk Wildlife Trust in the Herb Garden.
From Sheep to Shawl, Tuesday 12 August, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm: Find out about spinning, ancient weaving methods, felting and natural dyeing techniques that form Norwich's textile heritage. Learn to knit and sew, print your own fabric design to be part of a large collage., or take a look at the Cathedral's own sacred textiles.
Norman and his Arch, Tuesday 19 August, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm: Find out about building techniques at the Cathedral, handle the tools and investigate sacred geometry. Design your own stained glass windows, help Norman build his arch and design your own mason's mark to put on it.

These events are free and open to everyone of all ages and abilities. For more details, contact Jill Napier on 01603 218321, or e-mail

SAINTS ALIVE
The Cathedral will be hosting a children's festival of fun and worship on Saturday 5 July from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, with families or group leaders. Activities are aimed at children aged 5-11 but older and younger children are welcome to attend. There will be a wide variety of activities and light refreshments will be available to purchase or you may wish to bring a picnic. Interactive worship at 1.30 pm will be led by the Revd David Hill and supported by 'Celebrations' Music Group. To book tickets (£1.50 per person, under 5s free), contact Tricia Elson at the Horstead Centre on 01603 266316, or e-mail.

MEILUAMI'S STORY
Meiluami, the lifesize baby elephant sculpture now on display in the Cathedral's Dark Entry, has already been on a long journey. On 17 April the special elephant cargo travelled from Norwich to Heathrow Airport before flying to Nairobi with Virginia McKenna OBE, in a ground breaking school arts project for Kenya. On arrival, Virginia and the elephant sculpture, were met by the newly appointed Minister for Forestry and Wildlife in Kenya, Hon Dr Noah Wekesa, and showcased at a press conference, highlighting the need to protect Kenya's wild elephant population. From here Meiluami journeyed in a Land Rover convoy to Ol Moti School, neighbouring the world-famous Amboseli National Park, (home to over 1500 wild elephants) where it was received by the children and teachers of Ol Moti, in a colourful and traditional Maasai welcome ceremony. The elephant was designed and painted by the children of Ol Moti, and professional artist Jason Corder, in Maasai colors to reflect the significant issue of human elephant conflict.

Finally, before bing escorted back to England by Born Free CEO, Will Travers, Meiluami was displayed by Kenya Airways supermarket chain, Nakumatt, in its Nairobi branch shop window for a fortnight. The elephant's long journey ended on 19 June at Norwich train station where the sculpture arrived on the 12.52 pm from Liverpool Street and was met by the Dean.

COTTON SHEETS
The Broderers' Guild is seeking donations of white cotton flat sheets. They don't need to be new but should be in good condition. If you have anything suitable that you no longer need, could you please hand it in to the Vergers' office in the Cathedral. Thank you.
Helen Jenkins

'SYMBOLISM AND MYTHOLOGY IN ECCLESIASTICAL TEXTILES'
From Friday 25 July to Saturday 2 August, the Broderers' Guild will be staging an exhibition of the Cathedral's collection of textile treasures, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the meaning of symbolism and mythology, and their use in the Church's sacred vestments. You can learn more about the materials and techniques used to make and repair ecclesiastical textiles and watch practical demonstrations by members of the Guild, as well as taking part in family activity workshops. The exhibition will be open from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm on weekdays and 12 noon until 3.00 pm on Sunday. For more details, call Helen Jenkins on 01603 218326 or e-mail.

WALKING THE SACRED PATH OF THE LABYRINTH
You are invited to walk the Norwich Cathedral Labyrinth on Tuesday 8 July in the company of Mary Green, a qualified counsellor and supervisor who has a special commitment to accompanying and validating people in their spiritual knowing. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol found all over the world. It represents a path, a journey, and has been used by people of all creeds and races for thousands of years. Unlike a maze, in the sacred geometry of the labyrinth there is just one path leading to the centre and out again. Walking this path nurtures, and challenges the soul in an ancient and mystical way and can evoke any number of thoughts. Please meet in the Cloister at 4.00 pm when there will be a simple ritual to 'open' the Labyrinth for the group followed by a closing ritual when everyone has completed their walk. For more information, contact Mary Green on 01603 624155, or e-mail.
Liz Day

IN RESIDENCE
WEEK BEGINNING