Joyfully proclaiming the love of God in worship, outreach, welcome and care

Worship, Prayer and Christian Formation at Ely Cathedral

The Call to Christ

Lent, Holy Week and Easter

Tuesday 5 MarchShrove Tuesday6.15pmThe Choristers’ Pancake Race and Big Pancake Party Come and enjoy the fun in our Big Pancake Race and Pancake Party when choristers and musicians (and clergy) will be racing! We will be raising money for the Church Urban Fund’s Food Poverty Campaign and eating away at hunger. Just £3 can provide lunch for a child over the summer as free school meals disappear and £9 will provide an emergency food parcel for a family for one day. The event is free, but for catering purposes please get a ticket from the Cathedral Box Office 01353 660349. For further information visit www.cuf.org.uk/the-big-pancake-party

Lent, Holy Week and EasterThe Call to Christ

Jesus’ call to follow him is the beginning of discipleship for us as it was for the Apostles. In this season of Lent we reflect on different aspects of his call to his people and to us today as his witnesses in the world.

John Wesley said that ‘The Call’ brings us tasks and challenges: some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.

In this holy season we enter deeply once again into this challenge and call to holiness, to listen, to witness, to come to Christ. We pray to ‘deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him’. We are delighted to welcome distinguished visiting preachers, Bishop Stephen Platten, Bishop Jack Nicholls, Dr Paula Gooder and Bishop Rowan Williams. We hope that you will feel drawn to respond to the call to draw nearer to God in prayer this Lent.

* Incense is used at services marked with an asterisk.

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Sunday Sermon Series

Sunday 10 MarchFirst Sunday of Lent Preacher: Bishop Stephen Platten The Call to Holiness

Bishop Stephen Platten was ordained in 1975. His ministry has included time as a residentiary canon at Portsmouth Cathedral, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs, Dean of Norwich and Bishop of Wakefield. Since retirement he has ministered in the City of London. He is the author and editor of several books. He served as Chairman of the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission, which seeks to develop the worshipping life of the church.

Tuesday 19 March, 5.30pm Festal Evensong The Feast of St Joseph We celebrate the feast of Jesus’ earthly father, the carpenter and husband of Mary who was not afraid to follow God’s will for him despite what public opinion might say. Joseph is also venerated as the patron saint of workers. The choir sings O Joseph being an old man truly, a traditional English song arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

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10.30am Sung Eucharist including music by Darke, Communion Service in F and Saviour of the world by Paul Trepte.

4pm Choral Evensong with Address To include Lord, let me know mine end by Greene.

Wednesday 6 MarchAsh Wednesday*Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin, and be faithful to Christ.These are the words that Christians hear on Ash Wednesday as their foreheads are marked in ash with the sign of the cross at the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is considered a day of obligation for practising Christians and there are various services during the day for people to receive communion and ashing: 8am, 12.10pm. The Solemn Eucharist at 7.30pm includes the singing of Allegri’s extraordinary setting of Psalm 51 - Miserere. The preacher will be Canon James Garrard.

Monday 25 March, 5.30pmFestal Evensong The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin MaryWe mark the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her that she will bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Saviour of all people. Mary’s joyful response to this message is to say ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord’, aligning her will with that of God. The choir sings Thomas Weelkes’ Sixth Service and Ave Maria by Robert Parsons.

Sunday 17 March Second Sunday of Lent Preacher: Bishop Jack NichollsThe Call to Listen

Bishop Jack was Bishop of Sheffield from 1997 until 2008 and since retirement has been an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the dioceses of Derby and Manchester. Serving in his home county of Lancashire and in Yorkshire, he was a Residentiary Canon of Manchester Cathedral and in 1990 he became Bishop of Lancaster. He is a greatly sought after preacher and describeshimself as a catholic evangelist, believing that tradition and missionary outreach go together. He spends a considerable amount of time in spiritual direction and in leading retreats.

10.30am Sung Eucharist Including Palestrina’s Missa Salvum me fac and Usquequo Domine by Guerrero - a setting of Psalm 13 - How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord.

4pm Choral Evensong with Address To include Herbert Howells’ O pray for the peace of Jerusalem (a setting of part of Psalm 122).4

Sunday 24 March Third Sunday of Lent Preacher: Dr Paula GooderThe Call to Witness

Dr Paula Gooder is a writer and lecturer in Biblical Studies. Her research areas focus on the writings of Paul the Apostle, with a particular focus on 2 Corinthians and on Paul’s understanding of the Body. Her passion is to ignite people’s enthusiasm for reading the Bible today, by presenting the best of biblical scholarship in an accessible and interesting way.

10.30am Sung Eucharist Including music by Monteverdi Messa da cappella and Sicut cervus by Palestrina.

4pm Choral Evensong with AddressTo include the anthem Like as the hart by Herbert Howells.

Sunday 31 March Mothering Sunday Preacher: The Dean

10.30am All-Age Sung Eucharist Including Paul Trepte’s Missa Parodia, Kenton Coe’s anthem For the beauty of the earth and a setting of Ave Maria by Simon Lindley. The Ely Imps and the Girl and Boy Choristers will be singing together this morning. The newest choristers will be admitted to the Foundation, the traditional name for the Cathedral worshipping and working family from the days of the monastery.

4pm Choral Evensong with AddressTo include canticles by Sumsion in G with the anthems Ave Maria by Dupré and Tota pulchra es by Chausson.

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Sunday 7 AprilFifth Sunday of LentPreacher: Bishop Rowan WilliamsThe Call to Christ

Bishop Rowan is a former Archbishop of Canterbury and is currently Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. He is known world-wide as theologian, thinker, writer and spiritual leader and we are honoured that he is preaching again during this sermon series.

10.30am Sung Eucharist Including music by Lassus Missa Octavi Toni sung by the Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers.

4pm Choral Evensong with AddressWith the anthem It is a thing most wonderful by Philip Moore.

Sundays 10, 17, 24 March and 7 AprilMeet the PreacherFacilitated by Canon Jessica MartinEveryone is invited to discuss the insights and questions the sermons raise, from noon in Powcher’s Hall after the 10.30am Eucharist in Lent.

Tuesday 12 MarchAaron ShilsonAn Wasserflüssen Babylon BWV 653Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit BWV 669 Canon Jessica Martin

Tuesday 19 MarchJonathan KingstonLiebster Jesu, wir sind hier BWV 731Trio super: Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend BWV 655Canon Victoria Johnson

Tuesday 26 MarchAndrew ParnellWo soll ich fliehen hin BWV 646Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten BWV 647O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross BWV 622Canon Jessica Martin

Tuesday 2 AprilSarah MacDonaldSchmücke dich, o liebe Seele BWV 654Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott BWV 721Canon Victoria Johnson

Tuesday 9 AprilPaul TrepteValet will ich dir geben BWV 735O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig (manualiter and Chorale) Valet will ich dir geben BWV 736Canon Victoria Johnson

Tuesday 16 AprilEdmund AldhouseJesus Christus unser Heiland BWV 688Aus tiefer Not BWV 686Canon Jessica Martin6

Worship, Music and Prayer

Music and MeditationTuesdays in Lent, 1pm in the Presbytery The musicians of Ely Cathedral contribute a piece of J S Bach’s organ music appropriate to the season and themes of Lent. The piece is preceded by a short meditation by one of the Cathedral Clergy exploring the music itself and the theological and spiritual threads which can be drawn from it. The whole meditation lasts about 20 minutes.

Saturday 13 April, 7.30pmEly Choral Society ConcertFeaturing music by Poulenc, Brahms and Sir Edward Elgar’s The Music Makers - the most famous setting of Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s poem, scored for mezzo-soprano solo, choir and orchestra. The references to makers of music allow Elgar to quote from at least six of his best known works.

Eucharist followed by Lent LunchFridays in Lent, 12.10pmEach Friday during Lent there will be a simple eucharist with a hymn and word of reflection followed at 1pm by a Lent lunch in the Lady Chapel provided by the Mothers’ Union. They will be taking donations for their Lent Charity ‘The Wisbech Project’ in support of a Family Worker in the market town of Wisbech.

Monday 8 April, 7pmOrgan Recital - Paul Trepte

Paul Trepte gives his last Organ recital as Director of Music, to which everyone is very warmly invited. The programme will include works by Bach, Karg Elert and Reger.

Free admission.

Candlelit Compline Tuesdays in Lent, 9pmin the Lady ChapelThe ancient monastic office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’. It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. This candlelit service is sung by a gathered choir who lead the responses, the psalms and sing two anthems. In the stunning space of the Lady Chapel with its magnificent acoustics this is an uplifting and evocative way to journey prayerfully through Lent and find space for reflection at the end of the day. The service lasts about 30 minutes. On Tuesday 16 April Compline begins at 8pm in the Presbytery. There will be an address by our Holy Week preacher, Canon Victoria Johnson.

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Holy Week at Ely Cathedral

Preacher: Canon Victoria Johnson

Canon Victoria Johnson has been a Residentiary Canon at Ely Cathedral since 2015 and will be the Preacher for Holy Week this year.

Whilst studying theology in Cambridge, she spent a semester studying homiletics at Yale Divinity School with Thomas Troeger. She taught Worship and Preaching to ordinands from across the North West through the University of Chester and is a Tutor and Trustee of the College of Preachers.

She is a writer for the Preacher’s Companion 2019 and 2020 and will contribute to a book about Preaching by the Littlemore Group, published later this year.

Vicky will lead us through the events of Holy Week beginning on Palm Sunday afternoon and leading to the Preaching of the Cross on Good Friday.

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Palm Sunday 14 April

10.30am Sung EucharistWe gather on Palace Green to hear the Gospel of the Palms and raise them to be blessed and then process into the Cathedral. The choir sings the first performance of the Passion according to St Luke written by Paul Trepte as well as his settings of Hosanna to the Son of David and the anthem Solus ad victimam (Alone to suffering thou didst go).

4pm A Prelude to Holy WeekA service inspired by the Orthodox Liturgy for Palm Sunday Evening providing space to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the coming of Christ as we enter into this most holy week. The service encourages us to wait expectantly with vigilance and preparedness for Christ, the Bridegroom, to be united with his bride the Church through the events of his saving Passion. With readings, psalmody, and music by Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Thomas Morley and Humfrey’s Like as the hart. The first of the Holy Week addresses will be given by Canon Victoria Johnson.

Maundy Thursday 18 April

10.30am Chrism Eucharist with the Blessing of Oils and Renewal of Ordination Vows.

7.30pm Evening Eucharist of the Last Supper with washing of feet* Commemorating Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist and his command to ‘love one another as I have loved you’. Address given by Canon Victoria Johnson. This dramatic service concludes with the reading of Jesus’ arrest and imprisonment the night before his trial and the symbolic stripping of the altar as Psalm 22 is sung. A silent Watch of prayer then takes place.

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Monday in Holy Week 15 April

7.30pm Stations of the CrossThe Stations or Way of the Cross (Via Crucis), are a series of images depicting Jesus on the day of his crucifixion, taking his cross to Calvary. First used by the Franciscans, the Stations are one of the most powerful spiritual contemplations of the Passion of Christ. There is a series of fourteen images, beginning with Jesus’ condemnation by Pilate and we move from scene to scene, stopping at each for prayer and reflection, until we mark Jesus’ body being placed in the tomb.

Tuesday in Holy Week 16 April

8pmCandlelit Choral Compline With address by Canon Victoria Johnson.

Wednesday in Holy Week 17 April

7.30pm A Sequence of Music and ReadingsMusic includes Lamentations by Tallis and Paul Trepte’s Jeremiae.

Good Friday 19 April

Midday until c.1.15pm Preaching of the Cross Addresses given by Canon Victoria Johnson with hymns and readings.

1.30-3pmThe Liturgy of the Day with the singing of the Passion Gospel by Victoria and the Veneration of the Cross in which all are invited to participate.

5.30pm Choral EvensongA solemn act of worship for Good Friday with the singing of Lotti’s incomparable Crucifixus.

* Incense is used at services marked with an asterisk.

Holy Saturday 20 April

5.30pm Evensong sung to plainsong.

8pmEaster Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation* with the Bishop presiding. The first celebration of Easter, with the Lighting of the Easter Fire, Paschal Candle and admission of new Christians to baptism and communion. This is a beautiful service at which we greet Easter in a dramatic and joyful way, giving thanks for the faith that is within us.

Easter Day 21 April

10.30am Orchestral Eucharist* With the Ely Sinfonia, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Handel’s Halleluia Chorus and Mozart’s Ave Verum. The president and preacher will be the Bishop.

4pm Festal Evensong and Procession*Music by C.V.Stanford, Paul Trepte and Herbert Howells’ Te Deum (Collegium Regale) concludes our Easter celebrations. We bid farewell to Paul Trepte who has served as Director of Music for nearly 30 years.

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Children and Families

Monday 8 & Wednesday 10 April, 10am - NoonEaster Craft Family Drop-insIn the Lady Chapel No charge for entry, small charge for optional trail.

Thursday 11 - Thursday 18 AprilEaster Prayer stations around the East End of the Cathedral.

Good Friday 19 April10-11amChildren’s Activities and WorshipCome and hear the story of Easter and help create an Easter Garden. This child-friendly event lasts about an hour and leads in to an informal act of worship with Christian communities from all over Ely as they gather in the Cathedral after their Walk of Witness. The service is followed by hot cross buns in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome.

10.15amChristians Together Walk of WitnessChristians from all over the city gather outside St Mary’s Church for prayer and begin a walk of witness to Market Square. The procession then moves to the Cathedral for a final short Act of Worship at 11am. Everyone is invited to the Lady Chapel for hot cross buns and refreshments.

Easter Day 21 AprilEucharist with Children’s Activities and Easter Egg HuntChildren and families are very welcome to join us for our service on Easter Day where we rejoice that Christ has risen! With beautiful music and great hymns. During the service, children will be invited to help create a lovely display at the back of the Cathedral and what Easter celebration would be complete without an Easter Egg Hunt, which takes place immediately after the service in the Bishop’s Garden.

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‘Way of Life’ Breakfast Meetingsin Powcher’s Hall

Come and have breakfast together - excellent coffee (and teas), orange juice, croissants and at the same time take the chance to ponder and deepen your commitment to Christ in these ‘Way of Life’ meetings. The earliest Christians called their faith ‘the Way’ and all Christian identity and commitment is a life-journey. Make yours this Lent with companionship and encouragement, considering the texts and preaching themes for the Sunday which follows the meeting in the light of the Diocesan ‘Way of Life’ materials.

Saturday 9 March, 8.30-10amThe Call to HolinessSaturday 16 March, 8.30-10amThe Call to ListenSaturday 23 March, 8.30-10amThe Call to WitnessSaturday 6 April, 8.30-10amThe Call to Christ

Ways of Praying Prayer Courses Led by Jane Keiller and othersin Powcher’s Hall

Saturday 2 March, 10.30am-noon Thinking Things Over with God

Saturday 4 May, 10.30am-noon Walking Prayer

Saturday 8 June, 10.30am-noon Praying with Written Prayers

FREE - booking essential. Contact receptionist@elycathedral.org or call (01353) 660300

Lent Pilgrimage Tours followed by Candlelit ComplineTuesdays 12 & 26 March, 7.15pm

What can this Cathedral, built to the glory of God, tell us about the nature of our pilgrimage through this life and our seeking for God’s presence? Come on a pilgrimage tour and walk the Way of Life. Finish with Candlelit Compline in the Lady Chapel at 9pm.

Follow the Way of Life: Study and Discipleship Lent and Easter 2019

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Setting God’s People FreeEveryday God. God Every Day

Seven whole days, not one in sevenI will praise thee.In my heart, though not in heavenI will raise thee.Small it is, in this poor sortTo enrol thee:E’en eternity’s too shortTo extol thee.George Herbert (1593-1633)

George Herbert’s words are a profound challenge. How can we be in constant touch with God, who fills our everyday world with his blessings, his strength and his light - Monday to Saturday as well as Sunday?

Prepare for a transformative Lent by finding out. Meet our everyday God - every day!

Monday 25 February, 7.30pmin The Cathedral CentreThe Community Forum PresentsSetting God’s People Free: Exploring how we live the Christian Life, Every DayAll Welcome

Sunday 3 March, 10.30amCanon Martin preaches on Seven Whole Days: Transfiguring Ordinary Life

Please contact j.martin@elycathedral.org or (01353) 660304 if you would like to attend.

In partnership with ‘Everyday Faith’ Sunday in the Diocese of Ely and the ‘Setting God’s People Free’ initiative of the Church of England. www.churchofengland/org/SGPF

in Powcher’s Hall

Wednesday 27 February, 7.30-9pmGathering

Wednesday 13 March, 7.30-9pm Theology - An evening exploring the place of theological study in the Christian life of discipleship.

Wednesdays 10 April & 15 May, 7.30-9pm Gathering

Powcher’s Hall 13

More details about ‘Lent, Holy Week and Easter’ can be found on our website.

Images © ECPL, Keith Heppell, Andrew Sharpe, James Billings, Timothy Selvage.

Front cover: Noli Me Tangere (1964) by David Wynne; Jesus greets Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection.

Ely Cathedral Cambridgeshire CB7 4DLTel: 01353 660300Email: receptionist@elycathedral.org

Box Office: 01353 660349www.elycathedral.orgFollow us on:

Worship is offered daily, all are welcome.

Monday - Saturday7.30am Morning Prayer (a short said service with bible readings, canticles and prayers)8.00am Holy Communion (said)5.30pm Evensong

Sunday8.15am Holy Communion (a said service, in traditional language with a short address)10.30am Sung Eucharist with music, hymns and sermon4.00pm Choral Evensong with short address

On Thursdays and Saints’ Days there is an additional Eucharist at 12.10pm.A full list of services can be found on the Cathedral website.

Contact Details

Name:

Email:

Telephone:

Those offering Spiritual MOTs are:Mark Bonney, James Garrard, Victoria Johnson, Jessica Martin, Margi Clarke, Judy Sansom.

If you have a specific request for one of these people please indicate this below.

I would prefer:

We will try, but cannot guarantee, to accommodate these requests.

Please return this slip to The Dean’s PA at Ely Cathedral, The Chapter House, The College, Ely Cambs, CB7 4DL by Sunday 3 March.

You will be contacted after this date by the person who you will meet with.

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Spiritual MOT reply slip

Spiritual MOT

Every year we offer the opportunity to sign up for a one-to-one meeting with one of the clergy, or a trained lay person, to talk about prayer and faith and the ups and downs of the spiritual life. This would be a meeting lasting about 45 minutes, in which you can explore your spiritual journey and discuss its joys and challenges. In no way is it a test of your knowledge or holiness - you cannot fail! The process will be completely confidential between you and the person you see. Someone who took part last year said “I’m truly grateful for the blessings I received through my spiritual MOT last year, and am glad the Cathedral will be offering this ministry again.”

Before your meeting please take time to think what it might be most helpful to talk about.

You might find it helpful to consider

• Where you feel you are now with God• What your usual practice of prayer is• Any struggles you have with faith and prayer• What help you might like with your prayer life

The time is yours to talk openly and honestly, and to seek to grow closer to God.

If you wish to sign up please complete and return the reply slip overleaf.