As some of you know, prior to last summer, I had spent the last two decades in Hull as a Vicar. Although I cannot claim to have been the most active of footie fans of Hull City, nor of Hull FC or Hull KR for rugby league, I did tend to follow the results fairly closely. It is always a good tactic, as a Vicar, to know when at least some members of our congregations would be bouncing off the walls with elation or in the depths of despair because of another defeat. Back in 2016, Hull City had just about stayed up in the Premier League and, in September of that year, headed down the M62 to play Liverpool at Anfield. For the record, Liverpool thrashed Hull 5-1, but it was a match that sparked other headlines both in Liverpool and Hull. One of the life-long Hull City fans who travelled across to the match, Ian Abey, was wearing a Tigers shirt with the number 96 on it and the words ‘Never ever forget’ – his tribute as a football fan to the 96 Liverpool fans who had lost their lives as a result of the events at the Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989. As was reported in the Liverpool Echo and the Hull Daily Mail at the time, the gesture was deeply appreciated in Liverpool. Mr. Abey told the media that he remembers being utterly shocked on the day of the Hillsborough disaster as he watched the scenes on the TV. As he turned up for the fixture at Anfield he was quoted as saying, “I know what it’s like to lose somebody and to lose 96 people, for their families to watch them go to a football match and not come back, it’s just, there are no words for it. And it’s something you never know is going to happen. It could happen to anybody, head along to a football match and just not come home.” Following the warm reactions of the Liverpool fans he went on to say, “I realised football is all about family, and Liverpool that day was a family for me.” It is one of many tributes to the 96 that has been offered over the years from football fans from many other clubs, including fans from Everton. Some of them, of course, lost family members and friends on that tragic day. I cannot begin to imagine the feelings of those whose lives were blighted by the loss of loved ones 31 years ago today, nor the impact of the exhausting processes of the quest for truth and justice that have dragged on all these decades. I can, however, stand in solidarity with them and ‘Never ever forget’ as we pray for those who work to ensure that such a disaster shall never happen again. I guess that I feel something of the same whenever I have conducted acts of remembrance for those who have died in the service of freedom for their country. I have done that many times over the last two decades and I cannot begin to imagine what is going through the minds of those veterans who have put their lives on the line and seen comrades fall in battle. But I can stand quietly beside them and say truthfully, ‘We will remember them’. When on Thursday evenings, we have been joining in with the communal ‘clap’ for those working in the NHS, for carers and anyone on the front line of the fight against Covid-19, many of us cannot begin to imagine what it is like for them physically and emotionally. But we can stand and remember and say ‘thank you’. The shortest verse in the Bible records the fact that ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35). He was moved by the grief he saw on the faces of those who had known a man called Lazarus, both family and friends, and who now mourned his untimely death. From deep within the humanity of Jesus welled up an overwhelming and empathetic response of solidarity. Moments before this, he had proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” The people around Jesus who heard him say this probably didn’t really understand it but, looking back after the resurrection, the disciples of Jesus were able to see this prophecy of Jesus working out in changed lives. Many of the followers were to die for their faith as martyrs, but did so knowing that physical death, as a result of that first Easter, is no longer the end. We all have lost to death ‘those whom we love but see no longer’ as the Funeral Service puts it, but as Christians, we do believe that there will be a reconciliation one day in God’s eternity. It is a mystery that is far too deep for us to fathom – but then that calls for faith. Faith for the future starts, however, with remembering the past, which is what Christians do every time we break bread and drink wine at the Eucharist or Communion – together or (at present) virtually – so that every day might be a celebration of Easter and of Christ’s victory over death. To that end, at the heart of the Eucharistic Prayer is the ancient chant, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!” Remembering is what we do today for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough Disaster and their families and friends in that ‘new normal’ which has been its aftermath. At the two Cathedrals in Liverpool, over the years, we have been pleased to respond to the requests from the families of the Hillsborough victims to hold an annual Hillsborough Memorial Service, alternating between the two places of worship. Sadly, we cannot offer that this year given the current restrictions. So in our ‘virtual prayers’ as a ministry team, we will nevertheless join many today in pausing to remember those who were unlawfully killed 31 years ago today. We will also hold up in prayer all those whose lives remain blighted by the loss of their loved ones, and the mental scars of what they witnessed and experienced on that day. Let us “Never ever forget”. Canon Neal While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.
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It is now three weeks since the lockdown began. When it first started, my initial thought was that it would be more or less impossible to keep the rest of Lent and Holy Week with anything beyond saying Morning and Evening Prayer privately each day. My next thought was what a sad impoverishment this would be, not just for me, but for all who look to us in our churches and Cathedrals to help them walk the way of the Cross and to discover once again the joy of Easter. My third thought was that, unusually for the Precentor, there wasn’t going to be much to do. On all three counts, how wrong I was! I am by no means the most technically gifted of people, but I failed to reckon with the knowledge and talents of my colleagues. Within a day or so, the clergy were saying Morning and Evening Prayer virtually, which has allowed us to continue our daily round of prayer, supporting one another and praying for those who have asked us to do so for them. We also began work to produce services for Holy Week for the Cathedral Company and anyone else to share. We soon had services for Palm Sunday, for the Diocesan service for the Renewal of Commitment to Ministry, for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and for Easter Day. All of these have been produced within our homes, and from the comments received, they have helped to meet the spiritual needs of many during these difficult days of social distancing and isolation. May I take this opportunity to thank those colleagues who have given their expertise, their time, and - bearing in mind that they were having to deal with clergy - let’s not forget their patience too! I write on the morning of Easter Day. Shortly, at the time the Cathedral Eucharist would normally begin, the clergy will meet to celebrate the Eucharist together, virtually of course. Wherever you are spending this challenging time for all of us, please know that within the shadow of Liverpool Cathedral, a place of encounter, we are not ceasing to pray for you. We ask that Christ’s Easter victory may be shared throughout our world, that darkness and despair will be defeated, and that the Risen Lord will continue to walk beside his people, especially those who are suffering and all whose front line work is enabling them to bring badly needed help and hope to those in distress. May God, who out of defeat brings a new hope and a new future, fill us with his risen life. Canon Myles While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed; Alleluia! A Happy Easter to you all, from all of us at Liverpool Cathedral. Although, I can safely say it has been one of the strangest of Holy Weeks and the Triduum leading to the celebration of our Lord conquering death for all of us on Easter Day….nonetheless, the fact, the joy, the message is as strong and resolute as ever. Jesus died and rose from the dead for us – that we might have eternal life. Jesus enabled that to happen – by his own sacrifice; he built that bridge for us – by his own sacrifice. And in my strange scientific brain, one in which I like to create images and structures to help me ‘see’ concepts, I picture that that’s exactly what happened on Easter day….a bridge was built which enabled us, any of us, to have eternal life with the Father. An amazing hope through faith that we can all have; one helping us through everyday lives….for me, for anything and everything in life, through the power of prayer. One that can help us through the most difficult of crises – like the present one. Many of us will now have experienced this – the loss of a loved one or dear friend through COVID-19. For me, it was last week, through the loss of a lifelong friend, just a few years older than myself; a loving husband and father; a talented GP and musician; a faithful Christian. Such shock and grief – as much in the suddenness and the inability for the family to be with each other, just to hug each other in consolation. There is much to mourn, and much to celebrate in the gift of his life, when we are able to. But he has crossed that bridge now – the one to be with the father in heaven in his glorious kingdom. And for that hope of being with him once again in glory, our faith enables us to get through now, in just some small way. But other bridges are also being built – ones through necessity in the current circumstances, ones which in hindsight, when we are back into ‘normality’, that we should revisit and keep. Bridges built into new ways of working; some of which have been there for quite some time and we’ve never either thought of crossing or indeed had the courage to do so. Now, forced into doing so, we see new perspectives – to complement previous ones. New ways of connecting with people; of helping each other; of understanding, above all, the commonality of our frailty and fragility as one humanity across the world and how Jesus’ new commandment rings so true these days; one which emerges as being the most obvious thing needed at times like this. The one given at his last supper with his disciples – that we must love one another, as he loved us. For that is happening through these new bridges of hope and help that we are building as we continue to stay home, protect the NHS and save the preciousness of life. May we continue to do so with faith and hope….in Jesus’ name. With my love and prayers for you all; stay safe…. Canon Mike While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. As an afternoon devotion on this most holy day, we invite you to take advantage of the final reflection, for Easter, that that our Choir has produced. Many thanks to them and everyone who has made this week possible and such a prayerful experience for us all. Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Easter Day has arrived after what I think has been a very long Lent. Who would have thought that, when we said ‘we are dust and to dust we shall return’ on Ash Wednesday (February 10), we would be celebrating Easter and Christ’s resurrection in the midst of a pandemic and with closed cathedrals and churches. The last month of Lent has been very different and certainly today is very different. As I reflect on Easter Day, in the places we find ourselves, I am once again taken back to my walks in St James’ Gardens. On Good Friday, as I walked, I was reflecting on Christ’s death, but I was reflecting on Christ’s resurrection and the picture I offer you today is that of a Horse Chestnut Tree. When I began my walks about a month ago this tree was stripped of its leaves and now it has beautiful, vibrant green leaves sure sign and hope that spring has sprung and that summer is on its way. Out of the darkness and death of autumn and winter has come new life and resurrection. As you look at nature there has over the past few days been a real sense of growth, of beauty, of life, and of resurrection hope. Easter for me is always a joyous occasion. I think it is because of the light and joy that resurrection brings us through the death of God’s Son and through Christ’s resurrection. Wherever you celebrate Easter today hold on to the joy and peace that the resurrection of Christ brings, hold on to the hope that from the darkness of Covid 19 light and life will come. Hold on to the knowledge that, while we celebrate Easter in a different way we can all proclaim. Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Please join us for our Easter Service here: If you'd like to follow along the text of the liturgy, see the Order of Service pdf here: ![]()
See an Easter Greeting for our Sepas Community: Our Preparing for the Sunday Lectionary sheet can be found on our Resources page, under the "Worship" column: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. Children’s activities can also be found on our Resources page, under the "Education" column: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We wish you all a very happy Easter. Dean Sue Throughout Holy Week, our choristers have been producing reflections for use within their own community. We warmly invite you to take advantage of their prayerful work as you continue your observance of these holy days. Take a look at this YouTube playlist they've produced: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaLgcLKnspkvZdjBXDecmbs4iFmmOiysd On Holy Saturday, Christians of varying denominations from throughout Merseyside have gathered annually to walk in witness to the Crucified Christ. While we can't walk together physically, you are warmly welcome to join ecumenical representatives of churches around our region as they lead us in worship today: Have a blessed Holy Saturday. While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available): Holy Week Reflections and Services Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching Whilst we have been on lockdown I have been enjoying the view from our front room windows. I am very fortunate to live opposite our amazing cathedral and quite frankly I could sit and stare at it all day! I also get to walk around it with our dogs and can stand and look intently at the details of the stonework and quirky features the stonemasons included in the finishes. At every turn there are idiosyncratic aspects and you can get fascinating insights into the concerns of the people who built the remarkable prayerful powerful cathedral on the hill. During the Second World War the Dean and Chapter feared for the cathedral (indeed the Dean is reported to have slept in the cathedral to keep fire watch). It’s prominence on the skyline and its importance to the city meant that it would surely have been a prime target. But, it never got a direct hit – However, as the shrapnel marks on the Lady Chapel can demonstrate, there were a lot of close calls. Sadly, there were a few hits to local homes and our house was built on the spot where the previous house was completely destroyed and the household all perished. It must have been a frightening time, a time of uncertainty, of fear and concern for the future. I am sure there were many prayers said for the protection of the cathedral but more importantly for the prayers of the people in the cathedral company, the city and the diocese. We at Liverpool Cathedral are praying today - in this time of uncertainty and fear - for the protection of the cathedral company, the people of the city and the people of this diocese and region. Every single one of us is being prayed for – from the safety of our homes - we are praying for protection. Loving God protect us and surround us with love. We are not people of fear: we are people of courage. We are not people who protect our own safety: we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety. We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity. We are your people God, giving and loving, wherever we are, whatever it costs For as long as it takes wherever you call us. Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference The photo is of a grotesque that is carved into the stone of the cathedral. It faces the house that was destroyed during the Second World War. It features a character wearing a gas mask. Canon Ellen While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching If you'd like to keep vigil this Holy Saturday evening, Rumours of Hope, a grassroots collective drawn from across the Church of England, has produced a series of recorded acts of worship for your devotional use. Join with us to follow this shared programme through the night, praying with each video and then keeping watch in silence or gathering round the virtual fireside on our Facebook page and sharing stories until the next time, or go at your own pace. The final worship at 5:45 am on Easter Day 12 April comes from Canterbury Cathedral as we greet the dawn and bless our Easter candles. May the light of Christ, shining gloriously, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. Here's the link to the Rumours of Hope website, where you can find their video resources: https://www.rumoursofhope.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR0treSGQoME1LQAGCsx_If8LAwGClJl8q2xjcodrtOXRy0OF-DUCQIb5eM While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching As the Cathedral Choir has not been able to sing together since the lockdown, the music staff have been thinking of ways in which we would be able to carry on making music together remotely. Given that Holy Week was imminent and the use of the organ to accompany would be impossible at this stage, the obvious starting point would be to try and perform Lotti’s ‘Crucifixus’. After a guide track was circulated, the Choristers and Lay Clerks of the choir began to record their individual parts at home, singing along to the guide and keeping an eye on the remote conductor! Once these recordings were emailed in, they were imported into a Digital Audio Workstation, edited where necessary, mixed together (initially in voice parts, then as a whole choir), balanced, panned (to put each section of the choir in the appropriate part of the stereo field to where they would stand at the foot of the cross), reverb added and finally mixed down to create a final performance. This technology certainly gives us the tools to try to recreate something as special as singing in our Cathedral with its unique acoustic, however it is impossible to recreate the exact sound and sense of actually being there, singing to God and encountering his Spirit in a live act of worship. We offer this recording as a devotion for your worship this Holy Week. Liverpool Cathedral Choir While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching |
supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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Prayer for Liverpool
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Liverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter.
Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk |