Sea Sunday

CHOIR: INTROIT: Breathe on me, breath of God

Words: Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)

Music: Freda Swayne (1902-1985)

PRECENTOR:

Good morning. Welcome to Portsmouth Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of the Sea, because we are only 50 metres or so from the Solent and so very close to the many seafaring communities celebrated and supported by Sea Sunday each year. We have strong ties with the Royal Navy and many people come to the seafront just along the road from the Cathedral to watch the Aircraft Carriers and other Navy ships departing or arriving home.

We have links too with the local fishing fleet, with lifeboats and lifeguards and the passenger ferries which cross to the Isle of Wight, to the Channel Islands and to France and Spain from here, and container ships which sail around the world from Portsmouth International Port.

So we always have in mind those whose lives are linked closely to the sea. Akinmaye from the Volunteer Cadet Corps now leads a prayer for us.

After that, the hymn ‘Lead us heavenly Father, lead us.’

AKINMAYE:

Lord God, we depend on you for life itself.

We depend on seafarers for so many of our daily needs.

Grant them your strength and protection, we pray:

watch over them, keep them from danger,

befriend them in loneliness

and bring them safely home to those they love;

for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

ALL: Amen.

CHOIR/ORGAN: Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us

PRECENTOR:

Many people who live by the sea or who work on the sea tell how they feel a great sense of awe at the power and beauty of the waves and the seascape and the changing tides. But the vast, unpredictable nature of the sea often leads seafarers also to a profound sense of dependence on divine providence. It has been said that anyone who spends much time at sea comes to have some sort of awareness of God.

Right at the start of the Bible, we hear of God’s presence, God’s Spirit at work in the waters of creation. We hear that reading from Genesis now, read by retired Vice-Admiral John McAnally

READER: Genesis 1.1-5

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

PRECENTOR:

We are very much aware of the power of the sea here in Portsmouth. There has been a project over recent years to improve the coastal defences around the city, to protect homes from flooding and the force of sea surges. Like many around the world, we are vulnerable to storms and climate change.

But the coastal defences have also improved access to the seafront and provided more facilities for families and visitors to enjoy the sea. One part of the new sea wall has a poem inscribed along it. The poem called the Theatre of the Sea was written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

It was set to music for this year’s Portsmouth’s City centenary. Our Cathedral Choir sings it for us now: The Theatre of the Sea.

Choir: The Theatre of the Sea

Words: Simon Armitage (b.1963)

Music: Paul Saggers

PRECENTOR:

Whether people sail for pleasure, for work or to help and support others at sea, there is always a sense of adventure at the start and a sense of achievement and thankfulness at the end. A former Head Chorister with the Cathedral Choir, Freddie Fenton, recently joined the Royal Navy and tells us now about his choir experience helped when he joined the navy.

FREDDIE:

Being a chorister at Portsmouth Cathedral was more than just singing; it was a training and pathway for many challenges I would have to face. From a young age, attending daily rehearsals and services taught me discipline. Balancing choir commitment with schoolwork taught me time management. Both these skills are invaluable in the Navy, where schedules are tight and responsibilities are numerous.

 Learning to sing with others to create the same sound translates directly to coordinating efforts with fellow sailors to achieve common goals. 

Going on choir tours, we left Portsmouth to sing abroad to large congregations in amazing churches. This tested our nerves but built my confidence and ability to cope with pressure. It was still great to return home at the end of a big tour. 

I will always remember departing from Portsmouth on my first major deployment on the Carrier HMS Prince of Wales. People lined the sea front to wave us off. It was an exciting moment and one I will never forget - but also recognising the challenges we would face ahead. After visiting many ports and going through various stretches of different seas there was no better feeling than arriving back in Portsmouth and seeing the Cathedral and knowing I was home.

The idea of faith and the idea of God had been important to me as a chorister. But the reality of faith and the reality of God really dawned on me because of my time at sea.

PRECENTOR:

So on this Sea Sunday, we are thankful for all who go to sea in peacekeeping roles or who help to protect and save lives at sea. But we also remember those who work at sea in merchant vessels and cargo ships, who are often at sea for months at a time in difficult and demanding conditions, far from homes and families. ith the recent international situation, we are more aware than ever of how dependent we are on these seafarers and how unpredictable their lives can be.

We think of them, and the deep reserves of patience and resilience they need, as the Choir sings a setting by Christopher Gower of a prayer that we use every day here, as the Cathedral of the Sea .

Creator and Father of All

Words: Portsmouth Cathedral of the Sea Prayer

Music: Christopher Gower (b.1939)

PRECENTOR:

We hear another Bible passage now. It reminds us of the hazards of sudden storms at sea, and yet tells us that Jesus can be miraculously present to help us and rescue us – as he rescued Peter. This is Matthew chapter 14 from verse 24 and it’s read by Hannah Joyce, a Port Chaplain with Mission to Seafarers.

READER: Matthew 14.24-34

The boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning Jesus came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

CHOIR/ORGAN: Lord the wind and sea obey thee

 Words: Percy Dearmer

Tune: QUEM PASTORES

PRECENTOR:

During Lent in the Cathedral, we had an extraordinary exhibition by the artist Nicholas Mynheer. Entitled ‘Sanctuary’ the exhibition interwove Biblical and contemporary themes of voyage, rescue and redemption. Our Dean, the Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, tells us more.

DEAN:

In the ‘Sanctuary’ Exhibition of paintings and sculpture, we saw Moses rescued from the bulrushes, or was that a refugee child saved from the waves? We saw the disciples at sea in a storm, or was it rather people in small boats? And were the rescuing hands reaching out to them those of Jesus, or of heavenly angels, or of the ministering angels – as Mynheer described them – of the RNLI?

One of the final paintings was called ‘Michael row the boat’ showing a blazing archangel Michael with dazzling wings, rowing with strong arms to bring his precious cargo of souls safely to heaven.

In the artist’s words: “Whether refugees escaping war or young people dreaming of a better life, the dangers of the voyage are the same. Here, St Michael gathers those who have perished in the attempt to cross the waters and rows them on one final journey, to Paradise.”

PRECENTOR:

That painting inspired our Sub-Organist Sachin Gunga to write a new arrangement of ‘Michael, row the boat’, combining this with another traditional spiritual, Deep river.

CHOIR: Michael row the boat

Words: from Traditional Spirituals

Music: S. Y. Gunga (b.1986)

PRECENTOR:

This morning as our preacher we welcome Mark Davidson, the Chaplain of the Fleet.

MARK: SERMON

I grew up in the 80’s in a small seaside town called Montrose on the east coast of Scotland. My father was one of the ministers and each year, at harvest time, and on Sea Sunday, the kirk would be decorated with symbols of the sea: old fishing nets still reeking of fish, into which the good ladies of the kirk had entwined little tin foil fish, lobster creels, buoys and floats, and children’s drawings of oil rigs.

As a young boy sitting in the pews, the sea appeared an exotic and alluring place. But I still remember the sobriety with which my father spoke of the sea in his sermons; the stories of sacrifice, and of the resilience of the men and women who made their living on the deep.

Although the world has evolved since those days when I sat in the pew in my father’s church, one thing that has not changed is the great challenge faced by seafarers.

Seafarers today, as then, require great levels of Physical Resilience, Mental Resilience, and, of course, Spiritual Resilience.

In recent years we have seen renewed interest in the subject of Spiritual Resilience, both in the military and in wider society. Today, in a world becoming increasingly dangerous, as resources grow scarcer, developing a healthy level of spiritual resilience could be key to our individual and collective survival…

How, then, can we grow our spiritual resilience? I would humbly offer three suggestions:

First by developing a sense of purpose…. Purpose serves as a headmark, like a navigation light in the harbour entrance during a storm… It helps us to stay on track, regardless of the buffeting of the waves….

Second by feeling that our life is meaningful, through having a positive impact on others: our family members, or faith community or in our workplace. When we find our life has meaning, all other concerns are better in perspective.

Thirdly, a strong set of personal values or core values helps us to function effectively in life. They free us to respond quickly, to make decisions under pressure… whether it’s a whale or a global crisis that threatens to swallow us.

As Christians, faith in God gives us the Purpose, Meaning and Personal core values essential for this Spiritual Resilience. We have a destination and a destiny in God - helping us to navigate every storm and stay on course through every challenge. Amen.

PRECENTOR:

Leading our prayers now we have Akinmaye from the Volunteer Cadet Corps, Marc Evans the CEO of the Fishermen’s Mission, and Roy Marsh our local RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager. The prayers are framed with a setting by Michael McCree of words from Psalm 139.

PRAYERS with Choir:

Akinmaye:Eternal Father, we pray for all who go down to the sea in ships

and serve upon the waters of the world.

We ask that you will keep them safe in every danger

and even in the uttermost parts of the sea that they will know your presence and your help,

We pray especially for the Royal Navy

and all deployed at this time from our shores;

all who are working for peace

and those who serve to keep others safe.

Lord, inspire them and make known to them

your wonders in the deep.

Marc: O Saviour, we pray for all caught up in the storms of life,

who feel battered by the waves,

and reel under the troubles they face.

We give thanks for all seafaring charities

and welfare organisations who support those who are struggling with difficult circumstances.

Speak your word of peace to make the storm be still,

and reach out your hand to rescue those in need,

to lift them and hold them fast.

Roy O sacred Spirit, we pray your healing

for those who have been hurt or injured at sea,

in conflict or through accident.

We give thanks for the work of coastguards, life guards,

and the lifeboat crews who rescue many lives.

We commend to your eternal protection

all who have died at sea, especially any who have died recently,

and all who gave their lives for others.

With the Archangel Michael rowing them safely,

bring them ashore at the end of their final journey,

to the gladness of the haven where they will be with you for ever.

PRECENTOR:

We gather up our thoughts and prayers by saying the Lord’s Prayertogether

ALL:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

PRECENTOR:

And now the Naval hymn as it’s called, ‘Eternal Father strong to save’, remembering all who face peril on the sea.

CHOIR/ORGAN: Eternal Father, strong to save

PRECENTOR:

The Dean of Portsmouth, Anthony Cane, concludes our Sunday Worship with the blessing.

DEAN: Blessing

May God guide you on your voyage through life,

keep you safe in every storm

and bring you at last to the safe haven of his love;

and the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

be with you all

and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

ORGAN: VOLUNTARY: Toccata by Florence Price

RADIO 4 CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT:

The service was Led by the Canon Precentor, the Reverend Dr Jo Spreadbury, and the preacher was the chaplain of the Fleet, the Reverend Canon Dr Mark Davidson. Portsmouth Cathedral choir was led by Dr David Price( Organist and Master of the Choristers) the Organist was Sachin Gunga.