Comfort and Joy from Lincoln Cathedral

Following the lifting of national lockdown, Lincolnshire will be in Tier 3 restrictions until at least December 16, which means that while tourist visits are still not possible, gathered public worship can now resume following a month-long absence during lockdown.

The Very Rev Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, said that while worship had continued in the Cathedral during lockdown and had been streamed live on the Cathedral’s Facebook page, the return of the worshipping communities to the building at an important time of preparation and celebration in the Christian year brings with it a ‘great sense of spiritual nurture and mutual encouragement’ for all involved.

She continued: “There can be no doubt that Advent and Christmas will be very different this year and we are committed to offering music and worship to lift the heart and soul.

“In these challenging times we hope to bring comfort and joy in to people’s lives through acts of care and compassion and the demonstration of God’s love.”

The full daily pattern of worship will be the same as it was prior to the start of lockdown.

Evensong on a Tuesday and Friday, together with Sunday Eucharist will continue to be streamed live on the Cathedral’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/Lincoln.CathedralLincoln Cathedral has also announced dates for its series of Christmas services.

New for 2020 is an outdoor carol service, which will take place at 3.45pm on Sunday December 20.

The carol service will feature the Cathedral choir performing festive family favourites in the newly opened Dean’s Green.

The stunning setting and evocative carols are the ideal way to begin Christmas celebrations.

Congregational singing is allowed out of doors.

The popular Service of Lessons and Carols, which is a much-loved Christmas tradition for many people in the city, will this year take place over four consecutive days to allow as many people as possible to attend despite the significantly reduced number of people able to gather in the Cathedral.

The services will run from Monday December 21 to Thursday December 24 at 4pm.

Midnight Mass will take place as usual at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Eucharist will be held at 10.30am.

To manage numbers and ensure that all those who attend can do so in comfort and safety, all Christmas services will be ticketed.

Tickets will be available from the Cathedral’s website – www.lincolncathedral.com/forthcoming-events - from tomorrow, Wednesday December 2.