This article first appeared in the March 2023 issue of our parish magazine. So often I have written that carols are not just for Christmas – and here is another example. “As Dew in Aprille” is from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”. During Lent we celebrate both Mothering Sunday and the Annunciation of Mary … More As Dew in Aprille – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Sunday 8 March. Here it is for you again: Today’s readings draw us into the human experience of thirst — not justfeeling thirsty for water or a drink, but we are here talking about the longing and thirstof the soul. We read In Exodus, that the Israelites were weary … More Third Sunday in Lent
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Wednesday 25 February. Here it is for you again: What a pushy mother! Imagine going up to Jesus and asking for your sons to be given the best places in heaven. Yet Jesus directs his answer not only to her, but to James and John themselves: “Are you able … More Can you drink the cup that I drink?
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Sunday 8 March. Here it is for you again: The Old Testament reading today comes from the book of Deuteronomy, which is probably one of the books of the Bible that people know least about. It is the fifth book of the Bible and the final book of the … More Teach them to your children
Dear Friends The seasons of our churches walk in step with the seasons of the natural world. Christmas comes just after the shortest day of the year, and Easter follows the spring equinox (when day and night are both exactly 12 hours), its date shaped by the cycle of the full moon. March brings the … More Clergy letter to the parish – March 2026
This article first appeared in the March 2023 issues of our parish magazine. I can’t remember when I was introduced to this anthem (other than pre-pandemic), but I sang it with the Manchester Chorale, and probably in a couple of concerts. It is scored for two unaccompanied choirs, both singing at the same time, so … More Bring us O Lord God – Words John Donne (15572-1631), Music William H Harris (1883-1973)
I don’t remember who first suggested this song to me, but Tom and I have been singing it at Christmas services in our parish since December 2021. It has also made regular appearances in the parish Digital Advent Calendar since December 2022. Indeed, this year it went out on 19 December along with our parish … More Mid-Winter Bob Chilcott (1955-present)
This month’s letter comes from Rev Steve. “Discipline” is an unpopular word. It makes many think of punishment or a grim routine, pursued for its own sake, and without a smile. Yet actually it comes from the Latin word that means both to teach and to learn… the word that gives us “disciple”, “discernment” and … More February Letter to the Parish
This article was written for the January 2023 issue of our parish magazine. One of my favourite mantras used in these monthly articles that carols are not just for Christmas. They are also for Advent, Epiphany, Lent and Easter. I may be stretching a point, but this piece is here in January to represent the … More This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
This article was written for inclusion in the December 2025 issue of our parish magazine. In mid-December 2024 Rev Christine cam to me with a suggestion of a new anthem for Christmas – “but not this Christmas”, she said, “it’s far too short notice!” I found the sheet music, loved it, checked with Tom, and … More Thorns In the Straw Graham Kendrick (1950-present)
