Choral Evensong

From the Book of Common Prayer

The Last Sunday after Trinity

Sunday 25 October 2026, 3.00pm

Choir: The St David's Singers (visiting)

Preacher: Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer

Introit: Ponniah, God be in my head

Responses: Reading

Setting: Archer Wells Service

Anthem: Chilcott, O sing unto the Lord

Welcome to Southwark Cathedral

A member of the Community of the Cross of Nails

Electronic Devices

Please ensure that all electronic devices are switched to silent.

Photography

Photography and video recording of the Choir is not permitted.

You are welcome to take photographs of the Cathedral but please do not take any photographs or videos during the service.

Hearing Loop

Please switch your device to 'T'.

Posture

The instructions in this booklet are not prescriptive. Please sit if that is more appropriate for you.

Donations

There are several donation points in the Cathedral where you can make your donation, or you can simply scan or tap the QR code, or text SOUTHWARK (Amount) to 70085 (one standard rate message is also charged). Thank you very much for your generous support of the Cathedral.

You can also support the Cathedral by buying your books from the ethical online bookseller bookshop.org and designating Southwark Cathedral shop for the 30% of purchase price donation they offer us.

Choral Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer

Wherever you are from, and however you have come to be here, you are so very welcome. Our service lasts about forty minutes and is led by our Choir and clergy. This gives you the opportunity to listen to some beautifully sung choral music, to be still at the end of the day and to reflect in a place where others have brought their joys and concerns to God over many centuries.

Can I join the congregation?

Yes, of course: if you would like to stay for the whole service, you are welcome to sit in the seats beyond the stalls where the Choir is singing, or if you have only a few minutes feel free to just sit in the nave and let the space and the music communicate something of God's beauty beyond all words.

Do I have to say or do anything?

There are places where the congregation is invited to stand and you may like to do this, but it is fine if you prefer to remain seated. You will be invited to join in with some spoken parts, printed in bold in this booklet, but you don't have to.

May I take photographs?

Please don't take photographs so we can keep the atmosphere peaceful and the space safe. We often have children singing so you can't take pictures of the service or Choir rehearsal beforehand, though you are most welcome to take pictures after the service.

May I come back to attend this service on another day?

Of course! Choral Evensong usually takes place in school term time on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5.30pm, on some Saturdays at 4.00pm and on Sundays at 3.00pm. Do check the Cathedral website just to be sure; sometimes we have to vary our usual routine.

What's the aim of the service?

Choral Evensong is an opportunity to worship God and experience God's loving welcome in a holy space that can feel like a window on heaven.

What is Choral Evensong?

Choral Evensong is a form of worship which is several hundred years old and is unique to the Anglican Church. To be at Choral Evensong is like dropping in on a conversation which is already in progress – a conversation between God and human beings which began long before we were born and will go on long after we are dead. So do not be surprised, or disturbed, if there are some things in the conversation which you do not understand at first. The text of the service is drawn almost entirely from the Bible. Its main purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God in history and in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also invites those who worship to respond with praise and penitence, prayer and obedience.

The service is in three parts.

The first part, which is very brief, prepares us for the story which is to follow.

The second part is the story of what God has done (and continues to do) to save his people, beginning in the Old Testament (the Psalm and the First Reading), then moving to the New Testament (the Magnificat, the Second Reading and the Nunc Dimittis) and reaching its climax as we affirm our faith in the words of the Apostles' Creed.

The third part is our human response to the God who has revealed himself in history, in Jesus Christ and in the Church.

Why does the Choir have so much to do and the congregation so little?

Whether it's your first language or not, music has a particular power, reaching out to express truths beyond words. In worship this can happen through the simplicity of a well-known hymn sung together, or as highly skilled musicians offer something more elaborate on behalf of everyone else. This is the pattern at Choral Evensong. The Choir and organist work in partnership with the building to point us towards the beauty of God that is our source and inspiration, and the congregation are freed to rest and rejoice in God's presence.

We are so glad that you are here and hope that you find the service enriching.

Choral Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer

Please stand as the Procession enters.

The Introit

God be in my head • Ponniah • Sarum Primer (1514)

God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at mine end, and at my departing.

Welcome

The Minister welcomes the congregation.

Then, the Minister and Choir sing:

The Preces

John Reading (d. 1692)

O Lord, open thou our lips And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son; and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. Amen.

Praise ye the Lord; The Lord's name be praised.

The Psalm

Please be seated as the Choir sings:

Psalm 119.89-104

89 O Lord, thy word : endureth for ever in heaven.

90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another : thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance : for all things serve thee.

92 If my delight had not been in thy law : I should have perished in my trouble.

93 I will never forget thy commandments : for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine, O save me : for I have sought thy commandments.

95 The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me : but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I see that all things come to an end : but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97 Lord, what love have I unto thy law : all the day long is my study in it.

98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies : for they are ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than my teachers : for thy testimonies are my study.

100 I am wiser than the aged : because I keep thy commandments.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way : that I may keep thy word.

102 I have not shrunk from thy judgements : for thou teachest me.

103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat : yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.

104 Through thy commandments I get understanding : therefore I hate all evil ways.

Please stand when the Choir sings:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

Please be seated for:

The First Lesson

Ecclesiastes 11, 12

Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back. Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth. When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.

Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.

In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

Even those who live for many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.

Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement.

Banish anxiety from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return with the rain; on the day when the guards of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the women who grind cease working because they are few, and those who look through the windows see dimly; when the doors on the street are shut, and the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low; when one is afraid of heights, and terrors are in the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along and desire fails; because all must go to their eternal home, and the mourners will go about the streets; before the silver cord is snapped, and the golden bowl is broken, and the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher; all is vanity.

Besides being wise, the Teacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find pleasing words, and he wrote words of truth plainly.

The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings that are given by one shepherd. Of anything beyond these, my child, beware. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

The Magnificat

Malcolm Archer (b. 1952) • Wells Service

Please stand as the Choir sings:

The Song of Mary is found in Luke's Gospel. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary's greeting to Elizabeth causes the baby to leap in Elizabeth's womb. Elizabeth blesses Mary and, in return, Mary sings the Magnificat. The name 'Magnificat' comes from the Latin translation of the first line; 'Magnificat anima mea Dominum' – 'my soul magnifies the Lord'. Mary sings of God's holiness and power, God's concern for the poor and judgment of the rich, the fulfilment of God's promises and the redemption of God's people.

My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand-maiden.

For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Please be seated for:

The Second Lesson

2 Timothy 2.1-7

You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

The Nunc Dimittis

Malcolm Archer (b. 1952) • Wells Service

Please stand as the Choir sings:

The Nunc Dimittis, or the Song of Simeon, is also found in Luke's Gospel. A man in Jerusalem named Simeon had waited many years for the coming of the Messiah and was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen him. Simeon went to the temple and saw Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus, whom they had come to present to God. Simeon held Jesus in his arms and praised God, singing of his salvation for all people. Having seen the Messiah, Simeon could now depart ('Nunc dimittis') in peace.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation;

Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

All I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body and the Life everlasting.

Amen.

The Lesser Litany

The Minister and Choir sing:

The Lord be with you; And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Please be seated or kneel.

Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

The Responses

John Reading (d. 1692)

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us; And grant us thy salvation.

O Lord, save the King; And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.

Endue thy ministers with righteousness; And make thy chosen people joyful.

O Lord, save thy people; And bless thine inheritance.

Give peace in our time, O Lord; Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.

O God, make clean our hearts within us; And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

Followed by:

The Collects

The Collect for the Day

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Second Collect at Evening Prayer

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that, by thee, we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

The Third Collect, for Aid Against All Perils

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Please be seated as the Choir sings:

The Anthem

O sing unto the Lord • Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) • Psalm 96.1-4, 9-11

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth. Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name: be telling of his salvation from day to day. Declare his honour unto the heathen: and his wonders unto all people. For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised: he is more to be feared than all gods.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: let the whole earth stand in awe of him. Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King: and that it is he who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved; and how that he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is.

on Sundays, please remain seated for:

The Sermon

Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer

The Prayers of Intercession

Please remain seated or kneel for:

The prayers conclude with:

All The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.

Amen.

please stand for:

The Hymn

during which a collection is received.

Donate Now

NEH 390

The Blessing

Please remain standing as the Choir and clergy depart.

The Voluntary

Toccata “Nu La Oss Takke Gud” • Egil Hovland (1924-2013)

Thank you for joining us. Please consider supporting us with a gift. You can donate to the Cathedral by using the donation points. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code, visit southwarkcathedral.org.uk/support-us/ or text SOUTHWARK (amount) to 70085 (one standard rate message also charged). Thank you for any support that you are able to give.

Acknowledgements

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000.

All words covered by the Christian Copyright Licensing have been reproduced under CCL licence no. 223439 and livestreaming licence 145859.

The Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches in the USA: Scripture quotations from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 The Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Making space for love

with heart, mind, and soul

It is good to welcome you to Southwark Cathedral. Set on the south bank of the River Thames, in one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in London, this building has been a constant witness in a place of change.

The first church was built on this site around the year 606. First a convent, then a monastery, it became in 1106 the Augustinian Priory of St Mary Overie ('over-the-river'). With Westminster Abbey and St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield, it is one of the three remaining great monastic churches of London. At the Reformation, the Priory became a parish church, and it remains so for the people of Bankside. In 1905, as south London was rapidly expanding, the church was consecrated as the Cathedral for the new Diocese of Southwark.

The Cathedral has a momentous and significant history and has had links with many famous and influential characters including St Thomas Becket, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. It has also been a Cathedral for those who feel on the edges of faith or society, our welcome reaching out to all people in their beautiful God-given diversity.

Here, our Christian faith is captured in our vision to 'make space for love: with heart, mind, and soul'. Faith requires our hearts to stand up for social justice, upholding integrity and kindness, and supporting the vulnerable and oppressed. It challenges our thinking, inviting our minds to be enquiring, honest, and generous. Faith also seeks to deepen our inner lives, with the arts and creativity, by sharing in the life of our community, and by learning the arts of prayer and attention. In Jesus Christ we see the human face of God, and our faith in him is our joy and our life.

We really hope you enjoy being here with us today and that we will see you again very soon.

Southwark Cathedral London Bridge London SE1 9DA

+44 (0)20 7367 6700 southwarkcathedral.org.uk

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