Choral Evensong

To celebrate 80 years of the Almshouse Association

The Feast of St Matthew Monday 21 September 2026 5.30pm

Welcome to Southwark Cathedral

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.

Choir & Musicians

The Cathedral's Schola Cantorum & Lay Clerks Simon Hogan, Cathedral Organist Michael Chamberlain, Organ Scholar

Setting

The Fifth Service Thomas Tomkins (1572-1656)

Responses

Thomas Tomkins (1572-1656)

Music Before the Service

The Queenes Alman William Byrd (c. 1540-1623)

Choral Evensong

Wherever you are from and however you have come to be here you are so very welcome. We especially welcome members of The Almshouse Association as they celebrate their 80th anniversary, alongside members from the Worshipful Companies of Mercers, Skinners, Salters, Ironmongers and Vintners.

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 and on Sunday 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.

The Almshouse Association

For over a millennium, almshouse charities have stood as a beacon of hospitality to those in need, providing secure, affordable, community-led homes rooted in dignity, care and neighbourliness.

Founded on the enduring generosity of philanthropists and benefactors, this resilient, warm model of housing and community offers an indispensable contribution to the many villages and towns where they exist, fostering deep social connections and directly combating loneliness and isolation.

The roots of The Almshouse Association trace back to February 1946, when visionary leaders from London's almshouse charities gathered in Southwark Cathedral to protect a form of charity they could clearly detect was under threat. Facing the harsh realities of a post-war nation, they united to safeguard these vital institutions and champion the welfare of their residents. What began as a critical response to an imminent threat has evolved into a powerful national movement, with The Almshouse Association now serving as the leading authority and support network for the entire sector. Today, the Association supports more than 1,600 independent almshouse charities nationwide through expert guidance, professional training and comprehensive resources.

Alongside supporting members, the Association works to protect, preserve and promote this exemplary model, championing its invaluable contribution to local communities and wider society. By collaborating with members, strategic partners and government leaders, the Association ensures almshouses continue to thrive and adapt for future generations.

This service proudly marks the 80th anniversary of The Almshouse Association. It is a moment to give profound thanks to those who have sustained this legacy through the centuries and to celebrate the dedication of today's trustees, whose tireless work guarantees the longevity of this vital movement.

The Order of Service

Please stand as the Procession enters.

The Representatives of the Worshipful Companies enter in Procession according to their historic Order of Precedence, the most senior company entering last.

The Worshipful Company of Vintners The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers The Worshipful Company of Salters The Worshipful Company of Skinners The Worshipful Company of Mercers

The Hymn

NEH 197

For all the Saints who from their labours rest, Who thee by faith before the world confest. Thy name, O Jesu, be for ever blest. Alleluya! Alleluya!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight; Thou in the darkness drear their one true Light. Alleluya! Alleluya!

O blest communion! fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluya! Alleluya!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluya! Alleluya!

Tune: Sine Nomine, R. Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) Text: W. Walsham How (1823-1897)

The Welcome

Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor

The Choir sings:

The Preces

O Lord, open thou our lips All: And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise. O God, make speed to save us; All: O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son; and to the Holy Ghost; All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. Amen. Praise ye the Lord; All: The Lord's name be praised.

Please be seated as the Choir sings:

The Psalm

Psalm 119.34-40

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes : and I shall keep it unto the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law : yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Make me to go in the path of thy commandments : for therein is my desire.

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies : and not to covetousness.

O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity : and quicken thou me in thy way.

O stablish thy word in thy servant : that I may fear thee.

Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of : for thy judgements are good.

Behold, my delight is in thy commandments : O quicken me in thy righteousness.

Please stand.

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.

The First Lesson

Isaiah 58.6-10 Read by Willie Hartley Russell, Chairman of The Almshouse Association

The First Lesson is written in the fifty-eighth chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the sixth verse.

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.

Here ends the First Lesson.

Please stand as the Choir sings:

The Magnificat

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 has 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.

The Second Lesson

Matthew 25.31-46 Read by The Very Rev'd Dr Philip Hesketh DL, Dean of Rochester

The Second Lesson is written in the twenty-fifth chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew, beginning at the thirty-first verse.

'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?" And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

Then he will say to those at his left hand, "You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me."

Then they also will answer, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?" Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.'

Here ends the Second Lesson.

Please stand as the Choir sings:

The Nunc Dimittis

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 Minister and Choir sing:

The Lesser Litany, Lord's Prayer & Responses

The Lord be with you; All: And with thy spirit. Let us pray.

Please be seated or kneel.

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

All: 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.

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us; All: And grant us thy salvation. O Lord, save the King; All: And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. Endue thy ministers with righteousness; All: And make thy chosen people joyful. O Lord, save thy people; All: And bless thine inheritance. Give peace in our time, O Lord; All: Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. O God, make clean our hearts within us; All: And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

Followed by:

The Collects

O Almighty God, who by thy blessèd Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist: Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.

All: Amen.

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.

All: Amen.

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.

All: Amen.

Please be seated as the Choir sings:

The Anthem

Justorum animae — William Byrd (c. 1540-1623)

Wisdom 3.1-3

The Sermon

The Very Rev'd Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark

Please remain seated or kneel for:

The Prayers

Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor

Other prayers follow, ending with:

All: May 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 to sing:

The Final Hymn

NEH 339

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art, Be thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word Be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord, Be thou my great Father, and I thy true heir, Be thou in me dwelling, and I in thy care.

Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight, Be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might, Be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower, O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor earth's empty praise, Be thou my inheritance now and always, Be thou and thou only the first in my heart, O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright Sun, O grant me its joys after vict'ry is won, Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.

Tune: Slane, Traditional Irish Text: Irish, 8th century, tr. Mary Byrne (1880-1931), versified by Eleanor Hull (1860-1935)

The Blessing

The Dean of Southwark

God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest, to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people, unity, peace and concord, and to us and all God's servants, life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

All: Amen.

The Voluntary

Praeludium in D, BuxWV 139 • Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)

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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 subscribe to our weekly newsletter on our website