Choral Evensong

From the Book of Common Prayer

The Blessed Virgin Mary — Patronal Festival

Sunday 13 September 2026, 3.00pm

Choir: The Cathedral Choir

Preacher: Canon Wendy Robins, Chancellor

Introit: Ave Maria — Robert Parsons (c.1535-1572)

Responses: Richard Ayleward (1626-1669)

Setting: Harwood in A flat — Basil Harwood (1859-1949)

Anthem: Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen — Michael Praetorius (1571-1621), arranged Donald Cashmore (1926-2013)

Voluntary: Finale from Musica Dominicalis — Petr Eben (1929-2007)

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

Ave Maria • Robert Parsons (c.1535-1572) • Luke 1.28, 42

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum; benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Amen.

Welcome

The Minister welcomes the congregation.

Then, the Minister and Choir sing:

The Preces

Richard Ayleward (1626-1669)

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 132

1 Lord, remember David : and all his trouble;

2 How he sware unto the Lord : and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob;

3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house : nor climb up into my bed;

4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye-lids to slumber : neither the temples of my head to take any rest;

5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord : an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.

6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata : and found it in the wood.

7 We will go into his tabernacle : and fall low on our knees before his footstool.

8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place : thou, and the ark of thy strength.

9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness : and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.

10 For thy servant David's sake : turn not away the presence of thine Anointed.

11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David : and he shall not shrink from it;

12 Of the fruit of thy body : shall I set upon thy seat.

13 If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them : their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.

14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself : he hath longed for her.

15 This shall be my rest for ever : here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.

16 I will bless her victuals with increase : and will satisfy her poor with bread.

17 I will deck her priests with health : and her saints shall rejoice and sing.

18 There shall I make the horn of David to flourish : I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed.

19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame : but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

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

Song of Solomon 2.1-7

The First Lesson is written in the second chapter of the Song of Solomon, beginning at the first verse.

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among brambles, so is my love among maidens. As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his intention towards me was love. Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples; for I am faint with love. O that his left hand were under my head, and that his right hand embraced me! I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the wild does: do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready!

Here ends the First Lesson.

The Magnificat

Basil Harwood (1859-1949)

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

Acts 1.6-14

The Second Lesson is written in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, beginning at the sixth verse.

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Here ends the Second Lesson.

The Nunc Dimittis

Basil Harwood (1859-1949)

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

Richard Ayleward (1626-1669)

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

Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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

Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen • Michael Praetorius (1571-1621), arranged Donald Cashmore (1926-2013) • German, 15th century

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen aus einer Wurzel zart, wie uns die Alten sungen, von Jesse kam die Art und hat ein Blümlein bracht mitten im kalten Winter, wohl zu der halben Nacht.

Das Röslein, das ich meine, davon Jesaia sagt, hat uns gebracht alleine Marie, die reine Magd. Aus Gottes ew’gem Rat hat sie ein Kind geboren wohl zu der halben Nacht.

Das Blümelein so kleine, das duftet uns so süß, mit seinem hellen Scheine vertreibt’s die Finsternis: Wahr’ Mensch und wahrer Gott, hilft uns aus allem Leide, rettet von Sünd und Tod.

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, Amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright, She bore to men a Saviour, when half spent was the night.

O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, Dispel with glorious splendour the darkness everywhere; True man, yet very God, From Sin and death now save us, and share our every load.

Please remain seated for:

The Sermon

Canon Wendy Robins, Chancellor

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.

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NEH 485

Thy hand, O God, has guided Thy flock, from age to age; The wondrous tale is written, Full clear, on every page; Our fathers owned thy goodness, And we their deeds record; And both of this bear witness, One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy heralds brought glad tidings To greatest, as to least; They bade men rise, and hasten To share the great King's feast; And this was all their teaching, In every deed and word, To all alike proclaiming One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Through many a day of darkness, Through many a scene of strife, The faithful few fought bravely To guard the nation's life. Their gospel of redemption, Sin pardoned, man restored, Was all in this enfolded, One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

And we, shall we be faithless? Shall hearts fail, hands hang down? Shall we evade the conflict, And cast away our crown? Not so: in God's deep counsels Some better thing is stored; We will maintain, unflinching, One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy mercy will not fail us, Nor leave thy work undone; With thy right hand to help us, The victory shall be won; And then, by men and angels, Thy name shall be adored, And this shall be their anthem, One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Tune: Thornbury — Basil Harwood (1859-1949) Text: Edward Hayes Plumptre (1821-1891)

The Blessing

Please remain standing as the Choir and clergy depart.

Voluntary

Finale from Musica Dominicalis • Petr Eben (1929-2007)

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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