Reflection in words & music - Sunday 10th May 2026

Join The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride's, and St Bride's Choir for this week's reflection in words and music. The choir begins our weekly reflection with the psalm appointed for the day – psalm 87, which celebrates Jerusalem as the city loved by God and the spiritual birthplace of all nations. The psalm chant is by Charles Frederick South, who was organist at Salisbury Cathedral for over 32 years and died in post, aged 66, in 1916. Our reading from John, chapter 14, continues on from where last week's ended, and includes the promise of the Holy Spirit. Alison recalls two of her school teachers in her reflection: one patient and kind, the other feared and disliked by all. We close with the hymn "Lord of beauty, thine the splendour" by priest and writer, Cyril Argentine Alington, to the tune, Regent Square by Henry Thomas Smart, who gave up a legal career for one in music. We close with the hymn "Let all mortal flesh keep silence". The text is from the Liturgy of St James, a Syrian rite thought to have been written by St James the Less, first Bishop of Jerusalem. Information about our weekly Sunday services in St Bride's of Choral Eucharist at 11am (www.stbrides.com/worship-music/wo…horal-eucharist/) and Choral Evensong at 5:30pm (www.stbrides.com/worship-music/wo…choral-evensong/) can be found on the website. Find out what's happening at St Bride's at www.stbrides.com/whats-on If you enjoy listening, please leave a comment below or subscribe to our channel. It is great to get your feedback. SUPPORT ST BRIDE'S ================== We are hugely grateful for people's generosity which we wholly rely on to continue our work, maintain our wonderful architectural heritage and support world-class music-making. People are often surprised to learn that St Bride's receives no external funding. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/stbrideschurchfleetstreet