Reflection in words & music – Sunday 11th January 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. This week's reflection opens with an anthem by the former King's Singer, Grayston Ives, which sets the poem "Listen sweet dove unto my song" by the 17th century priest and metaphysical poet, George Herbert. The beautiful first verse reads: "Listen sweet dove unto my song, And spread thy golden wings in me; Hatching my tender heart so long, Till it get wing and flie away with thee." Today we mark the Baptism of Christ and the reading is St Matthew's account of that event. Alison then reflects on the importance of baptism today as both a rite of passage and a moment of discovering one's true identity. We close, appropriately enough, with the hymn "When Jesus came to Jordan". Information about our weekly Sunday services in St Bride's of Choral Eucharist at 11am (https://www.stbrides.com/worship-music/worship/regular-services/choral-eucharist/) and Choral Evensong at 5:30pm (https://www.stbrides.com/worship-music/worship/regular-services/choral-evensong/) can be found on the website. Find out what's happening at St Bride's at https://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 https://www.justgiving.com/stbrideschurchfleetstreet