Reflection in words & music - Sunday 19th April 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. "Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace" – the words of the aged Simeon upon seeing Jesus when he was presented at the temple. These are the opening words of the Nunc Dimittis which St Bride's Choir sings every week as part of Choral Evensong. This setting opens our reflection and was composed by Herbert Howells as his mother lay dying in his home town of Lydney in 1946 and is one of his most moving settings. Our reading from Luke tells of the appearance of the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus and how his followers only recognised him when he breaks and blesses bread with them. Alison reflects on her own parallel experience of failing to recognise someone she knew well until the right clues were given. We close with "Thine be the glory" – a hugely popular Easter hymn which is sung to a tune from Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabeus. 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