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 sings the first part of Handel's "Foundling Hospital Anthem", composed for a benefit concert to raise money for the Foundling Hospital children's charity founded by Thomas Coram. It sets text adapted from Psalm 41: Blessed are they that considereth the poor. The charity continues to this day as the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children and owns original scores of this anthem and "Messiah" which are displayed at the Foundling Museum in London and were donated to them by Handel.

After a reading from the Gospel according to John, Alison recalls being vicar at a previous parish dedicated to St Bartholomew whose feast we mark today. Bartholomew is a new testament saint who is also known as Nathaniel and for his utter scepticism. Alison speaks of his remarkable journey from cynic to martyr.

We close with the hymn "Be thou my guardian and my guide."

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 5:30 pm (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

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SUPPORT ST BRIDE'S
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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