Sermon-Keeping Up Appearances?

Hyacinth and Richard aboard the QEII (BBC)

A sermon given during Holy Communion (BCP) at St Giles-in-the-Fields on Sunday 12th October 2025 based on readings from Ephesians 4.1-6 and Luke 14.1-11.

Thought for the Day-A Grace Exchange?

The Corn Exchange, Mark Lane (published by Rudolph Ackermann, 1808)

A Thought for the Day given at a lunchtime Harvest Festival at St Olave Hart Street based on the text of 2 Corinthians 9.6-11.

BOOK REVIEW-The Curious World of Samuel Pepys & John Evelyn by Margaret Willes

Margaret Willes’ book provided my first introduction to the life of John Evelyn, weaving aspects of his life alongside that of his friend and (the now arguably more famous) Pepys. The title is a nod to the ‘insatiable curiosity’ that the author states they both shared.

Grace for The Clothworkers' Livery Dinner

The Caged Bird's Song, Chris Ofili

A grace given at a Livery Dinner of The Clothworkers Company at The Drapers Hall on Wednesday 1st October 2025, drawing on the season, the historic roots of the Company in the Fullers & Shearmen and the Company motto. 

As we gather this Michaelmastide, let us pray;

Generous God, in whom alone we trust,
Bless these fruits of the harvest, and all who laboured to bring them forth.

As we show the fullness of our thanks and praise in our enjoyment of them,

Clothe us in your grace,
Drape us in your peace,

Shear from us all that dulls compassion,
And weave our lives ever closer to another, and all to you.

Amen.

Different Livery Companies and Guilds have different traditions. In this case I was asked to write a short (30s) prayer in English not in a rhyming style. It was such an honour to attend the dinner and to meet so many inspiring people.