A Homily for the St Thomas Eve Carol Service-The Living Word

Illumination showing banderoles from Nicolaus de Lyra, Postillae super totam Biblam

A homily given at the St Thomas Eve Carol Service for The Clothworkers' Company at St Olave Hart Street on Wednesday 17th December 2025 at 11.30am. 

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.