From the Rector:
Community is a living entity. It grows, it may also decline, it is renewed, it welcomes change and, most importantly, is a loving body of support for all its members at all times of their lives. I firmly believe that we have such a strong and loving community at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate. It comprises dedicated, longtime, loyal members, those associated with Bishopsgate for a short while, people all around the world watching us online, and perhaps visiting us occasionally. It is a community which provides a nourishing environment in which faith can grow and flourish.
Our community this month has two significant moments. Firstly, Anthony Ma, a faithful member of the congregation, and Altar Server, will preach his first sermon. This will be at our Candlemas Choral Mass on Wednesday 4 February. Anthony, with my help and guidance, and the help of the Diocese’s ordinand team, is exploring his calling to ordained ministry as a Priest in the Anglican Church. It is an exciting time for Anthony and for us all as a community of faith. Please do hold him in your prayers for Wednesday and throughout the whole process.
Secondly, a week later, on Wednesday 11 February, Fr Toby Thomas will celebrate his last Choral Mass with us as he presides and preaches. Fr Toby and his family will soon be moving to the Golden Coast in Australia to take up a parish position in the Anglican Church of Australia. Fr Toby has been a great friend and support to St Botolph’s, and is greatly loved by many. He will be greatly missed, particularly from the loyal congregation which attends the early morning Tuesday Mass. We wish him and his family all best wishes for this exciting new chapter in their lives. Please also hold Fr Toby in your prayers, and if you can, please come along to support him as he celebrates Mass on 11 February.
With God’s love and blessings, Fr David.
REGULAR CHURCH OPENING AND SERVICE TIMES
The church is open for public worship and private prayer every Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, continuing to maintain God’s physical presence in the City of London.
Our regular services are Choral Mass with sermon on Wednesdays at 1.10 pm, and Said Masses on Tuesdays at 8.10 am and 12.10 pm and Thursdays at 12.10 pm.
MUSIC AT CHORAL SERVICES IN FEBRUARY
Wednesday 4 February
of The Feast of The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Candlemas). Messa a quatro voci Cima. Hodie Beata Virgo Constantini. Nunc dimittis in E flat (No 2) Wood. Prelude in C, BWV 547i) Bach
Wednesday 11 February
in the week of The Second Sunday before Lent. Communion Service in C and F Stanford. Menuet Gothique Boëllmann
Wednesday 18 February
Ash Wednesday. Mass XVIII plainchant. Miserere mei, Deus Byrd. Emendemus in melius Byrd
Wednesday 25 February
in the week of The First Sunday of Lent. Messe en l’honneur de Ste Jeanne d’Arc Nibelle. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged Boyce. Voluntary in E minor Stanley
FAREWELL TO FR TOBY
Wednesday 11 February will be a sad day for St Botolph’s as we will be bidding farewell to our friend Fr Toby Thomas, who has been so helpful to us in taking services over the past three years, especially regularly looking after the early Tuesday morning service. Fr Toby and his family are emigrating to Australia’s Golden Coast where he will be taking up a new post.
He will celebrate and preach at the Choral Mass that day, and after the service there will be refreshments, and a presentation to him on behalf of St Botolph’s. All are most welcome to join us to bid him Godspeed for the next phase of his life and ministry.
As it happens this service coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of Fr David’s most distinguished predecessors as Rector of St Botolph’s, The Revd Richard Mant, who went on to be a Bishop in the Church of Ireland, and was a prolific author of both theological treatises and hymns. Iestyn has selected three of Mant’s hymns for Mass on this day including ‘With joy our voices we unite’ – which is what we will do to send Fr Toby on his way rejoicing.
ASH WEDNESDAY PROVISION:
On Ash Wednesday, 18 February, as well as the Choral Mass at 1.10 pm (see above for information about the music) there will also be two short services of Imposition of Ashes at 8.10 am and 5.10 pm, and Fr David will be available for ashing outside service times on request.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CHARITIES UPDATE:
As reported in the December newsletter, donations during Advent and at some of our many carol services were collected for two charities reflecting issues particularly relevant to our Advent theme of ‘The Gift of Light’: Beyond Conflict, the mental health charity for survivors of war, terrorism and displacement, for its project in Gaza offering mental health support to children affected by the ongoing war, and Opora, a primary information and support hub for Ukrainians in the UK – many of whom have been displaced from their homes and families as a result of the ongoing conflict – towards its mental health resources.
We received moving and powerful presentations from representatives of both charities at Wednesday choral services during Advent, and once again we believe this helped to encourage higher levels of giving. The total raised from regular and carol service collections, alms and candle donations, and rounded up with a small grant from the Parochial Church Council, was a splendid (record-beating, even after the high total in 2024) £5,750. Thank you all for your generosity to these worthy causes.
A CHORAL WORKSHOP, A NEW CHOIR SCHOOL, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASSES
The acoustics of both the church and the Hall are particularly suitable for vocal music, and are taken advantage of by many choirs and ensembles on a regular or ad hoc basis. In January alone 10 choirs have been rehearsing on our premises, and others are already booked in for spring and summer sessions.
There are also opportunities coming up from February onwards for members of the public to flex their vocal cords while learning about and singing glorious vocal and choral music. Firstly our friends at The London Chorus, with their new director William Vann, are returning for another in their series of ‘Come and Sing’ days, this time are working on parts of Bach’s glorious St John Passion on Saturday 28 February. Full details and tickets are available via https://bit.ly/bach28feb
In addition, the award-winning Idrîsî Ensemble, performers of very specialised early music who have been rehearsing with us for some time now, are starting a Choir School in order to pass on the expertise of their director Dr Thomas Fournil and visiting teachers. In twice-monthly classes students will learn mediaeval and Mediterranean vocal traditions, with a focus on early notation, ornamentation, and polyphony, from Old Roman chant and Hildegard von Bingen to Corsican, Greek, and Armenian repertoires. The first sessions are on 20 and 21 February – more information can be found on the Ensemble’s website at https://www.idrisiensemble.com/idrs-choir-school-coming-soon
Anyone who would prefer to exercise their speaking rather than their singing voice, on the other hand, might like to investigate the regular Public Speaking classes being held over the next few months in the Hall by Stage and the City – ‘perfect for creatives, professionals and people ready to be heard’. More information at https://www.afperformingarts.com/stage-and-the-city/classes/type/public-speaking
🌸 Valentine’s Pop-Up Flower Stall 🌸
Love is in the air at St Botolph without Bishopsgate! On Friday 13th February, we’re delighted to welcome a pop-up flower stall at the Bishopsgate entrance, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re buying for a loved one, a friend, or simply treating yourself, stop by and pick up some beautiful, fresh flowers. It’s the perfect way to brighten someone’s day — or your own. Spread a little love… what more could you need? 💐💛
✨ A Fresh New Year at The Good Coffee Kiosk ✨
As we step into 2026, we’re excited to welcome you back to The Good Coffee Kiosk with a fresh new look following our redecoration over the Christmas break. Thanks to the support of St Botolph without Bishopsgate Church, the kiosk has been refreshed with new décor, improved displays, and lighting — creating an even warmer and more welcoming space for everyone who visits.
While things may look a little different, our values remain exactly the same. You can still expect the same great coffee, carefully sourced from ethical suppliers, the same friendly faces behind the counter, and the same commitment to offering a personal, welcoming experience to every customer.
As always, every cup of coffee you buy continues to support good causes, helping charities that work with people experiencing homelessness in the City of London. That’s what we mean when we say we’re making a difference, one cup at a time.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 — come and see the changes, enjoy a great coffee, and start the New Year with us. ☕✨ Fresh new look. Same good service. Same great coffee. Making a difference, one cup at a time.