NEWSLETTER Parish of St George Hanover Square

St George’s Church Grosvenor Chapel November 2017 — February 2018: issue 38 Inside this issue

The Rector writes 2

Mayfair Organ Concerts 3

Services at St George’s 4

A new Verger 6

Services at Grosvenor Chapel 7

Bishop Edward Holland 8

Prisons Mission 9

Giles Pilgrim Morris 11

St George’s School 13

Handel Messiah 14

HPPEC 15

Contact details 16

terest once wedding couples real- St George’s Undercroft: a new floor is laid. ise they can book a one-stop wedding day at St George’s, incorpo- bservant readers of this Yes, work on converting the St rating both the marriage and re- thrice-yearly publication George’s undercroft from a stor- ception? may have noticed that it age area to something integral to Meanwhile life in the Parish con- O varies capriciously in ex- the life of the parish finally began tinues in all its long-established tent between 12 and 16 pages. in August and, all being well, will Indeed on one occasion it even be complete by early next sum- diversity. extended to a massive 20 pages. mer. Meanwhile we are learning St George’s Richards, Fowkes & Co Behind the scenes, Murphy – if how to cope with just one loo and organ is now five years old and he’ll forgive me - ensures that the occasional jack-hammer- this anniversary is marked by a submitted copy inevitably falls induced earth tremors. recital by David Goode on 4th No- somewhere between the magazine vember. editor’s nemesis: the four-page The long-term consequences of multiple. Which is why I am im- operating on two floors instead of It is all of six years ago that we moderately grateful when a verbal one are beginning to emerge. One introduced the Food Coupon contribution comes conveniently of them is the renewed interest Scheme for the homeless in part- linked to a picture or two. The being shown in St George’s as a nership with the Cabmen’s Shelter pictures accompanying the Prisons musician-friendly venue by a num- in Hanover Square. Some 150 or so Mission piece in this issue are an ber of A-list ensembles and choirs. coupons, each now valued at eloquent case in point. They come (St Sepulchre’s nota bene.) Anoth- £2.30, are dispensed weekly from courtesy of The Koestler Trust by er is the possibility of being able the Vestry. way of the 2017 Prisons Week to host exhibitions of visual art. booklet. And behind the scenes we now It is particularly pleasing to be finally boast an online operational able to welcome a contribution to Pictures can of course hunt on diary with the capacity to record this issue of the Newsletter from their own. I had initially thought activity on both floors. Is it too St George’s School. The to make this an undercroft-free fanciful to see diary entries for Headteacher, Judith Standing, has edition but the picture that heads weddings in late 2018 and 2019 as promised future contributions. We this page suggested otherwise. an early warning of a surge of in- look forward to them.

The Rector writes . . .

Laity. In addition to the 14 voting congregation, and sometime members of the Commission, the Churchwarden of St Margaret, Prime Minister’s and Archbishop’s Lothbury. The Rector there appointments secretaries act in an (Jeremy Crossley) and I planned to advisory capacity. take Tom out for a pub lunch to try and cheer him up early in July, I have to say that I was given every and when we arrived were told he opportunity to be involved in what had died in his home and discov- was a very wide and open consul- ered a few days later. He wanted tation process in the spring and no funeral, but Jeremy and I were summer – invited by email and fol- asked to inter his ashes recently in low-up emails to attend meetings. the Columbarium at St Mary’s, Unfortunately I couldn’t make any Bourne Street with a representa- of them, although there were sev- tive of the Parish Clerks and the eral dates on offer. And so the Prayer Book Society in attendance. process appears to have been May Tom rest in God’s peace. transparent. Indeed you might have offered your own thoughts, In July we also bade a sad farewell as comments and suggestions were to Giles Pilgrim Morris, one of the invited from all. I did however many notable musicians who en- lease pray for all involved in send in a few thoughts, and some hance our worship Sunday by Sun- choosing a new Bishop. The others I am not publishing, as well day. An Appreciation of Giles ap- Diocese is in the process of as the names of 2 possible candi- pears on Page 11. P searching for a new Bishop of dates for consideration. London and there has so far been Christmas Services one meeting of the Crown Nomina- 1. The strength of the Diocese of tions Commission – with two more London relies more on its clergy The Parish Carol Service (the tra- scheduled in November. Every Dio- than its bishops and senior leader- ditional Nine Lessons and Carols) cese has a Vacancy in See Commit- ship. I’m often amazed and fre- is to take place this year on Sun- tee which meets only as required. quently impressed by the quality day 17th December at 6.00pm fol- The membership in London compris- and general talent of the parish lowed by refreshments. Again this es: clergy who rather outshine the top is a wonderful service to prepare brass. We need as good a bishop as for Christmas and a good occasion  The Area and other Suffragan we can find as the Diocesan – but to invite friends along. We always bishops (6 seats) also need to avoid getting a bad invite people from local hotels and one. In fact avoiding a bad ap- embassies and shops and business-  The Dean of St Paul’s (or, if un- pointment is rather more im- es, as this is a wonderful celebra- able to serve, a member of the portant I think! tion for the whole community. In Chapter not already a member addition I also invite members of of the Committee) (1 seat) 2. It would be good to find a real various organisations to which I am  Two Archdeacons (to represent pastor. Chaplain (The Royal Society of St the archdeacons in the Diocese) George, the Gastronomes, the (2 seats) 3. Please don’t ignore the Ecu- Royal Society of Musicians, and  The proctors elected by the Dio- menical dimension of the appoint- others) who are most welcome. cese to the Lower House of Con- ment. The Diocese has rather vocation of the General Synod lacked leadership in this area, alt- Christmas Eve will be very busy (currently 11 seats) hough locally many good things this year as it falls on a Sunday. are going on.  The members of the House of Laity of the General Synod Sung Eucharist for the Fourth We hope and pray that over the Sunday in Advent at 11am as nor- elected by the Diocese coming months we are blessed (currently 11 seats) mal. with good news that a suitable  The Chairmen of the House of person has been chosen to serve us We shall once again have a service Clergy and of the House of Laity as Bishop. for families and children on of the Diocesan Synod (2 seats) Christmas Eve at 4.30pm: Solemn  Elected membership: 4 clerical We welcome onto the team of ver- Sung Eucharist of the Vigil of and 12 lay (total: 16 seats) gers Richard Buck who joins us Christmas, with half choir, which having finished his term leading will include the singing of chil-  Up to 4 nominations by the Bish- the Students’ Union at the Royal op’s Council dren’s carols around the crib. The Academy of Music and who has sermon will be short and geared been working alongside Seamus This committee draws up a towards children, and the style of O’Hare. Richard has written a few worship relaxed, although still ‘statement of needs’ for the Dio- introductory words which appear cese and from its number elects 6 with a normal sung setting of the on page 6. Mass. representatives to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission. Sadly we have lost Dr Thomas I would encourage as many as are The membership of that body in- Miskell, a member of the Parochi- cludes people from the Diocese and able to come to the main celebra- al Church Council, a Parish Clerk, tion of the Nativity of Our Lord, the National church: the Archbish- devoted member of the Prayer ops of Canterbury and York, and 3 which is the glorious 11.00am Sung Book Society, and until his recent Eucharist on Christmas Day. elected members of the both the decline a regular member of the General Synod’s House of Clergy and Please do invite your family and 2 visitors to join you for this, or to the Christmas Eve service if you find Christmas Day impracticable. Saturday 4 November

There are daily prayers in St George’s Church, Hanover Square church, Monday – Thursday at 12.10pm. The Midday Office is 6pm-7pm said on most days except when the Eucharist is celebrated on Fridays and Saints Days. Please join us if DAVID GOODE you are in the area. plays the fifth anniversary recital on the Requiem for departed loved ones will be celebrated on Friday 19th Richards, Fowkes & Co organ, opus 18 January at 13.10pm. Please inform the Vergers if you wish to include names for prayer ver- Toccata in F BuxWV 156 - Buxtehude [email protected] Sonata 3 BWV 527 - J. S. Bach Holy Cocktail Hour Open House – all are welcome for drinks on Hallelujah, Gott zu loben - Reger Wednesdays 29th November and Two Pièces de Fantasie - Vierne 17th January at 6.30pm until 8pm at the Rectory, 21a Down Street Gershwin Fantasy – David Goode W1J 7AW - entrance in Brick Street opposite the tapas bar – top bell. Admission £15 at the door

(£5 full time students)

Mayfair Organ Concerts

A weekly series of lunchtime organ concerts now beginning its sixth year at St George’s, Hanover Square & the Grosvenor Chapel. Every Tuesday 1.10-1.50pm Free admission—retiring collection

Tuesday 7th November Tuesday 9th January St George’s St George’s Julián Bewig (Valencia) James Johnstone

Tuesday 14th November Tuesday 16th January Grosvenor Chapel Grosvenor Chapel Charles Andrews Mike Overend

Tuesday 21st November Tuesday 23rd January St George’s St George’s Lukas Hasler (Graz) Parker Ramsay (New York)

Tuesday 28th November Tuesday 20th January Grosvenor Chapel Grosvenor Chapel Jonathan Gregory Marilyn Harper

Tuesday 5th December Tuesday 6th February St George’s St George’s Jérôme Faucheur Patrick Pope

Tuesday 12th December Tuesday 13th February Grosvenor Chapel Grosvenor Chapel Richard Hobson Andrew Furniss (Central Hall, Westminster) Tuesday 19th December St George’s Tuesday 20th February Richard Brasier St George’s Greg Morris (Temple Church) Tuesday 2nd January Grosvenor Chapel Tuesday 27th February Alexander Pott Grosvenor Chapel (Magdalen College, Oxford) Simon Williams

3 Services at St George’s November 2017 — February 2018

th Wednesday 15th November Thursday 30 November St Machutus, Bishop, Apostle of 12.10pm Midday Prayer Brittany c 564

12.10pm Midday Prayer st 5.45pm Holy Communion Friday 1 December St Andrew the Apostle th (transferred) st Thursday 16 November Wednesday 1 November 12.10pm Midday Prayer 1.10pm Holy Communion All Saints’ Day rd 5.45pm Holy Communion Friday 17th November Sunday 3 December First Sunday in Advent nd St Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln 1200 Thursday 2 November 1.10pm Holy Communion 8.30am Holy Communion 12.10pm Midday Prayer 11.00am Sung Eucharist th (attended by the Réunion des Gas- rd Sunday 19 November Friday 3 November Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity tronomes) 1.10pm Holy Communion 8.30am Holy Communion Celebrant: The Rector Preacher: th 11.00am Sung Eucharist Sunday 5 November Celebrant & Preacher: The Revd Dr The Revd Dr Alan McCormack Twenty-first Sunday after Trini- Alan McCormack Missa Brevis in F (Haydn) ty Missa Brevis (Palestrina) And the Glory of the Lord (Handel) 8.30am Holy Communion Jesu, dulcis memoria (Victoria) Offertoire sur les grands jeux 11.00am Sung Eucharist Sonatina – first movement (Bryan (Couperin) Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Kelly) th Missa Ego flos campi (Padilla) Monday 4 December Lord I trust thee (Handel) Monday 20th November 12.10pm Midday Prayer Toccata (Gigout) 12.10pm Midday Prayer Tuesday 5th December th Monday 6 November Tuesday 21st November 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer Wednesday 6th December th Tuesday 7 November Wednesday 22nd November St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra c 326 12.10pm Midday Prayer ST Cecilia, Martyr at Rome c 230 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 5.45pm Holy Communion Wednesday 8th November 5.45pm Holy Communion th 12.10pm Midday Prayer Thursday 7 December 5.45pm Holy Communion Thursday 23rd November 12.10pm Midday Prayer

th 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Thursday 9 November Friday 8 December 12.10pm Midday Prayer Friday 24th November Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary th 1.10pm Holy Communion Friday 10 November 1.10pm Holy Communion 1.10pm Holy Communion Sunday 26th November Sunday 10th December th Sunday next before Advent Sunday 12 November 8.30am Holy Communion Second Sunday in Advent Twenty-second Sunday after 11.00am Sung Eucharist 8.30am Holy Communion Trinity Celebrant & Preacher: 11.00am Sung Eucharist Remembrance Sunday The Revd Alistair Macdonald- Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector 8.30am Holy Communion Radcliff Mass for All Saints (Gabriel Jackson) 10.55am Sung Eucharist Missa Brevis (Dove) This is the record of John (Gibbons) Celebrant: The Rector O taste and see (Vaughan Williams) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV Preacher: Sounding Heaven and Earth 661 (Bach) The Revd DrAlan McCormack (McDowall) th Requiem (Duruflé) Monday 11 December Prélude et Fugue sur le nom Monday 27th November 12.10pm Midday Prayer d’Alain (Duruflé) 12.10pm Midday Prayer Tuesday 12th December th Monday 13 November Tuesday 28th November 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer Wednesday 13th December th Tuesday 14 November Wednesday 29th November There will be no Midday Prayer at 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm or 5.45pm Holy Communion Holy Communion at 5.45pm

4 rd th Thursday 14th December Wednesday 3 January Thursday 25 January 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer th 5.45pm Holy Communion Friday 26 January th The Conversion of St Paul Friday 15 December th 1.10pm Holy Communion Thursday 4 January (transferred) 12.10pm Midday Prayer 1.10pm Holy Communion th Sunday 17 December th th Third Sunday in Advent Friday 5 January Sunday 28 January 8.30am Holy Communion 1.10pm Holy Communion Septuagesima 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Sung Eucharist th Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Sunday 7 January 11.00am Sung Eucharist Communion Service in A minor The Epiphany Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector (Darke) 8.30am Holy Communion Missa Sancti Johannis de Deo O thou the central orb (Wood) 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Haydn) Vox Dicentis (Simon Preston) Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Oculi omnium (Pearsall) 6.00pm Parish Carol Service Spatzenmesse (Mozart) Prelude in C minor BWV 546 (Bach) A Gallery Carol (John Gardner) th Monday 18th December Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern Monday 29 January 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Monday 8 January th Tuesday 19th December 12.10pm Midday Prayer Tuesday 30 January 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Tuesday 9 January st Wednesday 20th December 12.10pm Midday Prayer Wednesday 31 January 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer 5.45pm Holy Communion Wednesday 10th January 5.45pm Holy Communion

12.10pm Midday Prayer st Thursday 21st December 5.45pm Holy Communion Thursday 1 February 12.10pm Midday Prayer 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Thursday 11 January nd Friday 22nd December 12.10pm Midday Prayer Friday 2 February 1.10pm Holy Communion The Purification of the Blessed Friday 12th January Virgin Mary Sunday 24th December 1.10pm Holy Communion 1.10pm Holy Communion

Fourth Sunday in Advent th No early Communion Service Sunday 14th January Sunday 4 February 11.00am Sung Eucharist Second Sunday after the Epiphany Sexagesima Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector 8.30am Holy Communion 8.30am Holy Communion Missa Sancta et immaculata 11.00am Sung Eucharist 11,00am Sung Eucharist (Guerrero) Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Celebrant & Preacher: tba Laetentur coeli (Byrd) Missa San Marco (Ronald Corp) Missa Bel’ amfitrit’ altera (Lassus) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Hear, O my Lord (Whitlock) Adoramus te Christi (Lassus) (Bruhns) Prelude in G BWV 541 (Bach) Praeludium in C BuxWV 137 (Buxtehude) th Christmas Eve Monday 15 January th 4.30pm Solemn First Vigil Mass of 12.10pm Midday Prayer Monday 5 February Christmas 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Tuesday 16 January th Mass of the Quiet Hour (Oldroyd) 12.10pm Midday Prayer Tuesday 6 February Silent night (Gruber) 12.10pm Midday Prayer th Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich Wednesday 17 January th her BWV 606 (Bach) 12.10pm Midday Prayer Wednesday 7 February 5.45pm Holy Communion 12.10pm Midday Prayer Monday 25th December 5.45pm Holy Communion th CHRISTMAS DAY Thursday 18 January th 11.00am Sung Eucharist 12.10pm Midday Prayer Thursday 8 February Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector 12.10pm Midday Prayer th St Nicholas Mass (Haydn) Friday 19 January th What sweeter music (Rutter) 1.10pm Holy Communion Friday 9 February In dulci jubilo BWV 729 (Bach) 1.10pm Holy Communion st Sunday 21 January th Tuesday 26th – Third Sunday after the Epiphany Sunday 11 February Friday 29th December 8.30am Holy Communion Quinquagesima No services 11.00am Sung Eucharist 8.30am Holy Communion Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector 11.00am Sung Eucharist Sunday 31st December Communion Service in G (Whitlock) Celebrant & Preacher: tba Sunday after Christmas Ave verum corpus (Elgar) Communion Service in C (Stanford) 8.30am Holy Communion Prelude in C minor (Mendelssohn) O sacrum convivium (d’Evry) 11.00am Sung Eucharist Postlude in D minor (Stanford) nd Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Monday 22 January th Missa O magnum mysterium 12.10pm Midday Prayer Monday 12 February (Victoria) 12.10pm Midday Prayer rd O magnum mysterium (Victoria) Tuesday 23 January th Noel (Daquin) 12.10pm Midday Prayer Tuesday 13 February 12.10pm Midday Prayer st th Monday 1 January Wednesday 24 January th No services 12.10pm Midday Prayer Wednesday 14 February 5.45pm Holy Communion Ash Wednesday Tuesday 2nd January 1.10pm Holy Communion 12.10pm Midday Prayer & the imposition of ashes

5 A new Verger

n 1st October Richard Buck joined us as Verger, working side- by-side with Seamus O’Hare.

O Richard hails from the Rose of the Shires, Northamptonshire, where he grew up in the village of Byfield, before moving to London in 2011. He attended Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby and he was a product of the North- amptonshire Music Service performing regularly with the County Youth Brass Band and County Youth Guitar Ensemble. After originally starting his musical studies on the Euphoni- Thursday 15th February um, he moved onto the 12.10pm Midday Prayer Trombone in his teens, Friday 16th February where he was granted a 1.10pm Holy Communion Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in Sunday 18th February 2011. First Sunday in Lent 8.30am Holy Communion Richard was at the Acade- 11.00am Sung Eucharist my for 6 years where he Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector received his Bachelor and Mass for four voices (Byrd) Master’s Degree and he Miserere (Allegri) was also President of the Prelude in B minor BWV 544 (Bach) Students’ Union for a year. During his time at the Monday 19th February Academy, he studied with 12.10pm Midday Prayer Robert Hughes and Keith McNicoll and he also took Tuesday 20th February part in masterclasses with 12.10pm Midday Prayer Elgar Howarth, Ian Bousfield, Stefan Schulz and Jorgen Van Rijen. Rich- ard was fortunate to perform regularly with the RAM Symphony Orches- Wednesday 21st February tra where he played under esteemed conductors including Semyon By- Ember Day chkov, Edward Gardner, Marin Alsop and Sir Mark Elder. A passionate 12.10pm Midday Prayer Chamber Musician, Richard is the founder of the Buck Brass Trio, one of 5.45pm Holy Communion Europe’s only Professional Brass Trios. The ensemble have added a large amount of music to the repertoire through commissions as well as their Thursday 22nd February own arrangements and they have a busy concert schedule around the 12.10pm Midday Prayer UK.

Friday 23rd February Throughout his life, Richard has been involved with the Church, first St Matthias the Apostle singing in the Choir at Holy Cross Church, Byfield and then since moving Ember Day to London as a member of the Choir at St George’s Church, Harrow 1.10pm Holy Communion where he also plays the organ for the weekly Evensong. His Family are also heavily involved with the church as his father has been the Church- Sunday 25th February warden at Holy Cross Church, Byfield for 22 years and his sister was a Second Sunday in Lent Verger at Peterborough Cathedral. They have been able to give him tips 8.30am Holy Communion of how to deal with the expected deluge of requests two minutes before 11.00am Sung Eucharist a Service is due to begin! Celebrant & Preacher: The Rector Missa Papae Marcelli (Palestrina) In his spare time, Richard enjoys sports, attending talks at Chatham Sicut cervus (Palestrina) House and exploring London’s many fine public houses! Litanies (Alain)

Monday 26th February 12.10pm Midday Prayer

Tuesday 27th February 12.10pm Midday Prayer

Wednesday 28th February 12.10pm Midday Prayer 5.45pm Holy Communion

6 Services at Grosvenor Chapel November 2017— February 2018

Sunday 24th December Thursday 2nd November Fourth Sunday of Advent All Souls Christmas Eve 7.00pm Lucenarium 11.00am Sung Eucharist Andrea Gabrieli Missa Brevis Sunday 5th November Robert Parsons Ave Maria All Saints Sunday Jacob Handl Ecce concipies 11.00am Sung Eucharist J.S.Bach Fugue on the Magnificat G.P. da Palestrina Missa Tu es Petrus 11pm Carols C.V.Stanford Justorum animae 11.30pm Midnight Mass George Malcolm Sunday 12th November Missa ad Praesepe Remembrance Sunday Francis Poulenc Sunday 4th February 10.55am Sung Eucharist Quem vidistis pastores The Presentation of Christ in the Gabriel Fauré Requiem Mass John Tavener Temple (with orchestra) A Christmas Proclamation 11.00am Sung Eucharist J.S.Bach In dulci jubilo James MacMillan Missa Brevis Sunday 19th November Johannes Eccard Second Sunday before Advent Monday 25th December Maria das Jungfräuelein 11.00am Sung Eucharist Christmas Day C.V.Stanford Nunc Dimittis in G Alessandro Scarlatti 11.00 Sung Eucharist Dietrich Buxtehude Mass for Five Voices T.L.da Victoria Praeludium in D major Henry Purcell Missa O magnum mysterium O God, thou art my God J.P.Sweelinck Sunday 11th February Hodie Christus natus est The Sunday next before Lent Sunday 26th November 11.00am Sung Eucharist Christ the King Sunday 31st December Orlandus Lassus 11.00am Sung Eucharist First Sunday after Christmas Missa super Puisque j'ai perdu W.A.Mozart Colloredo Mass K337 11.00am Sung Eucharist Peter Phillips In splendente nube William Byrd Laudibus in sanctis Mass with hymns and organ music Pierre du Mage Grand Jeu John Cook Fanfare Sunday 7th January Wednesday 14th February Sunday 3rd December The Epiphany of our Lord Ash Wednesday Advent Sunday 11.00am Sung Eucharist 7.00pm Sung Eucharist 11.00am Sung Eucharist W.A.Mozart Francisco Guerrero Plainsong The Advent Prose Missa Brevis in B flat K275 Missa Inter vestibulum G.P.da Palestrina Orlandus Lassus Videntes stellam Thomas Tallis In ieunio et fletu Missa Papae Marcelli Peter Cornelius The Three Kings William Byrd Vigilate J.S.Bach Vom himmel hoch da Sunday 18th February J.S.Bach komm ich Herr BWV 700 The First Sunday of Lent Nun komm, der heiden heiland 11.00 Sung Eucharist BWV 661 Sunday 14th January Jacob Handl Missa Undique Flammatis The Second Sunday of Epiphany Plainsong The Lent Prose Sunday 10th December 11.00am Sung Eucharist Gregorio Allegri Miserere mei Second Sunday of Advent Joseph Rheinberger Mass in E William Byrd Ne irascaris Domine 11.00am Sung Eucharist Peter Warlock Bethlehem Down T.L.da Victoria Missa Quarti Toni J.G. Walther Concerto in B minor Sunday 25th February G.P.da Palestrina Canite tuba The Second Sunday of Lent J.S.Bach Sunday 21st January 11.00 Sung Eucharist Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme The Third Sunday of Epiphany Orlandus Lassus 11.00am Sung Eucharist Missa super Amor ecco colei Tuesday 12th December G.P.da Palestrina William Byrd Civitas sancti tui 7.00pm Community Carol Service Missa Dies sanctificatus Luca Marenzio Tribus Miraculis Sunday 17th December François Couperin Offertoire Third Sunday of Advent (Messe pour les Couvents) 11.00am Sung Eucharist Lennox Berkeley Sunday 28th January Mass for five voices The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Anon Rejoice in the Lord alway 11.00am Sung Eucharist Piet Kee Wachet auf ruft uns die Claudio Monteverdi Stimme Missa á 4 da capella William Byrd Teach me, O Lord Girolamo Frescobaldi Ricercar Dopo il Credo

7 Bishop Edward Holland

A sermon

preached at the Confirmation of Finley Mather on Sunday 1st October at St George’s, Hanover Square.

ccording to St Luke, as life or one another as too often world, to our neighbours, our we’ve just heard, the we do, it is hard for the bless- friends, our family, even our risen Jesus’ last act being to get through, but as it is enemy and those who are un- A fore he ascended into in Jesus’ nature to bless it is known to us. Heaven was to lift up his hands unsurprising that it is in God’s and bless his disciples and other nature too to bless and indeed followers who were present to be a blessing. God blesses us that we may be with him. part of a new Creation reflect- ing the goodness and love of Jesus is a revelation –THE reve- God. St Peter in our first Blessing is Jesus’ characteristic lation – of God and therefore of reading this morning has some action throughout his ministry his nature, to bless and to be a grand things to say about those and, we may say, his life. The blessing. Confirmation shares of us who know and welcome very fact that he entered the in that character of God’s bless- God’s blessing – “You are a cho- life of this world is a blessing of ing revealed in Jesus. We sen race, a royal priesthood, a that whole life. The very fact come humbly, kneeling down, holy nation, God’s own people” that he came as a human being repenting of our sins, asking for these are descriptions that are is a blessing of our humanity. forgiveness and confessing our worth exploring. They de- The fact that he lived and need for God. And God comes scribe what God intends for us, shared life with us is a blessing to us in Christ through the lay- what he blesses us for – that we of our life together and the life ing on of hands and the anoint- may become what he has al- of each of us. And we can ing to assure us that not only is ready made us to be. It is a even say that his willingness to he with us but he is in us shar- life-time’s – and beyond – piece die for us and with us is a blessing his life, sharing our lives. of work that we all set our ing of death and all our deaths. From now on Finley is a blessed hands to as we say “Yes” to person and he will live the rest God’s blessing. of his life in that knowledge. Jesus is God’s blessing of the BACH CANTATAS life of the world and we are AT ST GEORGE'S still living in the light of that Which is not to say he was un- blessing, which is why Finley is blessed before for no one is ex- 2nd March 2018 at 7.30pm coming for Confirmation this cluded from God’s favour ex- morning. For Confirmation is cept by our own decision and Ashley Solomon director in its essence a blessing – a very even then I am not sure we can RCM Baroque Orchestra significant blessing for it is in negate God’s love and goodness RCM Chamber Choir response to Finley’s wish to towards us. And of course that give his life to God and to live is true for all of us – for just by JS Bach his life with and for God. being here, by our wish to live Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen BWV43 well, by our baptism and confirmation, by our receiving com- WF Bach And blessing is always God’s munion, by whatever small ac- Sinfonia in D major Fk 64 response to our movement, tion or intention towards re- JS Bach Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, however small, towards know- ceiving God’s goodness and his Trompeten! BWV214 ing God more fully in our lives. blessing we open ourselves up Life with God is always mutual – to receive him and all that he it’s rather like a dance; God wishes to give us. moves and we move in re- The RCM Chamber Choir and Ba- roque Orchestra come together sponse, we move and God to perform two joyous cantatas moves in response. We bless But it is a mutual process. God by JS Bach including Resound, ye God by thanking him and loving blesses us that we may become drums! Ring out, ye trumpets! him, knowing his goodness to- a blessing: a blessing for God written in 1733 for the Queen of wards us all, and he blesses us himself that we in some small Poland Maria Josepha, alongside in response with that same way may like Jesus stand as evi- his second son, Wilhelm’s, con- goodness. dence of the reality of God and tribution to the Sinfonia genre. his purpose for us all, that we with Jesus may be a revelation Tickets: £5 As it is in Jesus’ nature to bless of God in our own time and Available from the RCM Box Of- – he almost can’t help blessing. place. And that we may be a fice online or call 020 7591 4314 though when we curse God or blessing to the life of the 8 Churches Together in Westminster Prisons Mission

During a three hour wait for the release of a befriended prisoner, Finna Ayres made this sketch of HMP Wandsworth: “The ghostly figure in the gateway represents all the prisoners who came out before - most of whom wanted a cigarette or a light." PRISONS WEEK

NEW CHURCH

Notre Dame de France, the Roman Catholic church off Leicester Square has decided to “engage” with the CTiW Prisons Mission. They will thus join the small group of central Lon- don churches which have made a formal commitment to this initia- tive. After engaging, a group of volunteers from each church then undertake the outreach work in support of the multi-faith Chaplaincy Team in one of the London prisons and report back on issues and activities to the management and congre- gations. The Coordinator is present- ly in negotiation with several churches which are also considering engagement and expected to join soon.

SEX OFFENDERS

Our volunteers have been concerned about the plight of men, convicted

9 which mentor men before and after or permanently, or be deport- discharge, to facilitate rehabilitation ed. On average, just over half and resettlement. They are seldom of those detained are allowed able to return to families and homes on to remain, often after months discharge and are prohibited from of custody. Apart from the many types of employment. question of legitimacy, these people suffer very severe anxie- ty, fear, distress and uncertain- We now have Prisons Mission volunteers ty. The Salvation Army recently working with Circles UK, a specialist, identified one such detainee, national, not for profit organisation, who had been illegally traf- which provides a programme of train- ficked into this country and ing, support and counselling for recent- then kept in captivity on a can- ly discharged sex offenders to reduce nabis farm, until this was raided the risks of reoffending. We seek a few by the police. Some would say additional volunteers to undertake that he could have been an in- training for this very sensitive, but val- valuable prosecution witness in uable work. a case against the traffickers, but he was just sent for remov- IMMIGRATION REMOVAL CENTRES al. The fear of this detainee, to find himself in custody again, Many readers will have seen the re- can be imagined. cent, deeply shocking, BBC Panorama The chaplain wants our help and programme which showed staff at an we seek additional volun- Immigration Removal Centre, violently teers. They will not be pushed abusing detainees. Well before this into the deep end, but be sup- broadcast, our Prisons Mission volun- ported and learn with their teers had decided to offer support to peers through regular Review Spider Cell the Managing Chaplain to the centre Meetings. For further infor- HM Prison Wandsworth near Heathrow airport. This is not a mation or for a preliminary dis- Painting departure from the primary purpose of cussion, contact John Plummer. 2017 the mission, but an extension of its reach. John Plummer Coordinator. Prisons Mission of sex offences, who are serving Churches Together custodial sentences for sex offenc- About 500 men and 20 women are detained, indefinitely at this centre, in Westminster es. They are often particularly 62 Perth Road isolated, vulnerable and at risk of without judicial process, while appeals are heard, cases reviewed, asylum ap- London violence while in prisons. Such plications considered and decisions N4 3HB inmates are inclined to be exclud- ed from befriending programmes made as to whether they should be allowed to remain in the UK, temporarily 020 7272 1639

Towards Dartmoor HM Prison Channings Woods Watercolour and Gouache 2017 10 Giles Pilgrim Morris

Outside the world of performance, he served (briefly) in the army, worked at Lloyds Bank, for Grundig in Germany and at the Florilegium Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. In 2006 he be- Friday 26th January 2018 came international programmes manager at Robert Gordon Uni- 7.30-9.30pm versity, Aberdeen, where he also sang as a lay-clerk at St Andrew’s The complete Cathedral. He later occupied a Brandenburg Concertos similar role at Bournemouth Uni- versity. In 2012 he became the Florilegium are delighted to British representative of present the only London per- Breitkopf & Härtel, the German formance of the complete music publisher, liaising on the Brandenburg Concertos by company’s behalf with British Bach in London at St George’s music stores and promoters, han- Hanover Square Church on Fri- dling remittances and represent- day 26 January 2018 as part of ing them at conferences. their tour of these great works. Rarely performed in Throughout this time he main- their entirety, Bach’s Six tained his singing career. A brain Brandenburg Concertos are tumour was discovered in 2016 presented in reverse order as but he continued to sing. On one they appear on Florilegium’s occasion, only days after brain award-winning CD recording. surgery, he took part in a concert Calling for different combina- at Westminster Cathedral wearing tions of soloists in each of the a black biretta over his wound six virtuosic concertos, this t is with great sadness that we and squinting through the corner th concert showcases Florilegium record the death on 13 July of his eye to read the music. and its members who are all 2017 at the age of 50 of Giles extraordinary soloists in their I Pilgrim Morris, sometime mem- Giles’s funeral took place at St own right. ber of the choirs of both St George’s James’s, Sussex Gardens – a High and the Grosvenor Chapel. Mass of Requiem – at which a Pre-concert talk with Ashley choir of more than 60 of his col- Solomon at 18.45, free for Giles was born in Ealing in August leagues sang him to his rest to ticket-holders. 1966, the youngest of three chil- the strains of Frank Martin’s dren. His father had been a colonial splendid Mass for Double Choir, Signed copies of Florilegium’s officer in Northern Rhodesia and at Messiaen’s O Sacrum Convivium Brandenburg Concertos will be the time of Giles’s birth was work- and Balfour Gardiner’s Evening available for sale at the con- ing for the Hong Kong government. Hymn. cert. The family moved to Hong King when Giles was just 19 days old. His Founded in 1991, Florilegium mother, a music teacher and jour- has an enviable reputation as nalist, sang in the Hong Kong Bach one of Britain's outstanding Choir and young Giles studied at the period instrument ensembles German Swiss International School, with a reputation for stylish & where he started playing the violin. exciting interpretations from chamber to larger-scale choral Returning to Britain, it was at the & orchestral works. They have suggestion of Roger Lawrence, di- travelled and performed ex- rector of music at Felsted School, tensively all over the Essex which he attended, that Giles world. With an enviable array began singing countertenor at the of critical acclaim and a stun- age of 16. He started singing profes- ning selection of recordings sionally while studying history at with Channel Classics Records, Westfield College, University of Lon- Florilegium rightfully claims don. its position at the forefront of baroque performers in the UK. His first professional engagement was at Grosvenor Chapel in January For tickets follow: 1985 and soon he was a Gentleman www.eventbrite.co,uk/ of the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court florilegium-the-complete- Palace. Other choirs in which over brandenburg-concertos-tickets the years he sang included those of -38109821502 St George’s, Hanover Square, St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, the Wren Chapel at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks.

12 St George’s Hanover Square Primary School

Mrs Judith Standing, for pupils aged 4-11 years and are are currently looking for volun- Headteacher of St an inclusive school meaning we teers from the local church com- welcome pupils from all back- munity to help support our George’s Hanover Square grounds and beliefs, as well as ‘prayer spaces for schools’ pro- Primary School writes: those of all abilities. We cater for ject. This project is being sup- up to 210 pupils. We are a ‘good’ ported by Archdeacon Luke Mil- o you know anything school according to Ofsted and an ler who is also the Chair of the about St George’s School? ‘outstanding’ church school ac- London Diocese Board of Schools St George’s School has cording to our recent SIAMS in- - he is eager to see relationships D very close links with both spection. between churches and schools St George’s Church and the flourish. We have just begun Our school values are at the heart Grosvenor Chapel. The Rector and working with the project and are of all we do. Each half term we Father Richard lead services for now looking for people who have a new value that we explore us every week throughout the could volunteer maybe an hour and the half term will culminate year. Some of our special services or more of their time twice a on a Values day where we invite take place at St George’s Church year to support with this. If you parents into school to work with and we will often bring children would like more information their children. This will be fol- to the churches at various other please speak to Roddy or Sarah lowed by either a service at the times throughout the year. Our or email me at Chapel or a Collective Worship in governors also represent St [email protected] We school. George’s Church, with Sarah Jack- would love to have your support. son-Stevens currently our Chair of Although we have very good links If you haven’t visited our school Governors. with the church we would love to yet and would like to, please develop this further. We are al- St George’s School is the only contact me on the above email ways looking for volunteers to help state school in Mayfair. We cater and I would love to arrange a with a number of activities. We visit for you. 13 Handel’s Messiah

Thursday 7th December 2017

7.00pm

St George's Hanover Square

ARIANNA VENDITTELLI soprano (Finalist in 2017 Handel Singing Competition) MARCJANNA MYRLAK mezzo-soprano (Winner of 2017 Handel Singing Competition) WILLIAM WALLACE tenor (Winner of the 2016 Handel Singing Competition) JAMES NEWBY baritone LONDON HANDEL ORCHESTRA (leader ADRIAN BUTTERFIELD) CHOIR OF ST GEORGE’S HANOVER SQUARE SIMON WILLIAMS conductor

Please join us for our annual performance of Messiah, a fixture in the Christmas season. This is one of the best loved and most famous works in the baroque music repertoire, and has an enduring popularity with audiences today. From the intimacy of the Pastoral Symphony to the rousing ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, the piece has great dra- matic contrasts and a direct emotional engagement with the listener. It is astonishing that Handel wrote the orig- inal version in less than a month.

The performance will take place at St George’s, Hanover Square where Handel worshipped and near where he lived. Simon Williams will conduct the choir of St George’s and the London Handel Orchestra, led by Adrian But- terfield. We are delighted that our four soloists include three finalists from the 2016 and 2017 Handel Singing Competition, including two outright winners.

Tickets for this event usually sell out quickly, so we urge you to book as soon as possible.

BOOKING INFORMATION

TICKET PRICES: Back side aisles (restricted view) Front nave A-E £45 right D-N £15 Mid nave F-J £40 left C-K £15 Back nave K-M £35 Front row gallery £35 Side nave (restricted view) £15 Front row gallery Front side aisles - right A-C £30 (restricted view) £15 left A-B £30 Rear gallery (no view) £10

To book online go to booking.london-handel-festival.com

Telephone booking: 01460 54660

For any queries please email Latasha Lamb - [email protected] or Samir Savant - [email protected]

2018 London Handel Festival Saturday 17th March—Monday 16th April

The 2018 London Handel Festival takes “Handel in London” as its theme and will explore not only the composer’s broad and varied musical output but also his wider entrepreneurial and philanthropic life in Georgian society. Performances will range from semi-staged opera and grand oratorio to more intimate chamber music concerts. For details see london-handel-festival.com

14 Hyde Park Place Estate Charity

CIVIL TRUSTEES

At their meeting on 27th September 2017, the Civil Trustees of the Hyde Park Place Estate Charity awarded grants totalling £52,674 to the follow- ing organisations working in the City of Westminster:

St Vincent’s Family Project Open Age Paul’s Cancer Support Centre The Connection at St Martin-in-the-fields London Music Masters University of Westminster – Matinee Classics West London Mission – WLM Seymour Place Revitalise Respite Holidays Groundswell Woman’s Trust Motor Neurone Disease Association St George’s School St George’s Hanover Square - Refreshment Coupon Scheme

The next meeting of the Civil Trustees will be on Wednesday 29th November 2017 (application deadline: Monday 13th November). A further meeting will be held on Wednesday 7th March 2018 (application deadline: Monday 19th February).

ECCLESIASTICAL TRUSTEES

The next meeting of the Ecclesiastical Trustees will be held on Sunday 26th November 2017 (application deadline: Monday 13th November).

Shirley Vaughan Clerk to the Trustees

PARISH OF ST GEORGE, HANOVER SQUARE Charity No: 1134811

St George’s Church The Vestry, 2A Mill Street, London W1S 1FX Tel: 020 7629 0874 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.stgeorgeshanoversquare.org

St George’s Hanover Square Foundation Charity No 1120505 Email: [email protected]

Hyde Park Place Estate Charity Charity No 212439 Email: [email protected]

Grosvenor Chapel 24 South Audley Street, London W1K 2PA Tel: 020 7499 1684 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.grosvenorchapel.org.uk