A choir of over 40 choristers sang Choral Evensong this evening. The choristers came from St Thomas' Choir and a visiting choir from All Saint's, West Dulwich. This is the fourth time that the two choirs have joined together and the third time they have sung together at St Thomas'. The connection is the music directors who are brothers. Martin has been organist and choir master for 10 years at St. Thomas' and Timothy has been director of music at West Dulwich for nearly 20 years.
A good sized congregation listened to Balfour Gardiner's Evening Hymn, Noble in B minor, the Smith responses and Vaughan William's setting of the old 100th. The service was led by Billy Howard (Lay reader at St. Thomas) and David Stevenson, Vicar of West Dulwich assisted. During the sermon Billy gave us a clearer understanding of the set readings and connected them with the two choirs.

The choir was given a beautiful tea, thanks to Elizabeth Thorn and the social commitee, in between practice and service. The two choirs are making good friendships and hope to repeat the exercise very soon at West Dulwich.

On Sunday September 7th we will be welcoming the return of the choir of All Saints, West Dulwich to participate in Choral Evensong. This is their third visit to us and both choirs are becoming firm friends - St. Thomas' choir visited them last year.

The All Saint's Choir is conducted by their director of music Timothy Penrose, brother of Martin.

Music will be announce nearer the time - so watch this space or keep an eye out for information on the weekly news sheet.

Family Time is now established as a regular feature of worship provision at St Thomas’s every Sunday from 9.30 to 10.45am. Breakfast is a main feature with the beguiling smell of warm toast welcoming everyone on arrival.

Worship is planned in series. For example, a three week Epiphany series, leading to a three week Families series and on into a six week build up to Easter. Those six weeks will explore the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, including Mothering Sunday. We will then move on to Palm Sunday and the Passion until we arrive at the glory of Easter Sunday, when a party is planned. For the whole series and beyond please see the notice boards.

Another important feature of Family Time is Sacred Space, where reflective and meditative prayer stations are available for quiet thought and prayer, for adults, for children or for whole families.

The rest of the time is taken up with songs (lots!), prayer, Bible study and discussion. Toddlers have their own space enabling parents to join in whilst being with their children. Older children have supported activities appropriate to their age. Parents are invited to work with their children if they want to.

The Team is committed to being there every Sunday without fail. We don’t want to let any potential newcomers down by changing times, venues or anything else. So if you know of anyone who searching for faith but can’t find it through traditional church, let them know where we are. Or come give us a try yourself – you never know; you might love it!

The warmth and prayerfulness of Family Time, in the midst of its informal and relaxed setting is palpable and we thank God for His presence and guidance.

Sue Lee