Gillian Reynolds writes:

We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of London, the Rt. Revd. Richard Chartres, to officiate at Choral Communion on Sunday, 20th February.  At the Bishop's request the Book of Common Prayer service was followed.  Assisted by the Revd Canon Dr James Rosenthal, he also baptised James Juan Pierson Hamilton at the font, supported by a large and loving company of relatives, friends and supporters. 

He preached a passionate sermon, inspired by the appointed Epistle reading for the day, Septuagesima Sunday, (1 Corinthians 9.24 ) in which, as he reminded the congregation, St. Paul would have had in mind the recent games at Corinth 49 AD.  The Bishop urged us to look forward, not back, to make new beginnings and go on in faith and the Spirit.  At the end there was a small outburst of spontaneous applause.  The Bishop smiled, picked up his mitre and said that the next time he came back to St. Matthew's he hoped there would be more.  The response was immediate.  The applause was loud, long and heartfelt.   

Canon Jim took a moment to salute John Ong, a former member of the congregation and donor of our Hymn Books, who is now once more resident in the USA.  On his next-to-last day in the UK he had come back again, just to sing in the Choir.  On his arrival he learned that the replacement organist (Gary Eyre being on Half Term holiday) had not arrived.  Within moments he was installed in the organ loft and played throughout to the delight of all.  

This memorable service had a final element of the unexpected when the Bishop, on behalf of us all, saluted Arthur Morren on his 95th birthday and led the whole congregation in singing Happy Birthday To You.  Birthday cake for all had been (secretly) provided by Wendy's daughter Elaine and was much enjoyed at refreshments after the service.  The Parish gave Arthur a fine bottle of port together with the very best wishes of us all for his and Wendy's continuing health and presence at St. Matthew's.    

To read the Bishop's Sermon in full, please download the PDF Transcript.