The tradition of Compline dates back to at least the 6th century. It is a contemplative liturgy, and is a way to conclude the waking day and seek God’s protection through the night. We are holding a weekly service of Compline in St Thomas’ on Wednesday at 7:30pm, with refreshments beforehand.
The Church Cantatas of J.S. Bach are numbered among the most important church music of all time. They were composed to correspond with the Sundays of the church year, and each one is a compact masterpiece of choral writing, consisting of about 20 minutes of music for soloists and choir. The Belfast Bach Consort is … Continue reading Bach Cantatas at St Thomas’
Another poem by one of our parishoners… The Birch The birch is still and quiet now it hangs its fan-like boughs as if it had not pleaded with wind like a girl’s wildly tangled hair to set her free or let her die. Bent last night almost to the ground it’s up again. Dewdrops glow on … Continue reading The Birch
I thought you might like to read this wonderful poem by one of our parishioners: Autumn In this damp corner, where Nasturtiums star the hedge And unseen cobwebs stretch, Autumn’s already here; While on the silver birch The catkins’ shrivelled rust Falls at the slightest touch. I crumble one to dust To hold the winter … Continue reading Autumn
Reopening for Church Services in St Thomas’ from Sunday 19th July 2020 at 10.30 a.m. and Advice from the NI Executive As we reopen for Sunday morning worship in St Thomas’ we will be following advice and guidance from The Executive Office, Stormont, issued on 26 June 2020. This advice is at the bottom of … Continue reading 2020: Reopening after COVID
Genesis 1.1–2.4a The Creation of the World In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. … Continue reading Trinity Sunday – 7th June 2020
This time of year has a restless energy and power about it, spring brings warmer days and signs of new life. It brings growth and colourful life. There is an anticipation and a looking forward to what lies ahead as we leave behind the darkness and cold days that are the preparation of winter. The … Continue reading The Rector Writes
It is very hard to overstate the complexity of our world and yet in the Autumn weeks ahead, in our worship, we face this complexity in such sharply contrasting ways, firstly with Harvest Sunday and then with Remembrance Sunday. On the 11th of October, at our Harvest celebration in St Thomas’ we will gather in … Continue reading The Rector Writes
