Thought for the day

George Herbert's Sighs and Grones read by Richard Wallace

Sighs and Groans

by George Herbert

O do not use me

After my sins! look not on my desert,

But on thy glory! then thou wilt reform

And not refuse me: for thou only art

The mighty God, but I a silly worm;

O do not bruise me!

O do not urge me!

For what account can thy ill steward make?

I have abused thy stock, destroyed thy woods,

Sucked all thy magazines: my head did ache,

Till it found out how to consume thy goods:

O do not scourge me!

O do not blind me!

I have deserved that an Egyptian night

Should thicken all my powers; because my lust

Hath still sewed fig-leaves to exclude thy light:

But I am frailty, and already dust;

O do not grind me!

O do not fill me

With the turned vial of thy bitter wrath!

For thou hast other vessels full of blood,

A part whereof my Saviour emptied hath,

Ev'n unto death: since he died for my good,

O do not kill me!

But O reprieve me!

For thou hast life and death at thy command;

Thou art both Judge and Saviour, feast and rod ,

Cordial and Corrosive : put not thy hand

Into the bitter box; but O my God,

My God, relieve me!

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Staff Update: Rebecca Horry, Commercial Manager

By rebecca.horry • March 13, 2026

As the new season begins, it feels full of potential as new life appears around us and the days grow longer. Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it feels like a particularly special time in the life of our church. I’m delighted that our building will be hosting several events that explore the story and meaning of Easter in different ways. One highlight will be hosting Riding Lights Theatre Company presenting Night Falls, a new Passion play by Paul Birch, offering a powerful retelling of the Easter story. We hope it will be meaningful for both members of our congregation and visitors who join us. We are also looking forward to a screening from the Exhibition on Screen series exploring Easter in Art, reflecting on how artists across the centuries have interpreted the Passion and Resurrection. Our church shop continues to welcome visitors and regulars alike. Alongside cards, books, and gifts, I’m pleased to share that we have recently brought a new book supplier on board, helping us widen our range of titles for both children and adults exploring faith and the heritage of the church. I’ve also been delighted to help recruit several new volunteers to help run church tours, and we hope this will allow us to expand our tour offer and share the story of the church with even more visitors. If you see them in the church please help welcome them to the team. Behind the scenes, we continue working to welcome concerts and other events into the church. Our beautiful space lends itself wonderfully to music, and these events not only bring people together but also help support the care and future of the building. Over the coming months, we look forward to hosting a range of concerts and cultural events, welcoming audiences from across the local area and beyond. If you know of choirs, ensembles, or promoters looking for a distinctive venue, please do point them in our direction. Thank you to everyone who supports these activities by volunteering, attending events, shopping in the shop, or spreading the word. Recca Horry , Commercial Manager 13.03.2026