Thought for the day

Andrew Marvell's Bermudas read by Richard Wallace

Bermudas

BY ANDREW MARVELL

Where the remote Bermudas ride

In th’ ocean’s bosom unespy’d,

From a small boat, that row’d along,

The list’ning winds receiv’d this song.

What should we do but sing his praise

That led us through the wat’ry maze

Unto an isle so long unknown,

And yet far kinder than our own?

Where he the huge sea-monsters wracks,

That lift the deep upon their backs,

He lands us on a grassy stage,

Safe from the storm’s and prelates’ rage.

He gave us this eternal spring

Which here enamels everything,

And sends the fowls to us in care,

On daily visits through the air.

He hangs in shades the orange bright,

Like golden lamps in a green night;

And does in the pomegranates close

Jewels more rich than Ormus shows.

He makes the figs our mouths to meet

And throws the melons at our feet,

But apples plants of such a price,

No tree could ever bear them twice.

With cedars, chosen by his hand,

From Lebanon, he stores the land,

And makes the hollow seas that roar

Proclaim the ambergris on shore.

He cast (of which we rather boast)

The Gospel’s pearl upon our coast,

And in these rocks for us did frame

A temple, where to sound his name.

Oh let our voice his praise exalt,

Till it arrive at heaven’s vault;

Which thence (perhaps) rebounding, may

Echo beyond the Mexic Bay.

Thus sung they in the English boat

An holy and a cheerful note,

And all the way, to guide their chime,

With falling oars they kept the time.

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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