It is with much sorrow that we announce the death after a short final illness of Fr David Paton, Rector of St Botolph’s from 1997 to 2006. He died on Saturday 14 December, and his funeral will take place near his home in France on Wednesday 18 December. The date and time of a London service to give thanks for his life and his long ministry in East End and City of London churches will be announced in due course. May he rest

Alms given and collections taken during Advent and at Carol Services are divided between the church’s chosen charities, which this year are:

As we start the new Christian year, we will be reflecting during Advent and beyond on the meaning of “Christ without”. Drawing on our own identity of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate, outside Bishopsgate, we will explore in our services, prayer and exposition of scripture the meaning of Christ the outsider. We will examine what it means to be the outsider today. We will look at how we can identify those excluded today and how we might bring them comfort and strength in

This year All Souls' Day, when we remember those who are no longer with us, falls on Saturday, so we will anticipate the commemoration this Friday, 1 November. Our service of Choral Requiem will begin at 1.10 pm and the Choir will sing movements of the beautiful Requiem Mass by Anerio. All are welcome to come to the service and to light a candle in memory of anyone dear to them who has died. The celebrant will read out a

St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate is holding a pet blessing service 1.10pm on Friday 4 October, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. All pets and their owners are very welcome to come along to enjoy some excellent music from St Botolph’s choir, and be blessed individually during the service. Fr David and all at St Botolph’s, including Freddie the church dog, look forward to greeting you.