Both are "offices", i.e. services that are part of a daily pattern of worship, based upon the regular round of worship of the monastic communities of medieval times. With the advent of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer (and subsequent revisions - especially that of 1662 Book of Common Prayer), Matins was formed from elements of the first three monastic offices of the day (Matins, Lauds and Prime) and Evensong from the last two (Vespers and Compline).

Matins incorporates one biblical song or "canticle" from each of its component services;

• Venite - Psalm 95;
• Te Deum - a 4th Century Praise Song;
• Benedictus - Zechariah's Praise song at the birth of John the Baptist

and is centralised around bible readings.

Evensong incorporates one canticle from each of Vespers and Compline - gaining the Magnificat (Mary's outburst of joy at hearing the angel's news that she would be the mother of Jesus) and the Nunc Dimittis (Simeon's song of fulfillment that he has seen the infant Jesus - and recognised him to be the Son of God). Like Matins, it is based around bible readings - chosen from a yearly scheme of readings (Lectionary). Both services also include readings from the Psalms (the "hymn-book" of the Old Testament) - and the Book of Common Prayer has a scheme where all 150 Psalms are read each month if the services are said each day.

At St Nicolas, the services are sung - mostly to Anglican chant ("modernised" plainchant.....modernised in the 17th century!), with hymns or songs for everyone to sing, a sermon/talk, a choir anthem and the still central bible readings. Both services are fairly quiet and formal, with time for reflection.

Matins happens on the second Sunday of most months, at 11.45 am

Evensong is held on the first or last Sunday of each month at 6.00 pm .