Subject: Holy Week & Easter at the University Church

Walk with Christ this Holy Week


by the Revd Hannah Cartwright 


For those of us who have been in the Church of England a long time, the encouragement to 'walk with Christ' through Holy Week and Easter becomes a shorthand for joining a journey which, if we let it, will take us through the breadth and depth of human experience and of God's grace; in order that we may find in it, life beyond what we could ever imagine.


On this journey, we find many things which are familiar to us; a meal with friends, betrayal and regret, grief at losing a loved one, a walk in the garden.


But we also find things which are perhaps strange to those of us who have grown up with the privilege of safety and security for most of our lives: the injustice of an unfair trial; being held captive and ultimately killed for an alleged infraction against a powerful political body.


It can be hard to know how to truly 'walk with Christ' in such unfamiliar territory.


But there are children and adults in this world who are living these devastating realities every day, through war and famine and unsafe homes. They are Alma, and Aleksander, and Ester. They are thousands of unknown and unnamed children who appear on our screens and who we so easily scroll by, just like the countless crowds who walked past a dying man on a cross in the Holy Land two millennia ago.


Christ does not pass by.


Christ is our hope and salvation, not because he escaped the trials of life, because he has walked our pain and can truly bring life beyond it. If we choose to walk with Christ this week, then we cannot help but meet Christ in the face of his children and be moved to walk with them in their need too.



HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Journey with Christians across the world as we recall the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, known as ‘Holy Week’, and travel through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to the joy of Easter Day. We are delighted that the Revd Dr Katherine Sonderegger, Author and Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary, will be our preacher this week.


https://www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk/content/holy-week-easter

Eco Hints for March


Celebrate Spring. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season – breathe in the fragrance of blossoms, observe budding catkins, note different bird songs, spot footprints, or use the PlantNet app to identify spring flowers. Nature can boost our happiness, so spend time in your garden, on your balcony, and in local green spaces.

Dedicate quality time to appreciate creation’s beauty, and thank God for the hope that spring can bring with our Lent resources at arocha.org.uk/connect-with-gods-creation-overlent/

Notices


CHURCH CLEANING - 10AM, SATURDAY 30 MARCH

On Holy Saturday, we will be busy preparing the church for Easter Day. If you can lend half an hour or more to help make sure the church is looking at its best ready for Easter, please do drop in. Liturgical rehearsal for Easter Day at 11am.


VACANCY: CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS CHAPLAIN

Could you help the University Church to develop and grow our ministry among children, families, and schools? This is a fixed term post for two years, 16 hours per week. Applications close at 5.00pm on Monday 15th April. For further details visit the website or email: hannah.cartwright@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – 12PM, 28 APRIL

The APCM is an opportunity for all who are on the electoral roll to reflect on the past year of life at St Mary’s and to vote on important matters and appointments for the year ahead, including the election of church officers such as wardens and PCC members. It will take place after the service on 28th April and all who are on the electoral roll are warmly encouraged to attend.


EXPLORE EASTER – 2PM, TUE 9 APRIL

This Easter, we invite children and adults of all ages not just to hear the story of Easter but to become a part of it and to join us from 2.00pm -3.30pm on 9th April as we creatively explore it together through words, prayer, craft, and play.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES: 1.00PM THURSDAYS

Our Thursday lunchtime concert series continues, featuring students from the Royal Academy of Music. These recitals are free and open to all.


SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY   
If you would like to support the ministry of the University Church, you may wish to make a cash donation at the offertory or via the contactless card machine by the High Street entrance. You can also make a donation online (please use the QR code) through the Parish Giving Scheme or by sending a text: Text "SMV X" to 70085 to donate £X. E.g.: "SMV 5" to 70085 will donate £5.00. Texts cost £X plus one standard rate message. Thank you!

St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ, Oxford, United Kingdom

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