Subject: News from the University Church

 

Abseil


by Tess Blenkinsop


The American minister Theodore l. Cuyler wrote:

‘When a miner looks at a rope that is to lower him into a deep mine, he may coolly say

“I have faith in that rope as well made and strong” But when he lays hold of it and swings down by it into a tremendous chasm, then he is believing in the rope. Then he is trusting himself to the rope. It is not a mere opinion – it is an act. The miner lets go of everything else and bears his whole weight on those well braided strands of hemp, now that is faith.’

 

Last Saturday I faced two phobias as I prepared to abseil down the face of St. Mary Magdalen’s tower. One was in the ascent, the other in the descent. Confined spaces make my heart race in panic. As my fellow adventurers and I wound up the tightly spiralling staircase I had to concentrate on listening to the conversation ahead of me to combat the claustrophobia. The tactic worked and soon we emerged onto the sunlit roof. Here the second challenge awaited. It was wonderful to see the panorama of Oxford and beyond but peering over the parapet the view of the ground below swam before me as vertigo loomed. The soles of my feet tingled with dread.

 

We were clipped onto a safety rope as careful instructions were issued. The clarity and patience with which they were delivered helped to quell the mounting nerves. I felt ready to reach my legs over the edge of the tower and then turn onto my tummy to face the instructor. His quiet guidance enabled me to lean out over Magdalen Street and bounce down the golden stone, letting the rope slide through my hand. I had no fear and felt completely calm as the ground came up to meet me.

 

I realized that all my trepidation had melted away with the three reassurances given to me. I had listened intently while mounting the stairs, dispelling my unease. I had been given clear directions, inspiring confidence and trust. I had placed my faith in the strength of the rope and the experience of the instructor.

 

Fear is a powerful obstacle which can inhibit both our physical and our spiritual lives. We can defy anxiety if we listen to God, then we hear. If we hear God, then we trust. If we trust, faith in God comes easily.

 

(Thank you to those who sponsored me. I think the money raised will be in the region of £600.00 for the DEC in Pakistan.)

OXFORD HALF MARATHON: 16th OCTOBER

Please be aware that there will be road closures affecting access to the University Church on 16th October due to the Oxford Half Marathon. Please leave additional time to travel or to walk from your relocated bus stops. You can check the route on this map.

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Notices


QUIET CREATIVITY

TOMORROW, SAT 15 OCTOBER, 10AM-1PM, OLD LIBRARY

Join us for a morning of quiet companionship and bring a project, a book or just enjoy the refreshments. All are very welcome to come to all or part of the morning.


PARISH FORUM: 12PM SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER

What happens to the way we relate to creation if we see the Resurrection as an ecological event, the re-vivifying of a body which is interdependent on other bodies? How do our interactions with other living things participate in the renewal of the world? And how is the greening of God revealed in the greening of our gardens? Join us in the Old Library for the first in our Sunday Forum series with The Revd Lyndon Webb, Associate Chaplain of Merton College, speaking on 'Gardening after the Resurrection'.


POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 19 OCTOBER, OLD LIBRARY

The first in the new term of Poetry Hour gatherings starts this Wednesday. Poetry Hour is a forum for a diverse group of poets who have been reading and writing poetry together since 2015 in a relaxed and supportive environment.


BIBLE STUDY: 12:45PM THURSDAYS

The Psalms are a treasury of poetry at the heart of the Hebrew Bible and the spiritual life of the Christian Church. From the writings of St Augustine of Hippo, it is clear that his theological imagination was fed by the Psalms of David. In this series of Bible Studies, we are exploring the Psalms with the help of the expositions of St Augustine.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES: 1PM THURSDAYS

The next in our new Thursday lunchtime recital series will take place on 20th October as we welcome Aidan Mikdad, a student at the Royal Academy of Music. His programme will feature works by Schumann and Scriabin.


LECTURE: HUMAN FLOURISHING: 7.30PM 22ND OCTOBER

Why are we here? What makes for a good life? Join Kathy Sykes, presenter of BBC hit Rough Science, and Andrew Briggs, Oxford University Professor of Nanomaterials and author of Human Flourishing to question the role of technology and the nature of truth in our world. Tickets available at: https://if­ oxford.corn/event/human- flourishing/


COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS: 11.15AM WEDNESDAYS until 7 December

During Michaelmas Term we are offering Coffee and Doughnuts on Wednesday mornings in the De Brome Chapel as a way of extending our ministry of hospitality during the week and reaching out to our wider community. Do come and invite others for this weekly informal chance to drop in and chat.


SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

The Diocese of Oxford has joined Citizens UK in providing a safer, more streamlined system designed to provide support for those undertaking the sponsorship process for supporting Ukrainian Refugees. For more information on hosting or supporting refugees visit: www.oxford.anglican.org/everyday-faith/becoming-a-christian/how-to/make-a-difference-in-ukraine.php


NEW TO ST MARY’S? If you are new to St Mary’s and have started coming to services in the last six months or so, we may not have your contact details. If you would like to find out more about what is going on at the University Church, please email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk with your name, address and telephone number and ask for your name to be added to the Parish Directory. This directory is used only by parish staff but it enables us to get in touch with you as the need arises.

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

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