Subject: News from the University Church

 

A time to...

by Patricia O'Neill

To every thing there is a season

And a time to every purpose under heaven

Ecclesiates 3:1


I’ve always liked the liminal, the places or times that are not quite one thing or another.  Dusk, as the light of the day lingers while darkness gathers, the seashore where water and land exchange places, graveyards, where the living and the dead coexist. As a northern European my inner world is mediated through seasonality, although the four seasons are, in reality, characterised by many in-between stages. At this point in the year, while so much around us still speaks of winter, we can easily discern spring. In the cold air we can pause and feel the warmth of the sun; from the bare branches the catkins hang, dangling in expectation of pollination; from the barely waking earth the aconites glow, their golden flowers surrounded by their green ruffs, which, as Sister John Bosco explained to me, was the reason they were once called ‘choirboys’. 


This season, in its midway point between the deep sleep of winter and the reemergence of growth, seems to me such a strong metaphor for our earthly existence, as we seek to grow into the full light of God’s creation. Our lives are so full of ambiguity: wisdom and folly, innocence and culpability, kindness and coldness. We exist in the in-betweenness of all that makes us human.  Our time on earth is in-between our time in God’s existence, but our lives are a reality in God’s love.  Life can be hidden in a simulacrum of death, but it is there, beating steadily. Just as the ground around us is pregnant with new life and the spirit pervades everywhere, I believe that life is never lost, gone, disregarded, unfulfilled.  It is there in the spaces in-between where we so often fail to see it, but where God is present and binds up all into one. 

youtube
twitter
facebook

Eco- Hints of the Week

Traditionally, it’s the time for New Year resolutions, are you thinking of any? During 2023, the Green Team at SMV will be encouraging the whole church participation in taking actions towards protecting the Earth. Each week in epistle, we will provide one nudge to help us all live more lightly.


Limit the purchase of new clothing to three items a year The clothing and textiles industry now accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than international aviation and shipping combined.

Click the image to see what's on for Hilary term.

Notices


COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS - 11.15AM WEDNESDAYS

During Hilary 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.


POETRY NOTICE 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, OLD LIBRARY

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. This term we are reading and responding to John Donne's poem and this week we will be reading The Good Morrow.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES - 1PM THURSDAYS

The next in our Thursday lunchtime recital series will take place on Thursday 2 February as we welcome Jiali Wang, a student at the Royal Academy of Music. Her repertoire includes Bach, Ravel and Chopin.


BOOK CLUB - 5.30PM THURSDAYS - CHEQUERS PUB

In Hilary Term, we shall be reading stories by the German writer Theodor Storm (1817- 1888), in translations by Dr. Ray Ockenden, Emeritus Fellow, Wadham College, who will join us for each session.


BIBLE STUDY – 12.45PM FRIDAYS

This term, we will be studying the Book of Ruth. This is a book which provokes and challenges us to respond more creatively to pressing current issues about borders and belonging. Our reading of the text will be guided by the recent commentary, Borders & Belonging, The Book of Ruth: A Story for our Times by Padraig O’Tuama and Glenn Jordan.


QUIET CREATIVTY MORNING, SAT 18 FEB, 10am, OLD LIBRARY

Our second creative morning of 2023 will take place in the Old Library on Saturday 18 January from 10am – 1pm. Bring your own creative project and enjoy snacks, tea & coffee in the original University library. 


BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION CLASSES

If you are considering taking the next step in faith and would like to be baptised or confirmed at Pentecost (28th May), it would be wonderful to hear from you. Please be in touch with Hannah for an informal chat and put the following dates of baptism and confirmation preparation classes in your diary, all 5.30-6.30pm: 21 March, 28 March, 18 April, 25 April, 9 May, 16 May. On 23 May will be a rehearsal. To make it as accessible as possible we will be taking a hybrid approach with some sessions in the Old Library and some on zoom.


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

You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Powered by:
GetResponse

    This is an online snapshot of a newsletter created by the owner of universitychurch (University Church of St Mary, St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ Oxford, United Kingdom) and sent via GetResponse on 2023-02-03. Report abuse