Subject: News from the University Church

 

Knit my heart...

by Dr Sarah Mortimer

The psalms are full of wonderful and rather mysterious phrases.  One that sticks in my mind is from Psalm 86: after asking God to teach us his ways, the psalmist exclaims ‘knit my heart to you’.  It is not an image I find easy to visualise, perhaps because my clumsy fingers never really managed to knit very well.  Yet the phrase suggests an intimacy and closeness that deepens and intensifies, without ever quite engulfing or overwhelming us.  Indeed, the plea that our human hearts might truly be knitted into the divine is one of those requests so bold that we catch our breath as we hear and recite it.  And yet perhaps that is part of its power, as the verse challenges and stretches our hearts to bring them closer to God and the divine. 

 

So often, it seems, the language of the psalms is surprising, disrupting our usual patterns of thought and reorientating our vision.  Sometimes it's the beauty of the poetry, or the intensity of the psalmist’s expression, that might catch our eye; sometimes it’s just the way the words of the psalms startle and intrigue us, like the striking image of ‘one day pouring out its song to another’ (19.2).  For me they challenge my instinct for clarity and concision, reminding me that words are so much more than vehicles for information, but invitations too to ‘lift up my soul’ (143.8).  For above all the psalms offer to us the love of God, and draw us towards God's light. 

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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.


Commit to taking a daily 20 minute walk Appreciate nature, observe the changing seasons, as Spring approaches, listen to bird song. 

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

Notices

 

CHORAL EVENSONG – 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Join us for a Choral Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer. The service draws on the Christian Scriptures and the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline; it offers a simple, elegant framework for reflection and prayer including repertoire by Heinrich Isaac, William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes and William Mundy.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES - 1PM THURSDAYS

The next in our lunchtime recital series will take place on Thursday as we welcome pianist Tiffany Qui, including works by Elliot Teo and Chopin.


QUIET CREATIVTY MORNING – 10AM-1PM SATURDAY 18 FEB

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.


TURKEY & SYRIA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL – NEXT SUNDAY 19 FEB

Next Sunday there will be a retiring cash collection to support aid efforts in reaching those affected by the devastating earthquake on the Turkey and Syria border. You can also donate online at: www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/current-emergencies/turkey-and-syria-earthquake-appeal


SUNDAY FORUM – 12NOON, NEXT SUNDAY 19 FEB

Professor Andrew Martin, Professor of Systems Security at Oxford University, leads us in an exploration of privacy and surveillance, asking what it means for how we relate to one another in the community.


VOLUNTEER MEETING – 4.30PM, TUESDAY 21 FEB

Everyone is welcome to Brian Lowe's talk on the bells at St Mary's on Tue 21 Feb in the Old Library. The talk is part of our volunteer meeting, which starts with coffee and cake and is open to everyone, volunteer or not!


BOOK LAUNCH – 6PM, TUESDAY 21 FEB

Sign up on the website to join the launch of an exciting new book:

‘Why We Sing’ by Julia Hollander. Julia is a song therapist, teacher, performer and member of the University Church Choir. Register to attend here.


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.


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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