Subject: News from the University Church

 

Listen and incline the ear of your heart


by the Revd Canon Dr Charlotte Bannister-Parker

As we approach Ash Wednesday, one of the prayers in our liturgy reminds us that we are dust and to dust we shall return:

 

“Blessed are you, God of all creation .

You are eternal, we are mortal,

formed from the dust of the earth.

As we receive these ashes , make then a sign for us

of repentance and returning to you.

Breath into us again the breath of Life.

Blessed be God forever” 

 

It is apt that the primary artist of our recent Ukrainian ‘icons on ammunition boxes’ exhibition, Oleksander Klimenko, mixed ash that he dug out of Ukraine bomb craters into his paint. The beautiful but arresting images of Jesus, St Mary and the Saints, painted on pieces of crates that once held deadly weapons, are poignant reminders of the ongoing Ukraine tragedy, and our own mortality, but also of the redeeming power of love and faith. The icons exhibition moved this week to St John’s church Notting Hill. British-Ukrainian Aid are deeply grateful to all at SMV who helped raise over £13,000 for frontline medical equipment. Jesus said, ‘[B]lessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.’ Matthew 13/16 (RSV). Thank you to everybody who made the SMV exhibition a success, especially to Ana-Maria and the Office team, all the Shop staff, and to everyone who attended and brought visitors.


Read the whole editorial here.

PARISH LUNCH NOTICE - SUNDAY 5 MARCH

We will have our second Parish lunch of the term on 5 March. If you can contribute to the arrangements, with a dish or cleanup, please get in touch with Katie Hicks or write to admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk.

Livestreamed Services

at the University Church

We livestream our 10.30am Sung Eucharist every Sunday.

Please follow the links below for our social media channels.


If you have any feedback or questions about our livestreamed services,

please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

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.


Make your voice heard write to your MP or local councillor and ask them what they are doing about an environmental topic that interests you - it could be to do with more sustainable transport systems, better cycle tracks, cheaper buses, or it could be about the water quality of the Thames or the spraying of our streets with glyphosate. Whatever engages you, let your MP know! This is the most influential thing we can do to shift the system!

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

Notices


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 – THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday after the 10.30am service, 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-andsyria-earthquake-appeal


SUNDAY FORUM –12NOON THIS SUNDAY, OLD LIBRARY

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.


CHORAL EVENSONG – 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Join us today 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, and Orlando Gibbons. The Vicar is preaching.


'THE BELLS OF THE UNIVERSITY CHURCH' – 4.30PM, THIS TUESDAY

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, THIS TUESDAY

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. All are very welcome.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES - 1PM THURSDAY

The next in our lunchtime recital series will take place on Thursday as we

welcome Anjulie Chen, including works by Ravel, Schumann 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.


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) please be in touch with Hannah.


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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