Subject: News from the University Church

 

Learning to become a Mary


by Alison Le Cornu


I have always felt indignant when I read or listen to the biblical account of Jesus reproaching his dear friend Martha when she asked him to tell her sister Mary to help her with the chores rather than sit at his feet and listen to what he was saying (Luke 10:38-42). The reproach was stinging, even if very probably said gently and lovingly: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” My indignance stems from my natural pragmatism. There’s work to be done and little time to do it. Sitting and listening is all well and good, but when everyone’s hungry who will get the blame for not having food ready and waiting? Martha!


I am a Martha. I’ve always been a ‘doer’. I make lists, derive a great sense of achievement when I tick things off them, and despite my best intentions (with bank statements backing them up), struggle to sit down and read a book unless it’s ‘for’ something: study, work, improving my linguistic abilities, finding specific information… Yet over the past decade I have begun to see and appreciate the extent to which doing that risks depriving me of experiencing the deeper, spiritual dimensions of life. Recently, however, in a strange sort of way, I have been conscious of various ‘nudges’ that I hesitate to attribute to God but am reluctant not to. A morning course on Mindfulness run by a member of our church congregation introduced me to the theory behind and practice of paying attention, without judgement, to the present moment and living in it. In his Easter sermon Will Lamb drew attention to the fact that the word ‘love’, when we say ‘God is love’, is a verb and not a noun. We are called to ‘abide’ in God as God’s being is not intellectually graspable (although that doesn’t stop theologians from trying to do just that) and the knowledge of God is relational and reciprocal rather than intellectually defined.

 

You can read the rest of the editorial here.

VOLUNTEERS TRIP TO DORCHESTER ABBEY - SATURDAY 24 JULY

We are going to visit Dorchester Abbey on 24 June for a tour and tea. If you are helping in any way at St Mary's please do join us. If you would like to come, please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk by Tuesday 20 June.

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Ecohints of the week

 In St Mary's new Vision and Strategy document 'Faith Seeking Understanding', one of our missions is to 'seek to safeguard the integrity of creation, working with partner organisations to sustain and renew the life of the earth'. Would you like to be more involved in this whole church mission? Get in touch today: admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


Aphids produce large amounts of sticky stuff call honeydew which drips from the trees. In order to combat green/black flly and aphids order online some ladybirds from ‘Green Gardener”. Tess Blenkinsop tells us: 'I have just released 25 adults and 50 larvae onto a damson tree covered in the pests in the hope that they will consume the pests.

FACT an adult Ladybird can eat up to 4000 aphids in its lifetime.

Notices


WALKING BOOTS - 10.30AM - 2PM THIS SATURDAY

A walk from the church to Iffley via Christ Church Meadow and the Thames Path to look at the church of St Mary which is one of the finest 12th century churches in England. Fine dogtooth carving over west and south doors, and a John Piper window inside. Returning to the church along Meadow Lane to take in Ascot’s Ayot nature reserve. Bring a picnic/refreshments for an en route.


VISITING CHOIR - THIS SUNDAY

Today we welcome the Choir of Shipton-under-Wychwood to sing the services as the University Church Choir begin their well-earned summer break. Shipton-under-Wychwood church lies in a village of about 1,500 residents on the edge of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The church is fortunate enough to have had a choir of twenty to thirty children and adults who have helped lead the weekly worship over the last thirty years, despite the size of the village. In recent years, the choir has sung services at a number of cathedrals, but is pleased to be taking advantage of this opportunity to be a visiting choir within the Oxford Diocese, rather closer to home.


CHORAL EVENSONG – 3.30PM, THIS SUNDAY

Join us for Choral Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer. The service draws on Scripture and the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline, offering a simple, elegant framework for reflection and prayer, sung by the choir of Shipton-under-Wychwood.


ORDINATION OF PRIESTS - SUNDAY 25 JUNE

The Oxford archdeaconry ordination of priests will be taking place in church next Sunday at 3pm. Please pray for all those being ordained Deacon and Priest this Petertide and all who are preparing to be licensed and commissioned to Lay ministries in the autumn.


NAOMI ORDINATION CELEBRATION - SATURDAY 1 JULY

Our new curate. Naomi Gardom, will be ordained Deacon at 10am on Saturday

1st July at Christ Church Cathedral. All are welcome to attend the service to support Naomi, although you are advised to get there early to be guaranteed a good seat. After the ordination, we will return to St Mary's for drinks in the Old Library at 12.30pm. Do let Sarah know if you are planning to attend so that we can get a rough idea of numbers (admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk).


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!

Faith in Action

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

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