News from the University Church

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Subject: News from the University Church

Faith and deeds

by Janet Greenland

The letter that James wrote to the twelve scattered tribes has always appealed to me, probably because I find easier to ‘do’ than to contemplate what I could, or should, be doing, and because I like the interaction with other people that action brings. James is forthright in his epistle in telling us that simply wishing well to a person in need serves no purpose, “What good is that?” he says, “if we do nothing about their physical needs?”

We are surrounded in Oxford by people with physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Do we do enough, or even do we do anything, to show our faith through our deeds?

The Christian Church has suffered, and is still criticised in some quarters, for its patriarchal attitude in the past to helping the poor and vulnerable, think Dickens, workhouses, and the Board of Visitors. Sadly this somewhat sanctimonious approach still lingers in some minds, but times have changed, and we have the opportunity, situated in the middle of Oxford, to work with other agencies, both town and gown, to help and support our neighbours, and to build solid community links with them.

St James reminds us; “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

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

Check out our services and events during the Long Vacation.

Notices

ORGAN RECITAL SERIES - 3.30PM, SUNDAYS IN AUGUST

Our August Organ Recital Series begins today as we welcome a host of esteemed organists from across the UK including: Robert Quinney, New College Oxford; James Brown, The University Church, Oxford; George de Voil, St James’s, Sussex Gardens, London; and David Terry, St Mary Brookfield, London. They will play an exciting range of works on our classical instrument built in 1986 by the Swiss firm Metzler Orgelbau.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE: LONG SUMMER VACATION

Make sure you pick up your copy of the ‘What’s On Guide’ to find out more about events and services coming up at St Mary’s over the long summer vacation and do take a copy or two to share with friends and neighbours too.

HISTORIC HEART OF OXFORD EXHIBITION - 1 AUG–20 SEPT

Step into the past and discover the extraordinary legacy of Oxford's University Church at our immersive exhibition, inspired by the remarkable book 'The Historic Heart of Oxford' by acclaimed historian Geoffrey Tyack.

HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS TOUR – 7.30PM TUESDAY 15 AUGUST

Join the Revd Dr Will Lamb, the Vicar, for a tour of the church as we explore some of the hidden highlights of this exceptional building and fascinating past. Places are going quickly so do book your free ticket here.

AN EVENING WITH VOUET - 6PM FRIDAY 11 AUGUST

Join Katherine Wodehouse, Print Room Manager at the Western Art Print Room at the Ashmolean Museum, for 'An Evening with Vouet' in the University Church, speaking on the painting above the High Altar in the Chancel: 'The Virgin & Child' by Simon Vouet. Book your ticket here.

WELCOMERS NEEDED

We are especially busy over the summer months welcoming visitors to the University Church as people from all over the world come to explore this historic and beautiful building and to seek a quiet place for prayer and reflection. We looking to recruit some more welcomer volunteers, especially to help over the summer period, to join our dedicated team. It is a really enjoyable and social role in which you also get to learn more about the history of this great building and to extend the hospitality of St Mary’s to our many tourists and pilgrims. If you think you might be interested in giving few hours a week and would like to talk about the role, please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

SERVERS, STEWARDS, INTERCESSORS & EUCHARISTIC ASSISTANTS

Leading worship is a whole-church activity. When we gather and welcome others, it takes many people to play a part in ministries of service, coordination, prayer and administration. If you would like to find out more about assisting on Sundays and at special services, especially as part of the serving, stewarding, intercessors or eucharistic assistants’ teams please contact Hannah for an informal conversation: hannah.cartwright@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

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www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

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Subject: News from the University Church