Subject: News from the University Church

 

Dominus illuminatio mea


by the Revd Canon Dr William Lamb

 

The motto of the University of Oxford is taken from Psalm 27. It means ’The Lord is my Light’:


'The Lord is my light, and my salvation; whom then shall I fear:

The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?'

This motto has been in use since the second half of the sixteenth century, and it is sometimes associated with the revival of interest in the Hebrew Bible and the Hebrew language within the University at that time. King Henry VIII had established the Regius Professorship of Hebrew in 1546, the Reformers were busy with the ask of translating the scriptures throughout the sixteenth century, and at the beginning of the seventeenth century, a group of Oxford scholars, together with divines in Cambridge and London, would contribute to the translation of the King James Bible. 


These words are inscribed above the gate which forms the entrance to the University Church. The motto reminds us that St Mary’s, like the University, is a place of illumination, a place where we are invited to search for the truth. The Psalm speaks of our confidence in God, who is the source of all truth. The Psalmist also recognises that our commitment to the truth can sometimes lead to tension and hostility, to argument and dispute. It is no accident that as we enter the precincts of St Mary’s, we find ourselves standing in a place where martyrs have stood. A martyr is ‘a witness’ - that is what the word means in Greek: ‘Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid’. The psalmist is unrelenting in his pursuit of truth. The Psalmist is not afraid. He is not intimidated by his detractors. The Psalmist is single-minded in the pursuit of truth and the source of all truth: ‘’One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require; even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his temple’. 


The desire for God, the longing for God, lies at the heart of our life together. It is the spring from which everything else flows. This is the spiritual reality which we celebrate at St Mary's. As a new University year begins, let us pray that all those who visit St Mary’s may discover a community which is illuminated and captivated by the beauty of the Lord. May they learn to sing a song, which is ever ancient and ever new: ’The Lord is my light and my salvation’.

PARISH LUNCH – 12PM THIS SUNDAY

There will be a Parish Lunch in the Old Library on 8 October at 12noon. Everyone is very welcome to attend.

It is very helpful to know what is being contributed, so if you are planning on bringing anything, please email Katie, hickscm@uwclub.net.

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

Notices


HALF MARATHON ADVANCE NOTICE - SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

The Oxford Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday 15 October and it might affect your journey to attend the Sunday morning services at St Mary's. Click here for the route.

Due to a temporary running track being laid across Radcliffe Square cobbles there will be no vehicular access to Radcliffe Square from 1600hrs on Saturday 14th October until 1800hrs on Sunday 15th October. In addition, Broad Street and Parks Road will be closed at 1800 hrs on Saturday 14th October until 1800hrs on Sunday 15th October 2022.

Pedestrian access into Brasenose College via St Mary’s Passage and Brasenose Lane will be always maintained. Access to Radcliffe Square for emergency vehicles will also be always maintained.


CHILDREN'S BOOK LAUNCH: DURING COFFEE, THIS SUNDAY

Join us after the service in the DeBrome Chapel where you can pick up a personalised and signed copy of Ruby Rescue and the Big Fire, created by St Mary's own, Bryanna Clare and William Arinze. Drone City is a fictional place where friendly drones and humans live in harmony. A green city run on clean energy; there is no poverty and humans thrive in leisure, the arts, science, and technology. Drone City aims to foster emotional intelligence and a passion for STEM in young people.


CHORAL EVENSONG: 3.30PM, THIS SUNDAY

Join us for Choral Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer, sung by the University Church Choir, at which The Revd Canon Bruce Kinsey will preach. The service draws on Scripture and the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline, offering a simple, elegant framework for reflection and prayer.


WELCOME TO ORDINANDS ON PLACEMENT

We are delighted to welcome Michael Stokes, an ordinand on placement from Ripon College Cuddesdon who joins ordinand Chrissie Peacock at St Mary's this term. Do say 'hello' and pray for them as they continue their formation for priestly ministry.


RESOLVED TO SERVE EXHIBITION

From October to December St Mary's will be hosting an exhibition 'Resolved to Serve'. Commissioned by the Diocese of Oxford, this portrait exhibition celebrates Black culture and its influence in the Church today.


COFFEE & DOUGHNUTS: 11.15AM WEDNESDAYS

During term-time we are offering Coffee and Doughnuts on Wednesday mornings in the De Brome Chapel. Do come and invite others for this weekly informal chance to drop in and chat - all are welcome!


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES: 1PM THURSDAYS

Our lunchtime recital series continue this term as we welcome students from the Royal Academy of Music to perform. All are welcome to enjoy these free recitals during the lunch hour.


BIBLE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF TOBIT: 12.45PM FRIDAYS

This term, we will be studying the Book of Tobit, which is found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Tobit is a beautiful story, full of humour and adventure. It is a work of fiction, which has inspired countless representations in art and literature. Each week, we will explore the theological insights offered by Tobit, as well as its cultural legacy.


HARVEST IN HOLYWELL: 2PM TUESDAY 24th OCTOBER

Children of all ages and their adults are warmly invited to join us as we gather at The University Church at 2pm and Emma Womersley-Sharp leads us on a short walk (circa 0.5 mile) to Holywell Cemetery to explore its natural treasures together. Places are limited so, to ensure there are plenty of mini nature hunt resources for everyone, do sign up on the website ahead of time to let us know if you plan to come.


READ WITH FAITH IN ACTION FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This Black History Month (October), you are invited to join the Faith in Action Group in reading Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. Described as ‘the book which sparked a national conversation’ it explores many topics, from ‘eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race’. Copies are widely available in book shops and online but if you would like to borrow a copy you would be very welcome to, just let Hannah know. You are encouraged to share your reflections with others in the congregation and in your social, work and study circles to keep this important conversation going.


VICAR’S SLEEPOUT

On World Homeless Day (10th October), the Vicar will be joining colleagues from the Collegiate University, the world of business, and civic representatives on a Sleepout organised by the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement to raise money to support its work with the homeless. If you would like to sponsor him, please visit this link.


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!

Events elsewhere

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 2023-10-06. Report abuse