Subject: News from the University Church

 

There's a wideness in God's mercy


by Patricia O'Neill


For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind

And the heart of the eternal is most wonderfully kind


In my childhood, we were constantly invited to pray for the souls in Purgatory, who were busy suffering torments having their sins burned away in order to be pure enough to meet God. There were some weird and wonderful methods by which we could help. I have a memory of running up the steps to the chapel, going in and genuflecting and running down again, an activity that - allegedly - did the trick for some poor soul. Needless to say, there was a competition as to who could perform this act of holy liberation most often in the free half hour between one less worthy activity and another.  There were two benefits to this: the first a sense of stupendous power over exile or heavenly life for a complete stranger, and the other, some strenuous physical activity as we tore up and down the stairs. We didn’t perform the same service for the poor little unbaptised souls in Limbo, since theirs was a permanent exclusion from the celestial delights, but we consoled ourselves with the belief that Limbo was probably just comfortably warm and cosy, rather than roasting hot. 


While the particular expression of all this nonsense was culturally determined, it can surely be recognised by anyone who has been exposed to the notion of a remote, all-powerful and judgemental God, one who saw your every misdemeanour, even the ones you only thought about, and didn’t much like what he saw. In this story our lives were completely unworthy of association with such a supreme being, but given the belief that our earthly lives were to be followed by a spiritual life in heaven, which I suspect most of us thought would be a floaty version of what we already knew, albeit with more singing, there had to be some way of moving from one to the other and this should involve pain and suffering. 


This farrago assumed that God was out there somewhere, separate from us and that we had to find a way to cross the divide. Given the insidious power of such images on the shaping of young souls, my anxious journey through life is easily understood and it seems only surprising that I didn’t completely discard God altogether. As it is, we had a bumpy ride but came to an accommodation once I realised that God was not separate, above and beyond, but here and now, not interested in my misdoings but in my wholeness, not loving only when I was holy, but accepting, wholly and unconditionally, my attempts to live well the life I have been given. The inadequacy of our ideas about God are illustrated by my Irish Catholic childhood version, but such inadequacy abounds in religion everywhere, the idiocy only noted when it differs from our own conceptualisation, because the truth is that we do not have an iota of an idea about God’s love or mercy or compassion. We only glimpse it through beauty, truth and goodness and that, for me, is the only proof I need that God is with me.

BRITISH SUMMER TIME IS NOW OVER

This weekend, we'll be setting our clocks back by one hour as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end. On Sunday morning, at 2:00 am, turn your clocks back to 1:00 am, giving us an extra hour of sleep. Ensure all your devices are adjusted accordingly so you can make it to the service in time!

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Notices


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 Chrissie Peacock, Ordinand, 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.


‘LITERACY & THE LEVELLING-UP AGENDA’: 12PM SUNDAY 5 NOV

The impact of the written word on the growth of Christianity cannot be understated. Yet, across the country, literacy levels vary hugely, and issues of poverty and deprivation, criminal justice, educational opportunity, and literacy all interplay. The Revd Sorrel Shamel-Wood will speak to us about why literacy is central to ‘levelling-up’ and explore how Christians can make a difference.


POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER

Poetry Hour is a forum for a diverse group of poets who have been reading and writing poetry together since 2015 in a relaxed and supportive environment. This week we are reading and responding to a section from Alice Oswald's wonderful book-length poem Dart (published by Faber & Faber).


POPPY APPEAL

In anticipation of Remembrance Sunday, you are invited to donate to The Poppy Appeal. Please speak to Lyn Robertson if you wish to purchase a poppy in support of the Royal British Legion and their work with ex-service personnel and families.


OXFORD PASSION PLAY 2024

South Oxford Ministry and the Arts group are planning an outdoor passion play for performance on Easter Saturday, March 30th 2024 in Hinksey Park, based on Carolyn Lloyd Davies’ play, “And A Sword Shall Pierce Your Soul”. They are in need of actors, extras and back stage crew and all other volunteers are welcome. For more information, contact Jo: j.hutchence@btopenworld.com.


COMMEMORATION OF THE DEPARTED

If you have lost loved ones who you would like to be remembered by name at the Choral Requiem service at 3:30pm on 12th November, please print their names onto the list at the back of church (before 12pm on Sunday 12th November) or email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk (before Thursday 9th November).


COFFEE ROTA VOLUNTEERS

If you can help with serving refreshments after the 10.30am service on Sundays Rosemary would be delighted to hear from you. Please speak to Rosemary Burton over coffee or email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


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 CONCERT 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 concerts 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.


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

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