Subject: News from the University Church

 

Oxfordshire's Communities Vigil for Peace


The Bishop of Oxford and Imam Monawar Hussain hosted a second meeting for faith and community leaders from across Oxfordshire on Tuesday 31st October. The group will meet regularly in the coming months to give a collective voice in promoting understanding, peace, and strong community relations across the area and have issued the following statement and invitation.


We are aware of the need to draw together the diverse communities of Oxfordshire at this time and renew bonds of friendship and a common commitment to peace. We invite all people of goodwill from across Oxfordshire to come together for a vigil for peace in Broad Street in Oxford on Sunday 5th November at 5 pm. We invite everyone to bring a candle. There will be some short reflections, shared grief and words of comfort offered and we will light our candles together at 5.15pm and stand in silence, as an act of solidarity with those who suffer on all sides of the conflict.


Together, we are horrified by the violence that we are seeing in lsrael and Palestine, and the suffering of ordinary people who have lost loved ones and who fear for their own lives and for friends and family members. We hold all the victims and their loved ones in our prayers.


We stand together here in Oxfordshire as religious and community leaders to say that we must continue the good work of community and relationship building that has taken place over many years.


We support and encourage all those working to facilitate honest and respectful conversations and to strengthen the network of good relations, friendships, and trust between our communities of which we in Oxfordshire are so proud.


Let peace and understanding continue to be the solution.


The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft

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Eco Church News


The Green Team has changed its name to Eco Church, with the view that it is a whole church endeavour to live more sustainably, both in Church life and personally. Please join us on our journey, as so many exciting things are in the pipeline for the coming year. Charlotte is planning an exhibition about her experiences in India, Nepal and Africa. Janie has been developing a stronger Eco Church link with St Nicholas Church in Littlemore and exploring the possibility of planting a 'Tiny Forest' with them. These magical spaces can reconnect people with nature, raise awareness of climate change, create climate-resilient urban areas and can also be places of peace and stillness in our busy world. In this time of terrible global conflict, where we are witnessing so much pain and horror, a straightforward way of staying in touch with God can be by walking in nature and appreciating the beauty of the Earth around us.

Notices


‘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.


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.


RGS CHORAL EVENSONG: 3.30PM, 9 NOVEMBER

The choir of the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe will come to St Mary's to experience singing a special service of choral evensong on Thursday. The Choir are highly acclaimed and one of the largest state school choirs in the country, do come along and support them if you are available.


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).


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.


GODLY PLAY, 10 DECEMBER

Next month, Godly Play will take place on the second Sunday (10* December) in a slight change to the usual programme. Godly Play takes place monthly in the Old Library during the first 45 minutes of the 10.30am Sung Eucharist. It is particularly suitable for children aged 3-8 years old and their families.


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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