Subject: News from the University Church

 

Remembering


by the Revd Canon Dr William Lamb


“Do this in remembrance of me!” Our Lord’s command to his disciples on the night before he died is quite simple. Whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, we gather to remember, - to remember our Lord’s death. This act of remembrance is at the heart of the Christian understanding of reality. To “remember ” speaks to us of an event, of real people, rooted in a certain time and place. 


There is nothing abstract or impersonal about all this. This simple act of remembrance has been repeated on countless occasions, in every conceivable human circumstance and for every conceivable human need. This is about history, real history. That means that there is a connection, a connectedness, between the events which we recall in the Eucharist, and the complex events and influences which make up our own lives. Because it is rooted in history, because it is our history, it touches our lives. It makes a difference. The act of remembrance forces us to confront the reality of our own lives, of who we are, of where we have come from, of the people and events that have touched our lives, because they have made a difference to us.


On Sunday afternoon, following our observance of Remembrance Sunday in the morning, we will gather for a Requiem Eucharist to give thanks for the lives of all those people who have helped to shape our lives, particularly those who have a special place in our hearts, those who have shown us love, kindness and generosity, those we miss, those we mourn. We will remember them by name, and yet our remembrance will be tempered by hope. To remember in the context of the Eucharist is not simply to dwell on the past. It also means looking forward to the future - for in the Eucharist, we receive a foretaste of heaven, where every one of us will be gathered together again to share in the heavenly banquet, where we shall be reunited with one another and with those we love. As we share in bread and wine, we celebrate the presence of the risen Christ among us. We receive a foretaste of heaven. 

Livestreamed Services

at the University Church

Due to a technical fault, we are unable to livestream the services this Sunday. We hope to resume next week.

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Notices


CHORAL REQUIEM: 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

If you have lost loved ones who you would like to be remembered by name at the Choral Requiem service at 3:30pm today, please print their names onto the list at the back of church before 12pm.


POPPY APPEAL

This 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.


PARISH LUNCH: 12 NOON NEXT SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER

There will be a Parish Lunch in the Old Library from 12noon - 1.30pm following the 10.30am Choral Eucharist. Please do join us! If you can contribute a dish please speak to Katie Hicks or email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


GAZA CRISIS APPEAL COLLECTION: NEXT SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER

The terrifying escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel has taken a terrible toll on Israeli and Palestinian civilians and left people in Gaza in desperate need. Next Sunday there will be a retiring cash collection for Oxfam’s humanitarian appeal to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza who are without water and sanitation. If you would like to make a cash donation, please bring this next Sunday, or donate online: oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/current-emergencies/gaza-crisis-appeal/#donate-top


POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 15 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 The Love Poem by Carol Anne Duffy.


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.


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!

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

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