Subject: News from the University Church

 

Oxmastide


by Dr Sarah Mortimer


Is Christmas before Advent this year? I found myself asking a college chaplain this question, for if God’s time is mysterious, sometimes Oxford time feels even more so – and the cycle of carol services and celebrations before the end of term has its own curious logic. For there is a festival of turkey and sprouts and cracker-pulling in November commonly known as ‘Oxmas’, one which has an important place in students’ and tutors’ mental calendars. It is a time to relax a little now a hard term is coming to an end, but also to be reminded of the traditions we can all share in and to enjoy them together as a community.


Oxmas may be a very local tradition, but the colleges are not alone in fast-forwarding quickly to the end of December. And there is certainly something jarring in hearing carols or eating turkey weeks before Christmas, sometimes even before Advent. I’m not sure I’ll ever truly get used to Oxmas, but the challenge it offers to our sense of propriety may be no bad thing. Oxmas can perhaps be a joyful reminder that the light of Christ’s Incarnation shines through space and time, ‘gathering into one all things earthly and heavenly’, and that human dates cannot constrain God’s eternal love for us, love we celebrate day by day. But for me it is also a reminder that all celebration needs preparation, that once Oxmas is over I will need all of Advent before we arrive at Christmas.

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Notices


CHORAL EVENSONG: 3.30PM, TODAY

Join us for Choral Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer, sung by the University Church Choir, at which Dr Marietta van der Tol 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.


POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 29 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 Advent and Christmas Poems and writing seasonal poems responding to imagery and symbols in the nave and chancel of St Mary's.


CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING: 10.00AM FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER

Come along and enjoy getting into the festive spirit as we decorate the parish Christmas trees together on Friday morning. Festive refreshments provided.


ADVENT CAROLS, 6.00PM NEXT SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER

We are delighted to be joining with friends from the German Lutheran congregation for our annual Advent Carol Service next Sunday 3rd December at 6pm. Do come along and invite others to join us for this beautiful service of readings and carols.


ASYLUM WELCOME CHRISTMAS GIFTS

We are making sure asylum seekers in two hotels in Oxfordshire know they are not forgotten this Christmas by sharing gifts with them. We will supply cardboard boxes or rucksacks for congregation members to fill with presents and it would help when buying gifts to consider the environment (although please don’t buy second hand items unless they are unused and in mint condition). Last year was wonderful as we managed to assemble over 50 boxes all of which brought great delight. If you would like to find out more see Tess or Mary Lean for further info. 07767476043.


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.


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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