Subject: News from the University Church

 

Where can I flee?


by Patricia O'Neill

Where can I go then from your spirit

Or where can I flee from your presence


If I climb up to heaven, you are there

If I make the grave my bed, you are there also


If I take the wings of the morning

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea


Even there your hand shall lead me

Your right hand hold me fast Psalm 139 v 6-9


Where I spent my childhood, there was a Catch 22 with which we delighted in threatening each other. ‘Do you think God wants you to be a nun?’ was the question. If you said ‘yes’, that was one way to cook your goose, but if you said ‘no’ then the response was that you were doomed, because we all knew that the more vehemently people denied God’s call the more certain it was that they were going to get caught eventually, vide Augustine. It doesn’t say much for our perception of a life dedicated to God’s service and even less for our understanding of God. My reading of Psalm 139 then had that same sense of the remorselessness of God in his pursuit of me, his burrowing into my being, the inescapability of his judgement. It is not a nice feeling.


It is a source of wonder that my sense of the divine survived long enough for me to be able to read this psalm with joy. I suppose, in a way, it is the equivalent of that Catch 22, in that no matter how much I flirted with lack of faith, engaged with atheism, scorned the nonsensical beliefs of my childhood and excoriated the deeds done in the name of religion, the divine was there patiently waiting for me. I could never deny the truths I found behind the poetry of this glorious psalm. It is a mighty paean of praise to the God who is everywhere and in everything and with us in every atom of our being and every flicker of our soul. The notion of riding on the wings of the morning safe in the right hand of God is exhilarating. This psalm tells us that the divine is in us and we are with the divine from the time when we were ‘made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth’ and will be with us when we make the grave our bed.

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Notices


CAROLS IN THE SQUARE: 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Join us in Radcliffe Square this afternoon for carol singing accompanied by the City of Oxford Silver Band, in aid of the Oxford Winter Night Shelter.


CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: 6.00PM 17TH DECEMBER

The annual service of Carols by Candlelight takes place next week; with readings, poetry, and beautiful music sung by the University Church Choir. Do invite friends and family to join us for this very special and festive occasion.


OXFORD WINTER NIGHT SHELTER: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

OWNS supports rough sleepers in Oxford each night during January through to March; providing safe, warm, and dry accommodation in church halls and other premises. This relies on the support of churches and the local community. Visit their website: www.ownsoxford.org.uk for more details on how you can volunteer.


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. If you would like to find out more see Tess or Mary Lean for further info. 07767476043. If you aren’t able to make up a box but would like to donate financially towards this project, please make a bank transfer to PCC St Mary the Virgin Oxford, CAF Bank, Sort Code 60-70-03, Account 50311379 with reference: ‘FiA Christmas’.


FAITH IN ACTION SMALL FINANCIAL GIFTS 2023

This year, as part of the Church’s charitable giving, the Faith in Action Group have a limited number of financial gifts (of up to £250) to benefit smaller charitable projects. If you would like to suggest a cause which could benefit, to be considered please email: hannah.cartwright@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk by 30th December and provide the name of the project/charity and a brief explanation of the need.


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION, ‘CONFESSION’ AVAILABLE

Advent is a season of preparing our hearts to welcome Christ. Sometimes we carry burdens which weight our hearts down and some people find that the opportunity for individual confession and reconciliation can help them to lay burdens down and enter the new year afresh. Please contact a member of the clergy if you would like to find a time to make your confession in this season, or any time, as the need arises.


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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