Subject: News from the University Church

 

O come all ye faithful!


by the Revd Hannah Cartwright

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Carol services are in full-flow and twinkling lights adorn ancient buildings and modern shopping centres alike.

Some of us may be very organised, and some of us may be less-so; some of us may be feeling full of festive cheer, and some of us may be finding it harder this year, but most of us will be thinking about how we navigate one or more festive gatherings - replete with party hats, mice pies, carol singing and conversation.


Gathering is a crucial part of the festive ritual; it is what we 'do' as a species when there is a major event, and we are really quite good at it. We bring out the special food, we sing the special music, we dance, we laugh, we cry, we talk, we tell stories and we experience together. Because gathering is about togetherness; about sharing an experience which is richer and deeper and more meaningful when each of us share in it.


One of the things I have most valued about Christian community throughout the ups and down of my own journey, has been our continued commitment to gathering; every Sunday, rain or shine, whether we 'feel like it' or not, whether we're bouncy or blue or in-between. It is a community which remind us it is enriched by your presence and your part in the story, as much as everyone else there.


At Christmas, we gather to remember how Jesus' birth wove God's story and our story together in a new way; in a way that changed the world. In a way that seemed so unassuming, so ordinary, so small, so full of all the joyful and challenging and fruitful realities of life. So this Christmas, come all ye faithful and gather around the crib where our stories begin, and end, and continue for eternity, and in which (if we allow ourselves to get close-enough to peer in) we find the reality of life in all its fullness.

Livestreamed Services

at the University Church

We livestream our 10.30am Sung Eucharist every Sunday.

Please follow the links below for our social media channels.


If you have any feedback or questions about our livestreamed services,

please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

youtube
twitter
facebook

Notices


CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: 6.00PM THIS SUNDAY

The annual service of Carols by Candlelight takes place this Sunday; 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.


CRIB SERVICE: 4.30PM CHRISTMAS EVE

All are welcome to join us for this relaxed and interactive all-age service as we gather around the crib to sing your favourite carols and hear the nativity story. Children (and their adults!) are encouraged to come dressed as a shepherd.


CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

In the week after Christmas, we will be opening in the afternoons from 12pm – 5pm each day from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day inclusive. The Eucharist will take place at 12.15pm each day except Friday when the bellringers will ring a peal 9am-1pm. Check our Advent & Christmas page here.


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.


OXFORD CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

On Christmas Day, Oxford Community & Voluntary Services provide a free meal at King’s Centre in Osney Mead for anyone who wants to come. They also welcome families and provide transport. Email: sara@oxfordchristmaslunch.org to book.


FAITH IN ACTION SMALL FINANCIAL GIFTS 2023

The Faith in Action Group have a limited number of financial gifts (up to £250) to benefit smaller charitable projects. If you would like to suggest a cause, please email Hannah: 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

You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Powered by:
GetResponse

    This is an online snapshot of a newsletter created by the owner of universitychurch (University Church of St Mary, St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ Oxford, United Kingdom) and sent via GetResponse on 2023-12-15. Report abuse