Subject: News from the University Church

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity


by the Revd Dr William Lamb


This Sunday we will mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St Mary’s. We will welcome Fr Nick Austin SJ, the Master of Campion Hall, as our preacher at the 10.30am Choral Eucharist. We enjoy very good relations with colleagues at Campion Hall, and there is much that we share in common. The Laudato Si’ Institute, based at Campion Hall, is an academic research institute, responding to Pope Francis’ encyclical of that name. It focuses on the intellectual foundations for a reordering of society toward care for the earth and care for the poor. This activity opens up all sorts of conversations about our own work on sustainability and our commitment to justice for the poor.


In all of this we reflect on our common baptism, which we share whether we are Anglican or Roman Catholic, Baptist or Orthodox, Methodist or Reformed. All of us are called to grow into the likeness of Christ and to rejoice in our shared baptismal covenant. It is good that we do this during the season of Epiphany, when our minds are drawn particularly to the Baptism of our Lord. Please join us on Sunday as we welcome Fr Nick among us - and do join us for the Parish Lunch in the Old Library after the service. You will be very welcome.


Eternal Father,

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Notices


PARISH LUNCH: 12NOON, THIS SUNDAY

All are very welcome to the Old Library for lunch after the 10.30 service this Sunday.


BAPTISM: 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Naomi and Matthew warmly invite the congregation to join them as they celebrate baby Martin’s baptism at 3.30pm. The service will be in the Chancel.


ECUMENICAL TAIZE PRAYER (WPCU) 1.00PM TUESDAY, 23 JANUARY

Join us for a special, simple ecumenical service of sung Taizé Prayer after the Eucharist on 23rd January. The service is organised in collaboration with the Churches Together in Central Oxford for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.


COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS: 11.15AM WEDNESDAYS

During Term 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.


POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 24 JANUARY, OLD LIBRARY

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 term we are reading and responding to the poems of Rowan Williams. This week we will be reading his poem Drystone.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES: 1.00PM THURSDAYS

Our Thursday lunchtime recital series continues, featuring students from the Royal Academy of Music. You are welcome to bring your lunch to eat in church. These recitals are free and open to all.


BIBLE STUDY: 12.45PM FRIDAYS

This term, we will be studying the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther presents a tale about a courageous woman who saves her people. Everyone is welcome.


GATEHOUSE

On the first Thursday of each month some members of the congregation make soup or sandwiches for the Gatehouse and we are in need of some additional volunteers. There is guidance available about what is required, allergen labels are supplied and there are a number of options for contributions to be collected or delivered. Please speak to Patricia O’Neill if you would like to help.


BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION

If you would like to take the next step in faith and be baptised or confirmed on May 12th 2024, there will be classes taking place on Tuesday lunchtimes in the Old Library, 12.45pm – 1.30pm, beginning on 16th Jan with ‘Why Confirmation?’. For more info contact Hannah: hannah.cartwright@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


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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