Subject: News from the University Church

And you shall love your neighbour as yourself …


by the Revd Hannah Cartwright


Against an increasingly polarised political and social backdrop sit some stark statistics which are cause for both deep reflection and positive action. For example, last year, there were nearly 15,000 hate crimes recorded*, and, whilst recording is increasing, this is still believed to be a woefully under-reported category of crime, as many thousands face violence, ill-treatment and micro-aggressions on the basis of personal characteristics such as race or ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.


Every incident and hate crime can have long-lasting or even tragic consequences. Yet Christians affirm that every person is made in the image of God and this gives us hope; because we believe in a world where every person knows they are of incalculable value and that they are infinitely loved. We believe in a world where we love our neighbours and seek to live in accordance with God’s call to honour, respect, and enable all people to be their God-given selves. We call this vision ‘the Kingdom’ and it begins with the greatest of all commands, which Jesus tells us all else hangs upon: love God, love your neighbour, and love yourself (Mark 12.30-31).


Next Sunday, 4th February at 5.30pm (on the eve of Race Equality Week) we will hold our annual intercollegiate service with university sermon. This year the focus will be ‘Love Between the Lines: Conquering Hate with Hope’ and we are delighted to be welcoming the Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, to preach the university sermon.


In his recent book, Splash of Words, Mark Oakley reflects that: ‘The whole scriptural enterprise is that of trying to read love between the lines’ and that is what we hope this upcoming service will empower us each to do; to read love between the lines we draw between people, communities, and nations and, as love expands our passion for justice, so it will diminish the power of hate.


Reflecting deeply upon this theme and offering our longing for justice up in worship is transformative in changing our own hearts; but we are not left in reflection, we are also sent out in mission to put that love into action and change our communities, society and world. What positive action could you take to show love for your neighbour this week?


*gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2022-to-2023/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2022-to-2023


Eco Hints for January


Make ‘enjoying nature’ your priority. From bird watching to writing about or drawing something that inspires you in nature, growing your own fruit or vegetables, or exploring an area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK, be sure to fall in love with nature in a new way this coming year and allow it to lead your thoughts towards God our Creator. Further ideas can be found at arocha.org.uk/ideas-to-enjoy-nature/

Notices


GODLY PLAY - 10.30AM NEXT SUNDAY

Godly play (for children aged 3-8 and their families) resumes next Sunday in the Old Library during the first 45minutes of the service. Godly Play helps children and adults to grow in faith and foster their natural sense of wonder, by facilitating a creative, imaginative, and playful method of biblical storytelling.


INTERCOLLEGIATE SERVICE - 5.30PM NEXT SUNDAY

On Sunday 4th February at 5.30pm, we welcome choirs and chapel communities from a number of Colleges to worship together at this special intercollegiate service. There will be a university sermon given by the Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark. The service will reflect on how we can read 'Love between the lines' and the issue of hate crime. All are warmly welcome to attend.


CHRIST CHURCH EXHIBITION VISIT - 4.00PM FRIDAY 9TH FEBRUARY

Join us on a visit to the exhibition Church, Crown and Civil Wars: The Book of Common Prayer, which celebrates Christ Church's collection of early editions of the BCP and related material. Highlights include William Tyndale's New Testament of 1536 and the very first edition of the first 1549 Book of Common Prayer among many other pieces. Email: ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk to book.


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.


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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