Subject: News from the University Church

February


by Aym Maidment


I’m reading Janina Ramirez’s The Private Lives of the Saints at the moment. It’s a mix of hagiography, anthropology, and British social history which is completely up my street. Over the weekend I was reading the section about St Brigid of Kildare, whose feast day is on 1st February. Much of what we know about her is anecdotal. She is one of the patron saints of Ireland, as well as the patron of healers, poets, blacksmiths, livestock, and dairy workers.


One of the things that fascinates me about St Brigid is the possibility that the stories surrounding her life draw on some of the traditions about the Celtic goddess Brigid. The obvious connection is their shared name, but historians have pointed out similarities between anecdotes about her and Irish folklore. Whether or not St Brigid was a real person who helped Christianity spread through Ireland in the 5th century, or a fabrication to homogenize older Irish traditions with newer religious customs, we’ll never know.


February is also LGBTQ+ History Month. I’ve spent most of my twenties getting to know my own queerness, and one of the ways I’ve done that is by trying to look back and find those who came before me. I spent a lot of time during lockdowns exploring the queer history of working class women. More recently, I’ve found myself doing the same with church history and theology, reading articles on saints who could be read as gender queer, or about queer readings of bible passages.


The act of modern queer Christians revisiting and recontextualising previous readings of people and texts isn’t so different to the way that people drew on ancient traditions to illuminate the life of St Brigid. I find a lot of delight in the way queer theologies add vibrancy to biblical texts and spiritual encounters. Bringing my authentic self to God - my questions, my rejections, my frustrations, my hopes about a more inclusive church - has become key in reaching towards the divine in a way that makes sense to me.

Eco Hints for February


Go green for Lent. The weeks leading up to Easter are a time for self reflection, repentance and emulating Jesus’ obedience to the Father. Is there something you’d like to give up

or take up during Lent that will enable you to reflect on God, contribute to our planet’s well-being and enhance others’ lives through sustainable, ecofriendly living? Explore some of these changes at arocha.org.uk/go-greenfor-lent/

Notices


INTERCOLLEGIATE SERVICE - 5.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Today at 5.30pm, we welcome choirs and chapel communities from a number of Colleges to worship together at this special intercollegiate service. The sermon will be given by the Revd Canon Dr William Lamb and the service will reflect on how we can read 'Love between the lines', and address the issue of hate crime.


POETRY HOUR - 5.30PM THIS WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY

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 Easter Sunday 2020.


CHRIST CHURCH EXHIBITION VISIT - 4.00PM THIS FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY

Join us on a visit to 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. To book email Ana: ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk.


ASH WEDNESDAY: PALM CROSSES NEEDED - 14 FEBRUARY

On Ash Wednesday there will be two opportunities to receive the imposition of ashes at the Eucharist; 12.15pm and 8.00pm. Please bring your old palm crosses to church next Sunday or during this week for the Sacristans to make into ash.


SUNDAY FORUM - 12NOON SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Join us in the Old Library for the second Sunday forum of the term: 'Unapologetic:

Lessons from Second Century Christians for Intelligent Discourse in Contemporary Culture' by the Revd Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen.


MULTI-FACETED MOTHERING - 10AM SATURDAY 9 MARCH

The traditional image of mothering can stir in us a range of responses, emotions, and experiences. Can you help us to shape a space in which all can creatively explore the multi-faceted nature of mothering in an inclusive, gentle, and prayerful way?

If you would be happy to help, please contact Hannah or Gabrielle Conway-Morris.


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. 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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