Subject: News from the University Church

'Wandring steps and slow'


by The Revd Dr Erica Longfellow


What are you paying attention to? As Lent begins, it’s a good question to ask our selves. In some ways, it’s the only question, the goal of all of our Lenten observance. I might give up wine, or chocolate, or some other pleasure, for a time, so that I can learn to pay attention to it, rather than being controlled by it. I might give more to charity, or take up a good cause, so that I can pay more attention to my small place in a wide and intricate world. I might pay attention to my mother or my sister or a friend, while mortal attention is possible, as this is a time to remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. What I have been paying attention to lately is a painting in St Giles’ church, just up the road, by the Oxfordshire artist Roger Wagner: https://www.rogerwagner.co.uk/work/item/17/menorah-1993. Wagner’s painterly eye creates an eerie stillness in this scene, encouraging me to see both the large and the small: the iconic towers of Didcot power station, belching smoke into a serene blue sky, pleasing mirrored in the flooded fields in the foreground. And the tiny figures in that foreground, pitifully small and separate against both the dark satanic mills and the expanse of green and pleasant land. The artist has spoken of how, passing by on a train, he was struck by that Blakean duality: the towers are unmistakably reminiscent of a crematorium, spewing dust and ash, but in their fearful symmetry they also reminded him of a candelabra, or a menorah, which is what he has called this painting. And into this already unsettled and unsettling scene he has placed the crucifixion, Jesus and the thieves in miniature on their crosses. I find myself scanning the scene, over and over, willing myself to dwell on those deep, inviting reflections, or the soothing cobalt sky. And my eye passes again and again over the figure hanging on the cross, as I urge myself to see even as I turn away. And I find myself, again and again, in the people around the cross, huddled away in agony, hiding their eyes, or pointing and staring, looking without seeing. I wonder who I am among them, and I envy the little family on the left who are at least comforting one another as they look away.


Read the whole editorial here.

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


SUNDAY FORUM – 12NOON THIS SUNDAY

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’ given by the Revd Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen.


CHORAL EVENSONG – 3.30PM THIS SUNDAY

Join us for Choral Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer. The service, sung by the University Church Choir, draws on the ancient monastic offices of Vespers & Compline and offers a simple, elegant framework for reflection & prayer.


PARISH LUNCH – 12NOON NEXT SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY

All are very welcome and we would be very grateful for contributions of food. Please email Katie Hicks (hickscm@uwclub.net) if you are able to bring a dish or help out on the day.


POETRY HOUR - 5.30PM WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY

This term we are reading and responding to the poems of Rowan Williams and this week we will be reading his poem Between Two Fields. All are very welcome.


PUBLIC LECTURE – 5PM FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Join us for ‘After their kind: Sexual Identities in Christian Theology’ given by 2024 Eastman Professor Mark D. Jordan, Harvard Divinity School. Sexual identity is a relatively recent notion. Its rapid acceptance raises questions: What kinds of sexual labels do Christian teachers want for talking about sex? Are those the labels that they really need? and What would Christian moral theology look like without sexual identities? Prof Jordan writes on Christian moral theologies for sex and gender, the relations of theology to literature, and diversity of spirituality in queer communities.


BAMPTON LECTURES – 10AM 27 FEBRUARY & 5 MARCH

This year the Bampton Lectures will be given by the Rt Revd Dr Rowan Williams. A former Archbishop of Canterbury and Archbishop of Wales, Rowan Williams has written extensively on faith in the public square. In these lectures, Dr Williams will return to the theme of solidarity, exploring its roots in Catholic Social Thought and exploring how a solidarity-shaped ethic might serve to address some of the issues at the heart of our public life. There will be no 12.15pm Eucharist on these Tuesdays.


READ WITH FAITH IN ACTION THROUGH LENT

Join us in reading the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book by Selina Stone -Tary Awhile: wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith. Please speak to Hannah if you would like to borrow a copy.


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. 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.


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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