Subject: News from the University Church

‘I am with you’ (Isaiah 41.10)


by The Revd Hannah Cartwright


Allyship has become an important buzzword in recent years; the voluntary standing alongside those who are experiencing persecution, so that they, and their cause, might be strengthened by the support of people who do not necessarily share their lived experience, but who choose to lend their voice, compassion, or power to others on the front lines of inequality. In doing so, allies selflessly choose to risk their safety by opening themselves up to the same assaults that those who they stand alongside may face. It is comforting to have an ally by your side in adversity, but God goes one step more radical: solidarity.


In Jesus, God didn’t just lend his power to humans, or fight on their behalf. He chose to become one of us; divesting himself of power and privilege in the Incarnation event which spanned over three decades and transformed the world to come.

As we look forward to the 2024 Bampton Lectures, given by the Rt Revd Dr Rowan Williams on Tuesday 27th February and 5th March, we must ask ourselves, not only what can we learn from God’s solidarity with humanity in Christ, but also: what is demanded of our beloved institutions of church and state if we are to follow Christ’s example? Should we simply lend our power or must we divest it? Must we even be prepared to lose what we cling to most tightly, in order to save it?

PUBLIC LECTURE – 5PM TODAY

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.

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


PARSIH LUNCH – 12NOON THIS SUNDAY

All are very welcome to join us upstairs in the Old Library for lunch at 12noon. Please speak to a Steward if you require lift access is via the café corridor.


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.


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.


OXFORD UKRAINE CONCERT HARMONY - FUNDRAISING CONCERT - 2 MARCH, 7.30PM

Please join us for a fund-raising concert for Ukraine. Oxford Ukraine Concert Harmony hopes to raise enough money to provide an ambulance to send to the front line. Tickets are not for sale, but donations will be collected on the evening. The programme will feature Thomas Tallis' Spem in Alium, along with music by Brahms, Bruckner and Handel.


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.


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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