Subject: News from the University Church

Entertaining angels unaware


by Lyn Robertson


This is an accidental footnote, very fit for Low Sunday, to the Vicar's reflections on hospitality at Easter. Hebrews 13:2 links hospitality to strangers with our love of those close to us, both exemplifying one of the greatest of Christian virtues. I am no angel, but like all of us I have been given hugely generous and unexpected hospitality.


Newly posted to Belgrade, I was introduced by my godson to his grandmother: Sofia was lying on what was shortly to be her death-bed, but after welcoming me she turned her head to her Orthodox family and whispered, "Has she been given something to eat?" (There are many more stories of such extravagant love in Kate Adies' "The Kindness of Strangers.")


But hospitality is sometimes mysterious, as all volunteers, for instance, discover: it is not always clear which of us is guest, and which host. Roles can switch, though it may only be later that we understand how much we have been given. The discipline of learning how not to chatter to God or our neighbour but to listen and watch may sometimes be hard to learn.


Seven years in East Europe introduced me to icons, some old and valuable, and some modern, since despite the decades of Communism, there is a living tradition of painting icons, as we saw in a recent exhibition from Ukraine, where the icons were painted on ammunition boxes. One of the Madonna, in crimson, was painted for me when I left for London, an encouragement, I suspect, to stillness.


Andrei Rublev was an Orthodox monk working near Moscow in the early fifteenth century, as many of you will know, and above this letter is a reproduction of one of his most complex icons, linking the beginning of Hebrews chapter 13 with the beginning of Genesis chapter 18, and illustrating for us his vision of the Trinity. There is the human story of Abraham's, Sarah's and the servants' welcome to the three strangers, met under the oak tree near Abraham's dwelling. But the voice he hears is God's voice, and all that distinguishes the three golden-winged beings from each other is their clothing, pointing us to an understanding of who they are.The Father (on the left) in rainbow and earthly splendour as Creator, the Son (in the centre) dressed in royal and priestly robes, and the Holy Spirit (on our right) giving life to the blue heavens and seas and to the green earth. Their faces are serene, and their gestures gracious to each other and to us. We are, as it were, the fourth wall as an actor might see it, the people of God at prayer, completing the circle, and offered the banquet of the Lord.

Eco Hints for April


Fit more active travel into your day and daily routine. Reevaluate your journeys: explore walking or cycling options, or modify your route to include some form of active travel, i.e. disembark a stop early and complete the remaining part of your journey on foot, indulge in a leisurely stroll, or opt for a bike ride along a cyclist-friendly route. Consider connecting with your local Ramblers or cycling group for shared experiences. Use the extra steps or the changed travel arrangements as a prompt to pray for God’s creation, nature’s preservation and the reduction in fossil fuel usage.

Notices


EXPLORE EASTER - 2PM, TUE 9 APRIL

This Easter, we invite children and adults of all ages not just to hear the story of Easter but to become a part of it and to join us from 2.00pm -3.30pm on 9th April as we creatively explore it together through words, prayer, craft, and play.


VACANCY: CHILDREN FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS CHAPLAIN

Could you help the University Church to develop and grow our ministry among children, families, and schools? More details about how to apply by 15th April, can be found on our website or email: hannah.cartwright@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


SUNDAY FORUM - 12PM, NEXT SUNDAY 14 APRIL

Join us upstairs in the Old Library after the service for the first Sunday forum of the new term with Guy Scotece, Director of the Porch Day Centre in the city. The University Church have supported the Porch for a number of years, including in our Harvest collection for their 'Porch Preserves' project. Guy will speak to us about their pioneering work providing a stepping stone to those who are homeless or vulnerably housed. All are very welcome. For lift access please speak to a steward.


LATIN COMMUNION - 8AM, THURSDAY 18 APRIL

Very soon after the first English Prayer Book appeared in 1549, it was translated into Latin; the use of which continues today at the University Church. The Revd Dr Matthew Salisbury will celebrate Holy Communion for the beginning of term.


ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - 12PM, 28 APRIL

The APCM is an opportunity for all who are on the electoral roll to reflect on the past year of life at St Mary's and to vote on important matters and appointments for the year ahead, including the election of church officers such as wardens and PCC members. All who are on the electoral roll are warmly encouraged to attend.


STEWARDS, CHALICE BEARERS & SERVING TEAM

If you would like to join our friendly team of stewards, servers, or chalice bearers, who assist with a variety of services, we would love to hear from you. Full training is given. To find out more email: hannah.cartwright@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


PATRONS OF ST MARY'S - UPCOMING LAUNCH

We are delighted to soon be launching an opportunity to become a Patron of St Mary's with exciting benefits for members, in recognition of their generosity in supporting the historic fabric of the building and the musical life of this historic and vibrant church. To receive further information, please leave your details with one of the Stewards on the door or email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk.


FREE LUNCHTIME RECITAL SERIES: 1.00PM THURSDAYS

Our Thursday lunchtime concert series continues, featuring students from the Royal Academy of Music. These recitals are free and open to all.


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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