Subject: News from the University Church

Grow to Share


by Janie Bickersteth


‘Kia ora’ from the other side of the world. I have recently returned from Aotearoa (New Zealand), where we’ve been on a two month ‘sabbatical’. We lived on an island 45 minutes ferry ride from Auckland, but a world away from the city. The only sounds were the insects (deafening at times), the amusing call of the Tui bird and the lapping of the waves on the shoreline below. What’s to fret about here? God’s Creation is a wonder but, like every place on the planet, New Zealand is experiencing its share of ecological challenges. The beautiful indigenous Pohutukawa trees clinging along cliff edges seem to symbolise the difficulties we all face as we grapple with “the rapid thinning of life on Earth and the climate crisis” [a quote from the intro to Field notes - see next paragraph]. Last year’s cyclone caused devastation to apple orchards, vineyards and vegetable crops. And some of the beaches are covered in a toxic black algae - a result of warming oceans and exacerbated possibly from dairy farm run off - no one quite wants to admit that this may be more than an ‘unfortunate one-off’.


But there are wonderful people taking action here too. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet up again with Peter Harris, founder of A Rocha, the Christian organisation supporting conservation sites around the world and the Eco Church programme we follow at SMV. Peter has been visiting A Rocha conservation sites in NZ and encouraging new Eco Churches across the country. If you enjoy listening to podcasts, I have found A Rocha’s Field notes really uplifting - a series on conservation and hope.


Through Peter, I met with Kathleen Ng Shiu who is supporting church congregations in NZ to grow more food. Many churches are dominated by Pacific Islanders (8% of the NZ population), the elders of whom retain their memories of growing food ‘back home’ and so have embraced Kathleen’s ‘Grow to Share’ programme - she calls it her ‘deconstructed community gardens’ project. She identified that many churches had little land and the congregations were time poor, struggling to support yet another initiative in their church, so she provided vegetable seedlings to churches for congregants to grow on at home. Kathleen says “It all began with a seed - that’s all you need to Grow to Share. Grow to share and then Share to Grow - participants are encouraged to then share their good and bad experiences of growing food”.


I think there’s something we could learn from Kathleen’s initiative. Have you started germinating your veg seeds on a windowsill yet? Have you more seeds than you need? Why not consider sharing some of your seeds or spare seedlings with people you may know at church who might appreciate a gift such as this? Growing our own food is life affirming and the harvest is so much better for us. I’m looking forward to trying to grow more veg this year - Spring brings excitement about another growing season of produce.

I look forward to catching up with people again - and possibly sharing some veg seedlings!

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


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, THIS 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.


PARISH LUNCH NEXT WEEK - 21 April

The next parish lunch is on Sunday 21st April. Everyone is welcome. If you are able to contribute a dish or help in any way, please contact Katie Hicks (hickscm@uwclub.net)


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 and the Royal College 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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