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Give us this day our daily bread
by the Revd Canon Dr William Lamb
Bread has been a staple part of our diet for centuries. And yet we live in a society in which bread is increasingly a political issue. A loaf of bread in a local artisanal bakery costs £5 while the cheapest loaf in a local supermarket can cost as little as 45p. The ‘choice’ of bread reveals much about social status, wealth, and health. And yet bread is also imbued with religious significance. A precious commodity, we pray ‘Give us this day our daily bread’. In the Eucharist, we consecrate bread: ‘Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made, it will become for us the bread of life.’
On Wednesday, a round table took place in the Old Library when we reflected on these issues with Professor Andrew McGowan, our Theologian-in-Residence. Andrew is Dean of the Berkeley Divinity School and McFaddin Professor of Anglican Studies at Yale University in the USA. An Australian Anglican priest, he is a scholar of ancient Christianity whose work has focussed on the early liturgy, food and meals in the ancient world, and on the idea and practice of sacrifice. He is author of books including Ascetic Eucharists: Food and Drink in Early Christian Ritual Meals (Oxford, 1999), Ancient Christian Worship (Baker Academic, 2014), and Seven Last Words: Cross and Creation (Cascade, 2021) based on sermons given at the University Church.
Andrew also bakes bread! On Saturday 15th June, he will be leading a Quiet Day at St Mary’s between 10.00am-4.00pm, which will be made up of some reflections on the significance of bread, and an opportunity to bake some bread. If you would like to attend, please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk for further details. You will be very welcome to join us.
| | This Sunday
8.30am Holy Eucharist - Chancel
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr William Lamb
10.30am Choral Eucharist - Nave Preacher: Mr Stephen Beresford 3.30pm German Lutheran Service | | This Week
Monday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Tuesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 14.00 Art Workshop - Ashmolean
Wednesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 11.15 Coffee and Doughnuts - DeBrome 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Thursday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 13.00 Free Lunchtime Concert - Nave 19.00 Catholic Chaplaincy Service
Friday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 12.45 Bible Study - Old Library
Saturday 10.00 Pride Service - Nave 14.00 Memorial Service - Nave 19.30 Concert - Nave
| | | | | Current Exhibition
Hidden Spire
22 April – 30 June Adam de Brome Chapel
We are thrilled to partner with the Old Fire Station in presenting an exhibition that highlights the art, individuals, and narratives surrounding the Old Fire Station. The Old Fire Station is a place where barriers are crossed. Many different people come there – to make art, watch theatre, drink coffee, attend a creative workshop or try authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Some people come because they have nowhere secure to live. When we come together, the lines dividing us are blurred: an audience member becomes an artist; a volunteer becomes a mentor; a person experiencing homelessness becomes a staff member. We believe that art is for everyone; we believe it can help re-ignite ourself-belief, bring us together and change lives. We hope you enjoy the exhibition. Once you have walked around the exhibition in Adam De Brome Chapel, please visit the Old Fire Station at 40 George Street OX1 2AQ. | | Special Events
LEARNING THROUGH JUDAS - 4 JUNE, 2.30pm, ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM What can the figure of Judas teach us? Judas’s betrayal and death have been represented in a wide variety of ways from antiquity to the present. Based on objects from the Ashmolean, this workshop will use Judas to explore ideas around betrayal and faithfulness, helping us to reflect on our own apostolic identity. Places are limited so please register your attendance.
OXFORD PRIDE SERVICE – EARLIER TIME 10AM SATURDAY 8 JUNE Details of the Pride March have just been released and this year it sets off earlier from Radcliffe Square. There will be a brief act of worship at St Mary’s at the earlier time of 10am before the Pride Parade. Whether or not you are LGBTQIA+ yourself, all are welcome to join in solidarity and support.
SUNDAY FORUM – 12PM SUNDAY 9 JUNE All are welcome to join us as Gabrielle and Hugh Conway Morris help us to consider the natural, human, and spiritual significance of our native woodlands. Gabrielle has been a co-leader of Oxford Forest Church for several years, and Hugh is an architect and timber framer with particular expertise in traditional and natural building materials. They are members of the community at St Mary’s.
CREATE AND CRAFT CHURCH – 3.30PM SUNDAY 16 JUNE Drop in to Create and Craft Church for 45 minutes of faith and fun. Build a Bible scene, pray with paints, or get creative through craft this Father’s Day in a relaxed and interactive space for families with children.
| | | Upcoming Concerts
Handel - Coronation Anthems concert
Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm
The Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford, and Instruments of Time and Truth join forces to perform three of Handel's famous coronation anthems alongside choral works by Giovanni Bononcini (1670-1747), Handel's main rival in London: there was little to separate the two in terms of public status and reputation, and they were dubbed the Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee of London’s music scene in the 1720s. Soon after his arrival in London Bononcini was afforded the honour of writing a grand orchestral anthem – When Saul was King – for the magnificent funeral of the Duke of Marlborough, included in this concert.
Book a ticket here.
If you would like to join our brand new team of volunteer concert stewards, please get in touch with us at info@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk | | Eco Hints for June
Join #30DaysWild. One of A Rocha UK’s firm beliefs is that we are more likely to nurture and defend God’s creation if we spend time enjoying it. The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge is a great opportunity to engage with nature as an individual, household, or with your church community throughout June. Find some wild ideas at wildlifetrusts.org/30-dayswild | |
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