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Walk in the ancient paths
by the Revd Hannah Cartwright
‘Stand at the cross roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it and find rest for your souls’ (Jeremiah 6.16)
As the TV debates hot up, election fever is rapidly gripping the Nation. Watching political rivals disagree on almost everything has become something of a national sport and can certainly leave one feeling confused about which road we should choose to go down for the next chapter in the life of UK citizens.
There is no doubt that we are at a cross roads and, if biblical precedent is anything to go by, we should be cautious abut choosing the ‘quick fix’ or what bodes well only for ourselves in the moment. The path to flourishing is, we are told, narrow and certainly not always easy. It is evident that no party, policy, political system, or person, is perfect. But what can our faith contribute to helping us make a wise choice with the information we have available? Perhaps, the answer lies not in who/what ‘promises big’ in the future, but in who/what has reliably demonstrated the values we are called to live by in the past. Who consistently looks beyond themselves, and fashionable rhetoric, to seek the flourishing of others?
The ancient paths, which Jeremiah recalls God imploring his people to look to, are not about embodying ‘old fashioned values’, but instead point back to the Mosaic covenant; the Law which was given by God to help his people live well in society. They are the foundation of our own laws today; but, far beyond a set of rules, this Law was about a way of life which brought us into better relationship with God, with neighbour, with creation and within oneself. It is a Law which Jesus came to fulfil by removing all barriers to relationship with God as he walked among us, cared for the needy, forgave the sinner, loved the outcast and, ultimately, worried far more about our eternal flourishing than his own popularity. | | This Sunday
8.30am Holy Eucharist - Chancel
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr William Lamb
10.30am Choral Eucharist - Nave Preacher: The Very Revd Professor Andrew McGowan 3.30pm Choral Evensong Preacher: The Revd Hannah Cartwright | | This Week
Saturday 10.00 Pride Service - Nave 14.00 Memorial Service - Nave 19.30 Concert - Nave
Monday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Tuesday Barnabas the Apostle 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Wednesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 11.15 Coffee and Doughnuts - DeBrome 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 17.30 Poetry Hour - University Parks
Thursday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 13.00 Free Lunchtime Concert - Nave
Friday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 12.45 Bible Study - Old Library | | | | | 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
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.
POETRY HOUR: 5.30PM WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE, UNIVERSITY PARKS Poetry Hour is a forum for a diverse group of poets who have been reading and writing poetry together since 2015 in a relaxed and supportive environment. For our final meeting of term, we will meet at 5.30 pm at Keble Gate and spend an hour reading our favourite poems to each other in the Parks. We will de-camp to a pub if it rains.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD - SATURDAY 15 JUNE On Saturday 15 June from 10am - 4pm, there will be a Quiet Day/Bread Making Workshop led by the Revd Professor Andrew McGowan at Harris Manchester College. Places are limited, but if you would like to participate in this day, please sign up for the event by contacting ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk.
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.Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight
Friday 14 June, 7.30pm
The exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta perform Vivaldi's masterpiece The Four Seasons and Chopin's sublime first piano concerto, with renowned concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, in the beautiful candlelit setting of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford. A hugely appealing programme designed to help you celebrate the weekend in style!
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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