| | Thee we adore, O hidden Saviour
by The Revd Naomi Gardom
I’m writing this full of grateful thanks to everyone who came and supported me at the ordination service on Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful to have so many people from the St Mary’s family there; thank you also to those who were not able to attend on Sunday but who have been praying in the lead up to that moment. It is a privilege to serve you, now as one of your priests, and I am so thankful to be part of this community of radical inclusion and thoughtful faith.
On Sunday, I will preside at the Eucharist for the first time. As I have been reflecting and preparing for this, I have been most struck by the beautiful ordinariness of this moment. We have a celebration of the Eucharist almost every day at St Mary’s: very soon my first time will give way to my second, third, fourth time, and so on. The elements we use for the celebration of the Eucharist are the things of ordinary life: bread, wine, water. They are held within the context of a meal among friends, the liturgy a formalised conversation. This is holiness which is profoundly embedded in our normal human experience.
But hidden in this ordinariness, like a nut held gently inside its shell, is the most extraordinary gift. However many times we attend or even preside at a Eucharist, we only ever participate in one. Every celebration of this meal is a participation in the one meal that Christ shared with his disciples, to which we and all creation have been invited. We are not recreating or re-enacting the Last Supper. We are re-membering it: in other words, re-bodying it, (or, to use a more down-to-earth phrase, ‘giving it legs’). We are giving our bodies and our attention over to participating in this glimpse of Jesus’ presence with us. This presence pierces the distances of space and time like a needle through folded cloth, drawing us together – drawing us to the altar, to the table, to the bread, and to the wine.
So come on Sunday, if you can – it would be wonderful to share this moment with you. But if you are not there, or if you can’t join us in person at the moment, or if you are worshipping with a different church community now, know that you are part of us and we are part of you, through Christ who has called us all to his table. | | This Sunday
8.30am Holy Eucharist - Chancel
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr William Lamb
10.30am Sung Eucharist - Nave Preacher: The Very Revd Abi Thompson 5pm Choral Evensong - Nave
| | This Week
Monday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Tuesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Wednesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
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
Saturday 10.00 Graduation - Church Closed (9am - 1pm) 19.30 Concert
| | | | | Current Exhibition
Faith
1 July - 15 September Adam de Brome Chapel
Faith is the complete trust and confidence in someone, something, or a concept,’ says Rob Judges, reflecting on the essence of his latest photographic exhibition. Titled ‘Faith,’ this exhibition explores the profound expressions of religious devotion across the boundaries of denomination and religious affiliation. Emerging themes such as the importance of food, light, and water— basic elements that nourish life—are beautifully grouped together in this collection. Inspired by a survey revealing that less than 50% of people in the UK identify as religious, Rob felt it was timely to document this aspect of society. ‘Many people of faith, initially wary, soon became warm, calm, confident, and welcoming,’ says Judges. ‘Some were very reticent, but in the end, I have captured a view of Faith that resonates deeply.’ Rob hopes these images will resonate with both people of faith and secular viewers, appreciating the strength and serenity that Faith imparts. The exhibition also continues to grow, and he invites anyone with ideas or from unrepresented faiths to contact him at rob@robjudges.com. | | Special Events
COME AND SING CHORAL EVENSONG – 5PM SUNDAY 30 JUNE Join the congregation for a special festal Choral Evensong for St Peter sung according to the Book of Common Prayer. Those taking part in the ‘Come and Sing’ event in collaboration with the Oxford Festival of the Arts will form a festival chorus, with the University Church Choral Scholars, for the service. The service draws on Scripture and the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline, offering a simple, elegant framework for reflection and prayer.
OXTRAIL – 6 JULY - 29 AUGUST This summer, we are proud to be working with Sobell House, our local hospice, and hosting one of the Oxen, which will form part of the Oxtrail initiative. This sculpture trail in Oxford’s city centre is made up of 31 bold and beautiful life-sized sculptures intricately designed by local and international artists. For more information visit: www.oxtrail2024.co.uk and please make a donation to support Sobell House.
STORYTELLING WORKSHOP – 10AM MONDAY 29 JULY This half-day workshop is aimed at children aged 7-12 with a passion for stories, whether that is reading them, watching them, writing them, or acting them out. Sign up here. | | | Upcoming Concerts
Oxford Sinfonia - Summer Chamber Concert
Friday 29 June, 7.30pm
An exciting mix of classic orchestral chamber music, featuring Handel, Vivaldi, Barber and CPE Bach. Programme is Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op 3, no 2, Vivaldi’s concerto in G minor RV157, Finzi’s Romance, Beethoven’s Symphony no.1 (arr. wind decet, 2nd and 4th movements), Dvorak’s Czech suite (arr. wind decet), Barber’s Adagio and ending with CPE Bach’s Symphony No 1. Ticket includes programme and accompanied children are free. 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 | | Care for Creation - July
Taste the benefits of seasonal and local food. Plan to incorporate locally grown produce into your diet and shopping list throughout the seasons, as it is harvested at its peak ripeness, ensuring superior flavour compared to imported alternatives that have travelled thousands of miles. If saying grace before a meal is a regular practice in your household, this month, include giving thanks for your local food producers. From: https://arocha.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ARUK-Eco-Tips-Calendar-2024.pdf | |
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