| | Amazing Grace
by Alison LeCornu
‘Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…’ must be one of the most familiar hymns of all to church-goers and non-church goers alike. A 2022 web article from CBS news (here) claims that it is sung an estimated 10 million times a year. In it, John Newton expresses his deep gratitude to God for having saved him, almost certainly both physically (from a shipwreck) and spiritually, and highlights key elements of the nature of God’s grace towards him: undeserved salvation; spiritual guidance, (re)assurance and comfort; hope for the future; and a life in eternity of singing God’s praise.
In the retreat in which eight parishioners participated over a weekend in April at beautiful Launde Abbey, grace was the overarching theme proposed by Will Lamb as an underpinning concept by which the Beatitudes should be understood. In a similar vein to Newton, he defined it as ‘undeserved favour’, and our sessions looked at each individual Beatitude in turn. We were encouraged to conceptualise them not as a set of moral imperatives, but instead as exhortations to live in God’s grace. Not only so, but each can be understood to develop from and build on the previous one(s), hence the idea of a ladder became an important tool for our reflections.
Read the whole editorial here. | | This Sunday
8.30am Holy Eucharist - Chancel
Preacher: The Revd Naomi Gardom
10.30am Sung Eucharist - Nave Preacher: The Revd Naomi Gardom 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
Wednesday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Thursday Benedict c.550 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 12.30 Wedding - Nave
| | | | | 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
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.
CHORAL EVENSONG SUMMER SERIES – 3.30PM NEXT SUNDAY The summer series of Choral Evensongs begin next week and run throughout July and August. The form of service was devised during the English Reformation by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who would later be martyred in Oxford. His trial took place at the University Church. The service is sung by the University Church Choir and draws on the Christian Scriptures and the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline; it offers a simple, elegant framework for reflection and prayer. Everyone is welcome.
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
Opus 48
Saturday 6 July, 7pm
Week on week, choirs country-wide have the piano as their accompaniment. For Opus 48’s Summer Concert the piano will take centre stage as the choir performs some of the best works written for the choir and piano. Composers recognise the power and colours the instrument can bring to choral performance, and this is reflected in the line-up of pieces the choir will be singing by some of the world’s most popular composers including Morten Lauridsen, Karl Jenkins, Will Todd and Aaron Copland. Tunes galore, performed with passion and expertise by one of Oxford’s best choirs under the direction of award-winning music director, David Crown. 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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