| | Stories old and new
by Dr Sarah Mortimer
In Herefordshire there is a story that when St Peter was travelling to Rome, his route took him through what is now South West England. He stayed in one of the local villages, now called Peterchurch, and its people were so kind that he left in their well an immortal trout as a parting gift. Whether the story is true or not, Peterchurch is certainly a very old settlement with an ancient church dedicated to this famous visitor (and with a large plaster fish high on the south wall). From the road, however, what you see is strikingly modern, a tall fibreglass spire which gleams like a thin shard of ice. Like so many of our churches, this St Peter’s blends the old and new together, here the adventurous courage of the Apostles with the ingenuity of modern design, even as the practices of welcome, of generosity, and of sharing the Gospel remain as a constant.
The fascinating stories of different churches help us, perhaps, to reflect on our own, for every church is formed and shaped over generations, dating back somehow to ancient times. As Christians today we enter into these multiple, polyphonic stories, not to reorder or remake them but to share, in our own special ways, in the constant themes of love and service, of true relationship with God and each other. We know that everywhere our story reaches back to the Apostles and to Jesus Christ, even as we look forward and upward, to the Kingdom that will come. | | This Sunday
8.30am Holy Eucharist - Chancel
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr William Lamb
10.30am Sung Eucharist - Nave Preacher: The Revd Professor Ben King 5pm Choral Evensong - St Cross Church
| | This Week
Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 - Ride & Stride - High Street entrance 14.00 - Wedding - Nave (Church closed 1.30pm - 4pm)
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 Lunchtime Recital - Nave
Friday 9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
| | Open Doors Weekend
Saturday 14 September
University Church
The church will be open between 10am - 1.30pm to welcome visitors as well as Riders and Striders. The Tower will be open as usual.
Holywell Cemetery
The cemetery is one of Oxford’s best kept secrets – a haven of tranquillity and recollection in a city where space and stillness are increasingly at a premium. Its stones contain a wealth of hidden stories. The cemetery will be open all day and there will be a geology gravestone tour at 2.30pm to the sound of harp music (weather permitting).
Sunday 15 September
University Church
This is the last day to see our Faith Exhibition. Curated by photographer, Rob Judges, 'Faith' showcases the rich diversity and unique traditions of Oxford's religious communities, while also highlighting the shared elements of devotion—such as the importance of food, light, and water—that transcend denominational boundaries.
St Cross Church
Each year, we gather at St Cross Church to celebrate a special Choral Evensong with the University Church Choir. Now the Balliol Historic Collections Centre, the church is open for worship once a year, on Holy Cross Day. The service will start at 5pm. All are welcome. | | | | 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
ST CROSS EVENSONG – 5PM, THIS SUNDAY Join us for a special service of choral evensong at St Cross at Holywell to mark Holy Cross Day at 5.00pm at which the Vicar will preach.
CONFERENCE – NEWMAN AS PREACHER In September, we will be marking the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the public preaching ministry of St John Henry Newman, who was Vicar of St Mary’s from 1828-1843. There will be a series of lectures to which all are welcome and more details can be found on the website.
Monday 16th at 14:15 - University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Oxford Eamon Duffy, "Newman in the University Pulpit - 'the management of hearts'" Tuesday 17th at 14:30 - St. Mary and St. Nicholas Church, Littlemore Benjamin King, "Preaching the Church Fathers for Good or for Ill" Wednesday 18th at 14:30 - St. Clement's Church, Oxford Kenneth L. Parker, "An Earnest Evangelical: The Beginnings of John Henry Newman's Preaching Ministry"
PILGRIMAGE - 21 SEPTEMBER On Saturday 21st September, there will be a pilgrimage walk from Abingdon Abbey to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. If you’d like to join us sign up on Eventbrite.
SEX, BODIES AND CHRISTIANITY - THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER Come along to the launch of two significant and long-awaited books this autumn and listen to the authors in conversation. Professor Diarmaid Macculloch, Professor Emeritus of the History of Christianity in the University of Oxford, will talk about Little Lower than the Angels: a history of sex and Christianity (Allen Lane, 2024) and Professor Helen King, Professor Emerita, Open University and a prominent lay member of General Synod, will talk about her book Immaculate Forms: Uncovering the History of Women’s Bodies (Profile, 2024).
ST MATTHEWS GARDEN PARTY - 22 SEPTEMBER More details here. | | | | | |
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