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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a secondary school student in possession of good exam results must be in want of a university place. Or is it? We live in a society where the right to an education is protected and open (thankfully) to both young women and men. Yet we also attach to this right a host of pressures and categorisations that encourage young people to think of failure and success often in binary terms. This week A level results are published. Students will be told whether they will be able to access the next step of their academic journey or training. My guess is that thousands of young people will feel that they have succeeded, but an equal number will feel that they have failed. How we measure success and failure, in my view, is inextricably linked to the way we engage with the world and to the opportunities set before us. We can reflect on, perhaps, how deeply our own views of success and failure are linked to our identity, and to what we feel we can contribute. There are few things as sobering as the volcanic eruption of sadness and tears when a student does not receive the grades that they had wanted. For some this signals that they are not good enough, that they have failed as human beings. We know that this is not true, but they may feel that it is. At times like these, a young person may feel that their story (or this particular chapter at least) is fixed and the end already written.Yet, if our faith teaches us anything, as students and followers of Christ, it is this: just when we feel that the story has come to an end, we realise that it is only just beginning. For this week, and for the many weeks to come, may we hold our failures and successes (whatever these words mean to us) before God, remembering that in this space of love, we are already whole. Dr Mariama Ifode-Blease Community Engagement and Outreach Officer |
| | The Week Ahead
This Sunday
Sunday 19th August - The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
10.30 Sung Eucharist
Preacher: The Revd Dr William Lamb
15.30 Organ Recital: Josef Laming
The Royal Academy of Music, London
Next Week
Monday, Bernard, 153 09.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Tuesday 09.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Wednesday 09.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Thursday 09.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel 12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Friday Bartholomew 09.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Saturday
Next Sunday
Sunday 26th August - The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 10.30 Sung Eucharist
Preacher: The Revd James Crockford
15.30 Contemplative Eucharist - Chancel
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| Pilgrimage & Pub
Our series of walks continues on Saturday 1 September, through the University Parks to St Nicholas’, Old Marston, followed by a stop-off at the Victoria Arms on the river. Please meet, with suitable walking footwear, sun hat and a water bottle, in the De Brome Chapel to leave at 14.00. If you would rather meet us there, please aim for 15.00.
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| | | The Bishop's East Oxford Pilgrimage Day
On Tuesday 4 September, the Bishop of Oxford will be walking a pilgrimage from Cowley through the centre of Oxford, stopping at various churches along the way. He is due to arrive at St Mary’s at 13.10, for a blessing and short service of prayers. Please do join us if you can.
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| | | Ride and Stride
On 8 September, the annual Ride and Stride event takes place in aid of Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. How many churches are you able to visit in one day either on foot or bicycle? If you would like to take part and require sponsorships and information about which churches will be open, please contact Margaret (margaret.chaundy2@btinternet.com).
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| | | St Mary's Volunteers Fair
Many members of St Mary’s congregation are already involved with and support voluntary organisations– e.g. Oxford Food Bank, Gatehouse, Christian Aid, prison visiting, Home Start, Parkinson’s Association, etc. We are planning a ‘Volunteers Fair’ to showcase this work and to encourage others to get involved. There is to be a planning meeting in the Old Library at 12noon on Sunday 16 September. The Fair itself will take place after the service on Sunday, 14 October. If you would like to be involved, please contact: Margaret Lipscomb (M.Lipscomb@ntlworld.com) or Janet Greenland (janetgreenland@gmail.com).
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