Subject: News from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Faith in Action


by the Revd Dr William Lamb


St Mary’s has a long history of campaigning for social justice and equality. The first meeting of Oxfam took place at St Mary's, and members of our community contributed to the founding of  the Gatehouse drop-in centre for the homeless. Over the years, we have supported a wider range of charities, from HIV/AIDS projects in Africa, rebuilding a school in Pakistan and work with street children in Delhi to projects for the homeless and, most recently, providing welcome and support for asylum seekers in Oxfordshire.

As a church, we seek to contribute towards transforming society to reflect the Kingdom of God through acts of neighbourliness and service. The Faith in Action Committee, chaired by Mary Lean, has created a wonderful and informative exhibition in the De Brome Chapel to show the many initiatives we are currently engaged in. These include: supporting the Nandolo Farmers Initiative through Christian Aid’s Malonda Programme in Malawi; the Oxford Winter Night Shelter; the Oxford Community Emergency Foodbank; supporting the work of Asylum Welcome, in their care and support for the 150 Afghan refugees settling in Oxfordshire; the work of the St Mary’s Green Team, who have just been granted a Bronze Award under A Rocha’s Eco-Church Scheme; and voluntary work in Holywell Cemetery, making this peaceful place accessible to visitors while conserving this urban sanctuary for wildlife.


The exhibition will be available in the De Brome Chapel over the next few weeks. Come and see - and find out more about the ways in which you can contribute and put your faith into action.

Livestreamed Services at the University Church

Sunday 13 February

10.30am - Choral Eucharist

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Book your visit to the Tower online


The Tower is now open and you can book a ticket online for your visit at the link below. You can find more information as well as our Terms & Conditions on our website.

Online Bookings

Notices


PALM CROSSES
Please bring your old palm crosses back to be burned in preparation for Ash Wednesday and leave them in the basket at the back of Church.


SECOND COFFEE
We're delighted that 'second coffee' has been able to restart; meeting at the Weston Library Cafe at 12pm each Sunday, after the service and refreshments. If you are a current or recent student or under 35, do just pop in and join us for a 'second coffee' or speak to Ana to be added to the WhatsApp group: ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


THEOLOGY CAFE

Monday 21 February, 7.30pm, Old Library - Dr Henrietta Harrison, Professor of Chinese History, University of Oxford, will introduce the ideas of Li Zibiao (1761-1826), who studied in Naples and was one of the interpreters for the first British embassy to China. He spent the final thirty years of his life as a priest in Shanxi and we will look at his reflections on conversions (or not), prayer, and the global church, and what they might say to us today.


QUIET CREATIVITY

Saturday 26 February, 10am - 1pm - Old Library. You are warmly invited to bring your own creative project and enjoy a relaxed morning of quiet productivity in the company of like-minded people. Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided. For more details, contact ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk


HOPE4CREATION ECO-WORKSHOP

Friday 18 - Sunday 20 March, University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Come and have fun, walk in nature and share together in learning and talking about Creation, God and Us. Non-residential, including all meals (vegetarian). £20 per person- bursaries available. For more information and to book the workshop https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/265000402337


CHURCH GOING GONE

Tuesday, 29 March, 10am, Divinity School, Brian Mountford will be interviewed by Angela Tilby on his recent book 'Church Going Gone' at the Oxford Literary Festival. For more information and how to book a ticket,


NEW TO ST MARY’S? If you are new to St Mary’s and have started coming to services in the last six months or so, we may not have your contact details. If you would like to find out more about what is going on at the University Church, please email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk with your name, address and telephone number and ask for your name to be added to the Parish Directory. This directory is used only by parish staff but it enables us to get in touch with you as the need arises.


An event that might be of interest, elsewhere in the University:

Free Jean Jones Art Exhibition in St Cross Church

St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ, Oxford, United Kingdom

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