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The gift of this new day...
'As we rejoice in the gift of this new day …’ These words (from morning prayer) have stuck in my mind over the last few weeks; and they can, I think, be quite startling. On a sunny day in the vacation, it feels good to be reminded to rejoice, but what about when you know the day is going to be fraught and difficult, and you just want to get to the end of it? It can seem very strange, when tense and anxious, to be invited to rejoice – or at least it does to me.
But sometimes that strangeness can jostle me out of my worrying, and help me see the day differently. See it as open to new possibilities and opportunities, new friendships, new ideas and experiences. See its moments as precious, and worth holding on to.
Last week was Harvest Festival, when we to pause for a moment to give thanks for creation, for the beauty of the earth and for all that sustains our lives here on earth. We also collected tins and toiletries to give to the Gatehouse, to help those in particular who are homeless or vulnerably housed. Harvest Festival reminds us of how good it can be to appreciate what we have and also to share it with others, rejoicing together in the days and in the places that God has made. With climate change worsening and uncertainty all around, perhaps the invitation to rejoice in each day can help us to keep working at the challenges we face, without losing hope.
Dr Sarah Mortimer
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The Week Ahead
This Sunday
Sunday
10.30 Choral Eucharist - Nave
15.30 Organ Vespers - Chancel
Monday
9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15 Eucharist - Chancel
Tuesday Remigius 8.15 Student Breakfast - Vaults Cafe
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
Friday Francis of Assisi
9.00 Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15 Eucharist - Chancel 15.30 Faith and Mystery Lecture - Old Library
Saturday
Sunday 6 October The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity
10.30 Choral Eucharist
Preacher: The Revd Dr William Lamb 12.00 Parish Lunch in the Old Library 15.30 German Lutheran Service in the Chancel
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Parish Lunch
There will be a parish lunch in the Old Library on Sunday 6 October. If you are able to help in any way by bringing some food to share, please get in touch with Katie Hicks, who is coordinating the event. Her email is hickscm@uwclub.net
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Coffee Rota
If you would like to join our team offering refreshments and hospitality in the De Brome Chapel after the service, please have a word with Rosemary Burton or email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk and Sarah Ockwell, our Administrator, will put you in touch with Rosemary.
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Newman Canonisation
John Henry Newman, who was Vicar of St Mary’s from 1828-1843, will be canonised in Rome on Sunday 13th October. Although we are not organising a pilgrimage to Rome for this occasion, tickets are available at www.newmancanonisation.com. Alongside a number of events in Oxford, there will be an ecumenical celebration of Choral Evensong in St Mary’s on Thursday 17th October at 5.30pm. The Most Revd Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, will be preaching. Everyone is welcome. |
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Student Breakfast
There will be a breakfast for students in the Vaults Café on Wednesday 2 October at 8.15am. Breakfast will be followed by Morning Prayer.
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| | Faith and Mystery
On Friday 4 October at 3.30pm, there will be a lecture in the Old Library by Mark Patrick Hederman OSB, the former Abbot of Glenstal Abbey in Limerick. The author of several books, he has lectured in philosophy, theology and literature in Ireland, Nigeria and the USA. His most recent book ‘Living the Mystery’ maintains that the world has never been more in need of religion. The lecture has been organized by the St Benet’s Institute. To attend please register at https://getinvited.to/stbenetsinstitute/faithandmystery/
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| | Shared Humanity: Beyond our differing Cultures and Beliefs
On Wednesday 9 October at 7.30pm, Letlapa Mphahlele, who commanded the Azanian People’s Liberation Army under apartheid in South Africa, will be speaking on the theme of shared humanity and to raise awareness of the rise of xenophobia in South Africa and around the world. Once wholly committed to violence, he now sees the whole of humanity as ‘my people’. Tickets cost £5 or £3 concession. More information from oxford@iofc.org.
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| | Asger and Hannah's wedding
Two members of our congregation, Asger and Hannah, will be married at St Mary’s on Saturday 5 October at 11.00am. They extend a warm welcome to any member of the congregation who wishes to attend the ceremony. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for their celebration. |
| | Safeguarding
The Parochial Church Council is committed to the protection, safeguarding, care and nurture of all children and vulnerable adults who visit the University Church. If you would like to discuss safeguarding at the University Church or need to report any concerns, you can contact our Safeguarding Advisor, Louise Jarvis: lkjarvis@hotmail.co.uk
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