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

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Many of us woke up after a long night to the General Election results and some of us might be pleased with yesterday’s result while many others may feel disappointed and anxious. Were your hopes dashed? 

But whatever the outcome and our reaction to it, as Christians, we must not forget that Jesus also had his own ‘election manifesto’; which was a beautifully stated inaugural address (Luke 4: 14-30 ) and his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). So we can use Advent as a time to reflect on his promises, and as we prepare for Christmas with decorations, parties, candles, and presents, it is a good challenge oneself to also try and incorporate into our daily lives a time of prayer and contemplation. 

This can be the most thoughtful and glorious time of year for Christians. We wait, and wait for the light of Christ, to burst into our lives, to be reminded of the power of His Reign on earth and the coming of Kingdom of God. One of my favourite prayers to focus on that I want to share with you, is by the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland based on “Do not be afraid: for see  - I am bringing you good news of great joy to all people’. (Luke 2:10).

God of fear,
God of the night,
God of expectation,
You visited shepherds in the night,
With songs and sights of joy.
In all of our nights,
turn us towards hope,
because hope will keep
us alive. Amen.

Many thanks 

Charlotte
The Rev'd Charlotte Bannister-Parker
Associate Minister, The University Church
The Week Ahead

This Sunday:  15 December  
The Third Sunday of Advent  

Sunday 
10.30   Sung Eucharist - Nave
15.30   Organ Vespers - Chancel

Weekday Services

Monday 
9.00    Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15  Eucharist - Chancel 

Tuesday O Sapientia
9.00    Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15  Eucharist - Chancel 
18.30  Crisis Carol Concert - Nave

Wednesday  O Adonai
9.00    Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15  Eucharist - Chancel 

Thursday  O Radix Jesse 
9.00    Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15  Eucharist - Chancel 

Friday  O Clavis David 
9.00    Morning Prayer - Chancel
12.15  Eucharist - Chancel 

Saturday  O Oriens  

 For full listings of weekly evening services across the University, see our website.

Next Sunday

Sunday 22 December  The Fourth Sunday of Advent    
10.30   Sung Eucharist - Nave
            Preacher:  The Rev'd Dr William Lamb  
18.00   Nine Lessons and Carols with the University Church Choir

Tuesday 24 December  - Christmas Eve
16.30   Crib Service - A fun, interactive nativity service for all ages
23.30    Midnight Mass 
             Preacher:  The Revd Laurence Price

Wednesday 25 December  -  Christmas Day 
10.30    Choral Eucharist
              Preacher:  The Revd Dr William Lamb
Christmas period Services and Opening Hours
You can find our Services and opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period here:
Gatehouse Christmas Presents 
Please take socks, gloves, scarves, hats, underpants, chocolate bars to the Gatehouse before Wednesday 18 December, when a wrapping party will be wrapping them up. Please bring your unwrapped offering to the Gatehouse, St Giles Hall, Woodstock Road on Sunday afternoon between 3.30 and 6pm, or between 4.30 and 7 pm weekdays.
The Oxford Winter Night Shelter 

We are recruiting volunteers for January-March 2020, when once again churches will offer beds to up to 20 rough sleepers a night. Last year 300 people volunteered for evening, night and early morning shifts. Of the guests who made use of the shelters, over half did not return to rough sleeping. To volunteer this year, visit ownsoxford.org.uk, and register for a training/refresher session.
Church of Holy Family, Blackbird Leys
The church building of Holy Family, Blackbird Leys was condemned in 2018. The Diocese has devised plans for the demolition of the current church building and the regeneration of the site to include a new church, community facilities and housing on a not-for-profit basis. Recently, the existing building has been listed. In order to justify replacing a listed building, Holy Family Church needs to demonstrate support for the proposed community benefits. You can help by filling in this questionnaire online: https://www.givemyview.com/blackbirdleys
Imagining the Future 
The Parochial Church Council is currently involved in a series of consultations about the development of our mission and ministry as a church. Two well attended consultations took place during the Michaelmas Term and the PCC is currently preparing for an Away Day in February. If you have any thoughts or contributions to make to this process, please write to the Vicar: vicar@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk
Your contribution will be very welcome.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
The Parochial Church Council has recently revised and approved a new Safeguarding Policy in light of guidance from the Diocese of Oxford.  This means that every member of staff and volunteer at St Mary's needs to have the requisite DBS check and undergo the relevant level of training. This is important and urgent.  Attending to these matters ensures that we become alert and attentive to the issues around safeguarding.  No one can ever anticipate a situation in which they find themselves listening to a disclosure about a painful episode in someone's life.  Knowing how to respond in a way which will protect the most vulnerable is an essential part of our Christian vocation. 
St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ, Oxford, United Kingdom
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