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

 

Reading across the lines


by Dr Sarah Mortimer


They say you can tell a person by their bookshelves - or perhaps nowadays by the books on their kindle…Recently a particular set of bookshelves have been in my mind, shelves tucked away in a corner of Christ Church like a long-forgotten time capsule.  They contain the library of a seventeenth-century scholar named Richard Allestree, a man whose writing helped shape the Church after the civil war.  Allestree held some prestigious roles, but he was best known for writing a runaway bestseller which urged people to put their faith into practice in their everyday lives.


Allestree was a staunch Anglican, but his library tells a revealing story.   Protestant and Catholic authors sit side by side, and there are dozens of well-thumbed works from heterodox or marginal figures. Allestree and his friends were adventurous spirits, they were genuinely fascinated by writing from all over Europe and from right across the religious spectrum.  And they put their reading to good use as they offered English Christians a vision of Anglicanism which was relevant and persuasive, without losing hold on their core beliefs.

The library shelves make clear how far Allestree ventured beyond a narrow echo-chamber. His views were shaped not just by those he agreed with, but also by his careful, attentive engagement with others, even with heretics and opponents. I wonder if this was part of his success – perhaps it is when we are willing to be challenged that our own ideas develop best.

Livestreamed Services

at the University Church

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST, 10.30AM

President: The Revd Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen

Preacher: The Revd Hannah Cartwright

We are back livestreaming our morning service. Please bear with us as we get accustomed to our new AV system and train new staff. For any comments or suggestions, please email ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

Livestreamed Services Playlist

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Notices


ORGAN RECITAL: SUNDAY 21 AUGUST

Join us on Sunday at 15.30 for an organ recital by Michael Koenig, Graduate Organist at Exeter College.


THE GATEHOUSE

The Gatehouse, with which this church has been historically very involved, is looking for volunteers to staff sessions and to make sandwiches. See Victoria for more information. victoria@morthome.com 07736 163237


THE OXFORD PROMS

The Oxford Proms are continuing to offer evening concerts in St Mary's during August, and their final concert with us will take place on Wednesday. Tickets and more information are available on the Oxford Proms website: www.oxfordproms.org


SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

The Diocese of Oxford has joined Citizens UK in providing a safer, more streamlined system designed to provide support for those undertaking the sponsorship process for supporting Ukrainian Refugees. For more information on hosting or supporting refugees visit: www.oxford.anglican.org/everyday-faith/becoming-a-christian/how-to/make-a-difference-in-ukraine.php


EAST AFRICA EMERGENCY APPEAL THANKS

On 7th August we made a retiring collection for Christian Aid's emergency appeal for East Africa. In Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, communities are experiencing the worst drought for 40 years with 4 consecutive failed rainy seasons, plunging millions of vulnerable people into extreme hunger. Thank you to all those who gave so generously and helped to raise a total of £620.50.


STILE ANTICO: ENSEMBLE IN RESIDENCE

Stile Antico, our Ensemble in Residence, will be offering two events in the

autumn. There is a concert, A Garden of Delights, which will take place at 8.00pm on 23 September 2022, and a workshop for singers on Saturday 12 November 2022 beginning at 2.30pm. Please make a note in your diaries if you would like to attend either of these events. You can book on the church website.


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.

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

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