Author: Margaret Day

Read all about it here

The young people are arranging fundraising events to build up the finances for this exciting weekend. Please support them by supporting their efforts:

Cake Sale Sunday 28th June after joint service at St John’s
Good news for all those with a sweet tooth! The young people will be hosting a cake sale after the joint service at St John’s on June 28th, to help fund the Youth Weekend Away in September. (Donations of cake also welcome. Please get in touch with Paul if you’d like to be involved.)

Quiz Night Saturday 18th July at St John’s 6.30pm
Food will be hotdogs (regular and veggie); bring your own drink for that authentic pub quiz feeling. Six rounds of questions; come as a team or form your own team on the night.

Our season of Summer Sunday Teas will be starting again on 3rd May. Do come along to the Refectory at the back of the church (3pm to 5pm) any summer Sunday for tea, cake and chat.

For all the family – 10am to 3pm on Tuesday 7th April – in and around St Mary’s Kidlington.

Please note that this is raising money for the Live Nativity in December (camels). The cost of the camels does not come from our church budget. Do come and support these events, thanks all.

Saturday 18th April, 7pm, St Mary’s Kidlington

Our Castaway is Revd Oliver Harrison, interviewed by Jan Jeffreys.

Tickets, £12.50 each, include a glass of wine and nibbles.

To help with catering, please book in advance if you can, by clicking here

Please note that this is raising money for the Live Nativity in December (camels). The cost of the camels does not come from our church budget. Do come and support these events, thanks all.

Faced with the swiftly escalating war in the Middle East we may feel powerless to do anything, and afraid for our world and our selves. At such times we turn to God in prayer; we anchor ourselves in God who is our peace. Praying IS doing something, and God holds our fears in the palm of His hand. (What are the most repeated words in Scripture? ‘Do not be afraid’)

You are invited to join together in prayer for peace at 6pm in the chancel at St Mary’s each weekday this week starting 2nd March. Everyone is welcome – come as you are. It’s not very formal and lasts about 20 minutes.

Just as we prayed for Ukraine 4 years ago and continue to do so through the lighted candle on the high altar, so tonight as many of us who are free and wish to be there, will gather and pray for the Middle East and the expanding circles of this war. If you can’t be present physically at 6pm you might like to pause and pray the Lord’s Prayer joining with us in heart and mind.

Tonight (Monday) the Meditation Group will meet, as they always do, for 30 minutes silent prayer at 6.30pm in the Lady Chapel so there is the opportunity for anyone to stay on and join them if you wish.

Lord, hear our prayers for the Middle East and the safety of the world.
For those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured,
For those who are in terror in a bunker or behind closed doors,
For those who are stranded away from home,
And those who work for peace behind the scenes.
Lord, bless your people.

Lord, give hope in places of darkness,
For peace and justice to prevail,
For there to be new beginnings for all people,
For freedom to replace fear and for there to be a better tomorrow
Lord, bless your people.
Amen.

Busting a Myth of Church Funding: a National and International Perspective

Many people think that church buildings, as historic public buildings of the National church, receive funding from the state to maintain them. This is not true in England though it is more true in other countries. Recently, Felicity was asked to write about this for our local businesses group because we have been talking to them about supporting the Friends of St Mary’s scheme. As we are thinking about church finances this Lent you might also like to read how England is different from other countries in (not) funding the maintenance of our historic national churches. Click the link here to read what happens in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Poland – and what happens in England.

We are delighted to be holding our usual series of Winter Tea Talks this year. Talks will be at 3pm in St Mary’s Kidlington, on Sundays 11th January, 8th February and 8th March. Each talk is followed by tea, cake and chat. There is no charge for coming but donations in aid of church funds are invited.

See below for more about the third talk

Henrietta encouraged us all to think more about retirement – whether already with us or yet to come.

Many thanks to Professor Allen and all who came to hear his fascinating and informative talk in January.

Do come along to view the wonderful display of decorated trees, listen to the musical talents of our friends and enjoy seasonal refreshments.