Author: Margaret Day

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.

The Christmas Tree Festival is fast approaching. It is a great opportunity to invite people into the church as well as raising much-needed funds. We urgently need volunteers to help over the weekend, as well as donations of cakes and mince pies etc. If you can help in any way, please sign up on the sheet at the back of the church or contact Malc on office@kidhp.org.uk or 01865 375611.

I am looking for volunteers as stewards during the festival. I would like to invite YOU to help us if you are able to: Sat 6th Dec 10-4pm, Sunday 7th Dec 11.30 – 5pm – (Community Carols beginning at 5.30pm)
Before and after the event: We need a team of people to help us put the trees in stands and place them in church on Friday 5th Dec from 8am. With enough strong hands and backs, it takes less time than you might think. After the Community Carols on Sunday 7th December, those trees not taken home will be carried out of the church.
Stewards duties / refreshments / cake making: On the public days we need a few people per hour to welcome the community and to help serve refreshments. Can you make a cake or mince pies for this event?
What is it like to volunteer?
It is loads of fun, the heating has been fixed and there will be live music!
How much time does each person volunteer for?
Stewards could do as little as one hour or two hours over the weekend, or offer a length of time each day. If you are not able to stand for that length of time, please say – we can provide a chair!
How to volunteer:
Please email office@kidhp.org.uk or call 01865 375611
Thanks all !
Malc

The Friends of St Mary’s Kidlington will be finishing off their Autumn events on Saturday 29th November – when Oli Steadman will be performing “365 days” – the rendering of ancient folk songs.  Not only was Oli one of the founders of the very popular band Stornoway but he regularly talks about conservation and has recently been awarded by the RHS for the best wildflower community space.  Stornoway is playing next March at the Royal Albert Hall; the tickets sold out within days. Having Oli in St Mary’s will be special too and we are hoping his performance will also sell out.

This Sunday, 16th November, the choir and choristers are singing Choral Evensong at St Mary’s Kidlington at 5.30pm. The service will feature music composed by two of our choir members: the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Joshua Hewett, and a new psalm chant by Katie Tupling. We’ll also be singing the Drinkell responses and the anthem “Locus Iste” by Bruckner. There’ll be an organ voluntary (J.S. Bach) and two congregational hymns including “How shall I sing that majesty”.

Do join us – also your first chance to purchase the just-released CD produced by choir and choristers – read more here.

The choir and choristers have produced a CD entitled “Sing unto the Lord a new song”, which we are selling to raise money for parish funds. It’s a collection of choral classics and contemporary works, and includes a recording of the anthem “Sing unto the Lord a new song”, composed by David Hewett for the Kidlington 800 anniversary celebrations in 2020 (you won’t find this on any other CD!). CDs will be £10 each and can be purchased from choir members after services where the choir are singing. Your first chance to buy is after Evensong on 16th November!

‘But Who is my Neighbour?’: Engaging with Other Faiths in Kidlington

Kidlington is changing in many ways and one of these is the greater diversity of faiths
among our neighbours. We also live in challenging political times at home and abroad.

An important way of meeting and deepening our understanding of our neighbours of other
faiths is through a local Scriptural Reasoning Group. These groups are an established
way for people of different faiths to come together for friendship, dialogue, and to learn
through engaging with each other’s scriptures. A small group will meet each month, with a
moderator, for 75 minutes and will focus on a topic common to the different scriptures.
Together the members read the scriptures and then there is time for discussion and
deepening understanding in an atmosphere of respect.

We are trialling a new group in Kidlington starting in 2026. To find out more about this topic and the planned group, then just click here.