Dear friends, Sometimes we can be inclined to give and give and give to others – without asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity – of great strength. But it can also be one of pride – we want to be seen as the one who does not …
Newsletter for Sunday 7th February 2021 Dear friends, Have you ever stopped to think about the technology we’ve become so dependent on in our modern world? How is it that our increasingly automated, and always online world has not given us more time? Just more things to do in the same amount of time. We …
Dear friends, This week we have a message from Bishop Steven about the new initiative from Oxford Diocese – “Come and See”. “Read John 1:35-42 What’s going on in this passage from John’s gospel? Well, first we see that John spots Jesus, and points him out. He points him out in a way which intrigues …
Newsletter for Sunday 17th January 2021 Dear friends, I know I’m not alone in finding January to be a difficult time. This year, to the naturally dark days and grey, wet weather we also have to contend with the COVID lockdown, the misery of social distancing, the disruption of church and the uncertainties about when …
Dear friends, Christmas is normally a busy time for travel, and usually many of us venture great distances to see family or friends again. But coronavirus has put an end to all that this year. Seeing all our loved ones this Christmas will be difficult, if not impossible. And for several more months, we will …
Dear friends, “And behold, you shall conceive in your womb and bring forth a son and call His name JESUS…” (Luke 1:31) This past week, on 8th December, Roman Catholics celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. While we do not venerate Mary in the same way, we can still learn so much …
Parish of Cumnor Newsletter for 11th December 2020 Read More »
Dear friends, “Christmas may look different, but the story is still the same!” Coronavirus will make our celebrations this year look very different from usual. However, the message of the baby born in Bethlehem is still the most life-giving, good news imaginable! In one nativity play, the highlight was to illuminate Jesus, with a light …
Parish of Cumnor Newsletter for 4th December 2020 Read More »
Dear friends, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.’”(Psalm 122:1,2). These words from Psalm 122 inspired Hubert Parry’s great Coronation Anthem “I was Glad.” As one of the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), it was used by …
Parish of Cumnor Newsletter for 27th November 2020 Read More »
Dear friends, When TV presenter and celebrity Carolyn Flack took her life in February 2020 the world was shocked and saddened. How could someone so young, beautiful and successful do such a thing? It seems that the pressure of an impending court case, the vitriol she received online, and her own inner pain had become …
Parish of Cumnor News for 31st July to 21st August Read More »
Dear friends, According to one survey, during the lockdown, a quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service and one in 20 have started praying. While the majority of people who contract Covid-19 survive, it reminds us that we are much more frail and weak than we often like …
