This Week
Forthcoming Worship Services
Sunday 12th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Holy Communion
Leader and preacher: Jonathan Widdess
St Michael’s, Cumnor
8am Holy Communion (1662)
Leader and preacher: Jessica Turner
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader: Jessica Turner
Preacher: Eve Lockett
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Sunday 19th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader and Preacher: David Wenham
St Michael’s, Cumnor
10:30am Holy Communion
Leader: Jean Pryce-Williams
Preacher: Chris Scruby
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Wednesday 22nd February (Ash Wednesday)
St Michael’s, Cumnor
7:30pm Ash Wednesday Service
Leader & Preacher: Jonathan Widdess
Online Worship
The 10:30am services in St Michael’s are usually live-streamed via our website at: https://cumnor.org/sunday-service-online/
These remain available to watch online afterwards.
Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal
I know that we are shocked and desperately saddened by the News tragic events in Turkey and Syria where over 21,000 people and counting have died following the devastating earthquakes.
Thousands more people are injured, hundreds of buildings have been destroyed, and there’s an urgent need for clean water, shelter and medical aid.
The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £2 million donated by the public to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal. Please do donate now if you can. Donate to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal
Another way to give is through the Church collection. The PCC have decided to donate the loose collections from this Sunday (12th February) to the DEC appeal. Simply bring your donation with you to church and place it in the collection plate or the Box at St Andrew’s.
Finally, please join me in praying for this horrendous situation. Here’s a prayer you can use either “as is” or to help you structure your own prayers.
A Prayer from Tearfund
Loving God,
God of the Earth, of the mountains and the seas,
We lift before you the people of Turkey and Syria,
We pray for help for people who are trapped under rubble.
We pray for shelter for those who have lost their homes.
We pray for comfort for people who are grieving.
We pray for peace for all who are scared and alone.
We pray for the earth to be calm and for the aftershocks to subside.
We pray for those who have already lost so much and now have another disaster to face.
Give them strength and courage.
Be their fortress, their rock and their refuge.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Vocations Day
Is God calling you?
If you’re feeling that nudge from God towards any type of ministry – particularly if it’s ministry in a rural setting – join Bishops Gavin and Alan and the diocesan vocations team on Sunday 19 February for a free event with lunch included.
Find out more and book via Eventbrite – they’d love to see you there.
Living in Love and Faith – General Synod
Last year, The Church of England completed a major study and consultation on Living in Love and Faith, bringing together different views in the church on marriage and same sex relations, with a view to deciding what the church’s policy should be in our modern context. You will have seen in the news that the General Synod of the Church of England – our governing body – met this past week, and had a long and passionate debate, reflecting the deep and sensitive divisions within the church. All lament the homophobia often experienced by LGBTQI+ people in the church in the past, and want us to welcome people as Jesus welcomed people. Some would like to see us following society and marrying same sex-couples in church; others see this as betraying the teaching of Jesus and the Bible and of the church through history, according to which God’s created order is for marriage to be between a man and a woman.
Synod narrowly approved proposals from the House of Bishops, which on the one hand reaffirm the church’s traditional view of marriage as between a man and a woman, but on the other hand emphasize that the church should welcome gay people, allowing clergy who wish to do so to bless same-sex couples and their relationship. The Bishops will be drafting appropriate “Prayers of Love and Faith” and producing pastoral guidance in light of the decisions taken.
Bishop Steven has written “A Letter to the Diocese of Oxford” setting out his response.
These are significant issues which affect many of us very personally and deeply indeed and as a result are not easy to discuss. I know that there are a wide range of views in our own parish too. Let’s continue to tread gently and treat one another with kindness.
For myself, I was heartened by the passing of the amendment stating that Synod want to continue to hold to the Church of England’s historic understanding of marriage and that the prayers should not contradict this, and I’m also praying for those who will find this very difficult.
There are several implications of all this that seem particularly relevant right now for us as a parish.
- At our recent PCC meeting we were thinking in terms of “Reaching Out and Building Up” and in that spirit I want us to continue to offer a welcome to everyone in our community just as they are, and as part of that to proclaim the good news of a new life in Jesus who calls us to take up our cross and follow him.
- I would invite you to pray for those in our parish and others we know who are struggling in their marriages, relationships and sexuality, and for those who are upset or confused about the church’s recent decisions. Pray especially for our young people growing up in a very mixed-up world. And pray for our church’s ministry to be compassionate and faithful, bringing God’s healing to damaged lives.
- I also ask you to continue to pray for the ongoing process, for the Bishops, for church unity, for our shared witness as the Church of England, and for the wider unity and witness of the Anglican Communion at this time.
- I want to invite you to prayerfully consider getting more engaged with this process. Members of the Houses of Clergy and Laity are elected by the clergy and lay members respectively of the Deanery Synods, and we have two vacancies to fill for Deanery Synod at our APCM on April 23rd. So, if you feel strongly about these and other issues affecting the church and want your voice to be heard, then please will you prayerfully consider whether you might stand for Deanery Synod at the APCM?
Finally, if anyone would value a conversation about these or any other issues then please get in touch with Jonathan to arrange a time to talk.
The Passion
Sunday 26th March at 7:30pm, St Michael’s
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are recreated in this moving, memorable and ultimately joyful retelling of the Easter story by LAMPS Collective.
Told from the perspectives of Peter, Mary Magdalene and a Roman centurion named Marcus, this powerful contemporary drama leads us up to and through the events of Holy Week, to the cross and beyond.
Tickets
Buy tickets online at https://cumnor.org/the-passion/, in person from Cumnor Post Office or ring The Vicarage on 01865 863702. Tickets cost just £10 and the performance lasts 75 minutes followed by light refreshments.
Who is it for?
This event is for adults and older children and would be a wonderful thing to invite your friends, family and neighbours along to. There will be some flyers available in the next few weeks for you to give away.
Praise for The Passion
“A very moving and beautiful portrayal of the most amazing story in history. Phenomenal performers!”
“The story of The Passion as I’d never seen it before. Impacting and memorable”
“The most moving experience I’ve had in this church in 81 years”
“You could hear a pin drop – a hugely talented cast who kept us captivated.”
“Very powerful and very descriptive (really helpful as we’re visually impaired.)”
“Came across as very real – like they’re talking to you!”
“Great performance – simple but profound and beautifully produced.”
“Peter’s expression at the resurrection scene, the angst gone! It was beautiful. And the centurion at the cross, as it went on and on. Superbly done. And the music too. Thank you.”
Who are LAMPS?
LAMPS is a collective of Christian artists that produce fabulous live events and creative resources for the church.
Their aim is to create work that will inspire, challenge, entertain and provoke thought about the nature of God, life and the universe.
LAMPS is an acronym which stands for Love, Action, Music, Poetry and Stories – all things close to their hearts!
Giving
“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
As you may be aware, our Parish finances are at a low ebb. While we know things are difficult for many this winter, we really do need your support. If everyone could give just a little extra every week it would make all the difference.
All your donations to the parish support the church’s ministry, and our mission to reach the wider community with the good news of Jesus.
Apart from the weekly collection, you can also give online. Alternatively, giving regularly by Direct Debit via the Parish Giving Scheme is a brilliant option.
For more information or to give online please visit: https://cumnor.org/giving/
Lent Course
For our Lent Course this year we’ll be studying “How To Hear God” by Pete Greig of 24-7 Prayer and The Prayer Course. It’s running on five Monday’s in Lent starting on 27th February in the Parish Centre, 1, Abingdon Road. Each evening kicks off at 7:30pm and we will again be joined by folks from St Peter’s, Wootton.
You can buy a copy of the book online at https://cumnor.org/lentbook/ or from all good Christian booksellers.
All Welcome!
St Andrew’s Bookshop, Witney – Help Needed
St Andrews Bookshop needs your help!
They are looking for people to join their team of volunteers.
After over 20 years of loyal service, David Hambleton is moving on to The Bodleian Library and they need people to fill the gap created.
If would you like to explore joining their team of volunteers or in a part-time role then please email Lynda at witney@standrewsbookshop.co.uk
Help to serve the Church in Oxfordshire in this frontline Christian ministry!
The Coffee Pot
The Coffee Pot aims to provide a warm and welcoming space for all and is now open each Thursday until 1.30pm providing light lunches. So, from 10.30-12.00 hot drinks and cake will be on the menu and from 12.00-1.30 we will be offering a variety of cup soups, rolls and crumpets which we hope will keep everyone warm and fed. Come and join us. Angela Sheppard.
Memories Café
Memories Café meets once a fortnight in Cumnor Cricket Club. Our next meeting is Tuesday 14th February 2:30pm until 4pm.
We are a lively bunch who just like to chat, sharing memories, over a cup of tea and cake. We would love to see you. If you would like to know more please contact Jan Harris on 01865 864169.
Future dates: 14th February, 28th February.
Toddler Groups
St Michael’s Toddler Group
The St Michael’s Toddler group meets on Wednesday mornings in the Parish Centre, 1 Abingdon Road. Each session costs just £1 and runs from 9am-11am during term times. The group is open to everyone.
For more details please contact Dianne Taylor (01865 862165) or Angela Evans (01865 864397).
St Andrew’s Toddler Group
The St Andrew’s Toddler group meets on Friday mornings in St Andrew’s Church, Orchard Road. Each session has a suggested donation of just £1 and runs from 9:30am-11am during term times. The group is open to everyone.
For more details please contact Sue on 01865 864991
Taizé Worship
The next Taizé service will be held in St Michael’s on Sunday 5th March, at 4:30pm.
Online Taizé services can be found at https://cumnor.org/taize/
Choir Practice
St Michael’s Choir hold their practice in Church on Friday evenings at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome. Please contact Andrew Dyer for more details. Tel: 01865 862042 e-mail: ajdyer47@hotmail.com
Bellringing
The Bellringers practice on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9pm. Please contact Jenny Dyer for more details. Tel: 01865 862042 e-mail: jadyer55@hotmail.com. Their website is at https://cumnorbellringers.uk
Make a Difference in Ukraine
💛💙
If you would like to use the church for prayer and reflection, a dedicated area remains available in St Michael’s.
You can find information on Hosting refugees, Supporting refugees, Why we should help, and some Prayers & liturgy on the Oxford Diocese Website.
https://www.oxford.anglican.org/make-a-difference-in-ukraine.php
💛💙
Bible Readings
February 12th
February 19th
Ash Wednesday – February 22nd
Collects
February 12th
Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over
all things, now and for ever.
>Amen
February 19th
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness,
from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.Amen.
Worship Services in February
Sunday 12th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Holy Communion
Leader and preacher: Jonathan Widdess
St Michael’s, Cumnor
8am Holy Communion (1662)
Leader and preacher: Jessica Turner
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader: Jessica Turner
Preacher: Eve Lockett
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Sunday 19th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader and Preacher: David Wenham
St Michael’s, Cumnor
10:30am Holy Communion
Leader: Jean Pryce-Williams
Preacher: Chris Scruby
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Wednesday 22nd February (Ash Wednesday)
St Michael’s, Cumnor
7:30pm Ash Wednesday Service
Leader & Preacher: Jonathan Widdess
Sunday 26th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader: David Wenham
Preacher: Chris Scruby
St Michael’s, Cumnor
8am Holy Communion (1662)
Leader and preacher: Jonathan Widdess
10:30am Big Story Sunday
Leader: Jonathan Widdess
St Mary’s, Farmoor
3:30pm Hymns and Cake
Leader: Jean Pryce-Williams
Please Pray For…
- James Dyer and his family as he receives treatment for his cancer in Kazakhstan.
- Those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and also Vakkas and Sonia from St Andrew’s Dean Court who have family in the affected region.
- Please keep praying for the staff and pupils at Cumnor C.E. School, and for Voirrey and the governors on the selection panel as the process of recruiting a new Headteacher gets under way.
- Those in our parish and others we know who are struggling in their marriages, relationships and sexuality, and for those who are upset or confused about the church’s recent decisions. Pray especially for our young people growing up in a very mixed-up world. And pray for our church’s ministry to be compassionate and faithful, bringing God’s healing to damaged lives.
- The ongoing LLF process, for the Bishops, for church unity, for our shared witness as the Church of England, and for the wider unity and witness of the Anglican Communion at this time.
- More new people to find a living faith in Jesus and join us in church.
- The conflict in the Ukraine.
- Everyone who leads worship, preaches or teaches in our parish.
Contacts
Jonathan Widdess
Vicar
01865 863702 / vicar@cumnor.org
The Vicarage,
1, Abingdon Road
Cumnor
OX29QN
Kate Elliott
Safeguarding Officer
07782 350491 / KateE@cumnor.org