This Week
Worship Services This Sunday
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader: David Wenham
Preacher: Chris Scruby
St Michael’s, Cumnor
10:30am Big Story Sunday
Leader: Jonathan Widdess
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Hope in Dark Times
These are dark and difficult days for many and not just because it’s January. Hope seems scarce and courage is hard to find. I was greatly encouraged this week by these words from CS Lewis’ novel, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I pray they might be a blessing to you too:
Lucy leant her head on the edge of the fighting top and whispered, “Aslan, Aslan, if ever you loved us at all, send us help now.” The darkness did not grow any less, but she began to feel a little – a very, very little – better. …
“Look!” cried Rynelf’s voice hoarsely from the bows. There was a tiny speck of light ahead, and while they watched a broad beam of light fell from it upon the ship. It did not alter the surrounding darkness, but the whole ship was lit up as if by searchlight. Caspian blinked, stared round, saw the faces of his companions all with wild, fixed expressions. Everyone was staring in the same direction: behind everyone lay his black, sharply-edged shadow.
Lucy looked along the beam and presently saw something in it. At first it looked like a cross, then it looked like an aeroplane, then it looked like a kite, and at last with a whirring of wings it was right overhead and was an albatross. It circled three times round the mast and then perched for an instant on the crest of the gilded dragon at the prow. It called out in a strong sweet voice what seemed to be words though no one understood them. After that it spread its wings, rose, and began to fly slowly ahead, bearing a little to starboard. Drinian steered after it not doubting that it offered good guidance. But no one except Lucy knew that as it circled the mast it had whispered to her, “Courage, dear heart,” and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s …
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.
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.
Tony Wyatt’s Funeral
Tony’s funeral is at 1pm on Monday 6th February in St Michael’s. The service will also be live-streamed at https://cumnor.org/funeral-of-tony-wyatt-monday-6th-february-at-1pm/. Please continue to join me in praying for Esme and the family at this difficult time.
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/
All Welcome!
Cumnor C.E. School
In sad news from our Church School this week, Ed Read announced that he would be leaving at the end of the academic year after 10 wonderful years as Headteacher. Ed has made a massive difference to the school and I know everyone wishes him all the very best for the future.
Please pray for him and his family, for the staff and pupils, and for Voirrey and the governors as the process of recruiting a new Head gets under way.
Living in Love and Faith Proposals
You can read more about what the Bishop’s have proposed to General Synod here: https://oxford.anglican.org/living-in-love-and-faith.php
You can also find a statement in response from CEEC (The Church of England Evangelical Council) here: https://ceec.info/ceec-formally-responds-to-house-of-bishops-proposals-and-subsequent-public-communications/?fbclid=IwAR3J4nhAg6GfOZeXqGRF_V13d2YXmz3AZnNq05-gYl00dK60cwQwwn6tXLY
If you feel strongly about these issues then may I encourage you to write to Bishop Steven, bishopoxon@oxford.anglican.org, or to our area bishop, Bishop Gavin, bishopdorchester@oxford.anglican.org?
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/
The Coffee Pot
Future Plans
During the next few months, which often bring the worst of the winter weather, and when heating our homes has never been more expensive, The Coffee Pot will be providing a warm and welcoming space for all.
To this end I bring you good news about our future plans which are that we reopen on Thursday, 12 January, 10.30-12.00 and thereafter weekly. As from 19th January, we are extending our hours, closing at 1.30pm. So, from 10.30am-12.00pm hot drinks and cake will be on the menu and from 12.00-1.30pm 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 31st January 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: 31st January, 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 new 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 February, 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
(BSS – Matthew 5:13-20)
Collect
God of heaven,
you send the gospel to the ends of the earth
and your messengers to every nation:
send your Holy Spirit to transform us
by the good news of everlasting life
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Worship Services in January & February
Sunday 29th January
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Morning Worship
Leader: David Wenham
Preacher: Chris Scruby
St Michael’s, Cumnor
10:30am Big Story Sunday
Leader: Jonathan Widdess
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
Sunday 5th February
St Andrew’s, Dean Court
10:30am Family Service
Leader and Preacher: David Wenham
3pm Joy Place
St Michael’s, Cumnor
10:30am Holy Communion
Leader and preacher: Jonathan Widdess
4:30pm Taizé Service
St Mary’s, Farmoor
No Service
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 and Preacher: David Wenham
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…
- Esme Wyatt and family as they mourn for Tony.
- Please pray for Ed Read, for the staff and pupils at Cumnor C.E. School, and for Voirrey and the governors as the process of recruiting a new Headteacher gets under way.
- The House of Bishops who meet on Monday, ahead of General Synod.
- All those on General Synod who meet from Feb 6th-9th. The will discuss the Bishops’ proposals at the end of Living in Love and Faith.
- 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