This Week

Worship Services

Sunday 19th March – Mothering Sunday

St Andrew’s, Dean Court

10:30am Family Service

Leader: David Wenham

Preacher: Eve Lockett

St Michael’s, Cumnor

10:30am All-Age Worship

Leader and Preacher: Jonathan Widdess

St Mary’s, Farmoor

No Service

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.

Brian Dent

Sad news this week that Brian Dent has passed away. Brian was a stalwart of St Andrew’s and before that St Michael’s, served faithfully as a Lay Minister for many years and will be much missed. Please join me in remembering Margery and the family in your prayers.

Electoral Roll Revision

In accordance with the Church Representation Rules, the Church Electoral Roll must be revised each year. If you are not already on the roll and would like to apply now, please complete a form (to be found at the back of the Church, or online at https://cumnor.org/electoral-roll-forms/) and return to me or put the form in the box (marked Electoral Roll forms) before FRIDAY 31st MARCH. Similarly, if you have changed your address since April 2022 then please complete a new form as well.

Jan Harris (6 Evelyn Close, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9BZ)

CEEC Declaration – Keeping Faith

The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has launched a new, national initiative as part of its “Every Voice Matters” campaign. They are inviting all those who want the Church to hold to its historic doctrine of marriage and sexuality to consider signing a declaration, whether you would regard yourself as an evangelical or not. You can read the declaration online here (https://declaration.ceec.info/ ).

Lent Course

For our Lent Course this year we’re studying “How To Hear God” by Pete Greig of 24-7 Prayer and The Prayer Course.

Our next session is on Monday 20th March in St Michael’s Church. Each evening begins at 7:30pm, and will last until 9pm.

If you missed the previous weeks, or can’t join us in person you can also follow the course videos and find questions for reflection online at https://cumnor.org/2023-lent-course/

You can buy a copy of the book online at https://cumnor.org/lentbook/ or from all good Christian booksellers.

All Welcome!

The Passion

Sunday 26th March at 7:30pm, St Michael’s, Cumnor

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 are postcards available at the back of St Michael’s and St Andrew’s 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!

Thank you from Jonathan

Thank you so much to all of you who sent such kind Birthday greetings as I celebrated my 50th Birthday last week. I had a lovely time celebrating with family.

An Evening of Music

JAM, David Burfitt, Chris Ventom, Karen & Duncan Wymbs will be performing to raise funds for The Marren’s Muscles matter on Saturday the 18th March 2023 at 19:30 Peachcroft Christian Centre, Lindsey Drive, Abingdon, OX14 2RT

Annual Meeting of the Botley and Kennington Patients Participation Group

With the news this week that major changes are afoot at Botley and Kennington Medical Centres, you may like to attend the AGM of the Patients Participation Group, who will be hearing from the people responsible for providing new doctors. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions. This open meeting is on Tuesday 21st March at 6:30pm at Kennington Health Centre.

Please join me in praying for a good outcome to the process and that this would be a good opportunity to improve medical care in our area.

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/

Messy Church

Our next Messy Church is on Good Friday, 7th April, from 2-4pm. It’s at St Andrew’s, Orchard Road, Botley, OX2 6BH. Email us on [email protected] to let us know you’re coming!

The Coffee Pot

EASTER SPECIAL, 30 MARCH.

This will be our last Coffee Pot before closing for two weeks over Easter so we thought we’d make it extra special. As proved very popular before Christmas, Rachel, our cake supplier, will have her own stall selling tasty Easter treats, Pam will be selling cards on behalf of Sobell House, Edge Housing will be flagging up their work and selling their apple juice and jams/chutneys will also be on sale. So, plenty on offer. Do come and also encourage others to enjoy the fun. We will be open again on 20 April. Watch this space for further news. Angela Sheppard

Memories Café

Memories Café meets once a fortnight in Cumnor Cricket Club. Our next meeting is Tuesday 14th March 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.

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 2nd April, 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: [email protected]

Bellringing

The Bellringers practice on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9pm. Please contact Jenny Dyer for more details. Tel: 01865 862042 e-mail: [email protected]. 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

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

Matthew 25:1-13

Psalm 43:3-4

Collect

God of love,
passionate and strong,
tender and careful:
watch over us and hold us
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Worship Services in March

Sunday 19th March – Mothering Sunday

St Andrew’s, Dean Court

10:30am Family Service

Leader: David Wenham

Preacher: Eve Lockett

St Michael’s, Cumnor

10:30am All-Age Worship

Leader and Preacher: Jonathan Widdess

St Mary’s, Farmoor

No Service

Sunday 26th March

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

7:30pm The Passion

St Mary’s, Farmoor

3:30pm Hymns and Cake

Leader: Jessica Turner

Please Pray For…

  • Please keep praying for the staff and pupils at Cumnor C.E. School, and for Voirrey and the governors on the selection panel for a new headteacher. Prospective candidates will be visiting the school this week.
  • The families of Sue Gunn, Brian Dent and Janet Jones as they mourn.
  • 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.
  • A good outcome to the process to find new doctors for Botley Medical Centre.
  • 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 / [email protected]

The Vicarage,
1, Abingdon Road
Cumnor
OX29QN

Parish Office

01865 861541 / [email protected]

Kate Elliott

Safeguarding Officer

07782 350491 / [email protected]