Newsletter for October 24th 2021
This Sunday @ St Michael’s
10:30am Big Story Sunday
Join us at 10:30am on Sunday morning in St Michael’s for Big Story Sunday.
Jonathan will be leading as we look at the story of Abraham from Genesis 12:1-5 and 15:5-6.
This Sunday @ St Andrew’s
10am
Join us at 10am on Sunday morning in St Andrew’s for Morning Worship. David Wenham will be leading and Chris Scruby preaching on Genesis 28: 11-18.
Online worship
The 10:30am Service in St Michael’s will be live-streamed via our website at:
https://cumnor.org/sunday-service-24th-october-2021/
The service will be available to watch online afterwards.
Collect for Last Sunday after Trinity
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Readings for Sunday
Genesis 12:1-5
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
Genesis 12:1-5 and 15:5-6
5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Creation Care Course
Last week we had an excellent and challenging time with Donald Hay. This Monday is on ‘Sustainable Lifestyle’: asking practical and down-to-earth questions about what the climate emergency may mean for our everyday life. It is being led by Jessica Turner, with Hunter and Amberle Brown. The final session on Monday week (November 1st) will include Chris Scruby filling us in on vital questions of energy-generation and use, and we will discuss ‘The Church as Change Maker’. Come and join the discussion!
You’re welcome to join in at any time! Videos, Bible teaching, discussion, refreshments (bring a mug if you can). Monday evenings 7.30-9.00pm at St Andrew’s.
Memory Café
Memory Café has started up again. We meet once a fortnight in a new venue, Cumnor Cricket Club. Our next meeting is Tuesday 26th October 2:30pm until 4pm.
It consists of 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: 9th November, 23rd November, 7th December, 21st December.
St Andrew’s Rebuilding Project
Great news this week as due to some extraordinarily generous recent donations the PCC were able to give the go ahead to the St Andrew’s rebuilding project! Work is expected to start soon. Really well done to the rebuilding group of Roger Long, David Wenham, Andy Bowman, Sue Allwright, and Malcolm Taylor.
PCC Report
Also this week at PCC we:
- Discussed the quarterly financial report from the Finance Committee and confirmed the arrangements for covering the role treasurer going forward.
- Gave the go ahead for the necessary replacement of the lead on the St Michael’s Tower roof. The old lead with its’ historic graffiti has been photographed and will be preserved for display in the church in due course.
- Appointed Roger Long as project manager for the rebuilding of St Andrew’s.
- Appointed David Henderson-Slater as PCC Vice Chairman, and Karen Adamson to the Standing Committee.
Job Vacancy – Deanery Secretary
(Self-employed / Freelance)
The Abingdon Deanery is seeking an adaptable person to provide secretarial and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the Deanery. They will work closely with the Area Dean, the Lay Chair and Deanery Treasurer in leading the work of the Synod, especially by providing information and documents.
The ideal candidate will be computer literate; extremely organised; with a working knowledge of the Church of England and sympathetic to the Christian faith; be flexible and patient with a good sense of humour.
Hours: Flexible (average 18 per month but varies through the year)
Rate of Pay: £12.50-£14.00 per hour depending on qualifications & experience
For a full Job Description please see the Abingdon Deanery Website
Applications to: the Lay Chair, Sue Scott, on email: suescott719@gmail.com or telephone: 07779 855615
Closing date: 8th November 2021
Taizé Service
The Taizé service for October is still available.
With readings, prayers and meditative sung worship, it’s still the perfect way to find some peace in the stresses and strains of life.
https://cumnor.org/taize-service-october-2021/
Toddler Group
Toddler Group is taking a break for half term and returns on Weds 3rd November.
The St Michael’s Toddler group meets on Wednesdays 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).
Bible Club at Matthew Arnold
Volunteers still needed.
Prior to lockdown we were running a successful and growing Bible Club in Matthew Arnold School. The school are keen to have us back, and I want to build a team to restart it as soon as possible.
Would you be able to spare about an 1 hour on a Wednesday lunchtime during term-time to help teenagers learn about the Christian Faith?
Please pray about it and get in touch if you think this might be something for you.
Jonathan. (vicar@cumnor.org)
Choir Practices
St Michael’s Choir practice in Church on Friday evenings at 6:30pm. New members 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
Forthcoming Worship Services
St Andrew’s @ 10am
24/10 Morning Worship (David Wenham with Chris Scruby preaching)
31/10 Christians Against Poverty Sunday (David Wenham)
7/11 Morning Worship (Jonathan Widdess)
14/11 Holy Communion (David Wenham / Eve Lockett)
21/11 United Service at St Michael’s
St Michael’s @ 8am
21/11 Holy Communion 1662 (Jonathan Widdess)
St Michael’s @ 10.30am
24/10 Big Story Sunday (Jonathan Widdess)
31/10 Christians Against Poverty Sunday (Jessica Turner)
7/11 Holy Communion (Jean Pryce-Williams / Eve Lockett)
10:40 on 14/11 Remembrance Sunday – Meet at War Memorial or start in Church
(Jonathan Widdess / Jean Pryce-Williams / Helen Garton)
21/11 Morning Worship (Jonathan Widdess / Bishop Gavin)
St Michael’s remains open for private prayer every Monday and Friday, from 9am-5pm.
Please Pray For…
- Arthur Eadle and his family as he is baptised on Sunday afternoon.
- The staff and pupils of the local schools as they break up for half-term.
- COP-26 and those affected around the world by the Climate Crisis.
- Those affected by COVID and especially those suffering from Long-COVID.
- Our CMS mission partner Bia.
- The rebuilding work at St Andrews.
- Everyone who leads worship, preaches or teaches in our parish.
Contacts
St Michael’s Parish Office
1, Abingdon Road,
Cumnor
OX29QN
01865 861541
office@cumnor.org
The Parish Office email and answerphone are being checked regularly or please get directly in touch with Jonathan.
Jonathan Widdess
Vicar
The Vicarage,
1, Abingdon Road
Cumnor
OX29QN
01865 863702
vicar@cumnor.org
Kate Elliott
Safeguarding Officer
07782 350491