‘God moves in a mysterious way: His wonders to perform … He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm …”Certainly in our troubled chaotic world of today we need divine intervention …but isn’t that the essence of our faith ? As this epiphany tide suggests THERE is light in the darkness AND the darkness will not overcome it ! ( John 1..) But are we clinging on by our metaphorical finger tips ? Rather it’s about hope, the Christian essence of hope, rather than the crossed human fingers variety ! ..instead of despair which seems even more pertinent as we begin another new year… shrouded in dysfunctional human behaviour… of failing ‘to love one another, as ourselves,’ as our Lord suggested.Our insecure world begats insecurity … within the perimeters of fake news, conspiratory theories and AI, do we honestly know who is pulling humanities strings. Rather like Michel Angelo’s painting of God and Adam ? Are they reaching out finger wise to each other or is Adam already parting from his Creator ? Each of us will have our personal interpretation. Fond remembrance of the Bethlehem story certainly has many similarities to today; the holy family were living under the cruel brutal Roman occupation, any perceived wrong doing often ended in crucifixion. The authorities preferred that way of making an example of someone ! As our Lord was to later experience, despite Pilate pledging his innocence. There was even an element of Big Brother …as everyone was summoned to their home town to be taxed … questioning my own taxation ..I was informed the banks etc are now required to divulge our monetary assets! Such is life two centuries later ! Even the shepherds and wise men partially recognised Jesus in his difference of being God’s Son.. being fully human and divine. Do we? Affirming our faith is the starting block for all the human race even in the complexity of today.! For Doubt sees the darkest night, faith sees the day, Doubt dreads to take a step, faith soars on high, Doubt questions who believes, faith answers “ I.” As we start another year … May I pose the question Is God your ‘go to God ‘ in all eventualities or an Aladdin’s lamp divine image rubbed only when absolutely necessary I We have been very blessed by Revd Jane and Alan coming to us in March, please pray for this time of transition, both in Barton and here. Her installation as priest in charge is on March 9th at Shiplake at 7:30 pm all are welcome.
Thursdays during Lent in the Chapel, Christ Church Centre, Reading Road. Start at 12 noon for 30 minutes and followed by a simple lunch. 19th February - The Cry of Abandonment Psalm 22, Sam Brewster 26th February - Betrayed by a Friend Psalm 41:9, Paul Fitzpatrick 5th March - Silent Before Accusers Psalm 38, Glyn Millington 12th March - Hands and Feet Pierced Psalm 69, Jeremy Bray 19th March - Into Your Hands Psalm 31, Joanna Bray 26th March - From the Grave to Glory Psalm 16, Glyn Millington
The World Day of Prayer (WDP) in 2026 falls on Friday, March 6, 2026, with the theme "I will give you rest, come," based on Matthew 11:28-30, and the service materials are prepared by Christian women from Nigeria, focusing on finding rest in God amidst life's struggles. This annual ecumenical event, led by women, involves Christians globally in prayer, sharing culture, and fostering solidarity through a service crafted by a different country each year, starting in Samoa and moving across the world.Dunsden Church will be hosting a World Day of Prayer event on Friday 6th March at 13.30, all are welcome. Key Details for WDP 2026: Date: Friday, March 6, 2026. Theme: "I will give you rest, come" (from Matthew 11:28-30). Country: Nigeria. Focus: The Nigerian women's service explores themes of rest, peace, resilience, and divine support, using Nigerian cultural elements like the calabash. About the World Day of Prayer: It's an international, women-led movement for informed prayer and prayerful action. Each year, women from a different country create a service, sharing their spiritual journey and culture. Services happen globally, moving in a wave from Samoa to American Samoa, across 38 hours. It's a powerful demonstration of global solidarity, bringing people of different traditions together in worship.
Dear Colleagues, The consultation on what we might be looking for in the person called to be our new Bishop starts on Wednesday 7th. The Vacancy-in-See committee is keen to hear the voice of many voices across the diocese in this discernment process and is particularly interested in the views of chaplains. The link to the survey is here Consultation - Diocese of Oxford. The survey is anonymous and no identifying data will be saved or held. Further questions and comments can be addressed to newbishop@oxford.anglican.org. If you would prefer anonymity, write to jane.appleton@oxford.anglican.org who will remove any identificatory data before forwarding your content to the New Bishop email address. I’d like also to take this opportunity to say that you are in our prayers at the start of 2026, in whichever sector you serve. I’m sure the new year is full of hopes and challenges! Please feel free to contact me as a support to chaplains across the diocese. I would also love to pay a visit to your chaplaincy, either just to discuss how things are going or for a chapel service. With prayers and best wishes, Jonathan The Venerable Jonathan Chaffey Archdeacon of Oxford Christ Church, Oxford, OX1 1DP 01865 208263
