By late July, the Church has journeyed deep into the Trinity season. The great festivals of Easter and Pentecost have passed, and the liturgical colour has settled into the restful green of Ordinary Time. While this period may appear quiet to a casual observer, the liturgy for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity offers congregations a profound reflection on divine providence.The traditional Gospel narrative for this Sunday, drawn from the eighth chapter of St Mark, recounts the Feeding of the Four Thousand. This passage contains a striking scriptural harmony: on this seventh Sunday, the narrative details how Jesus took seven loaves of bread, and how the disciples subsequently gathered seven baskets of broken fragments. Within Christian tradition, the number seven denotes completeness, perfection, and the total sufficiency of God.A subtle, practical humour resides within this familiar scene. Despite having witnessed prior miracles, the disciples look upon the vast crowd and ask a characteristically short-sighted question: “From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?”Human nature has altered very little. Modern congregations frequently survey their own modest resources, pressing parochial demands, and personal anxieties, wondering how such limited means can suffice.The Seventh Sunday after Trinity gently corrects this anxiety. Christ accepts the meagre offering, gives thanks, and breaks it. Not only is the crowd sustained, but the remnants exceed the original components. This serves as a vital reminder that when ordinary people offer their small, daily efforts to God, those gifts are multiplied beyond human expectation.As parishes gather in the warmth of summer, the liturgy encourages steadfastness. The pastoral message may occasionally test the patience of the pews, but the Church is reminded that it worships a God of abundance, who meets His people in the wilderness and ensures none are sent away empty.
Give To Go Green is a match-funding scheme from the Church of England helping you double your locally raised donations for carbon-cutting projects.Through a targeted digital fundraising campaign you will be able to engage your community in building a sustainable future for your church and the world around you.If you are interested in applying to be a Give to Go Green participant, watch one of these webinars to find out more Thursday 9 July, 7-8pm If you decide you want to apply, please email the Environment Team in the first instance.
It’s a very British characteristic to talk about the weather. But right now (end of June) it is most definitely the hot topic of conversation (no pun intended.) That’s because the temperatures are through the roof. Meltingly hot. Too much. Something else. Something else which is ‘something else’ is the commitment shown by many to the various voluntary roles they undertake.Friendly, close-knit communities do not happen by accident. They’re built on the kindness and dedication of people who care about people. There are roles without a name which happen under the radar but are invaluable. Like the reliable neighbour who is always there to lend a hand, offer a lift, bring in the bins when we’re away. There are the temporary roles which enlist our help at one-off community events such as concerts or fundraisers. There are those which are more permanent, like running youth organisations, serving as church or parish councillors, editing the parish magazine or putting on a hat which says ‘treasurer’ or ‘secretary’ of a committee. And there are many more besides and we are grateful for each and every one. There is one particular voluntary role within our churches which I’d like to mention now, and it’s that of Churchwarden.What, you may wonder, does the being a Churchwarden involve? (You may wonder the same about the vicar but that’s for another article all together!) It just so happens that the annual ‘Visitation and Admission of Churchwardens’ took place at Dorchester Abbey recently. This is often referred to as the ‘swearing in’ of Churchwardens and is attended both by them and their supporters from across the area. In this year’s welcome, the Archdeacon said: “This is first and foremost an act of worship, in which we give thanks to God for his faithfulness to us and to our churches. It is also an important opportunity for us to give thanks to and for our Churchwardens, and to thank them for their commitment, dedication and sheer hard work in serving our parishes in a thousand and one practical ways.”Among the Churchwardens’ responsibilities named during the service are: “Sharing the administration of the parish and care of church buildings with the clergy. Promoting the mission of the Church, which is pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, and caring for the property and ornaments of the church.” The Churchwardens solemnly swear to fulfil these duties ‘with the help of God’. This is followed with prayer and a directive to the congregation to welcome their Churchwardens with joy and treat them with love and respect. Plenty of applause follows and rightly so.As someone who is still fairly new in post, I’m aware of just how much responsibility and extra work was required of Churchwardens during the vacancy, and which has continued during my settling in period. To them, the members of our PCCs and all who work so incredibly hard within our churches and across the community, a huge thank you on behalf of us all.With every blessing, Rev’d Jane
Stay connected with the wider Church by signing up for the Diocese of Oxford’s eNews. Delivered directly to your inbox, this weekly digital newsletter shares inspiring stories, deepens faith resources, and provides vital updates from parishes across our region. It is a wonderful way to feel part of our larger Christian community and discover upcoming events, training opportunities, and modern ministry tools. Visit the Diocese of Oxford website today to subscribe and keep inspired.https://www.oxford.anglican.org/email-sign-up.phpLast week's edition can be found here:https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=14501d5eebc3e98fa3015a290&id=7a2cf43dde
