Author: Judy French

Charlbury and St John’s College Oxford – Talk by Professor William Whyte

Posted on by Judy French

A talk by Professor William Whyte, Faculty of History, St. John’s College, University of Oxford. St. Mary’s Church Thursday October 1st 7pm

A fundraiser for St. Mary’s Church and Charlbury Museum & Heritage Centre.

An opportunity to hear a talk by the historian Professor William Whyte – discover the unique relationship between the town and St. John’s College. Charlbury Museum is delighted to be working in partnership with St. Mary’s Church to host this special evening event.

A recording of the talk is available to listen to here.

Harvest Festival 4th October at St Mary’s

Posted on by Judy French

Harvest Festival service – Sunday 4 October at 10am. This will be a service of Holy Communion led by the vicar which members of the other Charlbury churches have been invited to attend. Following the service there will be a break for coffee and then a bring and share lunch foreveryone. If you can bring a contribution to the lunch, please could put your name and what you are bringing on the list on the shelf near the church door.

People’s Emergency Briefing 5th October

Posted on by Judy French

People’s Emergency Briefing There will be a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film in St Mary’s on Monday evening, 5th October, at 7pm. This will be followed by discussion, sharing ideas about how people of faith can best contribute to tackling the climate and nature emergency.

Arranged by Churches Together in Charlbury. It is a free event. No tickets are needed. Everyone is welcome.

This month’s Reflection from Revd Tish Bird

Posted on by Judy French

SEPTEMBER 2026                        Luke 6:27-38

Please do read through this passage.  Although a familiar reading to many, it contains important and relevant instructions that can be helpful to revisit time and again.

In today’s troubled world we see nation against nation warring repeatedly, leaving a trail of dead, displaced, grieving, orphaned, frightened and innocent people in the wake.  The end result for these suffering masses is often desperation in a place where human dignity has no worth and resources are scant, if at all.   

It can be hard not to judge and sometimes even harder to forgive.  We may feel helpless in the face of the suffering as a result of human greed, selfishness and cruelty, but as Christians we are called to do good to others; to show mercy and to pray for others –  not only those we love but especially for those we may struggle with. 

Jesus met people where they were and as His followers, that is also our task. 

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36

Loving God, we thank you for your beautiful Creation and for the gift of life.

Grant us your strength, compassion and generosity as we try to live according to Your Word.  Forgive our human frailties when we fail.

We pray for our struggling world, especially for all who are forced to live in unforgiving environs, through no fault of their own.  We pray too for those who are sharing Your Light in the darkest of places. By Your Spirit, protect them Lord.

We lift to you all who are suffering at this time – those known to us and those unknown to us.   Help us to be consistent in our prayers for healing and peace and may verse 31 become a rule of life for us all. 

In Christ we pray, Amen.

Revd Tish Bird

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:31

See previous Reflections here