Author: Judy French

A new chasuble for the ‘Green’ Trinity season of the Church’s liturgical year was presented on Sunday 30th June to our Vicar Fergus. It was given by Leah Fowler in memory of Derek, who died in March 2021. Derek gave much of his time to the church, not least being a bell ringer and choir member for many years, as well as verger. We remember his service and friendship with love and thanksgiving.

St Mary’s ran the coffee/tea/cake tent at Charlbury Beer Festival on Saturday 29th June. The array of home made cakes was staggering. A huge thank you to everyone who baked, served, washed-up, helped set-up, helped tidy-up, took payments and helped make the tea tent a huge success. All proceeds from the tea tent were for Church funds, and we managed to raise just over £2000.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the event such an astounding success. It could not happen without all your enthusiasm and help!

These stunning flower arrangements were placed in church for a wedding on Saturday 15th June in St Mary’s.

6 June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This prayer commemorates the Normandy Landings, the largest seaborne invasion in history.

God our refuge and strength,
as we remember those
who faced danger and death in Normandy,
eighty years ago,
grant us courage to pursue what is right,
the will to work with others,
and strength to overcome tyranny and oppression,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong dominion and glory,
now and for ever.
Amen.

From the Church of England website

Image from Deposit Photos

The summer church fete was on 18^th May, 2024. The sun was shining and we all had a wonderful day. There were lots of activities ranging from a teddy bear zipline to plate smashing. A large crowd of enthusiastic Charlburians attending and joined in the fun. There were teas, cake, hot dogs, face painting, a raffle, plant sale, the stocks, coconut shy and much more. All funds raised will help maintain our beautiful church. Many thanks to all who made it possible.  

The PCC has made available their Annual Report for 2023. It is a wonderful record of all the activities for the past year in St Mary’s and All Saints, and our hopes for the coming year. There’s a lot to give thanks for and much to celebrate! Thanks to all contributors.

We are delighted that the Choir of St John’s College Oxford are coming to give a concert in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 11th May at 6pm. The Concert At the Close of Day will feature music for an early summer evening. St John’s College is the Patron of our Parish. Tickets cost £15 and are available either from Cornerstone or on the door. Tickets include a glass of wine and nibbles.

A service for St George’s Day will be held in St Mary’s Church at 6pm on Tuesday 23rd April. This will include the Blessing of the St George’s Day Beer. All welcome.