Once a year during the autumn the Bishop of Dorchester admits new members to the Fellowship of St Birinus (who was the first Bishop of Dorchester in the 7th Century). This is an award for outstanding service to the Church and Community, and candidates are nominated by others (usually Vicar and Churchwardens). This year Jan was nominated for her outstanding service and ministry to Charlbury Church and Community. A number of us attended the service at Dorchester Abbey on Sunday 14th September, when a number of new members were admitted by Bishop Gavin. It was a joyful service. Our warmest congratulations to Jan and heartfelt thanks for her ministry among us.
Author: Judy French
How to change a light bulb in church….
Changing a light bulb can be more challenging than you think, especially if it is in the rafters of the church building! Thankfully professional help is at hand…..
Photo above by Paddy
Light bulb image Photo by Brennan Burling on Unsplash
Patronal Festival
St Mary’s Patronal Festival was held on Sunday 14th September. The 10am service was followed by a delicious lunch provided by volunteers. Our thanks to all who provided food, planned the event and to all who attended.
Ride and Stride 2025
The annual sponsored walk to raise money for Oxford Historic Churches and Chapels is taking place in Saturday 13th September. 50% of the money raised will come back to St Mary’s Charlbury. You can sponsor us online or in person. See here for more information and details. For more information on how to take part, please contact Georgie Slack ( gsslack1312@gmail.com )Thank you for your support.
Louise Whitehead will be doing the 56 mile route with Bishop Gavin and Bishop Dave and which will travel across the diocese, taking in a number of churches along the way. If you would like to sponsor Louise please do this through the QR code which can be found on this week’s Messenger.
Bring and Share Patronal Service and Lunch
This year’s Patronal festival will be held on Sunday 14th September. The service will be at 10am in St Mary’s Church, followed by a bring and share lunch. If you are able to bring some food to share, please sign up on the list in church. Many thanks.
Holiday Club Rumbled in the Jungle
Churches Together Holiday Club 2025 ran in St Marys Church Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th August with over 50 children attending and enjoying songs, stories from the Bible, craft, games and music. Over 30 children then attended sports afternoons run by the Community Centre.
A Holiday Club service was held in St Marys Church on Sunday 10th to celebrate the week.
Our thanks to all the helpers, volunteers and children for making this such a successful and enjoyable week, and special thanks to the leaders and all who spent so much time preparing and planning.
Cricket Match
The annual parish cricket match took place on a gloriously sunny and warm August Bank Holiday Monday.
The vicar’s team played particularly well with the support of a large gathering of parishioners. Well done Fergus.
St Mary’s organised the food and sold over 100 hot dogs plus burgers, brownies and ice cream.
A very happy day.
Paddy.
Celebration of Fergus and Madeline’s marriage
A really enjoyable parish day in glorious sunshine to celebrate the marriage of Fergus and Maddie.
The parish gave the newlyweds a large card painted by Elaine Kazimierczuk and John Lewis vouchers totalling £2,000.
We all wished them long and happy lives together.
Paddy
Religious Life ‘Come and See’ Weekend at St Mary’s Convent, Wantage 27-28 Sept.
Sat 27th Sept 11am – Sun 28th Sept 2pm.
Pray with us. Sing with us. Eat with us. Chat with us. Look around.
Open to any women wishing to explore Religious Life.
For more info go to csmv.co.uk/community-life/vocation
