News

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.

On Sunday 7th April, St Mary’s was the scene of a wonderful piano recital by Jill Crossland. Jill played pieces by Handel, Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, using the church’s own grand piano. Our thanks to Jill for an entertaining afternoon of music, to those who organised it, and all who provided refreshments.

Christians from the churches in Charlbury gathered on Good Friday morning for the Walk of Witness. The story of Jesus’s Trial and Crucifixion was shared at each church, with songs and prayers.

A very happy Easter to everyone!

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

All are welcome to any of our regular services during Eastertide at St Mary’s Church or All Saints Shorthampton.

• Sunday 8am Holy Communion in St Marys
• Sunday 9.45am Parish Communion in St Marys
• Second Sunday at Shorthampton – 6pm Evening Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer

Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash