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Mike’s funeral took place at St Mary’s Church Charlbury on Thursday 12th November 2026. We remember his warmth, humour, friendship and fellowship, and give thanks for his ministry among us. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Cara and their family.

The funeral was a Requiem and so the recording below includes all the elements of the Communion Service as well as parts of the funeral service. For convenience, there are separate links below to listen to the tribute given by Mike’s son Giles, and the sermon given by the Vicar.

Audio recording of the funeral of the Revd Mike Williams 2026.11.12

Tribute given by Giles

Sermon by the Vicar

The full recording can also be found here.

This cope below, referred to during the service, was made specially for Mike and was displayed at his funeral. (The Greek word oikoumene (often spelled ecumene) means ‘the inhabited world’ or ‘the whole inhabited earth’. It is derived from the verb oikeō (‘to inhabit’ or ‘to dwell’). Historically, it was used by the Greeks to refer to the known, civilized world, and later by the Romans to describe the Roman Empire. Today, it is the root of the word ‘ecumenical’.)

Christmas cards sold to raise funds for St Mary’s roof repair. Packs of 6 of each £10 or 6 packs for £50.

Contact: maureensparling@gmail.com

St Mary’s Church was adorned with poppies for Remembrance Sunday.

Photo by Maureen Sparling

OCTOBER 2026                      

With the days noticeably shorter than just a few weeks ago and the chill in the air prompting us to put away summer clothing and bring out our warmer wear, Autumn is once again with us. 

The season marches on with leaves on the trees changing to vibrant colours, ready to fall, although the unusually hot spell this year caused stress to some trees resulting in early and possibly later colour change.  

Trees need to let go of their leaves to conserve energy for the coming wintry weather;  the fallen leaves break down adding necessary nourishment to the soil in preparation for future growth, and so the cyclical motion continues.  

Autumn is a good time for us to let go of whatever we are clinging on to that may be holding us back from moving forward in our Christian journey.  Pain, stress, grief, anger, hurt – and more – are often far easier to conceal than to face.  But we cannot hide anything from our Loving and all-seeing God.   Whilst the world around us is busy, God remains unchanged.   With Divine patience, He waits for us to let go of  our burdens, giving them to Him and trusting that He in His infinite Grace and Mercy will take them away.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

Loving God,  We thank you for our many Blessings, those we know and those we have yet to see. 

We come before you in humility, to let go of all that is holding us back from following you more closely.  Forgive us our frailties Lord and grant us strength and courage.

We pray for areas of increasing conflicts around the world, resulting in countless numbers of people displaced, hungry and lonely; for those who have nothing to keep them warm in the coming months and for all the lives lost. 

We pray for all who share Your Good News everywhere, even in the face of extreme adversity.  

We pray too for all involved in the current situation in France – the demonstrations fuelling a growing anger and violence.  We pray for positive and honest dialogue, that a peaceful resolution may be agreed.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Revd Tish Bird

See previous Reflections here

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There will be a Taizé Service at St Mary’s on Sunday 1st November at 6pm for All Saints Day. This is a prayerful and reflective service, using chants/songs from the Tazié Community in France and a few from the Iona Community in Scotland, together with some short Bible readings, some silence and the chance to light a candle in prayer. All are very welcome.

All Saints’ Church was wonderfully decorated for Harvest Festival on 11 October. Thanks to Amanda Cooper and everyone who contributed.