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

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

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

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.

Roof Fund Appeal launched

In recent months it has become clear that the roof on the south aisle of the church is no longer waterproof. To make it safe will require a considerable amount of money, more than St Mary’s can cover on its own.

As the parish church, St Mary’s is here for the whole community, not only for worship, weddings, christenings and funerals but everything from coffee mornings, to concerts, toddler sessions, grief support, art exhibitions, school concerts, children’s holiday clubs, or simply just to sit quietly and light a candle.

We are therefore asking if you would consider making a contribution to Phase 1 of the Roof Appeal. For this phase, an anonymous supporter of St Mary’s has very generously agreed to contribute £25 for any donation of £100 up to £249, and to make a contribution equal to half of any donation of £250 or more.

If you would like to give a donation, please contact Dine Glasgow (dglasgow@theridgegroup.com , or details here) who will let you know how to donate.

Please give generously – every donation helps, of whatever size. With your support we can ensure that St Mary’s continues to be a warm (dry!), welcoming space for many years to come.

Thank you!

Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie, Scott Grant, Tom Skelton

Holiday Club

St Mary’s was honoured to host the Churches Together Holiday Club from 3rd to 7th August. We were blessed with 53 primary aged children, four teenager helpers and volunteers from all the Charlbury churches and none.  The story of Joseph and His Coat of Many Colours was told in episodes each day. As Joseph travels to ancient Egypt, this was the theme for our songs, art and craft, along with “many colours”. Every day a funny little play was performed, together with outdoor games, quiet play and music.  Some of the children continued with afternoon sports at Charlbury Community centre.  The Holiday Club Family Service was a very happy occasion and very well attended on Sunday 9th August.  Many thanks to all who supported Holiday Club this year.

Rachel Gallagher