Bishops and church leaders lend support to Give Hope campaign
The Rt Revds Dr Steven Croft, Alan Wilson and Olivia Graham join other bishops and church leaders to help combat misinformation about the national vaccine programme.
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How to smile this Christmas
This is a message from Bishop Steven for all the children in the Diocese of Oxford: in our churches and in our schools. There are more than 60 thousand of you – that’s a lot – and all of you are very special. He needs your help…
A Covid Meditation Nine Months On
A poem reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic nine months on, written by Sue Cleave, from St Clement’s Church, Oxford.
Drive In Carols – Special Delivery
Five local Aylesbury churches (Broughton, Kingsbrook Community Church, St James’ Bierton, St Peter’s Quarrendon and Church on Berryfields) have joined forces with Aylesbury Town Council and Tesco Broadfields to ensure that local residents can still experience the Christmas message of comfort and joy this year, despite the pandemic.
On Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm, Tesco’s car park will be transformed into an open air ‘drive in’ carol service. Those attending will be asked to stay in their cars, which will be at least 2 meters apart, but will be invited to wind their windows down to listen to and enjoy a jam packed program of traditional and contemporary carols.
Various businesses are involved, providing camera equipment, drones, a PA system and video wall to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the service whilst remaining socially distanced and following all Government guidelines.
One of the organisers, The Revd. Phil White, vicar at Broughton Church, said of the event,
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community; from Thames Valley Police, to the Council, to local people keen to be there – it has been quite astonishing and shows just how much people value the spirit of Christmas and the sense of community and cohesion it brings.
“We know this year has been hard on everyone and we just wanted to make sure that the Church community could provide a little solace and respite for those that need it.”
Organisers are asking people to decorate their cars to get into the festive spirit and to bring warm drinks and Christmas snacks as refreshments will not be available. The team behind the event are keen to point out that people must adhere to social distancing measures put in place to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable, safe experience. They also advise getting their early to ensure that people can gain access, as there will be a strict first come, first admitted basis. However, the service will be live streamed so that people can enjoy it safely at home if they wish.
For more information, please contact Rev. Phil White and to find out what other churches in the Diocese are doing for Advent and Christmas, click here.
Christmas Cheer the Charlton Way!
Local vicar, Revd. Lisa Holmes and Charlton community celebrate Christmas in the time of Covid.
How to live well through the next six months
As a nation we are exiting the European Union and beginning a new relationship with our European neighbours and with the world. There are leavers and remainers in every congregation. So how are we to respond as the Church of England across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes?
COVID crisis inspires mother-and-son church bike ride
khouse never expected to be cycling hundreds of miles for charity. Before lockdown, Julia, who doesn’t consider herself a natural fitness freak, used walking and dancing as her main exercises to lose 4.5 stone.
But, as the COVID-crisis hit, Julia and her teenage son both needed a focus and a reason to get out of the house. At Easter, Julia bought herself a bike, and with her son, has cycled miles and miles, visiting a growing list of churches, mainly within pedalling distance of their Didcot home.