A REFLECTION FROM REVD HANNAH THEOBALD
Back to school!
I always loved this time of year, I love the new stationary sets that appear in supermarkets, the idea that it’s time for new shoes or clothes, and above it all, I love getting back into a routine! The sun and heat is no longer a distraction or a pull to be outside doing something else, and we can find and settle into something with more structure than the summer months.
Perhaps this tells you more about my personality, but as I’ve mentioned before, this might also remind you that I love to take advantage of fresh starts and new challenges! Much like the new year, September is a fresh start- the children are all going back to new school years, parents’ schedules go back to normal after months of frantic childcare, the city centre sees the most amount of calm it’s seen in weeks! There’s something refreshing about it all, whether it’s starting something new or settling into a familiar pattern.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says ’There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.’
And so the chapter goes on, listing the different periods God created with intention.
God’s really clear here and in other bits of the Bible that each season, each new time has a purpose. There is a season for rest, like maybe some of us have had over summer, but there’s a season for work, like getting back to school and routine. And these aren’t pointless, God uses each of these seasons our lives! We’re taught different things with different challenges, different times of rest and fun, and with everything in between!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 then says: ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.’
God encourages that in whichever season we’re in, whatever’s on the horizon, God has a plan for all of us and the plan is always beautiful. This is encouraging for us if this season is a really hard one. Or we’re scared about what’s coming up next. Or even if it just feels a bit boring!
And so, whether we’re embracing the new things that feel exciting, scary and fresh, or settling back into something more mundane, we can trust in God; the creator of all, the author of every plan and the one who is present in it all with us.
This week, take a moment to think –
What might God be teaching you in the season you’re in?
Where is God with you in your day to day?
And where would you like God to be in your next season?
See you Sunday!
Revd HannahBack to school!
I always loved this time of year, I love the new stationary sets that appear in supermarkets, the idea that it’s time for new shoes or clothes, and above it all, I love getting back into a routine! The sun and heat is no longer a distraction or a pull to be outside doing something else, and we can find and settle into something with more structure than the summer months.
Perhaps this tells you more about my personality, but as I’ve mentioned before, this might also remind you that I love to take advantage of fresh starts and new challenges! Much like the new year, September is a fresh start- the children are all going back to new school years, parents’ schedules go back to normal after months of frantic childcare, the city centre sees the most amount of calm it’s seen in weeks! There’s something refreshing about it all, whether it’s starting something new or settling into a familiar pattern.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says ’There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.’
And so the chapter goes on, listing the different periods God created with intention.
God’s really clear here and in other bits of the Bible that each season, each new time has a purpose. There is a season for rest, like maybe some of us have had over summer, but there’s a season for work, like getting back to school and routine. And these aren’t pointless, God uses each of these seasons our lives! We’re taught different things with different challenges, different times of rest and fun, and with everything in between!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 then says: ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.’
God encourages that in whichever season we’re in, whatever’s on the horizon, God has a plan for all of us and the plan is always beautiful. This is encouraging for us if this season is a really hard one. Or we’re scared about what’s coming up next. Or even if it just feels a bit boring!
And so, whether we’re embracing the new things that feel exciting, scary and fresh, or settling back into something more mundane, we can trust in God; the creator of all, the author of every plan and the one who is present in it all with us.
This week, take a moment to think –
What might God be teaching you in the season you’re in?
Where is God with you in your day to day?
And where would you like God to be in your next season?
See you Sunday!
[email protected]
07840488169
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ST OSWALD’S
Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God
+ Our regular 10am Sunday and Wednesday services take place in the Church.
+ Our regular 10am Sunday and Wednesday services take place in the Church.
+ Large-print hymn books are available – just ask one of the sidespeople
+ Toilets in the church hall to the right of the entrance hall plus an accessible toilet
If you would like to join either of these, please contact Pippa Ensor,
e. [email protected], m. 07949 844395
LOCAL NEWS, SUPPORT & HELP ETC
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Celebration of Lay Ministries Service in York Minster
At this joyful event, we give thanks for and affirm the ministries of lay people across the Diocese of York. The service will include the authorisation of Authorised Lay Ministers, the admission and licensing of new and transferring Licensed Lay Ministers, the re-licensing of others, and Long Service Awards for Licensed Lay Ministers whose ministry has continued over many years. For more information, click HERE
MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 7-8.30PM
Vision & Prayer: Friends International YOrk
York Baptist Church
We are grateful for God’s mighty work among international students. The Lord brings many students to us and gives us the privilege of sending them out with the gospel hope, which will often bring an influence on their families and even nations. As we seek God’s help through prayers, we would love to invite you to celebrate the testimonies of some students and pray for the mission for the year ahead.
FRIDAY 20-SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER
Refresh – A Weekend for 18 to 35 year olds
Scargill House, Kettlewell
Refresh is a weekend for 18 to 35 year olds to step away from the noise of daily life and spend time with God through worship, talks, conversation, creativity, and community in the Yorkshire Dales,
Whether you are exploring faith or looking for renewal, the weekend offers space to grow, connect, and be encouraged in what it means to follow Jesus in a complex world.
Places are available for £100 full board. Find out more and book HERE
+ Toilets in the church hall to the right of the entrance hall plus an accessible toilet
SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
10.00AM HOLY COMMUNION
Leader: Ben Kybett
Preacher & Presider: Revd Hannah Theobald
Children’s Groups:
Pebbles for children age 2-6
Explorers for children age 7-12+
Everyone welcome!
Service Sheet: click here
Bible Readings: Isaiah 55: 12-end; Matthew 8: 23-27
Music words: click here
What will we be singing?
MP7 All creatures of our God and King
God of creation (to the tune of Morning has broken)
MP857 Here I am, Lord
MP1101 Lord, reign in me
After the service, do stay in church
MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
10AM MORNING PRAYER
1.30PM TABLE TENNIS
IN THE CHURCH HALL
including a refreshments break
Come along and give it a try – everyone welcome!
Contact: Keith Hood
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
10AM HOLY COMMUNION
(Book of Common Prayer)
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
ST OSWALD’S EVENSONG: 4PM SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
We are delighted to let you know we will be having a Service of Evensong at St Oswald’s in just over a week’s time with the wonderful Jake Buckton playing the organ. As a special treat he will be playing an original organ piece composed by Heather Hammond especially for St Oswald’s as we celebrate being open again after all our re-ordering.
As well as a congregation we are looking for choir… If you are interested, or would just like reminding how to sing evensong, then please come along to the choir practice at 7pm on Thursday 10 September.
As an extra inducement we will be serving Pimms and fruit juice after the service so that we can relax and enjoy some fellowship together afterwards.
A MESSAGE FROM REV SUE
It was with very mixed emotions I announced last weekend my intention to retire on 5 July 2027. This means I will be stepping down as vicar of St Oswald’s.
This is still 10 months away and I haven’t officially tendered my resignation yet but I felt, particularly with no churchwardens in place, it would be good to give the PCC and the Diocese as much notice as possible.
This date will the 40th Anniversary of my Ordination as a Deacon in York Minster – this means 40 years without weekends off and Gary and I both feel the time as come to enjoy a little rest and relaxation.
I don’t want to make too much of this at the moment – I am very happy here at St Oswald’s and intend to make the most of the next 10 months.
We are in the very fortunate position of having Rev Hannah as our fulltime curate – as well as Jackie as our Licensed Lay Minister and Ben as our Authorised Lay Minister which will certainly help.
For those who have already started asking Hannah whether she will be taking over the answer is no…
Hannah is with us as a very gifted and able curate which will be a huge help with the worship and mission of the church but she cannot take on incumbent’s job or legal responsibilities, and of course in due course she will be looking for her own next post!
Please hold all us in your prayers – it would be particularly wonderful if we could find a churchwarden or two before we start looking for a new vicar!
ALSO could YOU help with the FLOWER ARRANGING. You would have help and support! Please contact Lesley Milner / t. 07837 907703
When a US aircraft carrier spent more than 250 days at sea, the world took notice. Peter reflects on why those same conditions – isolation, exhaustion and deteriorating mental health – are routine for civilian seafarers, and why the world rarely notices at all. Read Peter’s blog here
The Mission to Seafarers, which is a St Oswald’s Church charity, provides help and support to the 1.89 million crewmen and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. Wendy Henwood is the MtS St Oswald’s Church link person
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH PRAYER CHAIN
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH WHATSAPP GROUP10.00AM HOLY COMMUNION
Leader: Ben Kybett
Preacher & Presider: Revd Hannah Theobald
Children’s Groups:
Pebbles for children age 2-6
Explorers for children age 7-12+
Everyone welcome!
Service Sheet: click here
Bible Readings: Isaiah 55: 12-end; Matthew 8: 23-27
Music words: click here
What will we be singing?
MP7 All creatures of our God and King
God of creation (to the tune of Morning has broken)
MP857 Here I am, Lord
MP1101 Lord, reign in me
After the service, do stay in church
for refreshments – everyone is welcome!
10AM MORNING PRAYER
1.30PM TABLE TENNIS
IN THE CHURCH HALL
including a refreshments break
Come along and give it a try – everyone welcome!
Contact: Keith Hood
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
10AM HOLY COMMUNION
(Book of Common Prayer)
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
ST OSWALD’S EVENSONG: 4PM SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBERWe are delighted to let you know we will be having a Service of Evensong at St Oswald’s in just over a week’s time with the wonderful Jake Buckton playing the organ. As a special treat he will be playing an original organ piece composed by Heather Hammond especially for St Oswald’s as we celebrate being open again after all our re-ordering.
As well as a congregation we are looking for choir… If you are interested, or would just like reminding how to sing evensong, then please come along to the choir practice at 7pm on Thursday 10 September.
As an extra inducement we will be serving Pimms and fruit juice after the service so that we can relax and enjoy some fellowship together afterwards.
A MESSAGE FROM REV SUE
It was with very mixed emotions I announced last weekend my intention to retire on 5 July 2027. This means I will be stepping down as vicar of St Oswald’s.
This is still 10 months away and I haven’t officially tendered my resignation yet but I felt, particularly with no churchwardens in place, it would be good to give the PCC and the Diocese as much notice as possible.
This date will the 40th Anniversary of my Ordination as a Deacon in York Minster – this means 40 years without weekends off and Gary and I both feel the time as come to enjoy a little rest and relaxation.
I don’t want to make too much of this at the moment – I am very happy here at St Oswald’s and intend to make the most of the next 10 months.
We are in the very fortunate position of having Rev Hannah as our fulltime curate – as well as Jackie as our Licensed Lay Minister and Ben as our Authorised Lay Minister which will certainly help.
For those who have already started asking Hannah whether she will be taking over the answer is no…
Hannah is with us as a very gifted and able curate which will be a huge help with the worship and mission of the church but she cannot take on incumbent’s job or legal responsibilities, and of course in due course she will be looking for her own next post!
Please hold all us in your prayers – it would be particularly wonderful if we could find a churchwarden or two before we start looking for a new vicar!
PLEASE, CAN YOU HELP?
Could you spare an hour once every two months to help with the CHURCH CLEANING OR BRASS CLEANING? You could work with another member of the church or your family or a friend.,The church is split into small sections for cleaning and takes no more than an hour. Please contact Julia Pegden: e. [email protected] / t. 07914962245
Could you spare an hour once every two months to help with the CHURCH CLEANING OR BRASS CLEANING? You could work with another member of the church or your family or a friend.,The church is split into small sections for cleaning and takes no more than an hour. Please contact Julia Pegden: e. [email protected] / t. 07914962245ALSO could YOU help with the FLOWER ARRANGING. You would have help and support! Please contact Lesley Milner / t. 07837 907703
When a US aircraft carrier spent more than 250 days at sea, the world took notice. Peter reflects on why those same conditions – isolation, exhaustion and deteriorating mental health – are routine for civilian seafarers, and why the world rarely notices at all. Read Peter’s blog here
The Mission to Seafarers, which is a St Oswald’s Church charity, provides help and support to the 1.89 million crewmen and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. Wendy Henwood is the MtS St Oswald’s Church link person
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH PRAYER CHAIN
If you would like to join either of these, please contact Pippa Ensor,
e. [email protected], m. 07949 844395
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH HOUSE GROUPS
Exploring faith with bible study in fellowship with friends. If you would like to know more about joining a group, do have a chat with Revd Sue.
Wednesday 9 September at 11.15am (Sir John J. Hunt Meeting Room Group fortnightly) contact Lesley Milner t. 01904 652782
Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm (Heslington Lane group fortnightly) contact Caroline Moore, e. [email protected]
Wednesday 9 September at 11.15am (Sir John J. Hunt Meeting Room Group fortnightly) contact Lesley Milner t. 01904 652782
Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm (Heslington Lane group fortnightly) contact Caroline Moore, e. [email protected]
CHURCH SERVICES RADIO/ONLINE
SUNDAYS
SUNDAYS
> 8.10AM – BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY WORSHIP
A service to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 from churches either side of Ground Zero, St Paul’s and St Nicholas’, New York
> 10.45AM – BBC RADIO 4EXTRA DAILY SERVICE
A service to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 from churches either side of Ground Zero, St Paul’s and St Nicholas’, New York
> 10.45AM – BBC RADIO 4EXTRA DAILY SERVICE
LOCAL NEWS, SUPPORT & HELP ETC
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Celebration of Lay Ministries Service in York Minster
At this joyful event, we give thanks for and affirm the ministries of lay people across the Diocese of York. The service will include the authorisation of Authorised Lay Ministers, the admission and licensing of new and transferring Licensed Lay Ministers, the re-licensing of others, and Long Service Awards for Licensed Lay Ministers whose ministry has continued over many years. For more information, click HERE
MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 7-8.30PM
Vision & Prayer: Friends International YOrk
York Baptist Church
We are grateful for God’s mighty work among international students. The Lord brings many students to us and gives us the privilege of sending them out with the gospel hope, which will often bring an influence on their families and even nations. As we seek God’s help through prayers, we would love to invite you to celebrate the testimonies of some students and pray for the mission for the year ahead.
FRIDAY 20-SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER
Refresh – A Weekend for 18 to 35 year olds
Scargill House, Kettlewell
Refresh is a weekend for 18 to 35 year olds to step away from the noise of daily life and spend time with God through worship, talks, conversation, creativity, and community in the Yorkshire Dales,
Whether you are exploring faith or looking for renewal, the weekend offers space to grow, connect, and be encouraged in what it means to follow Jesus in a complex world.
Places are available for £100 full board. Find out more and book HERE
REMINDER
HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE IN CRISIS.
The foodbank relies on your goodwill and support.
DONATING FOOD
+There is a York Food Bank collection box in the Church Hall+
Single Most Urgently needed Item (please): Tinned Veg (Carrots, Peas, Sweetcorn, Potatoes)
We are running low of (please): Tinned Vegetarian Meals, Tinned Baked Beans & Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Veg (Carrots, Peas, Sweetcorn, Potatoes), Small Jars of Coffee, Tinned Rice Pudding and Custard, Tinned Fruit, Bottles of Squash, Small Packets of Biscuits, Sweets/Chocolate, Sugar
We are funning low of non-food (please): Disposable Razors and Shaving Foam, Bars of Soap, Household Cleaning Sprays, Shampoo, Men’s and Ladies Deodorant, Laundry Detergent
We are well stocked in (thank you!): Nappies size 1, 2, and 4
Unfortunately they are unable to accept (sorry): Out of Date (Past best before date) or opened items, Chilled/Frozen Products, Homemade Items (notably Jam and Chutney), Baby Formula Milk, Medical Items (tablets, medicines, medical incontinence pads, Fortisip Bottles)
THERE ARE ALSO FOOD COLLECTION POINTS: Waitrose (Foss Islands), Asda* (Monks Cross), Tesco* (Askham Bar), Work With York (Castlegate), and at Foodbank Warehouse (Clifton Moor) *for items bought in store
HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE IN CRISIS.
The foodbank relies on your goodwill and support.
DONATING FOOD
+There is a York Food Bank collection box in the Church Hall+
Single Most Urgently needed Item (please): Tinned Veg (Carrots, Peas, Sweetcorn, Potatoes)
We are running low of (please): Tinned Vegetarian Meals, Tinned Baked Beans & Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Veg (Carrots, Peas, Sweetcorn, Potatoes), Small Jars of Coffee, Tinned Rice Pudding and Custard, Tinned Fruit, Bottles of Squash, Small Packets of Biscuits, Sweets/Chocolate, Sugar
We are funning low of non-food (please): Disposable Razors and Shaving Foam, Bars of Soap, Household Cleaning Sprays, Shampoo, Men’s and Ladies Deodorant, Laundry Detergent
We are well stocked in (thank you!): Nappies size 1, 2, and 4
Unfortunately they are unable to accept (sorry): Out of Date (Past best before date) or opened items, Chilled/Frozen Products, Homemade Items (notably Jam and Chutney), Baby Formula Milk, Medical Items (tablets, medicines, medical incontinence pads, Fortisip Bottles)
THERE ARE ALSO FOOD COLLECTION POINTS: Waitrose (Foss Islands), Asda* (Monks Cross), Tesco* (Askham Bar), Work With York (Castlegate), and at Foodbank Warehouse (Clifton Moor) *for items bought in store
DONATING MONEY: You can also support the Food Bank work by donating via this link here
+There is also a local Foodshare collection box in the Church Hall entrance+
REMINDER
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH HALL RECYCLING HUB
What can you recycle there?
Cables, biscuit & tea packaging and candle waste
in the bins under the table in the hall foyer.
Clean cans, foil + tablet blister packs (all in bags)
in the Christian Aid bin on the right
Contact Pippa Ensor,
e. [email protected], m. 07949 844395
SOFT PLASTIC: We don’t recycle this but Aldi & the Co-op do!
TOOTHPASTE TUBES & TETRA PACKS: Can now be kerbside recycled in York iin plastics/cans bin
+There is also a local Foodshare collection box in the Church Hall entrance+
REMINDER
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH HALL RECYCLING HUB
What can you recycle there?
Cables, biscuit & tea packaging and candle waste
in the bins under the table in the hall foyer.
Clean cans, foil + tablet blister packs (all in bags)
in the Christian Aid bin on the right
Contact Pippa Ensor,
e. [email protected], m. 07949 844395
SOFT PLASTIC: We don’t recycle this but Aldi & the Co-op do!
TOOTHPASTE TUBES & TETRA PACKS: Can now be kerbside recycled in York iin plastics/cans bin
REMINDER
BUILDING ON THE GENEROSITY OF GENERATIONS BEFORE US
For information about the planned work, click HERE
REMINDER
WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN DONATE
WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN DONATE