A REFLECTION FROM BEN KYBETT
One of my favourite things to do when travelling, whether at home or abroad, is to visit churches. I imagine that’s true of a lot of people. In whatever town or city one happen to find oneself in, the church is often the place where some of the loveliest art and architecture is, and on a summer’s day, provides respite from hot and busy streets. Some notable highlights just from the last year have been the lovely parish churches of St. Andrew’s Bishopthorpe, where we stopped by on a bright Boxing Day walk, and St. Peter & St Paul’s in Pickering, which has some remarkable medieval wall paintings. On a grander scale, we were at Lincoln cathedral recently, and last year were lucky enough to visit the astonishing Mezquita in Cordoba, a Renaissance cathedral built inside/on top of a medieval mosque.
In her email last week, Rev. Hannah quite rightly reminded us that church is the place where we encounter God, and this matters far more than the beauty of the building. The earliest Christians met in each other’s homes. In our reading last Sunday from Acts 17, Paul tells the people of Athens that our God is ‘the God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.’ We might also think of John 4, where Jesus himself tells the Samaritan woman at the well: ‘a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’ Church as the New Testament envisions it is a group of people, not a building. For all we may miss meeting in our church together, the last few months have been a good opportunity to remember that.
Nonetheless, for centuries, Christians have built, decorated, and worshipped in churches and cathedrals. The theology and history of this is long, profound, and not always edifying – there has been a great deal of conflict and self-aggrandisement along the way. Nonetheless, it remains wonderful to sit in an old church and feel united with generations of Christians who have met with God there.
What I also like to do though, is to have a glance at the noticeboard, see the details of the services, the schedule of groups and activities. In many churches, there is a book stall, or a corner for children’s activities. You can get a glimpse of a living community of faith, and perhaps offer up a brief prayer for them. I am excited for our church building to open again this summer – yes, so we can worship again in our proper place, yes, so visitors can enjoy its peace and beauty (and much improved facilities!). But also because so that it can once again, I pray, bear witness to anyone who happens to wander in, wherever they’re from, whether they know Jesus or not, to a living church in the truest sense, a group of ordinary sinners whom God has called.
+ Our regular 10am Sunday services take place in the Church Hall
+ These services are usually livestreamed
YouTube (also available as catch-up afterards):
http://bit.ly/Stoswaldsyoutube (click on ‘Live’)
+ Our regular Wednesday 10am services take place in the Main Lounge, Sir John Hunt Memorial Homes, Fulford Road
+ Toilets in the church hall to the right of the entrance hall plus an accessible toilet
+ Fair Trade Stall in the church hall usually on the 4th Sunday in the month
REMINDER
Donation envelopes will be handed out during 10am church services on 10th & 17th May. (The latter to allow for later donations). We have been very grateful for the ongoing support for this charity despite the pressures on us from other deserving causes.
Christian Aid promotes projects which help develop self reliance to give opportunity and confidence to families in circumstances where every day is an ongoing struggle. Please be generous again.
Evelyn Courcier for Christian Aid
SUNDAY 17 MAY
10.00AM MORNING WORSHIP
in the Church Hall
Leader: Jackie Tuvey-Smith
Preacher & Presiding: Revd John Lee
Revitalise Team Leader
Service Sheet: click here
Bible Readings: Acts 1: 6-14, John 17: 1-11
Music words: click here
What will we be singing?
Crown Him with many crowns MP109
Lord, I lift Your name on high MP881
King of kings, majesty MP1000
Holy, holy, holy! MP237
After the service, do stay in the church hall
MONDAY 18 MAY
10AM MORNING PRAYER
IN THE CHURCH HALL
NO TABLE TENNIS – restarting Monday 1 June
TUESDAY 19 MAY
10AM-12NOON IN THE CHURCH HALL
COMMUNITY CAFE & BABY CAFE
All babies & parents very welome! No specific activities planned … just a time to relax together
7PM PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
IN THE CHURCH HALL
Please do pray for the discussions and decisions made at this PCC meeting and for the members:
Sue Baughan, Lynne Borrows, Victoria Burles, Michael Courcier, Pippa Ensor, Suzanne Esson, Andrew Fletcher, Heidi Folland, Tricia Giltrap, Terina Hurley, Ben Kybett, Ken Lai, Jane Richardson, Calvin Russell, Sue Sheriff, Hannah Theobold, Jackie Tuvey-Smith, Louise Wheatley, Andrew Wilson
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY
10AM HOLY COMMUNION
IN THE MAIN LOUNGE, SIR JOHN HUNT HOMES
(Book of Common Prayer)
Park on Main Street or in the church car park and walk straight down to the Hunt Homes main gates and to the lounge which is striaght ahead.
10AM-12NOON IN THE CHURCH HALL
COMMUNITY CAFE
THURSDAY 21 MAY
9.30-11.30AM IN THE CHURCH HALL
ST OSWALD’S TOTS
REMINDER
If, after prayerful consideration, you feel God is calling you to Lay Leadership or if this is something you would like to investigate further, the Diocese is putting on an evening to discuss developing lay leaders.
It is on Thursday 28th May at Holy Redeemer Church on Boroughbridge Road, York from 7pm-9pm (places need to be booked). If you are unable to make 28th May, there is a similar meeting in Hull on 20th May.
If you are interested or would like to discuss this further, please have a word with Rev Sue or me. Jackie Tuvey-Smith (Licensed Lay Minister), e. [email protected] / m. 07800 774364
Where might Jesus be calling us?
On Vocations Sunday, The Revd Canon Sam Taylor, reflected on John 10 10.1-10 – you can listen to it HERE. Sam was a curate at St Oswald’s, and is now Diocesan Adviser for Vocations & Diocesan Director of Ordinands.
REMINDER
FAIRTRADE CO-ORDINATOR
After many years as Fairtrade Co-ordinator, Kathryn Wells is stepping down. If you would like to know more about what is involved, please do contact Kathryn: 07703 235468 / [email protected]
JOIN THE TECH TEAM
The Tech team is looking for new members; they are a small group of church members who provide the sound, livestreaming, powerpoint and music at the 10am services on Sunday morning. No previous experience is necessary, and you’ll be well supported as you learn the ropes – and it is fun! For more information, contact Suzanne Esson: [email protected]
REMINDER
> FRIDAY 12 JUNE IN ST OSWALD’S CHURCH HALL
Half-Night of Prayer: details to follow
> SUNDAY 28 JUNE 6PM IN SELBY ABBEY
Rev Hannah’s Ordination to the Priesthood: Please put the date in your diary now so that we can have plenty of people from St Oswald’s there to support her. Car shares will be arranged closer to the date to help with parking.
> SUNDAY 5 JULY 10AM IN ST OSWALD’S CHURCH HALL
Rev Hannah will celebrate her first Eucharist as a Priest and this will be followed by a lunch: details to follow.
REMINDER
It will be Sea Sunday 12th July. If you have kindly knitted any hats for Mission to Seafarers, I would be grateful if you could pass them to me either before or at the service so that, like last year, they can be blessed before being forwarded on to them. If you need wool or a pattern, please let me know. Thank you. Jackie Tuvey-Smith (Licensed Lay Minister). m. 07800 774364 / t. [email protected]
Seafarers remain exposed and vulnerable. With your support, Mission to Seafarers are on the ground – listening, supporting and stepping in during the hardest moments. Read more HERE about Q1 Seafarers Happiness Index: A stark reminder of how quickly global events are felt by those at sea, Family in a Foreign Land: Presence, advocacy and compassion, Inspiration with Impact: Taking on the challenge to support seafarers.
The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.89 million crewman and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. The link person at St Oswald’s is Wendy Henwood – do chat with her to find out more.
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH PRAYER CHAIN
ST OSWALD’S CHURCH WHATSAPP GROUP
TEMPORARY CONTACT UP TO 18 MAY
If you would like to join either of these or send a prayer request, please contact Caroline Moore e. [email protected]
If you would like to know more about joining a group, do have a chat with Rev Sue.
Wednesday 20 May at 11.15am (Sir John J. Hunt Meeting Room Group fortnightly) contact Lesley Milner t.01904 652782
Thursday 4 June at 7.30pm (Heslington Lane group fortnightly) contact Caroline Moore, e. [email protected]
SUNDAYS
Risen, ascended, glorified: From Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, the home of the National Chorus of Wales, this week’s service comes from within the Wales Millennium Centre.
WEEKDAYS
LOCAL NEWS, SUPPORT & HELP ETC
YORK HEALTH & ARTS MELA: Award-winning vibrant Multi-Cultural celebration of Healthcare, Wellbeing, Arts, Diverse Food, Entertainment, Awareness and much more… Traditional music, dancing, street food vendors, facepainting plus workshops and character walk arounds! Programme click HERE
Saturday 6 June 10.30am-12 noon: Little Paws Creative Club
All Saints Church, North Street, York
Pre-school children and families are invited to enjoy a special Festival of Ideas edition of All Saints’ Creative Club, with the Children’s Trail, creative activities inspired by medieval stained glass, and a warm welcome in this historic church.
Most of the church is wheelchair accessible, though the chancel, high altar, and anchorhold are not accessible, and some floors are uneven. Tickets are £2 and booking is required – Further information & tickets HERE
Saturday 6 June 7.30pm Wheldrake Church
‘Shipwrecked Sounds’
An Evening with Bishop David Wilbourne
Come along to hear the author of ‘A Shepherd of Another Flock’ and other books, in this a local version of Desert Island Discs. This fundraising event will support East Cottingwith and Aughton churches, where David’s father served as vicar and where David grew up.
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): Long Life Cartons of Juice or Bottles of Squash
We are running low of (please): Jars of Pasta/ Curry Sauces, UHT Milk / Powdered Milk, Small Jars of Coffee, Long Life Juice and Squash, Vegetarian Tinned Mealss, Small Packets of Biscuits, Cooking OIl
We are funning low of non-food (please): Toilet Rolls, Laundry Detergent, Nappies Size 7, Disposable Razors, Ladies and Mens Deodorant, Household Cleaning Sprays
We are well stocked in (thank you!): Baked Beans, Nappies size 1, 2, 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), Baby Formula Milk, Medical Items (tablets, medicines, medical incontinence pads, Fortisip Bottles), Alcoholic Drinks
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
+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
WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN DONATE
