Sunday Sermon Series - ‘What is Man?’
That
phrase from Psalm 8 poses a question with which humankind has wrestled
for millennia. It touches each person as he or she tries to fashion a
life well-lived. It is the foundation for how we raise and educate
ourselves, and how we fashion our lives in communities and nations. No
thoughtful person ignores the question. Can the Bible and the Christian
tradition help us answer it? Beginning on September 27th, our sermons
will explore insights from those great sources of Christian wisdom. For
more information see the series leaflet in the publicity niche.
September 13th Patronal Festival & Launch of Stewardship Drive
The
preacher at the Sung Eucharist will be Dr Alison Salvesen, University
Research Lecturer, the Oriental Institute, Oxford University.
September 27th Back to Church Sunday
We
open our doors and ourselves at the Sung Eucharist this morning to
those encouraged to return to church. Special hospitality afterwards
will include sweet and savoury breakfast food and drink.
October 11th Harvest & Gathering-in of Stewardship Pledges
At
the Offertory of the services today people’s financial pledges for the
ministry, maintenance and mission of St Helen’s for 2010 will be
gathered as part of our offering of praise and thanksgiving. A harvest
supper will take place in the Church Centre Hall at 7.30 pm.
October 18th Celebrating Christians & Education
To
recognise the many educators in our congregation we will mark this
Sunday (the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist) with a service of
thanksgiving for the work of teachers and of intercession for the work
of education. The preacher will be the Headmaster of Winchester
College, Dr Ralph Townsend, who brings a rare combination of
educational experience and spiritual and theological understanding.
Bring anyone you know connected with education along with you today!
November 1st All Saints’ Day
We
will mark the feast with a processional service that will involve
Junior Church. Come back in the afternoon for a special Choral Evensong
(see below).
November 8th Remembrance Sunday Service
We
welcome civic and military representatives to the10.00 am service,
followed by the customary ceremonies at the War Memorial. The Sung
Eucharist will take place at 6.30 pm.
Junior Church
Three-year-olds
and up meet in church at 10.00 am in the children’s corner and then
make their way to the Church Centre for a time of fun and learning.
They return to church for Communion when they come forward with their
parents to receive a blessing, and then tell the congregation what they
were up to. Parents are welcome to join their children in the Centre.
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
October 4th Church-in-Abingdon Gathering
At
4.00 pm the Church of Our Lady & St Edmund will host the Autumn
Gathering for the congregations of the CiA. Since it is St Francis’s
Day too, the theme will be our stewardship of creation. There will be
no evening service at St Helen’s.
November 1st Choral Evensong with Deanery Choirs
At
4.30 pm choirs from around the Abingdon Deanery will join the St
Helen’s Choir for a festive Choral Evensong to mark All Saints’ Day. It
will be a special pleasure to welcome as the preacher The Rt Revd Henry
Scriven. St Helen’s fine bells will be rung from 3.30 pm, and Tea will
be served in the South Aisle from 3.00 pm so that members of the
Deanery can enjoy one another’s company.
The Promenade Series
Tea & Music at 3 pm; Choral Evensong at 4.30 pm
September 20th The ‘Box o’ Whistles’ – Discover how the organ works
October 18th Brass Bonanza – Bloxham School Ensemble
November 15th Cello Collection – Music for Eight Cellos
November 29th Advent Sunday Service of Music & Readings
Begin
the season of preparation for Christmas with glorious Advent hymns and
readings from the prophets of the Incarnation at 4.30 pm.
Autumn Evening Series - Church, World, Mission
Two evenings with distinguished guests in conversation with the Rector @ 7.30 pm
Wednesday, October 21st Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society
Wednesday, November 11th The Rt Hon Baroness Cox, of Queensbury, The House of Lords
Refreshments and an opportunity to meet our guests follow in the South
Aisle where The Childrens’ Society book A Good Childhood and Baroness
Cox’s A Voice for the Voiceless will be on sale.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE AUTUMN SERIES PAGE HERE.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS
Lessons & Carols (The Mayor’s Carol Service)
December 20th at 4.30 pm: Music, Poetry and Prose
Christingle Christmas Eve at 4.30 pm: Candlelit magic for the whole family!
Midnight Mass
Christmas Eve at 11.30 pm: The Mystery of Word and Sacrament
Holy Communion
Christmas Day at 8.00 am A simple said service from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer
Family Eucharist
Christmas Day at 10.00 am: Joyful, with address for children
GROWING AS DISCIPLES
Alpha
Want
to find out about Christian basics? Or take a refresher course? Or
prepare for Baptism? The autumn Alpha Course, run jointly by St
Helen’s, St Michael’s and St Nicolas’, is an ideal way to start. Our
course is on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9.15 pm including drinks
and supper. It starts with a town-wide Supper in Abingdon’s Guildhall
on October 1st. Pick up a leaflet in the publicity niche in church or
visit St Helen’s website. Contact – Jane Wyatt (01235 559112).
Silent Prayer
An
opportunity is afforded by outward quiet to explore ‘inner stillness’.
Gatherings take place in the Lady Chapel from 6.15 to 7.00 pm every
other Monday. A leaflet in the publicity niche gives details. Contact –
Ann Moss (01235 527344).
Desiring Life
This
group is a rich opportunity to grow in understanding of self and of
Christian discipleship. This Autumn the group continues reading Ellen
Davis’s fine study of Old Testament themes and characters Engaging with
God. Her book and the discussion it prompts are bound to expand your
spiritual horizons. Tuesdays, 2.30 to 4.00 pm beginning September 8th
in the Church Centre Lounge. A leaflet in the publicity niche gives
details. Contact – Susan Scott (01235 522960).
Cursillo
This ‘short course’, held over a long weekend, focuses on renewing
adult Christian life through prayer, study and action. If you want to
attend this Autumn’s Cursillo weekend (November 13th-15th , speak with
the clergy or contact Kevin Beer (01235 530180). Leaflets in the
publicity niche tell you more about it.
Daily Prayer
Morning
and Evening Prayers are said Monday through Friday at 9.10 am and 5.10
pm. For service details see the tower notice board, the ‘Worship’
leaflet in the publicity niche.