The Minister’s Sponsored Walk

21 – 25 March, 2010
Potters Bar to Oxford

Well beyond the call of duty our Minister, Pauline, along with her very good friend Ruth, have recently undertaken a 65 mile long sponsored walk in aid of our Building Fund. The major effort that this involved was confirmed when severely blistered feet prevented Pauline from completing the walk on reaching Thame, a few miles short of her intended destination. Nevertheless the walk has raised the magnificent sum of £1500 and there is more to come.

Pauline writes:
We all need the support of other people. I’m an independent soul, but I couldn’t have done the walk without the backing of my good friend Ruth, who devised a varied and interesting route, and kept me going along the way. We both relied on kind people – strangers who became friends – who had kindly offered to put us up overnight. They “went the extra mile”, in one case literally by accompanying us along the way for a mile or two, in all cases by feeding us and sending us on our way with a packed lunch. Then there were the good folk of the URC (and other friends) who welcomed us back with Bucks Fizz and a special cake. And of course there was the support of all of you – and many other folk – who sponsored both of us. A team effort!

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Barbeque at the Manse

Sunday 23rd August, 2009, 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm

This followed morning service and was a repeat of last year’s very successful Barbeque. Members and friends of all ages attended and enjoyed and an excellent barbeque lunch. The younger ones spent most time playing in the manse garden and a good time was had by all. Our very grateful thanks to Pauline and David for hosting the event.

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Church Away Day

Saturday 25th July, 2009, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
The Centre for Reflection, Aston Tirrold

The Centre for Reflection is part of the United Reformed Church in Aston Tirrold. The church itself dates from 1728 and is the second oldest Non-conformist church building in the area. With its two galleries it preserves a great deal of the atmosphere of 18th century worship. The Centre for Reflection is a modern addition and makes a wonderful venue for stepping back and taking time to look at our faith at a deeper level.

On this occasion we were looking at our understanding of Holy Communion, using the experience of the church at Corinth to help us explore afresh what it means to share hospitality at the Lord’s Table. Some 14 of us, including a member of one of our Partnership congregations, enjoyed a time of refreshment and fellowship together. After a short period of worship around the theme ‘Jesus, the Bread of Life’ we looked at what we could learn from the church at Corinth and the comments of Paul. Then, after a time for personal reflection, in the church or the garden or a walk in the village, we shared together in a most enoyable lunch.

In the afternoon session we looked at what we might learn from our morning studies about our own practice of conducting the communion service at Summertown and whether we should consider any changes or innovations. Most appropriately the day closed with a celebration of Holy Communion.

For more details and information on the programme for the day go to Away Day.

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Shared Harvest Supper

Sunday 28th September 2008 at 4.00pm
We were very pleased to share in a harvest supper on our Harvest Festival Sunday with the other two congregations who worship in our church each Sunday,

• The Apostolic Faith Church

  and

• The Assembleia De Deus

The large hall was full as we all sat down to enjoy a wonderful repast with contributions from all three congregations. The very little ones were entertained with toys from our Toddler Group. Older members enjoyed getting to know members of the other congregations. Our Ministers spoke, through an interpreter in the case of the Pastor of the Portuguese speaking Brazilian congregation. A very enjoyable and successful occasion.

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