#504 While the Cat’s Away
The weather has not improved, but I am still nice and cosy in church. Although this week I have had to pop over to the Rectory for slightly longer because Fr Sam is off on his post-Christmas break, leaving me with a completely free hand writing this week’s newsletter. I make no apologies for the slightly mousey comment in some of the entries.
Further updates (from Bertie)
This Sunday is the feast of the Baptism of Christ. We continue the Epiphany theme of revelation with a fast forward in time to witness the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God with His baptism in the river Jordan by John. This theme will be continued in the following weeks before we leap back in time again on 1st February to see the baby Jesus presented at the temple.
Image: Baptism of Jesus by Mesrop of Khizan (1615)
This Sunday: the Baptism of Christ
This Sunday, as Fr Sam is away, and I (Bertie) have turned down the opportunity to lead the service, we will enjoy a visit from Cara to celebrate this festival. In the gospel reading from Matthew, John says “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”. We hear how John agrees to baptise Him, and then sees the holy sprit descending on Him from Heaven.
Image: The River Jordon at the place of baptism as it looks today
Services this Sunday
| 9.30am | St Paul’s | Parish Mass | Mthr Cara Smart |
| Organ prelude: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam (BuxWV 180) Buxtehude Anthem: O for a closer walk with God Stanford Voluntary: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam (BWV 684) Bach | |||
| 10am | Woosehill Church | Methodist Covenant Service | Rev’d Wes Hampton |
| 11am | St Nicholas’s | Community Eucharist | Mthr Judi Hattaway |
PLEASE NOTE – J-Club will resume this Sunday at St Paul’s for all ages of children. We leave the service just before the readings, and return in time for communion. (I will stay in the warm in church – Bertie)
Parish Lunch
Reminder that our parish lunch will take place on Sunday 11 January at 12.30 for 1pm start. Hopefully you have all booked your place.
We will need volunteers to help set up the tables after morning coffee: please let Trish or Alan know if you are able to help.
(I will help by removing any uneaten crumbs after the luch – a valuable service – Bertie)
Image: ‘The Hunters in the Snow’ by Pieter Brueghel the Elder.
From the Diocese – Have your say
Dear friends and colleagues
Today (7 January) we begin the process of seeking views from across the Diocese as we look for a new Bishop, following Bishop Steven’s retirement announcement.
We need to create a document called a Statement of Needs which will set out information about the Diocese, including its hopes and challenges, and what people have told us is important to them in a new Bishop.
We have created a short, anonymous survey that will be the main way we ask for views and opinions to be included in the Statement of Needs. The survey features four questions and will take less than ten minutes to complete. The link to the survey is: https://oxford.anglican.org/consultation We will share a link to the survey on our website and via our communications more widely. Every voice matters and will be heard.
Dear friends and colleagues
Today (7 January) we begin the process of seeking views from across the Diocese as we look for a new Bishop, following Bishop Steven’s retirement announcement.
We are writing to you, our clergy, PCC Secretaries and church wardens, as we need your help.
We need to create a document called a Statement of Needs which will set out information about the Diocese, including its hopes and challenges, and what people have told us is important to them in a new Bishop.
We have created a short, anonymous survey that will be the main way we ask for views and opinions to be included in the Statement of Needs. The survey features four questions and will take less than ten minutes to complete. The link to the survey is: https://oxford.anglican.org/consultation We will share a link to the survey on our website and via our communications more widely. We also know that encouragement from you to the groups you interact with in church and beyond will mean we receive many more rich and thoughtful contributions. Every voice matters and will be heard.
(I would like to see more recognition for the role of church mice in the smooth running of churches – Bertie)
Evensong at Winchester Cathedral
The choir will be singing Evensong at Winchester Cathedral at 5.30 pm on Monday, 16th February 2026 and would be delighted if members of the congregation would like to join them.
A coach will be leaving the Parish Rooms at 10.30 am, returning at 7.45 pm. The cost will be between £16.00 and £25.00, depending on numbers and will be confirmed later. There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of church or you can email Rhoda at rhoda297@gmail.com.
(Watch out for me on the trip – Bertie)
Image: The choir at their last visit to Winchester Cathedral in 2019
