Dear friends,
In our Gospel this Sunday, Jesus challenges the authority of the chief priests and elders of the people. This was a very dangerous – some would say foolhardy – thing to do. Not just because of the potential threat to his person (and of course we all know how that ended up). But because he was standing up to people who were widely considered to be the amongst the most respected individuals in that society. They were not used to having their authority, status or power challenged, and would do all in their power to turn public opinion against him.
What about us? In this account, are we with Jesus as he stands up to authority which has become self-serving and ineffectual? Or are we the ones who dismiss prophetic voices who might make us uncomfortable? Probably the honest answer is somewhere inbetween.
We are facing so much uncertainty and anxiety in our world today. It’s easy for us to succumb to the temptation to batten down the hatches, look out for number one, and close ourselves to God’s call. But is at times like these, more than ever, that we need to be attentive and listening to the God of love, compassion and peace.
Revd Daniel Walters
Vicar, St Giles’ and St Margaret’s
P.S. Please send your items for next week’s notices to me at vicar@StGilesStMargarets.org by mid-day on Thursday.
P.P.S. If you’d like to be notified by email each weekend, please click or tap here to sign up.
Worship & Prayer
Sunday 27 September
Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity (Proper 21)
8.00am – Holy Communion at St Giles’ (said, 1662 BCP)
10.30am – Parish Eucharist at St Margaret’s (sung, Common Worship)
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Giles’ (sung, Common Worship)
3.30pm – Choral Evensong at St Giles’ (sung, 1662 BCP)
6.00pm – Contemplative Prayer at St Margaret’s
Last week’s sermon
I don’t usually draw attention to any of my sermons, but I strongly encourage anyone from St Margaret’s Church who has not read or heard my sermon last week to do so. Not because of any literary or oratory qualities, but because I introduced St Margaret’s new vision and stewardship campaign – important context for our church’s future, and particularly important ahead of this Sunday’s talk from our churchwardens, James and Richard.
Listen:
Read:
Readings and Collect for 10:30am Services
Collect for the Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Bible Readings for Proper 21
- Old Testament: Ezekiel 18.1–4, 25–end
- Psalm: Psalm 25.1–8
- Epistle: Philippians 2.1–13
- Gospel: Matthew 21.23–32
Prayer Diary
Our prayer diary has now transformed into a daily prayer email. Same content as before, but instead of downloading a PDF each week, you will receive an email in your inbox at 6am each day – but only if you sign up for it!
Enter your email address below and hit subscribe – you will be asked if you want to subscribe to “Weekly News”, “Daily Prayer” or both.
Next Sunday (27 September):
Harvest Thanksgiving / 18th After Trinity
8.00am – Holy Communion at St Giles’ (said, 1662 BCP)
10.30am – ‘Together’ Eucharist at St Margaret’s (sung, Common Worship)
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Giles’ (sung, Common Worship)
3.30pm – Choral Evensong at St Giles’ (sung, 1662 BCP)
6.00pm – Evening Prayer at St Margaret’s (said, 1662 BCP)
October’s “What’s On” leaflet
Download below, or pick up a copy from the back of church:
Parish News
Harvest Thanksgiving
Next Sunday (4 October) is the final Sunday of the Season of Creation and (not coincidentally) is when both churches have our Harvest Thanksgiving services. These are an opportunity to give thanks for all that we receive from this world and to remember those who have not been as fortunate or privileged as us.
As has become custom in recent years, we will be supporting The Gatehouse. They tell me that this time of year tends to be quite slow for donations, so it is especially important that we give as generously as we are able.
Below are their particular current needs, for when you’re next doing your weekly shop. Please do NOT donate fresh vegetables or fruit.
St Giles’ EPCM to Receive Annual Accounts
For various reasons beyond anyone’s control, St Giles’ financial accounts for 2025 were not formally examined in time for the APCM.
Therefore, we will be having an EPCM (Extraordinary Parochial Church Meeting) so that members of the electoral roll can receive the accounts and ask any questions if desired. This meeting will take place in St Giles’ Church on Sunday 4 October after the service at 12 noon.
The accounts will be shared electronically with electoral roll members, following the PCC’s meeting to approve them on Wednesday 30 September.
Harvest Supper and Ceilidh
Whether you’re “from” St Giles’, St Margaret’s or somewhere else altogether, you’re very welcome to St Margaret’s Harvest Supper and Ceilidh on Saturday 3 October (our Harvest weekend).
Don’t worry if you’ve never done a ceilidh or have two left feet – it is all in the spirit of fun and friendship. Speaking of which, do invite your friends as well!
Please talk to Sam or Eva if you think that you might be able to help with preparing / providing food, or help on the evening itself.
Teens’ Film Night
The next Teens’ Film Night is on Friday 2 October. It is open to all young people of secondary school / sixth form age – but pre-registration is required. Contact eva@stmargaretsoxford.org.
Running the Oxford Half
Jan Palmowski of St Margaret’s Church writes:
I am running the Oxford Half Marathon for Michael Sobell House Hospice – my first ever Half Marathon! If you’d like to support this amazing place, I’d be grateful for donations:
Quarter peal at St Giles’ bell-tower
St Giles’ bells were rung on Saturday 19 September as part of the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the Foundation of St Cross College.
A quarter peal, 1260 changes of Grandsire Triples, was successfully completed in about 45 minutes.
Tea & Talks: Robin Choudhury
The 2026-27 season of lunchtime “Tea and Talks” at the St Margaret’s Institute kicks off on Wednesday 7 October, with a talk from Robin Choudhury on A cultural history told through depictions of the heart: Botticelli to Banksy.
Details in the flyer below (click or tap to download):
Ewan Bleach returns…
…. to Jazz at St Giles’ with his superb ‘Fleeting Paradise Orchestra’ on Saturday 10 October at 7.30pm ‘In Mystic Mood’. We last heard them in September 2024 and they are back stronger than ever.
Trip to Mascioni
A St Giles’ visit to the Mascioni organ workshop in northern Italy has been organised! 18–20 October 2026.
This will be a fascinating opportunity to see one of Italy’s most respected organ builders at work, learn about the craftsmanship and history behind their instruments, and find out more about the future instrument for St Giles’.
The trip promises to be both informative and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to explore, ask questions, and experience the world of organ building firsthand.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Nicholas Prozzillo.
More vacancies at The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse is advertising for two more roles: a Counsellor and a LEAF Project Worker: details are in the packs below (both have an application deadline of Friday 30 October) :
Children and Families at St Margaret’s
A message from Eva:
Working with children isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, even if you love having them as part of the church. If this is you and you’d still like to help, then I need a little group of people who can help me with preparing for our activities. It will mainly be cutting out cardboard or paper shapes. Nothing too strenuous and I’ll provide all the materials. Please do talk to me if you think you might be able to support the work in this way. Eva
Memory Café
Our next Memory Café will be on Wednesday 14 October at the St Margaret’s Institute.
If you know someone who might enjoy or benefit from coming along, or if you’d like more details, please contact St Margaret’s Parish Community Worker, Tricia Brant, on 07776 595456 or at triciabrant@stmargaretsoxford.org.
Community News
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a major priority in our Benefice as we work together to keep everyone in our community safe. It is often said safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, thank you for the part you play. If you are concerned about a person’s or activity’s safety in our community, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officers (details below) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (details below). We are greatly helped by many volunteers, thank you for your time, including for completing required DBS checks, safeguarding training and safer recruitment forms.
St Margaret’s Church PSO Becca Rose: safeguarding@stmargaretsoxford.org
St Giles Church PSO Lorraine Desai: safeguarding@st-giles-church.org
Diocesan Team 01865 208 295 safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org
Out-of-hours: Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 for confidential advice, guidance and support.