Day 63

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Oxford, England

We began our day by attending worship at St. Mary’s University Church. ( First picture)  This is THE Oxford church.  It is an Anglican Church and like all places in Oxford has a very rich history.  C. S. Lewis joined this church after his conversion to Christianity.  He believed that every Christian should be a member of a local church.

Before worship we were greeted by one of the members of the church who welcomed us warmly,  He told us that most of the congregation would be made up of visitors and the church membership itself was a small faithful core of people but they manage to “get on.”  The music in the service was outstanding and the sermon was deep and thought provking.  The preacher was the Canon Brian Mountford.  He compared Impressionistic art with Jesus and the way our Lord interacted with people.

After the service, everyone was invited to reception.  This is what was written in the bulletin: “After the service everyone is very welcome to come for coffee & sherry in the Adam de Brome chapel.”  We went.  One of us had a sherry.  I will not say who because I wouldn’t want to rat out out my best friend.

After lunch we headed to Magdalen College.  This is the college where C. S.Lewis was a fellow (College Professor).  We walked the stone path around the quad and we strolled through the  beautiful grounds.  We were not allowed to see the room where he tutored his students because it is currently occupied by another fellow.  We saw every inch of the college that we were allowed to see.  We visited in the Chapel where Lewis worshipped every morning.

At 6 p.m. we attended Evensong in the Magdalen College Chapel. (Third picturce) It was a moving expereince to worship in the same place as Lewis once did.  On the chapel wall behind one of the choir stalls is a memorial plague honoring Lewis’ time at the college.  It was a real treat to hear the Choir of Men and Boys… another feast for the ears.

Today I praised God by joining my voice in song with those in worship.  At University Church the opening hymn was Praise the Lord, the King of Heaven.  The closing hymn at Evensong was All Creatures of our God and King.  

Praise him, Praise him!  Praise Him, Praise him.! Praise the everlasting King!  Amen.

I count it all joy

Pastor Vallerie