Visiting preachers for Celebration 2007
As part of Celebration 2007 we are welcoming a number of visiting preachers to All Saints.
The Ven. Norman Russell, Archdeacon of Berkshire
It is most fitting that the Archdeacon is our first visiting preacher. Norman Russell has given us outstanding suppport and encouragement over the restoration challenges that we face and we very much hope that he will enjoy preaching in our warm church (which has been part funded through his good offices) on Anna and Simeon who rejoiced at the prophesy of Christ bringing Salvation.
Norman Russell will be preaching on February 4th 2007 at the 10a.m. service
Revd Steven Croft, co-author of the Emmaus Course
The Faith Growth programmes at All Saints have a tripartite structure that includes the Emmaus Course material. Steve is also author of 'Transforming Communities - re-imaging the Church for the 21st Century' that has influenced our thinking. We are firtunate in having Steven Croft as both our preacher and, we hope, encourager in presenting our faith in an engaging way to people at different stages of their faith journey.
Steven Croft will be preaching on March 11th 2007 at the 10a.m. service
Jenny Hyson, Godly Play
Until recently Jenny Hyson had Diocesan responsibility for young people. Godly Play, part of our tripartite Faith Growth material, is a resource that she has introduced and we have had excellent results in working with young people and also in Baptism preparation. We look forward to hearing how we might stretch our horizons.
Jenny Hyson will be preaching on March 25th 2007 at the 10a.m. service
Sister Anne Verena
Sister Anne is the Revd Mother Superior at the Community of St John Baptist at the Priory in Begbroke, near Kidlington. She was appointed Oxford Diocese's Chaplain to the Homeless by Bishop Richard Harris in 2006. We can expect to be challenged as we prepare for Easter.
Sister Anne will be preaching on April 2nd 2007 at 7.30p.m.
Gemma Simmonds, Heythrop College
Our Vicar, Father Jeremy, studied for his masters degree at Heythrop College which has provided the theoretical underpinning of our communion model of church development. Gemma will remind us that we the people of God are to follow the pattern of the early believers by striving to be Christ's body here on earth.
Gemma Simmonds will be preaching on May 17th 2007 at 7.30p.m.
Revd Jonathan Baker, Principal of Pusey House
The benefactors of All Saints, the Misses Hulme, were desirous of a Church to be built for "advanced religion" by which they meant the Oxford Movement. Jonathan Baker is well placed to give us a 21st Century reflection on the influence and impact of John Keble and others in the church of today.
Jonathan Baker will speak at our John Keble celebration on the 14th of July at 12 noon - this will be followed by a BBQ.
Revd Matthew Reed, Christian Aid
Matthew Reed will preach on the impact that our church and school communities can make working in partnership with an agency such as Christian Aid on the lives of people in the third world.
Matthew Reed will be preaching at our Harvest Celebration on October 7th at the 10a.m. service
Bishop Stephen
Bishop Stephen challenged us in November 2005 to plan to be missioners rather than hold a mission. His book 'Abundance of the Heart' has influenced our priorities. We expect that he will challenge us to connect with the needs of those in our community.
Bishop Stephen will preach at our Patronal Festival Mass at 7.30p.m. on the 1st November
Canon Norman Brown
When Fr. Norman retired as Vicar of All Saints in 2004 after 22 years of faithful service he challenged us to become a 21st century Church and we like to think we have taken his challenge to heart. It is fitting that he has accepted an invitation to preach at the climax of our celebratory weekend.
Canon Norman Brown will be preaching on November 4th 2007 at Festal Evensong at 6p.m.
Rev Philip North, Shrine of Our Lady, Walsingham
Philip North is known to us from our pilgrimages to Walsingham. The pilgrimage guide says that 'God calls Christians on a pilgrimage in order for them to enjoy a richer experience of His love.'. The guide goes on to say, 'one of the most important parts of a pilgrimage is the return home, because pilgrims are challenged to take the God they have encountered in a holy place back into their daily lives.' We look forward to Philip's encouragement to make this our reality.
Philip North will be preaching on November 25th 2007 at the 10a.m. service