Filter menu

Sort

<a href="https://landing.churchdesk.com/en-gb/file/5ca82bf6-abd1-4b96-a0ad-3a595d307464" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for our Newsletter to see what is coming up at the Church for the next quarter including information about what we have been up to over Christmas and now looking forward to what is going to be happening at the church over Lent and Easter.

St Mary Church, Banbury

Click here for our Newsletter to see what is coming up at the Church for the next quarter including information about what we have been up to over Christmas and now looking forward to what is going to be happening at the church over Lent and Easter.

The Church Newsletter, Published February 2026

Living God, Take these all too human words and anoint them with your Spirit so that in their hearing we may each encounter the living Word, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
&nbsp;

In the jolliness of everyone preparing for Christmas, the lectionary serves up quite a gritty set of readings for Advent 3. It’s worth remembering that Advent is actually the Church’s other penitential season (the other being Lent). It’s a time of preparation to reflect, reexamine, and seek a different path, before Christmas begins on the 24th.

&nbsp;So, a set of quite searching texts makes more sense in that context. All of our texts today are about transformation, God’s priorities and waiting. God’s compassion, justice and care for the poor runs through them quite clearly. Mary’s Magnificat leaves us in no doubt about this.
&nbsp;I saw a meme on social media recently, which was of Mary asking why no one is casting down the powerful – ‘I requested it specifically,’ she says. Actually, she says God is going to. In fact, she actually says God has – so confident is her prophecy.
&nbsp;Our reading from James seems less obviously to fit this theme but the lectionary started at v 7 and missed verses 1-6 – a section sometimes titled – the warning to rich oppressors. There, James warns against treasure built up, oppressive labour practices and resistance to justice. Again, it’s a very clear message – being rich and powerful is a risky business.
&nbsp;Many of us probably think that doesn’t include us. We may not see ourselves as rich or powerful. We might feel quite the opposite of powerful; we might feel under attack. But globally speaking at least, the country and society of which we are a part definitely is powerful. And the general standards of living here are much higher than in other parts of the world – hence why some people would like to join us, the grass is greener (not to mention those people fleeing their country for their lives in the hope of sanctuary). We have been, and in many ways, still are the mighty, whether or not we feel that way.
&nbsp;America Biblical scholar&nbsp;Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, once led a bible study on Judges 4 and 5, with a group of women who were church leaders in South Korea. As she describes it, she was personally identifying herself with the Israelites who were under political oppression, and she was identifying with the idea that this text was about our liberation at the hands of God from all the things that oppress us politically. And she was talking with these Korean women for a moment about how she felt discomfort: She says, “I expressed the discomfort that I and many women peers in North America experience with Jael’s murder of Sisera, to which the response came swiftly, ‘your place as a US woman is with Sisera’s mother, waiting to count the spoils.” Without getting into the details of this text, the point is from their Korean perspective, as an American, Doob Sakenfeld, the closest parallel in the text was the baddy.
&nbsp;There is a refreshing honesty in this story. The Scottish Poet Rabbie Burns wrote in his poem, Ta a Louse: O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!: Oh, would some Power give us the gift To see ourselves as others see us! Doob Sakenfeld received this gift. Many in the world would see us in a similar light, and that might be a discomforting thought.
&nbsp;The appeal to patience in James is to the oppressed not the powerful. Modern scholarship believes James was written during the first Jewish-Roman war, to a community under heavy oppression. James asks them to be patient and not to grumble, not to abuse each other out of impatience. He encourages them to endure, but the mention of farmers waiting for crops is important. Farmers waiting isn’t sitting around – farming isn’t automatic or magic. It requires co-operation with the land, it’s active, but also can’t be sped up with haste or impatience.
&nbsp;James encourages patience and co-operation with what God is doing, what we heard in the Magnificat. What message is there for us here? Well maybe we aren’t always the oppressor (though we might be complicit some of the time). Maybe we’re campaigners for change. Campaigners can get impatient. Those working hard for change can lose hope and become aggressive or vigilante. The cause may be just, but we may be forgetting it’s God’s justice, not ours. If we believe, or believe in our hearts, that it’s all down to us that’s functionally atheist and a recipe for grumbling and resentment.
What about Jesus then, what’s he saying here? It’s not immediately clear what exactly is being said in our Gospel passage today, but as I read it Jesus is asking the crowds what they expected from John and questioning whether they thought he might be a great leader, like those in palaces. Such people were essentially warlords. He goes on to say he was a true prophet, the greatest prophet, but that all of the hearers are as important as John in the Kingdom. He was great but not any more special – he was a key messenger, but they carry and embody the message. So, in contrast to my previous point, we the receivers of the message, do have work to do. As citizens of the kingdom, we are supposed to embody and work towards this message – the message of God’s justice.

&nbsp;What does all this have to do with Christmas? In a sense not much, Christmas isn’t really on the table for another couple of weeks. In another sense everything, the long-awaited messiah, we believe was also the son of God. The promise of this person was to change the world, to realise the kingdom, God’s priorities. To reshape the world into a just and peaceful place. That’s not a cosy message but it’s the true message of advent and Christmas – God cares for all, especially the vulnerable and excluded. Any version of Christmas that forgets God’s compassion and empathy is not the true Christmas – the true Good news.
Amen.

&nbsp;OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 35. 1-10

35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom, like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.

4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

&nbsp;&nbsp; ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray.9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

&nbsp;

PSALM Magnificat

R My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my

Saviour

R My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my

Saviour

46&nbsp;And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47&nbsp;and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48&nbsp;for he has looked with favour on the lowly state of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49&nbsp;for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name; R
50&nbsp;indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;from generation to generation.51&nbsp;He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52&nbsp;He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and lifted up the lowly; 53&nbsp;he has filled the hungry with good things
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and sent the rich away empty. R
54&nbsp;He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55&nbsp;according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” R

&nbsp;

NEW TESTAMENT READING: James5. 7-10

7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!

10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

&nbsp;

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 11. 2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’

4 Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see:

5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.

9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

10 This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

&nbsp;

Candles lit beside flowers and pine branches

Living God, Take these all too human words and anoint them with your Spirit so that in their hearing we may each encounter the living Word, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.



In the jolliness of everyone preparing for Christmas, the lectionar...

Sermon Advent 3 14th December 2025 Dr. A Hayes

<a href="https://landing.churchdesk.com/en-gb/file/dd266509-3b1d-41b7-bda5-49ba76b27f31" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for our Newsletter to see what is coming up at the Church for the next quarter including information about what we have been up to over summer and now looking forward to what is going to be happening at the church of Christmas.

Click here for our Newsletter to see what is coming up at the Church for the next quarter including information about what we have been up to over summer and now looking forward to what is going to be happening at the church of Christmas.

The Church Newsletter, Published November 2025

Mid week Eucharist 2nd October black history month 2025&nbsp;
October is Black History Month in the UK, an occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British economy, culture, and history.

The story of Black communities has often been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it.

Over this month St Mary’s will be marking this time through our mid week worship services where our sermon slots will be reflections on the experience of black people. We hope this will be a time of deep reflection to help us all become more aware of our actions and the dynamics in society and the church, which can negatively impact black people and minority ethnic groups.
&nbsp;Collect by MLK
Ever present God, you called us to be in relationship with one another, and promised to dwell wherever tow or three are gathered. In our community, we are many different people; we come from many different places, have many different cultures. Open our hearts that we may be bold in finding the riches of inclusion and the treasures of diversity among us. We pray in faith.

Amen
First Reading

Ephesians 2. 11-18.

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)&mdash; 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Gospel

&nbsp;John 3. 16-21

16&nbsp;For God so loved&nbsp;&gt;span class="apple-converted-space"&gt;&nbsp;his one and only Son,&nbsp;&gt;span class="apple-converted-space"&gt;&nbsp;in him shall not perish but have eternal life.&nbsp;17&nbsp;For God did not send his Son into the world&nbsp;to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.&nbsp;18&nbsp;Whoever believes in him is not condemned,&nbsp;but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.&nbsp;19&nbsp;&gt;span class="apple-converted-space"&gt;&nbsp;has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.&nbsp;20&nbsp;Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.&nbsp;21&nbsp;But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Sermon

I’m going to give a trigger warning about my sermon this morning as I will be talking about some difficult subjects.

Yesterday I was at the Global majority heritage and UK Minority ethnic gathering of Anglican church leaders, which met in Westminster in London. This is a yearly gathering which provides an opportunity to share stories about the experiences of church leaders throughout the country who identify as GMH or UKME. A main thread of the conversations was around the English and British flags and how many feel these have been hijacked to intimidate those who are not white. Despite protestations and claims of patriotism it's often hard not to see the use of the flag as deliberately provocative and designed to exclude or even expel. People recalled hearing the chant ‘there ain’t no black in the Union Jack’ back in the 70’s and 80’s and sadly it feels as if nothing has changed. It’s hard to describe some of the motivations today as anything other than racist. At the gathering I heard stories of people being intimidated and attacked by participants at these protests, but I also heard stories of people having conversations with people and listening to their concerns, to their sense of loss and disenfranchisement, their anger at the lack of opportunities for their families and communities. As a representative of the Church, I recognise I have a responsibility to try to create space for dialogue to help reconciliation. Although that can feel like being a lamb that has been sent to be in the midst of wolves, Jesus sends us out to be a light to the nations. That means being a light to all. However, as a Christian leader I will not tolerate words spoken or written that fuel violence or hate.

In our first reading the writer says, For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace

The root of our Christian belief is rooted in the faith of the Jewish people, it is the generosity of Jesus Christ who was born a Jew, that enables us to be reconciled to God. If you profess to believe in Jesus Christ then you believe that the Son of God, born into a Jewish home, born in the Middle East born to a poor woman, is Lord of all and has saved us all from sin. Jesus did this so that we all could be welcomed into the loving arms of God, no matter what colour our skin is.

The recent tragic event that happened outside this church have been hijacked by some who feel that this tragedy was in some way to do with race, when the fact is it had nothing to do with race, whatever the ethnicity of all of the assailants, and everything to do with the wave of violence against women. UN data indicates that almost one in three women (30%) have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with 51,100 women and girls murdered by intimate partners or family members in 2023 alone, averaging one woman every 10 minutes.

It saddens me to have to talk about this during black history month, but it speaks into the reason why we have to promote and celebrate the many black and brown British people who made and continue to make this country what it is, because black and brown people are still being demonised for no good reason. Racism exists among us and is used to divide us and promote fear. As it says in our gospel reading from John, Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.&nbsp;21&nbsp;But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

If we are hearing the word of God or the teaching of Jesus Christ being used to divide us, we need to ask ourselves, where is the Prince of peace? Where is the God of justice who sent his only son into the world, not to condemn it, but that we may all have eternal life? What can we do to bring this truth into the light?

Amen
Intercessions

Gracious God as we ponder and reflect this Black history month, we ask that you create in us new hearts and enlarged visions, to see the image of God in every person irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. Help us to hold onto the truth that Jesus came among us not to condemn the world but to bring abundant life to all.

Lord in your mercy

World

Lord of life we pray for our world, for the good things you bring. The beautiful changing of the seasons and the delight that this brings to both young and old. Lord, we bring you our world a place filled with light but also filled with darkness. We pray for Gaza, for Yemen, for Syria, Afghanistan, for Ukraine. We pray that your light and truth may bring justice to those who continue to suffer due to the ravages of war.

Lord in your mercy

Church

Almighty God, we pray for the church hear in this place and ask for you light to rest among us. We bring to you the wider Church of England as we anticipate the next Arch Bishop of Canterbury to be announce by Friday. We pray that this appointment will mark a new chapter in the life of the Anglican Church, that brings your light to those who find themselves in darkness.

Lord in your mercy

Community

God of love we pray for our community here in Banbury. After the heartbreaking events that happened in the grounds of this holy place, we lift up to you all women and girls who are victims of sexual violence. According to the UN data, since we began this morning’s service 2 women have died. In a moment of quiet we bring their hurt and pain and those of their family to you&hellip;..may your arms of love surround all those who feel alone, bring healing to broken hearts and bodies.

Lord in your mercy
Post communion

Keep, O Lord, your Church, with your perpetual mercy; and, because without you our human frailty cannot but fall, keep us ever by your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

People with blue wristbands joining hands in a circle.

Mid week Eucharist 2nd October black history month 2025

October is Black History Month in the UK, an occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British economy, culture, and history.

The story of Black co...

The Church Newsletter, Published February 2026

Sermon Advent 3 14th December 2025 Dr. A Hayes

The Church Newsletter, Published November 2025

Mid week Sermon October 2nd Black History month