St Mary’s Oxted
In the church’s year the months of October and November are ones of contrast.
October is a month of mellow fruitfulness when we continue September’s theme of celebrating harvest and all the good things that we have been given. It is a time to give thanks for the efforts of farmers and for all the variety of food that we in the Western world are privileged to enjoy. It is also a time to think of how we can share these gifts, particularly appropriate in these days of difficulty when many people are reliant on foodbanks.
By contrast November is a more sombre month. With All Saints Day falling on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd the beginning of November is a time for Remembrance when we can pause to reflect on those who have gone before us and to give thanks for their lives. It’s a time to recall cherished memories and dedicate ourselves to peace, reconciliation and love.
At St. Mary’s we are once again able to hold our Annual Memorial service for the departed. It will be at 2.30pm on Sunday November 5th in the Church. All those who would like to remember a loved one are welcome to attend the informal service which will be conducted by the Rector The Revd James Ashton. During the service there will be the opportunity to light a candle in remembrance and to have the name(s) of the loved one(s) read out. If you would like to especially remember someone please fill in a form with their name – these are available on the church’s website or from the Parish Office (details below). After the service everyone is invited to tea in Oxted Community Hall where there will be the chance to chat to the clergy and church members over a cup of tea, sandwiches and cakes.
The following week on Sunday November 12th the Oxted Branch of the Royal British Legion will be marking the annual Remembrance Day. This year there is a big change to the pattern that has been used locally in previous years. Following requests from some members of the public and from the church the service in church will be held before the service at the War Memorial. Individuals and members of organisations that will be attending are asked to line up at the Legion at 8.35am ready to march to St. Mary’s Church where the service will start at 9.15am, finishing at about 10.30am. People attending are then asked to march back to the War Memorial at 10.40am for the Exhortation and for the 11am two minute silence. This will be followed by a short service conducted by the Revd James Ashton, who is chaplain to the Oxted branch of the Royal British Legion, and then remembrance of past members and the wreath laying.
The Legion have said that if this new programme does not work for the majority things will be rethought for next year.
All are welcome to any of these services.
Who’s who
Rev’d James Ashton – Vicar
James has been our vicar since January 2020 and is also the vicar of St Peter’s Tandridge.
Rev’d David Weightman – Assistant Priest Rev’d Ken Robinson – Assistant Priest
David ministers both at St Mary’s and St Peter’s churches. Ken is a retired parish priest and takes some of our midweek and Sunday services.
Sue Mallinson – Reader
Sue takes some services and preaches, as well as other pastoral work in the parish.
Natasha Copp – Parish Administrator Alison Murden – Administrative Assistant
Natasha works part time in school term time. Alison assists with all things administrative.
Vic Stone – Churchwarden Austin Copp – Churchwarden
Like all Anglican parish churches, St Mary’s has a Parochial Church Council (usually called the PCC) that shares with the Vicar and Churchwardens the task of running the day-to-day life of the church, and whose members act as trustees of the organisation.
More details are available from the Parish Office on 01883 714263
or by email oxtedcomms@gmail.com or on the church website www.stmarysoxted.uk
