IJD(E ]Dt) October 1992
The Diocese of Oxford Reporter: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Number 36
Churches in radio bid
Stay one! Stay yolmI
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ix young people from the Oxford Diocese went on a pilgrimage with the Archbishop of Canterbury to Taizé at the end of August. With them went PeterBall, the Diocesan Youth Officer, and six South Africans on a visit to our Diocese at the invitation of the Diocesan Youth Assembly South African Group.
Almost a thousand young Anglicans from dioceses all over England joined the Archbishop for a week-long stay in France. Before their departure they assembled in Canterbury, where Dr Carey told them that the idea for the pilgrimage had grown out of his chance conversation with a Taizé brother at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Canberra last year. That Assembly had come alive when it was at worship, and Taizé focuses its life on prayer and worship. "That is where the barriers we create for ourselves are broken down in Christ. That is where we find our unity in God," he said. Taizé is a village in the hills of eastern France. The community founded by Brother Roger, after a visit there in 1940, has now grown to an ecumenical community of 90 brothers from some 20 different countries. When he addressed the pilgrimage co-ordinators earlier in the year, the Archbishop had made it clear that he wanted his ministry in Taizé to be a "ministry with the young rather than a ministry to the young". He had been true to
Pictured with the Bishop of Oxford and Peter Ball, Diocesan Youth Officer, (far right), are the South African visitors, including (back, left to right): Carmel Andrew, Lynette Murray, and David Herman, and (front): Helpie Makhatemele General Smuts Buthelezi, and Walter Mojapelo. The Diocese of Oxford pilgrims were: Caroline Smith (Coldash near Newbury); Sue Cuin (Stokenchurch), Elizabeth Mogg (Marlow), Christine Bartlett (Blackbird Leys), Stephen Jeffrey (Witney), and Lucy Millar (Littlemore, Oxford). Photo by Chris Love his word, said Peter Ball. Not only did Dr Carey take part in the daily prayer times, he also met with groups of young Anglicans in the afternoons. "The Archbishop listened very intently to what they had to say . I was encouraged that he recognises some young people find it difficult to be part of the Church of England, and he seems really committed to making it easier for them to feel part of the Church" added Peter Ball. He also said that during his stay he had been
INSIDE THE DOOR Philip Morgan (pictured right) was on the losing side in the Church Times Cricket Cup Final which was won by Oxford. But he was named man of the match, and did once play for our Diocese... Read all about it on Page 3. Also, on Page 8, find out about the plans for reconciliation after that vital November vote on the ordination of women; and share the problems of some Christian farmers faced with a poor harvest and new EC regulations (Centre pages).
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able to make preparations for the Oxford Diocean youth pilgrimage to Taizé next August, which will form part of the Diocese's focus on young people in 1993. For the young South Africans there was much to take in during their pilgrimage. Peter Ball says they are used to a more exuberant form of worship, rather than the contemplative Taizé style. However, Walter Mojapelo from Alexandra, near Johannesburg, said that he had learned a
great deal from being still and listening to God. They were also encouraged by their meetings with young Christians from other parts of the world who were also practising their faith in difficult conditions. On their last day the Archbishop addressed the whole cornminity of 5000 young people. He said that during their visit they had all been taken out of themselves and directed to Jesus Christ. In Taizé they had found simplicity, prayer and hope. They
had also found unity in Christ. "Let us cherish what God teaches us in our own Churches but, with that, value the genuine and inclusive character of the Church of Jesus Christ." And for Brother Roger and the permanent community Dr Carey had a final 'message of refreshment'. "Keep your eyes fixed on Him and His love; stay Christcentred and prophetic; stay youthful and keep listening to God and His world." (See also Young Door, page 15)
A group of Christians from different churches in High Wycombe have taken the plunge in a big way. They have decided to mount a bid for the commercial radio franchise being advertised for the High Wycombe area. Radio WYE, broadcasting on 1 17OAM, would reflect Christian values, and provide a service for the whole community. To win the franchise they will need to convince the Radio Authority that they have a viable business plan, that they have the support of the community, and that they can provide a realistic financial bid. Marketing Director Mark Austin believes they can win the franchise. The company has produced a convincing business plan, and the directors have wide experience of running commercial organisations. But they are appealing for help from the churches for the set-up costs of the studio. They need to find £250,000 in loans or donations. Further details are available from Mark Austin; WYE FM Ltd, 66 Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Their bid needs to be with the radio authority by November.
Helen House Helen House, the hospice for seriously ill children at All Saints Convent, Oxford, has just celebrated its tenth birthday. There was a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral, lunch in the garden for the families of those who have come to Helen House over the years, and for staff past and present - and a ball in the convent. Saturday and Sunday November 14 and 15 will be open days between lOam and 5pm. All welcome, but please ring 0865 728251 if you plan to bring a large group.
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