Professor Dean Winslow has been a part of the St Mary's community for the last 12 months. He is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University in California, and a USAF Reservist.

It was a special treat to be present as the Bishop of Oxford confirmed a dozen young people into our Church today at Choral Eucharist (Sunday 8th June).  It was wonderful to hear their heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the community of our parish and what this meant to them.  I was also inspired by their expressions of deep faith and commitment to helping make the world a better place.  Their heartfelt words inspired me to write this expression of gratitude to all of you here at St Mary’s. 

While I have thoroughly enjoyed studying at this amazing university, the most meaningful experience has been to be a part of this vibrant, interesting, kind, and loving community here at University Church.  It has been a privilege to get to know Will, Hannah, Naomi, and the other clergy. You are so fortunate to have them.  I have enjoyed getting to know many amazing and kind students at the weekly lunches, and so many other parishioners at Mr. Barr’s poetry class. It has been wonderful meeting so many of you and learning about your lives, work, and families at coffee hour.  As you know from the Sunday Forum presentation that you kindly asked me to give earlier this year, care of refugees and immigrants in the US is something near and dear to my heart.  Learning of the wonderful support University Church is giving immigrants and refugees in the UK and in the Oxford community truly warmed my heart.

Thank you for all the love that you so freely gave me this past year and to everyone who has walked through the doors.