We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As we mourn her passing, we give thanks for her grace, humanity and service, and above all the duty which she rendered unflinchingly to her country and the Commonwealth. In the days ahead, there will be many opportunities to honour her memory, to pray for her family, and to commend her soul to Almighty God.

The University Church will be open for prayer and reflection from 9.30am - 6.00pm every day (12noon - 6.00pm on Sundays). There will be an opportunity to light a candle in the Chancel and a Book of Condolence will be available in the Adam De Brome Chapel. At 5.00pm on Friday 9th September, there will be a quiet service of prayer and reflection which will be open to all.

Thursday 15 September

On Thursday evening at 5.30pm, there will be a Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration at St Mary’s for the parish and people of Oxford. The Bishop of Oxford will preach at this service. The University Church Choir will sing under the direction of Will Dawes. The church will close to allow for preparations from 3.00pm and will reopen from 4.30pm. No tickets are required at this service and everyone is welcome to attend.

The link to the LIVESTREAM is here.

Sunday 18 September

On Sunday 18 September, there will be a Eucharist at 8.30am using the propers for the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. At 10.30am, there will be a Requiem Eucharist for the Queen. The Vicar will preach. The University Church Choir will sing at this service under the direction of Robert Howarth. No tickets are required for this service and everyone is welcome to attend.

The link to the LIVESTREAM is here.

On Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm, there will be a Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration at the University of Church for the University of Oxford. Lord Patten of Barnes, the Chancellor, will give an address at this service. This service is ticketed. The Church will close to allow for preparations from 2.00pm and will reopen from 3.30pm for those attending the service. University Staff should be able to book places at this service here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-09-08-passing-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii. We will let you know via social media and this webpage when places are available for students to book a ticket. Please note that the Taize Service planned that afternoon is now cancelled.

The link to the LIVESTREAM is here.

Monday 19 September

The church will be open for silent prayer on Monday 19 September. The shop and the tower will be closed. The normal pattern of services will resume on that day.

A Prayer for Queen Elizabeth II

ALMIGHTY God, 
who by the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ 
destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: 
Grant that thy servant, Queen Elizabeth, being raised with him, 
may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; 
who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, 
ever one God, world without end. Amen.