Message from the Bishop of Buckingham: 'I'm in a French monastery on retreat and at 05.25 St Paul says "It is high time to awake from sleep!"(Romans 13:11). Saving Faith is not holding out against reality. It's opening eyes and hearts to real people around us, responding lovingly to signs of the times, just as Jesus taught his disciples to do.'   + Alan

Churchyard Regulations update 
The Chancellor of the Diocese has made new Churchyard Regulations governing the installation of new memorials, works to existing memorials, and other matters in churchyards. These will come into force on 1 January 2017. In the meantime, the 2009 Regulations will remain in force. Any questions should be directed to the Diocesan Registry Clerk, Ms Helen Lambourne; 01865 297208). Letter from the Chancellor   Regulations

Church Warden Training (Dorchester and Oxford), 4 February 2017, 9.15am—1.00pm
A morning for the Churchwardens of the Dorchester and Oxford Archdeaconries at The Marlborough Church of England School, Woodstock. Programme Email Tanis Brookes to book. 

Open Days at CMS (Church Mission Society) to explore Pioneer Mission Leadership Training 2017
Come and explore a course designed by pioneers for pioneers. Tuesday 14 March, Tuesday 13 June, 10.30am – 2.30pm. Church Mission Society, Oxford. Poster

Equipping for Life: Learning for Discipleship and Ministry, January – March 2017
Courses provided by the Diocese of Oxford as part of its Local Ministry Programme. More information. 
 

   
Events at Christ Church Cathedral 
Programme for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany

Christmas Tree Festival, St Edburg’s, Bicester, 9–11 December
Forest of eighty decorated trees in our beautiful medieval church. Friday 9, Saturday 10 December 10:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 11 December 12:30pm to 5:00pm followed by Carols in the Trees at 6:00pm. Live music, refreshments, family tree hunt. Adults £2.50 donation: accompanied children free.

Christmas Tree Festival, St Luke’s Church, Maidenhead, 9–11 December
Free event with concert.  Poster

Christmas Tree Festival, 10 December, St Mary’s, Childrey
Grand Opening from 3–6pm. Beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local groups and businesses. Mince pies, mulled wine and music from the Village Choir. Proceeds to go to the roof repair fund.

A free Christmas Carol Concert for the whole family, Dorchester Abbey, Sunday 11 December, 5pm
Charity Parents and Children Together (PACT) invites you to a concert with performances from The Dorchester Abbey Choir, Benson Military Wives Choir and young soprano Erin Hughes. There will be plenty of opportunities for the congregation to join in with some classic Christmas Carols. Book via the website.

In-Migration: Cultural and Theological Dialogues on The 21st Century Movements of Peoples
A series of interdisciplinary conversations, starting on 16 January, which aims to shed new light on the unfolding migration context. In each session, a speaker will make a key input on an aspect of migration, to which scholars associated with the Oxford Centre for Christianity and Culture will offer a response informed by Christian theological reflection and/or practice. The Oxford Centre for Christianity and Culture, Mondays, alternating 1pm and 5pm. Programme
 
Church visits promoting the Oxfordshire Credit Union
Credit Unions offer an ethical and practical way for people in employment who may run short of money as pay day approaches to both save and borrow. Alison Le Cornu, on the Board of Directors of the Oxfordshire Credit Union and a member of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, is available to talk to churches about the OCU during a Sunday morning service or a weekday evening. Website  Email Phone Alison Le Cornu: 01865 427569.



From 1 December www.achristmasnearyou.org will be live for anyone to be able to find the Christmas services. Visit achristmasnearyou.org/upload or www.achurchnearyou.com to register your Christmas church services. You can download posters, logos and social media graphics for #joytotheworld here. If you need help contact us here.

Common Good Fund for areas where there has been an increase in asylum seeker numbers
The Church Urban Fund is providing small grants of between £250 and £5000 to churches, other faith communities and community organisations who are seeking to build relationships in this context. More information. 

BRF resources for combatting the loneliness of dementia
BRF’s The Gift of Years programme tackles the loneliness of old age by supporting older people. As part of this work there are Anna Chaplains who deliver spiritual care services to older people and provide a way for churches to respond to the need to draw alongside older people. A huge variety of resources for older people are available here.