Vice-Chancellor attends Holy Communion in Chapel on her first major visit to Wycliffe

Michaelmas Term in Chapel began with the University's Vice-Chancellor, Irene Tracy among our congregation.

Her first major visit to the Hall was marked by a communion service with a guest preacher and rounded off with a formal hall dinner.

In a packed chapel, Holy Communion was celebrated by the Principal, Revd Dr Michael Lloyd with other parts of the service led by members of the student community. 

GUEST PREACHER

Guest preacher was Revd Canon Esther Prior, Vicar of St John the Baptist, Egham in the Diocese of Guildford and Honorary Canon at Guildford Cathedral. She has more recently been announced as the next Bishop of Aston in Birmingham.

Her sermon's theme was the sovereignty of God, following the Gospel: Luke 4.1-8. Students and staff enjoyed having tea with her before the service and hearing her wisdom and experiences.

Wycliffe Chaplain Revd Jane Chaffey reflected: "Esther was a great encouragement to those present. And what a terrific sermon, helping a potentially very tricky passage speak into our current thinking and politics and directing us to God’s sovereignty; much food for thought for us – and for our distinguished guests!"

CHAPEL MUSIC

The opening hymn was a rousing rendition of All My Hope on God is Founded. Heartfelt guitar-led songs of praise contrasted with contemplative choral anthems, including Farrant's 16th-century setting of Lord for Thy Tender Mercy's Sake, sung from the gallery.

The Chapel choir was directed by David Clifton, Artist in Residence, and the organist was Ali Reid, a Wycliffe ordinand who is also undertaking an Oxford DPhil at Reuben College.

FORMAL HALL

Formal hall was on the theme of 'Belshazzar's Feast', and preceded by drinks and a talk by Professor Peter Thonemann, of Wadham College, on Cyrus the Great.