The practice of delivering University Sermons dates back to the earliest days of the University. Each year eminent men and women from many different traditions are invited by the Vice-Chancellor to deliver sermons ‘before the University’. The University’s motto from Psalm 27, Dominus illuminatio mea (The Lord is my light), captures something of its purpose: an occasion for the illumination of the mind in the context of prayer. Today, these sermons occur at the University Church and in College Chapels across the University. Every year during Hilary Term, an Intercollegiate Service takes place at the University Church as members of different Colleges gather together at St Mary’s for a University Sermon. This year, we are unable to gather, but we are very grateful that the Revd Dr Sam Wells, the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, has recorded his University Sermon, which is presented here as a podcast with recordings from many different Colleges of the University.
Introit Vaughan-Williams, The Souls of the Righteous, The Queen’s College
Welcome The Revd Julia Baldwin, Chaplain Brasenose College
Collect The Revd Susannah Reide, Precentor University Church
Hymn There’s a wideness in God's mercy (t. Corvedale), University Church Choir
Reading 1 Cor 15.12-19 read by Aaron James, Christ Church
Anthem Tallis, If ye love me, Brasenose College
Reading Vassar Miller ‘To Jesus on Easter’ read by Constance Everett-Pite Corpus Christi College
Reading John 14.1-6, read by The Revd Sarah Farrow, Chaplain Mansfield College
Sermon The Revd Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields
Anthem Aaron King, Lux Aeterna, Hertford College
Prayers Chase Mizzell Harris Manchester College
Anthem Shepherd, The Lord’s Prayer, Magdalen College
Blessing The Revd Dr William Lamb, Vicar University Church
Voluntary Bach’s Fantasia in G (BWV 572), played by Alastair Stone Pembroke College
The anthem ’Lux aeterna’ was composed by Aaron King in memory of Rafa Baptista, member of Hertford College Chapel Choir, who died in April 2017.
Producer: Ana-Maria Niculcea, Communications, Learning and Outreach Officer
