Are Chapel services just for committed Christians?
Absolutely not. They are for the whole College community. Some people who go to Chapel have a committed faith (not all Christians and certainly not all Church of England). Others do not. Whoever you are, you are equally welcome.
Is the Chapel just for students and fellows? What about non-academic staff?
Of course the Chapel is not just for academic members of the College...it is indeed for the whole College community without distinction.
Can I bring my parents, friends or other visitors to Chapel?
Yes, of course. The more the merrier! Seriously, Thursday or Sunday evening services may be a good way of entertaining visitors to the College and showing them another side of College life.
I am already a regular worshipper at another church or Christian community in Oxford, or a member of the Christian Union. Why should I come to Chapel services?
Two reasons really. Firstly, there's a clear importance in College members worshipping together. It will be your concrete contribution to building up a lively Chapel community for the benefit of all. Secondly, you will be able to learn more about the beliefs of others who aren't necessarily members of the same church or group as you, and they will be able to learn more about you. This dialogue is a crucial part of what a College is supposed to be about.
I don't believe in God. Why should I even contemplate coming to Chapel services?
There is a certain spiritual beauty in our Thursday and Sunday evening services which will give you the chance to sit quietly and think your own thoughts for an hour. You don't have to join in with any prayers or hymns if you don't want to. You would not be the only person who has no religious faith but who comes to Chapel to listen to beautiful music and to have regular "time out" from the hectic round of College life. By all means sit at the back or behind a pillar if you wish!
I have a vague interest in matters of faith. Why should I come to Chapel services?
Many regular attenders at Chapel would regard themselves as "enquirers" or as people of uncertain faith. College chapels have a long history of being places which help people to explore their beliefs gently rather than dictating dogmas.
If I come to Chapel services, will I have to listen to interminable sermons? Will I be asked to put money in a collection for the Chapel expenses or other "religious" purposes?
No to both questions. The only services with sermons are on Sundays, so if you want to be completely safe come on a Thursday! As for Sundays, our preachers are asked to preach for ten minutes. Of course sometimes (like everyone else) they don't do exactly as asked, but in general we try to provide short interesting addresses. Also, our preachers are not "six feet above contradiction" but will be only too pleased to discuss things with you informally after the service if you wish. The only service where there is a collection is the annual carol service where there is usually a collection on the way out for homeless people or some similar "Christmas" charity.
Who is the Chaplain and how do I contact him?
The Chaplain is The Reverend Dr Michael Ward. If you want to talk to consult him for whatever reason, please either call on him in his study on Besse Staircase, Room 5, or make an appointment with him by email (michael.ward2@spc.ox.ac.uk), or simply catch him around the College or at any Chapel service.
I have a serious personal issue that I would like to discuss confidentially with someone. Who should I contact?
Dr Ward is of course very happy to discuss any personal issues with any member of the College. There are also other members of the Welfare Team (as described on the College's welfare web page) whom you may wish to approach. If you have a personal problem or issue of a private nature that you'd rather discuss with a minister or priest or counsellor outside the College, the Chaplain will be pleased to refer you on, confidentially, to an appropriate person.
I would like to read the lesson or help in leading the service in other ways. What should I do?
Please ask if there is something you would like to do. In the first instance ask the Chaplain (see above.) He is particularly keen for students to be involved.
Who can get married in the Chapel?
Enquiries about weddings are very welcome from anyone with a College connection. This includes former (and current) students, senior members, and anybody who works for the College in any capacity. Please contact the Chaplain (see above) who will be glad to explain the formalities involved.
What about baptisms (christenings), funerals and memorial services?
The same applies as for weddings. Please contact the Chaplain if you have a College connection and wish to discuss any of these.
I have no interest in going to the College chapel, but I would like information about my own religious (Christian or other faith) community in Oxford. Can the Chaplain provide this?
Absolutely. Please feel free to contact the Chaplain. He is keen to support all members of College, regardless of whether they choose to be involved in the Chapel.