Celebrating First Sunday
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 3rd December 2023 from 6.30pm
We’re bringing First Sunday to a close at the end of 2023 after 19 years of meetings. We’ve had many years of great conversations, interesting speakers, and proclaiming the inclusive love of God. But we sense a change in the air, and it’s time to pass on the baton.
For our final First Sunday join us for conversation over a meal from 6.30pm and a celebration service at 7.30pm.
We’re having curry instead of pizza, but there will still be coffee and cake and time to talk.
In our celebration service there will be hymns, songs, readings and prayers from our meetings over the years as well as a chance for all of us to say what we want to remember and celebrate about First Sunday, and we’ll finish with communion.
Passing on the Baton
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 5th November 2023 from 7.15pm
We’re bringing First Sunday to a close at the end of 2023 after 19 years of meetings. We’ve had many years of great conversations, interesting speakers, and proclaiming the inclusive love of God. But we sense a change in the air, and it’s time to pass on the baton.
Join us in November to find out more about why this stage of our journeys is complete, reflect on our times together, and plan for a final Celebration of First Sunday in December.
I'm sorry I haven't a pew
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 3rd September 2023 from 7.15pm
Exploring joy and fun in worship. We'll be workshopping some improbable approaches and using them for our closing worship.
With time to chat, and pizza, cake and coffee too.
Ice cream social
@: G&D's, St Aldate's, Oxford
Date: Sunday 6th August 2023 from 7.30pm
We'll be hanging out at G&D's eating ice cream and drinking tea.
Making our prayers
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 4th June 2023 from 7.15pm
We're getting hands-on at First Sunday this month with modelling, papercraft, cake decorating and more. Make something that shows what you want to celebrate this Pride weekend and share it with us and with God.
Joy in serving
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 7th May 2023 from 7.15pm
Expressing our faith in ways that fulfil. Where the rubber hits the road.
There’ll be lots of time to share and listen to each other, and comfy sofas, food and drink if you’d rather sit back, chill and listen.
The servants who inspire us
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 2nd April 2023 from 7.15pm
Surprise us with a story: who has been Jesus-like to you? When? Why? We’ve explored what inspires us in friendship with God and through the sacred; but it takes servant hearts to inspire and sustain each other as a community. Who inspired you in your disciple walk — what was it about their approach to life? And … did you know that Jesus once cooked breakfast?
There’ll be lots of time to share and listen to each other, and comfy sofas, food and drink if you’d rather sit back, chill and listen.
Experiencing (and enjoying) the presence of God in the sacred
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 5th March 2023 from 7.15pm
Continuing the conversations we started last month about friendship with God we’ll be exploring what it means for each of us to experience and enjoy God in the sacred. Either in our religious observance, rituals and rhythms of life, or in objects we hold as sacred.
There’ll be lots of time to share and listen to each other’s stories, and comfy sofas, food and drinks if you’d rather sit back, chill and listen.
Exploring Friendship with God, is it possible? What might it look like for each of us?
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 5th February 2023 from 7.15pm
An evening of informal, relaxed and fun exploration of scripture and experience.
If you want to come more prepared, think about which films or books have inspired you in your own relationship with God.
For those who want to share we will create as much space and time as possible to listen to each others stories. For those who want to sit back, chill and listen, there are comfy sofas, food and drinks.
Chrissie Chevasutt facilitates this first in a series of evenings on the theme of friendship as we rebuild old relationships and grow new ones after the social distancing and lockdowns of two years of Covid.
Peace and stillness
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 1st January 2023 from 7.15pm
After the busyness of Christmas join us for chat, coffee, cake and some silent prayer and meditation as we enter the new year.
John Bradbury
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Date: Sunday 4th December 2022 from 7.15pm
First Sunday welcomes John Bradbury, the General Secretary of the United Reformed Church.
Growing in Love
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 6th November 2022 from 7.15pm
First Sunday has been many things in its 18-year history. Recently, the teaching, education and entertainment our guest speakers brought us has inspired us. But now, and in prayer, we need to change; so what might healthy growth look like for us as a community; for ourselves and for the others we could reach? Christians should be recognised by the love they have for each other. What does this look like in practical terms?
Chrissie is Outreach Worker with Trans and GNC people for St Columba's United Reformed Church. This is her first opportunity to coach us forward, co-creating our future together. There'll be time to chat with coffee and pizza and we'll end the evening with holy communion.
Sensing the Divine
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 2nd October 2022 from 7.15pm
An interactive evening using our senses to explore aspects of the Divine.
Explorations in Mindfulness
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 4th September 2022 from 7.15pm
Mark Williams joins us to talk about mindfulness.
Ice cream social
@: G&D's, St Aldate's, Oxford
Date: Sunday 7th August 2022 from 7.30pm
We'll be hanging out at G&D's eating ice cream and drinking tea.
An evening stroll
@: Christ Church Meadow, Oxford
Date: Sunday 3rd July 2022 from 7.30pm
We're making the most of the light evenings with a stroll around Christ Church Meadow.
Pride BBQ party
@: Sub Dean's garden, Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford
Date: Sunday 5th June 2022 from 7.30pm
Join First Sunday and friends for food, drinks and fellowship at our Pride BBQ party.
Social evening
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 1st May 2022 from 7.15pm
Join us for a social evening of chat and catching up over a meal.
No speaker, no communion, just lots of time to be together.
Why this L stands with the T
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 3rd April 2022 from 7.15pm
Debbie Brixey joins us to share a little of her background and LGBT history, some history of L with the T, why she strongly believes that we need to stand together and why it’s particularly important now.
Debbie is Chair of Oxford Pride and serves as VP of Member Services for InterPride. She also works with new Prides to put on events locally.
There'll be time to chat with coffee and pizza and we'll end the evening with communion.
Heaven Come Down, Story of a Transgender Disciple
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 6th March 2022 from 7.15pm
Can Jesus really transform our lives? How does such transformation happen?
Chrissie Chevasutt facilitates the online community Transgender Church and is an advocate for transgender awareness in the Church. She joins us at FirstSunday to share something of her story and her hopes for the future.
Marriage in the Bible: Sacred Cow or White Elephant?
Date: Sunday 6th February 2022 from 7.30pm
Dr Deborah Rooke and Dr Larry Kreitzer join us to discuss marriage in the Old and New Testaments.
Deb is a Lecturer in Old Testament Hermenutics and Larry is a Fellow in New Testament both at Regent's Park College.
Peace and stillness - First Sunday online
Date: Sunday 2nd January 2022 from 7.30pm
After the busyness of Christmas join us online for a time of meditation for refreshment, relaxation and mindfulness as we enter the new year.
With time to chat and catch up on our Christmas stories.
Christmas Social
Date: Sunday 5th December 2021 from 7.30pm
Join us on zoom for our Christmas social online - with some Christmas questions to get the conversation started and lots of time to chat.
Bring your own coffee and mince pies.
Transgender Remembrance
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 21st November 2021 at 7.30pm
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Many the hearts that yearn to belong - Safer sacred spaces for LGBTQIA+ Christians
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 7th November 2021 from 7.15pm
Kieran Bohan joins us to talk about his experiences as Coordinator of the Open Table Network.
Keeping the faith in a global pandemic
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021 from 7.30pm
An evening of sharing how we've sustained our faith during the last eighteen months. What helped, what was hard work, what do you want to keep?
A time to embrace?
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Date: Sunday 5th September 2021 from 7.30pm
We're meeting back in St Columba's for the first time in ever such a long time.
With time to chat and some activities to help us reflect on the times we have lived through.
A virtual garden party
Date: Sunday 1st August 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
Pick up your laptop, head out into a garden and join us for a virtual summer garden party.
Another night in with FirstSunday
Date: Sunday 4th July 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
More fabulous frocks and killer put downs as we watch the second episode of Pose together.
A night in with FirstSunday
Date: Sunday 6th June 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
We're starting our summer season of social evenings with a shared viewing of the first episode of Pose. It's set in the underground world of New York's 1980s ball culture at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Sharing our stories: Alex Clare-Young and Jayne Taylor
Date: Sunday 2nd May 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
Jayne Taylor and Alex Clare-Young join us to talk about their experiences as trans people in ordained ministry.
He is risen!
Date: Sunday 4th April 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
Worship for Easter day followed by an extended time to chat. We'll be setting up breakout rooms so that we can have more conversations.
Living in Love & Faith - learning to agree to disagree: 'Let's call the whole thing off' or 'the marriage of heaven and hell'?
Date: Sunday 7th March 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
Christina Beardsley joins our call and will share some thoughts about reconciliation, particularly around churches trying to reconcile theologies of gender and sexuality.
Our stories are history too!
Date: Sunday 7th February 2021 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online
For LGBT+ history month we're kicking off a FirstSunday history project.
Who are we?
What have we done together?
Do you remember when...?
Join us online to talk about our stories of FirstSunday.
With time to chat and finishing with a short act of worship. Bring your own coffee and pizza.
A New Year
Date: Sunday 3rd January 2021 from 7.30pm
A short act of worship to mark the turning of the year.
Christmas is coming
Date: Sunday 6th December 2020 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online.
What's your must-hear music at Christmas? Favourite Christmas TV? Or maybe there's a carol that you just have to sing.
Join us online for an evening of sharing favourite Christmas music and videos. Bring a link if you can.
With a short act of worship. Bring your own coffee and pizza!
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2020 from 7.30pm
An online service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Writing our Prayers
Date: Sunday 1st November 2020 from 7.30pm
FirstSunday online.
How do you pray the Lord's prayer? How could you pray it? How do you want to pray it?
Open your word processor and join us online for an evening of writing and worship.
The Courts and LGBT+ Rights: A long slow story
Date: Sunday 1st March 2020 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Jonathan Herring will discuss a few cases that have been significant in the development of LGBT+ rights in the UK.
Jonathan is a Professor of Law at Oxford University and focuses "on how the law interacts with the important things in life: not money, companies or insurance; but love, friendship and intimacy". He is also an Elder at St Columba's.
With time to chat, coffee and pizza, and finishing the evening with an act of communion.
Language, Gender and the Bible
Date: Sunday 2nd February 2020 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
We were pleased to welcome Dr Deborah Rooke to talk about one of her research interests.
Deb teaches Old Testament at Oxford University and is a Deacon at New Road Baptist Church.
With time to chat, coffee and pizza, and finishing the evening with an act of communion.
Peace and stillness
Date: Sunday 5th January 2020 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
After the busyness of Christmas, we thought it would be lovely to receive a gift from an old friend, that of peace and stillness. Trevor is going to lead us in a time of meditation drawing on the practice of Zen: a time of refreshment and relaxation and mindfulness as we enter the New Year.
With time to chat, coffee and pizza.
Christmas is coming
Date: Sunday 1st December 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A Christmas themed social evening. Party food and party
games - please bring one of your family traditions to share
with everyone.
With time to chat, coffee, and party food.
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 17th November 2019 at 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Thoughts about Chaplaincy
Date: Sunday 3rd November 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Kate Rowley Harford visited us to talk about her work as
Chaplain at Oxford Brookes University.
With time to chat, coffee and pizza and finishing the evening
with an act of communion.
The thin rainbow line
Date: Sunday 6th October 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Our visiting speakers this month are Lesbian and Gay Liason Officers from Thames Valley Police.
Preparing remembrance
Date: Sunday 1st September 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
FirstSunday is leading the morning service at St Columba's on 10th November (Remembrance Sunday), so we're spending an evening planning the service.
FirstSunday's Big Day Out
Date: Sunday 4th August 2019 from 2pm
@: Godington
A day out together to Holy Trinity church in Godington, near Bicester.
We've been invited to enjoy an afternoon poking round the churchyard helping the Churchwarden make an up to date inventory, followed by a service led by the Rector and finishing with a BBQ.
Social evening
Date: Sunday 7th July 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A social evening as summer gets going. Just pizza, coffee and chat.
One rainbow
Date: Sunday 2nd June 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
How are our experiences of being L,G,B or T similar? How do they differ? How can we support and learn from one another.
With coffee, and pizza. Followed by communion.
Feed my sheep
Date: Sunday 5th May 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Easter prep, Easter practice
Date: Sunday 7th April 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
It's nearly Easter, so let's have some fun with chocolate.
The great unveiling; Shiny Happy People?
Date: Sunday 3rd March 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
What do we keep hidden? What stops us letting people see us as we really are.
Called to speak?
Date: Sunday 3rd February 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
The bible has many stories of people called by God to speak out about justice and love. We have good news to share of God's love for us as LGBT+ people, can we speak up too?
Sarah Hagger-Holt
Date: Sunday 6th January 2019 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Sarah is Stonewall's Community Campaign's Manager, she will be telling us about current Stonewall campaigns and how we can get involved.
Onwards!
Date: Sunday 2nd December 2018 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
What changes have we seen for LGBT+ acceptance in our lifetimes?
What changes do we still need to see?
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 18th November 2018 at 6.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Our journeying
Date: Sunday 4th November 2018 from 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Inspired by the story of Naomi and Ruth, we think about the journeys we've taken to be where we are.
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
Voices of our lives, prayers from our hearts
Date:Sunday 7th October 2018 from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A writing workshop of prayers and liturgy that reflect LBGT+ experience.
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
Breaking the rules
Date:Sunday 2nd September 2018 from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Jesus and his disciples didn't always obey the rules. Why? What was more important? A discussion evening.
Summer BBQ
Date:Sunday 5th August 2018 from 6pm
@:Andy's house in Kennington
Bring something to put on the grill and enjoy a lazy summer evening with us.
Get in touch with us on Facebook for directions.
Film night!
Date:Sunday 1st July 2018 from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A biographical film about a gay politician - sorry but our licence says we can't tell you what it is!
With coffee and pizza.
God's Light Shines in Us
Date:Sunday 3rd June 2018 from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Sharing our stories of experiencing God as LGBT+ people over coffee and pizza, followed by a short communion.
An Afternoon Pilgrimage
Date:Sunday 6th May leaving at 3pm
@:Starting at St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A mini-pilgrimage from St Columba's church to St Frideswide's well at Binsey.
Leave at 3pm to arrive at the well around 4pm and then retire to The Perch at Binsey for a drink. Heading back towards town at about 5.30pm.
Join us for the walk, the drink or both!
Risen indeed!
Date:Sunday 1st April from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Conversation and communion for Easter Day.
With coffee and pizza.
What bars the way?
Date:Sunday 4th March from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
What barriers get put around God? Who puts them there?
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
God our enabler, God our healer, God our strength
Date:Sunday 4th February from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
How have people down the ages experienced these aspects of God? What works for us?
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
Signs of Christ
Date:Sunday 7th January from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
How did the people around him know Jesus was going to be someone special?
This months readings are all about signs of the Christ.
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
Christmas is coming
Date:Sunday 3rd December from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening of Carols and other Christmassy things.
Transgender Remebrance
Date:Sunday 19th November at 7.30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Good leaders
Date:Sunday 5th November from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Jesus had strong opinions about some religious leaders. So, we’re wondering what makes a good leader? What makes a good church or fellowship?
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
Appletastic
Date:Sunday 1st October from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
It's harvest time and one FirstSundayer's thoughts turn to cider. Learn the secrets of the apple press.
With coffee and pizza and followed by communion.
St Columba's Kitchen
Date:Sunday 3rd September from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening of cooking and eating together, with communion.
Summer BBQ
Date:Sunday 6th August from 6.30pm
@:Andy's house in Kennington
Bring something to put on the grill and enjoy a lazy summer evening with us.
Get in touch with us on Facebook for directions.
Film Night
Date:Sunday 2nd July from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A film about unexpected self discovery - sorry but our licence says we can't tell you what it is!
With coffee and pizza.
Many gifts, One spirit
Date:Sunday 4th June from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Reflections for Pentecost.
With coffee and pizza.
The sheepfold
Date:Sunday 7th May from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Reactions and reflections on John 10
With coffee and pizza.
Resurrections
Date:Sunday 2nd April from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Stories about resurrection from the Bible (and it's not the obvious one).
With coffee and pizza.
Naughty, but nice!
Date:Sunday 5th March from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Stories from the Bible about temptation.
With coffee and pizza (go on, just one more slice).
Salty people
Date:Sunday 5th February from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Jesus said "You are the salt of the earth" and "let your light shine". So, how are LGBT folk salt and light for the church and the world?
With coffee and pizza.
A New Year!
Date:Sunday 1st January from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A quiet evening to chat, sing some Taizé chants and spend time in silent prayer.
With coffee and cake.
Christmas is Coming
Date:Sunday 4th December from 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
We're going to sing some carols and do Christmassy things to get in the mood for Christmas.
With pizza, mince pies and mulled wine!
Transgender Remebrance
Date:Sunday 20th November at 7.30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Death or life?
Date:Sunday 6th November at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
There is no try, only do
Date:Sunday 2nd October at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Choices, choices, choices
Date:Sunday 4th September at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Film night
Date:Sunday 7th August at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A feel good summer film. (Our license says we can't tell you what it is, come and enjoy the surprise!)
A meal together
Date:Sunday 3rd July at 7.30pm
@:Cosmo Restaurant, Magdelen Street
A meal out together in Oxford.
Email Faye, or get in touch on Facebook if you're coming so we can book a big enough table.
We are Loved
Date:Sunday 5th June at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
We are loved - a service of Pride using words by LGBT writers
We start our evenings with pizza, coffee, and time to talk. We finish by sharing communion.
Stall at Oxford Pride
Date:Saturday 4th June from 12 noon
@:Oxford Castle Quarter
Come and say hello at our stall at Oxford Pride.
We'll have a quiet space for prayer and reflection, and people to talk to about FirstSunday.
FirstSunday Future
Date:Sunday 1st May at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening to talk about what we should do more (or less) of at FirstSunday.
With pizza and coffee.
Time to talk
Date:Sunday 3rd April at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
What is christian fellowship?
What's special about a christian LGBT space?
Time to share what each of us thinks.
With pizza and coffee.
Christ's Table is Round
Date:Sunday 7th Februay at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening of worship and fellowship for LGBT History Month with friends from the Oxford Faith In Action Group of churches.
With coffee and cake, sorry but no pizza this time.
Glitter and Feathers — the FirstSunday New Year Party
Date:Sunday 3rd January at 7.30pm
@:The Manse
Ostrich? Peacock? Or just plain goose? All welcome at the FirstSunday New Year Party.
Please bring some vegetarian party snacks.
Get in touch on Facebook if you need directions.
Prayers for World AIDS day
Date:Sunday 6th December at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening drawing on stories from Pakistan to remember and pray for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
With pizza and coffee.
Transgender Remembrance
Date:Sunday 22nd November at 7.30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
LGBT Christians in the majority world: an evening of equipping for activism
Date:Sunday 1st November at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
What's it like being LGBT and Christian in the world today? What can we do to make things better?
With pizza and coffee.
Out of the closet and into the world: LGBT rights then, now and tomorrow?
Date:Sunday 4th October at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening looking at the development of LGBT rights around the world.
With pizza and coffee.
Film night
Date:Sunday 6th September at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A film about repression and what it means to be free.
Sorry our licence won't let us tell you what it is.
With pizza, coffee and pop-corn!
Summer BBQ
Date:Sunday 2nd August 2015 at 6pm
@:The Manse
Ah! The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Time to slap something on the barbie and enjoy some time with the FirstSunday crowd.
Food, drink and fellowship in the Minister's garden.
Earlier than usual: 6pm — we want to make the most of the sunshine.
Chill out night
Date:Sunday 5th July 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Kick back, relax and hang out at FirstSunday. An unstructured evening of food and fellowship. And giant Jenga.
Film Night
Date:Sunday 7th June 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An uplifting film about an unexpected alliance between two very different groups of people.
Sorry, but our film licence says we can't tell you what it is.
With pizza, coffee and pop-corn!
Stall at Oxford Pride
Date:Saturday 6th June 2015 from 12 noon.
Come and say hello at our stall at Oxford Pride.
We'll have a quiet space for prayer and reflection, and people to talk to about FirstSunday.
A Celtic Celebration of Work and Life
Date:Sunday 3rd May 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
With pizza and coffee.
Celebrating Easter
Date:Sunday 5th April 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Easter Day! He is Risen!
An interactive celebration of Easter.
With pizza and coffee.
Inspiring words
Date:Sunday 1st March 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Sharing words that have inspired us.
Bring a poem, verse or some prose that is special to you, and tell us about it.
With pizza and coffee.
Candlemas
Date:Sunday 1st February 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An interactive reflection and communion.
With pizza and coffee.
New Year Party
Date:Sunday 4th January 2015 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Parlour games and supper.
Looking back/Looking forward
Date:Sunday 7th December 2014 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A review of the year and rededication. With pizza and mince pies.
World Aids Day Vigil
Date:Sunday 30th November 2014 at 7.30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A vigil for all affected by AIDS.
Transgender Remembrance
Date:Sunday 16th November 2014 at 8.30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance of those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Understanding God
Date:Sunday 2nd November 2014 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Wrapping up our Understanding One Another series.
a musical evening with Sarah Jones
Date:Sunday 5th October 2014 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
We're delighted to welcome singer-songwriter-priest Sarah Jones back to FirstSunday for an evening of music conversation and pizza.
And it's our 10th birthday!
BBQ
Date:Sunday 7th September 2014 at 6pm
@:The Manse
Food and drink in the Minister's garden.
Get in touch on Facebook if you need directions.
Chill out night
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2014 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Curry and coversation. And giant Jenga.
Film Night
Date: Sunday 6th July 2014 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A lighthearted summer film, with pizza. Sorry, our licence doesn't let us tell you what it is.
Jesus - Role Model?
Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 at 7:30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Pictures, words and conversation about Jesus. How his life and teaching are inspiring LGBT people today.
Part of the Oxford Pride Festival.
Bisexual Perspectives
Date: Sunday 6th April 2014 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Part of our Understanding One Another series.
Disability Perspectives
Date: Sunday 2nd March 2014 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Part of our Understanding One Another series.
Lesbian Perspectives
Date: Sunday 2nd February 2014 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Part of our Understanding One Another series.
Vigil for World AIDS Day
Date: Sunday 1st December 2013 at 7:30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 17th November 2013 at 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A service of remembrance for those who have died as a result of transphobia.
Trembling before God
Date: Sunday 6th October 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
Hearing experiences of Jewish LGBT people and comparing them with ours.
Part of our Understanding one another season.
Delena Wilkerson — Same-sex marriage: a view from the inside and thoughts on the movement for marriage equality.
Date: Sunday 8th September 2013 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
An evening of conversation about same-sex marriage with Delena Wilkerson and Sally Olson from the US.
Delena Wilkerson is founder of 10 Thousand Couples, an online magazine covering same-sex couples news, LGBT profiles, stories of same-sex married life and families around the globe. It is free and followed by just over 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 readers from the US, China, Canada, UK, Japan and others each month. It was created in 2009 after Wilkerson and Olson were legally married in California the year before, having had a formal commitment ceremony in 1994. Delena commented: "We were unexpectedly taken aback by how meaningful the legality of our commitment meant to us."
Film Night
Date: Sunday 4th August 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford (near The Bear)
A light hearted film for a bit of summer fun.
Summer BBQ
Date: Sunday 7th July 2013 at 7:15pm
@:The Manse
Food and drink in the Minister's garden.
Get in touch on Facebook if you need directions.
The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven part of the Oxford Pride Festival
Date: Sunday 9th June 2013 at 7:30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Jesus is a transsexual woman. And it is now she walks the earth.
This is a play with music that presents her sayings, her miracles, and her testimony.
And she does not condemn the gays or the queers or the transwomen or the trans men, and no, not the straight women nor the straight men neither.
Because she is the Daughter of God, most certainly, and almost as certainly the son also. And God's child condemns nobody.
This is a play driven by the idea that we are not just material beings, we are spiritual also. As well as sexual
Labyrinth part of the Oxford Pride Festival
Date: Sunday 2nd June 2013 at 7:30pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A modern take on an ancient meditation practice. A spiritual journey into our self, toward the divine, and back out to the modern world.
Banners and Heros
Date: Sunday 5th May 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Preparing for Pride, making banners drawing inspiration from our LGBT History Heroes.
Film Night
Date: Sunday 7th April 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
The life story of an African LGBT activist. (Sorry, our licence says we can't tell you the title!)
Trinity and the Koinonia of God
Date: Sunday 3rd March 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
LGBT in our daily lives
Date: Sunday 3rd February 2013 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Looking at how we relate as LGBT people and Christians in our wider society
FirstSunday Social
Date: Sunday 6th January 2013 at 6pm
@ The Manse (get in touch on facebook if you don't know where it is)
New Year Social
Something borrowed, something new? - the meaning of intimate relationships for gay and lesbian Christians.
Date: Sunday 2nd December 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
We're delighted to welcome Clare Herbert, Lecturer in Incusive Theology at St Martin's in the Fields to First Sunday.
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 18th November 2012 at 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
An opportunity for the transgender community to remember our dead.
Film Night
Date: Sunday 4th November 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A film about a well known North American bishop. (Sorry, our licence means we can't name it here.)
Let Days Speak - a musical evening with Sarah Jones
Date: Sunday 7th October 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
We're delighted to welcome singer-songwriter-priest Sarah Jones back to FirstSunday.
BBQ
Date: Sunday 2th September 2012 at 6pm
@:The Manse (the Minister's house)
The FirstSunday Summer BBQ. Come to the Manse with something to sling on the grill.
Summer Chill Out
Date: Sunday 5th August 2011 at 7.15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Kick back, relax and hang out at FirstSunday. An unstructured evening of coffe cake and fellowship. Bring something to drink, something to eat, and something to do (cards, games, macrame).
Meal Out
Date: Thursday 26th July at 7:30pm
@:A Lebanese restauruant in Oxford
FirstSunday Summer Extra - a midweek meal out together. Get in touch on Facebook to find out more.
Film Night
Date: Sunday 1st July 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A light hearted film for a bit of summer fun.
SoulMagic part of the Oxford Pride Festival
Date: Sunday 17th June 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Be captivated, mystified and amazed as Priest-Magician Mark Townsend explores wonder, enchantment and spirituality through magic and illusion.
HealingStories
Date: Sunday 3rd June 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part eight of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
ChangeStory
Date: Sunday 6th May 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part seven of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
StoryTree
Date: Sunday 1st April 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part six of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
KinStories
Date: Sunday 4th March 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part five of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
FirstStories
Date: Sunday 5th February 2012 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part four of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
FirstSunday Social
Date: Thursday 12th January 2011
We're off for a meal out somewhere in Oxford. Not sure where yet, more details closer to the time. Let us know if you're going to join us.
StoryStream
Date: Sunday 4th December 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part three of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 20th November 2008 at 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
An opportunity for the transgender community to remember our dead.
StorySketch
Date: Sunday 6th November 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part two of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
StorySpace
Date: Sunday 2nd October 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Part one of SoulWork: OurStories, OurSelves
Throughout the year we will be reflecting on our life-stories to learn more about who we truly are and and where God is in the picture.
Film night
Date: Sunday 4th September 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A feel good film to round off the summer and transport you back to sunnier climes. Our licence means we can't tell you what it is, but we've found the sing-a-long option and we're not afraid to use it.
BBQ!
Date: Sunday 7th August 2011 at 6pm
@:The Manse (our Minister's house) — contact us on Facebook
for directions.
Ah! The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Time to kick back, slap something on the barbie and
enjoy some time with the FirstSunday crowd.
Living the Questions - Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christians
Date: Sunday 3rd July 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Completing the series discussing faith and sprituality with help from some of the leading theologians of our time.
This evening will make sense on its own - you don't need to have been to the previous ones.
Film & Discussion - Oxford Pride
Date: Sunday 5th June 2010 at 7pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A true story showing a mother's journey from religious intolerance to gay-rights crusader.
(We can't tell you the title - our copyright licence says we have to be all coy and mysterious.)
Living the Questions - Lives of Jesus
Date: Sunday 3rd April 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Continuing the series discussing faith and sprituality with help from some of the leading theologians of our time.
This evening will make sense on its own - you don't need to have been to the previous ones.
Living the Questions - Stories of Creation
Date: Sunday 6th March 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Continuing the series discussing faith and sprituality with help from some of the leading theologians of our time.
This evening will make sense on its own - you don't need to have been to the previous ones.
Living the Questions - Thinking Theologically
Date: Sunday 6th February 2011 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Continuing the series discussing faith and sprituality with help from some of the leading theologians of our time.
This evening will make sense on its own - you don't need to have been to the previous ones.
FirstSunday Social
Date: Thursday 12th January 2012 at 7:15pm
We're off for a meal out somewhere in Oxford. More details closer to the time. Let us know if you're coming.
Living the Questions - Taking the Bible Seriously
Date: Sunday 5th December 2010 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Living the Questions - An Invitation to Journey
Date: Sunday 7th November 2010 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
An evening with Sarah Jones
Date: Sunday 3rd October 2010 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Singer-songwriter Sarah Jones is also Vicar of Ross-on-Wye and a transgendered woman. Once a year she takes a 'holiday' from her life as a vicar and tours the country with her collection of guitars performing in folk clubs and churches. We're looking forward to an evening of Sarah's music and conversation about her unusual life.
Sarah first came to people's attention in the folk clubs of South Yorkshire in the mid 1990's playing a mixture of covers and her own songs. She dropped the covers, moved to Birmingham and formed a duo with Lorna Bryant which quickly became one of the Midland's premier acts. They released a CD entitled Desire which featured twelve of Sarah's songs in June 1998 to much critical acclaim. Ric Saunders of Fairport Convention heard it and liked the music so much that he turned up at one of their gigs and played fiddle with them!
Sarah has since released two further albums; Freedom with her band TALA and First Person Plural.
Sarah was thrust into the national spotlight in 2005 when, while serving as curate at Ross on Wye, she was outed as transgendered by the national press. With the support of her bishop and parish the news agenda moved on and she has been able to continue her ministry there.
Line dancing
Date: Sunday 5th September 2010 at 7:15pm
@:St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Yee Haw y'all. Come along fo' some boot scootin' boogyin'.
BBQ
Date: Sunday 1st August 2010 from 5pm
@: The Manse in Summertown
Bring something to drink and something to slap on the barbie and enjoy the height of the English summer with us.
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY START!
Meal out.
Date: Sunday 4th July 2010 at 7:15pm
@: Meet at St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
We're off to have a meal together in one of Oxford's restaurants. It would help if you let us know you're planning to come, so we have an idea of numbers. Don't worry if you can't let us know - come anyway.
Blessings for All - Oxford Pride
Date: Sunday 6th June 2010 at 3pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A service where our Minister is offering to bless our relationships, our singleness, our gender, our whole being.
Please note the changed time for this event: 3pm
Living in the body - making sense of sex and spirit
Date: Sunday 2nd May 2010 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Living in the body - Taste
Date: Easter Sunday 4th April 2010 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality. We'll be sharing a meal on Easter Day, so come hungry!
Living in the body - Touch
Date: Sunday 7th March 2010 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Living in the body - Hearing
Date: Sunday 7th February 2010 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Living in the body - Sight
Date: Sunday 6th December 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Friday 20th November 2008 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
An opportunity for the transgender community to remember our dead.
Living in the body - Imagination
Date: Sunday 1st November 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Living in the body - Smell
Date: Sunday 4th October 2009 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
The first in a new series of evenings: using our senses to explore belief, fellowship and spirituality.
Film night.
Date: Sunday 6th September 2009 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
For your delectation and delight, a third totally delicious film. (Our licence to show films says that we can't tell you what it is, sorry.)
Film night.
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2009 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Another fabulous film. (Sorry, our licence says we can't tell you what it is.)
Film night.
Date: Sunday 5th July 2009 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
We've got a licence to show films. Hurrah! It says we can't tell you what we're going to show. Shame! It will be appropriate and maybe even fabulous. Yippee!
Let's have a ball!
Date: Sunday 7th June 2009 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
A post Pride party for Firsty people and their friends. Line Dancing, something to sip, and good fellowship.
Oxford Pride
Date: Saturday 6th June 2009 from 12 noon
@: Oxpens
Find FirstSunday at Oxford Pride. We'll be there with a stall, balloons, smiles and heaps and heaps of Pride.
Labyrinth Take meditative time out to retrace steps taken by medieval pilgrims on an experiential journey with your maker.
Date:
Sunday 5th April 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Love and Justice
Date:
Sunday 1st March 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Love is...
Date:
Sunday 1st February 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
FirstSunday new year party and communion
Date:
Sunday 4th January 2009 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church,
Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
FirstSunday
Date: Sunday 7th December 2008 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject:A reflection for World Aids Day
Transgender Remembrance
Date: Sunday 23rd November 2008 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
An opportunity for the transgender community to remember our dead.
Date: Sunday 2nd November 2008 at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject:Exploring Diversity: the third in a series based on a booklet produced by The Third Order Society of St Francis.
Date: Sunday 5th October 2008at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject:Exploring Diversity: the second in a series based on a booklet produced by The Third Order Society of St Francis.
Date: Sunday 7th September 2008at 7.15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject:Exploring Diversity: the first in a series based on a booklet produced by The Third Order Society of St Francis.
Followed by...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Date: July 12th
@: Oxford Pride
Subject: As always, we plan to have a stall at Oxford Pride
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 6th July 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Back to the Future Continued: A continuing look at where weve come from and where we might be headed.
Followed by...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 1st June 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Back to the Future 3: Continuing to look at where we've come from and where we might be headed.
Followed by FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 4th May 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Back to the Future 2: Continuing to look at where we've come from and where we might be headed.
Followed by FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Saturday 10th May 2008 (special tourdate to be confirmed) at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Theatrical Performance Activist Peterson Toscano: The Reeducation of George W. Bush (theatrical comedy) - more info at www.petersontoscano.com
Followed by...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Guest, yes. Title, no. Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 6th April 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Back to the Future: A look at where we've come from and where we might be headed.
Followed by FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 2nd March 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Alison Brumfitt: Stand Up Poet. Alison performs her own published poetry, and facilitates a workshop atmosphere for other poets to share theirs.
Followed by
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 3rd February 2008 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Love is. A look forward to Valentines Day
Followed at 8:30pm by LGBT: Lectionary of Gift Bible Texts or...
LoveInn (also known as FirstCafé) A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 2nd December 2007 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: AIDS: A Global Vigil (prayer and meditation installation) View playlist
Also, all evening...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: Sunday 16th December 2007 7:30pm - 11pm
@: The Brewery Gate Pub, St Thomas Street, Oxford
Subject: Carols & Beer. (More info on Facebook.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes Event Confirmed?: Yes. It's been organised by other Oxford folks. Rather than run our own alternative one this year, we're warmly invited over to their place! 'Rah!
Date: Sunday 18th November 2007 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church (Thomson Room or Church, TBA), Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Transgender Remembrance Service: TO GO AHEAD.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: YES.
Date: Sunday 4th November 2007 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: Peter Tatchell: You Ask The Questions: Question and debate human rights, social justice, the environment, democracy, faith, and sexuality with the human rights campaigner and political candidate for Oxford East. Chaired by Natalie Thorne, Deputy Editor of local magazine Fyne Times
Followed at 8:30pm by LGBT: Lectionary of Gift Bible Texts (10 mins) and short act of worship, or...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.) View playlist.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes. Please help us advertise. Download a poster.
Date: Sunday 7th October 2007 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's United Reformed Church, Oxford (off Alfred St, near All Bar One)
Subject: MLE: The Medieval Labyrinth Experience: Take meditative time out to retrace steps taken by medieval pilgrims on an experiential journey with your maker. (Read more about this event.)
Followed by...
FirstCafé A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes Event Confirmed?: Yes. Please help us advertise. Download a poster.
Date: Sunday 15th July 2007
from 2pm
@: St Columba's Church, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Come and chill out at PrideCafé after Oxford Pride.
Date: Sunday 3rd June 2007
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Rev Dr Susan Durber: Breaking Taboos: a Bible Study (This will be Susan's last evening with us.) (There will be a short act of worship after the talk, using some of our own sources. For those who don't want to take part in this, the café will be opening at the same time.) View playlist
FirstCafé: A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 6th May 2007 at 1:30pm
@: Wesley Memorial Chapel, New Inn Hall St, Oxford, moving on to St Michael's church. Finishes by 3:30pm.
Subject: Art, faith and sexuality: A walk and talk around this exhibition of
the Methodist Collection of Modern Art, just for
FIRST SUNDAY. Contact [removed] if interested.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
The Lord of the Dance: an alt.worship session celebrating our God-given sexuality.
Date: 1st April 2007 from 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
FirstCafé: Opens 8:30pm. Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 4th March 2007 from 7:15pm (talk starts 7:30pm)
@: St Columba's Church, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Dr Andrew Yip: On relationships. Dr Yip is a reader in Sociology at Nottingham Trent University. (There will be a short act of worship after the talk, using some of our own sources. For those who don't want to take part in this, the café will be opening at the same time.) View playlist
FirstCafé: A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 8:30pm.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 4th February 2007 from 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: LGBT Storytelling: A panel tell their stories (starts 8pm). (There will be an optional worship and prayer space in the church before the talk. If you want to take part, please arrive from 7:15pm.)
FirstCafé: A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. (Opens 9pm. There's no meal tonight.)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes. View playlists.
Sunday 17th December 2006: Carols & Beer Starts at 8pm, The Castle Pub, Paradise St. Volunteers needed. Download a pub poster.
Images from: AIDS: An informal, meditative time to think of people affected by AIDS around the world (Installation/ video. Duration: approx 1hr: 7:15pm - 8:15pm). 3rd December 2006
Playlist: AIDS.
New in December FIRSTCafé: A place to chat. A place for Firsty people. Whether you're recovering from a hard night's line dancing on Saturday, or taking a break from the AIDS installation, FIRSTCafé will be providing some light relief. (There's no food tonight.)
Date: SATURDAY 2nd December 2006
8pm onwards
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: FIRST SUNDAY Line Dancing: Bring friends and guests. Food provided. Tickets only (£8).
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 5th November 2006
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Faye Mitchell: Is the Pun Mightier than the Sword?: Humour, entertainment, and letter writing from a well-known human rights organisation
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 1st October 2006
at 7:15pm (everyone) or 5:30pm (new season crew training session)
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Guest speaker: David Clark: The Church and Homosexuality: A History of Homophobia?
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Playlist: Available on iTunes. See music for more details.
FIRST SUNDAY | building on fellowship
Date: 3rd September 2006
at 3:00pm
@: St Columba's URC Manse, Summertown, Oxford
Subject: Garden party: BBQ or tea and cakes - take your pick. Email us for joining instructions.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
FIRST SUNDAY | building on fellowship
Date: 25th - 28th August
@: Greenbelt Festival
Subject: FIRST SUNDAY GREENBELT POSSE - Join up with other Sundayers to enjoy Europe's biggest gay-friendly Christian based Arts Festival. Complete with Daniel Bedingfield, and Candi Staton (of 'You Got the Love...' fame).
Date: Saturday 15th July 2006
(all day)
@: Oxpens Field, Oxford
Subject: FIRST SUNDAY @ Oxford Pride
Able to help? Send us an email.
Date: 4th June 2006
at 8:00pm
@: St Columba's main church building, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Guest speaker: James Alison: "Who's afraid of the big bad book?" A presentation about the story of Sodom and the story of the Levite and his concubine. There won't be a meal, but there will be cheese and wine afterwards. Please note the later start time.
All confirmed?: Yes
Download a poster.
Date: 7th May 2006
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Bryn Evans CANCELLED. There will still be something on. (Our next planning meeting also takes place in May. Please join us.)
All confirmed?: Yes
Playlist: New Beginnings ;o)
We are also having a Eurovision Song Contest Party on Saturday 20th May.
Contact us if you are interested.
Date: 2nd April 2006
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: The Basics: The Bible and Being Gay. The Five Verses Explored.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Playlist The Best of FIRST SUNDAY 2
Date: 5th March 2006
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Film: Some film clips and a discussion (our licensing disallows us from advertising the title of the film)
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Playlist: The Best of FIRST SUNDAY 1.
Date: 5th February 2006
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Is climate change more important than human rights?: Discussion.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 18th January 2006
at 7:15pm
@: email us for directions
Subject: No main event in January: Next planning meeting. Bring along your suggestions
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Playlist theme: None
Date: 4th December 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Debate: "Is it
adultery when you can't get married?" to be led by the minister of St
Columba's, Rev. Susan Durber. This will be coupled with a bit of a party
for advent.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 6th November 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Visiting Speaker:
Dr Elizabeth
Stuart, Where Next for Queer Theology?
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 2nd October 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Panel Session: "In? Out? Shake it all about. Across the generations - how open have we been?"
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 18th September 2005
at 7:15pm
@: Summertown manse.
More to follow.
Subject: Next planning meeting. FIRST SUNDAY kicks off again big time in October. Come to the planning meeting to brainstorm ideas for the year ahead.
Subject Confirmed?: Yes
Event Confirmed?: Yes
Date: 16th July 2005
@: Oxford Pride 2005
Subject: View pictures
Date: 3rd July 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Celebration Party: Come and help us celebrate the end of a successful first year for FIRST SUNDAY
Date: 5th June 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off High Street)
Subject: Discussion: Rev. Susan Durber will lead a discussion on "Sexuality with a Difference: A Woman's Experience". There will be a meal, and time for coffee at the end.
Date: 1st May 2005
at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred
Street (off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Live music: From
a gay Christian singer/songwriter.
Date: 6th March 2005 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street
(off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Visiting speaker: Benny
Hazelhurst from Accepting
Evangelicals
on "How can Evangelicals be Accepting?"
Date: 6th February 2005 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street
(off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Visiting speaker: "On Two
Women at their Wedding" Same-sex Christian commitment ceremonies
in the US and the UK.
Date: 4th December 2004 at
7:15pm (Film starts 7:30pm)
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street
(off High Street), Oxford
Subject: Film: Cert 15. Licensing law
disallows us to specify the names of films being shown
Date: 7th November 2004 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off
High Street), Oxford
Subject: Visiting speaker: Jeremy Marks
from Courage
Trust
Date: 3rd October 2004 at 7:15pm
@: St Columba's Church Hall, Alfred Street (off
High Street), Oxford
Subject: LGBT Storytelling
