John Wesley Society

Sunday Lunch & Speakers

Each Sunday following the morning service, we stay to share in a sociable lunch prepared by various volunteers from within the congregation. Following this we often have a speaker, who discusses a particular topic related to Christian faith with us. Recently, topics have included Albania, “Church and the workplace”, and “Faith & Social Care”.

Come along and listen, or pose questions and join in the discussion either formally, or later more informally whilst we do the washing up!!

Bible Study

Each week, usually on a Tuesday evening we meet at Wesley Memorial Church for tea, biscuits and debate. A variety of topics have been covered recently including the gospel of Luke, a lent series on “The Scriptures, The Cross and The Power of God” by Tom Wright, and a Christian Aid series on social justice issues. No previous experience of attending bible studies or previous knowledge of the topic is required at all. Everyone is very welcome.

Manse Coffee

On Sunday evenings we are invited to the manse (or occasionally the home of a member of the congregation) for food, relaxation, and chat with the Minister and his wife. The fun includes croquet on the lawn in summer, or other games inside during the winter (we are still searching for a special member who can provide a feasible way of playing croquet in the manse's kitchen!!).

This event offers a good opportunity to get to know members of the society better and to meet in a more social and somewhat sillier atmosphere.

Group Services & Group Families

Once a term we divide into three groups and venture out into the wilds of the Oxford Methodist Circuit. Each group organises a service for one of the churches in the circuit; a great opportunity to play a leading role in worship but in a group situation—so much less scary! Budding preachers wanting to hone their sermon skills are always welcome, but just as welcome are those who’d prefer to read a reading or a prayer.

Following this we are lucky to be invited to a family within the church for Sunday lunch. This is a great opportunity not only for a home–cooked meal but also to get to know members of the church and other members of your group through the lunch, coffee and short walks—which often extend until the mid–afternoon.

Start & End of Term Communion

Each term one evening early in the term, and one morning late in the term we hold Start and End of Term Communions. These are short services for members of JWS, and led and written by a different member each time. They usually consist of a couple of hymns chosen by the leader, some prayers and a short talk. Rev David Cooper, the minister at Wesley Memorial, attends to lead us during the communion section of the service.

After the Start of Term Communion, we often adjourn to a nearby pub for social relaxation, before returning to essay crises! After the End of Term Communion, we usually share in breakfast, before rushing to our final lectures and tutorials of term.

Other Social Events

Every so often we organise a one–off social/fun events, such as trips to the theatre, pubs, G&Ds (a local ice–cream shop) and punting trips.

In Hilary Term we are usually invited to the annual Burn’s Supper, an event organised by St Columba’s URC, with whom we maintain links.

In June, as the last event of term, the minister at Wesley Memorial hosts a garden party at the manse.

Day Retreat

Each Michaelmas term we take a day of retreat, to indulge in Bible Study, Communion and socialising with other members of the society. We generally also have a walk or two around the area we have visited. Recent destinations have been Wesley's Chapel in London, Kidlington (near Oxford), and Rose Hill Methodist Church.

Advent Dinner

For many the highlight of the JWS year is Advent Dinner (2005 photos, 2004 photos, and even older photos). This is our one black tie event and features a full Christmas Dinner, kindly prepared for us by a member of the church, and available at perhaps the lowest price for which it can be found in Oxford.

Post-dinner entertainment is also provided, featuring the infamous committee pantomime. This generally features various people in drag, and generally making a fool of themselves, including the president being pelted with custard.

Easter Retreat

Each Easter vacation, we go on retreat for a few days. Recent locations have included Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon. The retreat offers a time for periods of Bible Study and reflection, as well as relaxation and time to socialise with other members of the society.

We are also sometimes joined by student members of St. Columba's URC church, which allows the opportunity for new friendships, opinions and perspectives. There is, of course, also time for silliness among the seriousness, including beer mat flicking competitions, and playing Articulate. In addition cooking meals during the retreat is often the source of much hilarity, especially Rev D Cooper's custard (often of a rather lumpy variety, although recently greatly improved).

Cricket & Football

Every summer the annual JWS vs Wesley Memorial sports matches take place. These ferociously–contested cricket and football matches are always great fun, and are usually followed by refreshments. The JWS currently holds the much–coveted football trophy.

Summer Events

Most summers, during the summer vacation, we utilise the many talents of our members to do something useful.

Previously we sent a contingent of enthusiastic students to The Forge playscheme in Scunthorpe, to help with games, crafts, drama workshops, and story-writing in one of England's most underprivileged regions. Most, despite finding it challenging, found it a highly rewarding experience.