On Sunday, we will mark a special anniversary. The Revd Canon Dr Judith Maltby will be celebrating 30 years as a priest. At the 10.30am Choral Eucharist, Judith will preside and one of Judith's friends, Professor Helen King, will preach. We will give thanks for many years of faithful ministry at St Mary's, at Corpus Christi College, where Judith served as Chaplain, and in the wider Church of England. Judith has served as a member of General Synod, as a member of the Crown Nominations Commission, and on a number of different national bodies. Throughout this time, Judith has also served on the ministry team at the University Church. Many of us have reason to be thankful for Judith's wise and gentle pastoral care, her preaching and teaching, and her friendship.

This will be a day of celebration for all of us as we mark, not only a significant milestone in Judith's own ministry, but also 30 years since the ordination of women as priests in the Church of England. We do hope that you will join us on Sunday. There will be a glass of fizz and cake after the service - and then a Parish Lunch in the Old Library.

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to yourself: We praise and bless you for those whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations. We thank you that in all parts of the earth a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labours, and that in every place your servants call upon your Name; for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours for ever. Amen