Trinity Presbyterian Church
Choral Residency at Christ Church, Oxford, England
When: August 14-18, 2024
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, England
What: Trinity Choir will sing nightly Evensongs and full Saturday and Sunday Eucharist services at Christ Church.
Why?
To enhance chuch fellowship and friendship by traveling together.
To sing and worship in some of the world’s most beautiful sacred spaces. (JRR Tolkein and Lewis Caroll were both students and faculty here, and yes, the interior is where they filmed the Hogwarts scenes for the Harry Potter movies!)
To trace the history and genealogy of reformed worship back to its roots.
To spend concentrated time in another culture, rather than city-hopping.
To have a great time!
Do I need to be a singer or a member of the choir to attend?
Absolutely not! We welcome non-singing members to come along, as well as singers who do not sing with the choir regularly – or ever!
What’s the schedule once we’re there?
Tues, Aug 13: Fly to London (overnight), bus to Oxford
Wed-Sat, Aug 14, 15, 16, 17: 6 pm Evensong at Christ Church; daytime free for sightseeing
Sun, Aug 18: 11 am Eucharist
Mon, Aug 19: Return to Charlotte
I have reserved a block of rooms at the HEAD OF THE RIVER hotel (and pub!), which comes highly recommended by colleagues and Christ Church, and is four stars. It’s right by the River Thames and has a highly reviewed pub and restaurant attached. It is a three-minute walk from the hotel to Christ Church.
What would it cost?
Accommodations: Head of the River, St Aldate’s, Oxford Indulgence Room (one double bed): $1753, including English breakfast
Comfy Room (one double bed): $1494, including English breakfast
Bus transfer (private coach), London to Oxford and back: $90 return
All additional meals and tourist stuff would be extra. Flights should be booked to arrive on the morning of Aug 14, departing Aug 19.
What about flights?
I find these projects are easier if everyone makes their own flight arrangements. Some people may want to go to Europe early, stay on afterward, or use frequent flier miles, etc. Currently, economy flights are running at about $860 next August.
What happens next?
You can reserve your spot by making a deposit of $400 towards the total cost via the Giving page on the Trinity website, marking “Summer Choir Tour” in the memo line. Further deposits will be due in the new year.
Questions? Please email Justin.