4th July 2021

(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

A vibrant inclusive worshipping community

Sunday 4th July 2021

Fifth Sunday after Trinity

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,

by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church

   is governed and sanctified:

hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,

that in their vocation and ministry

they may serve you in holiness and truth

to the glory of your name;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Readings 

Ezekiel 2.1-5

He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 123

Refrain:    Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.

1    To you I lift up my eyes,  

to you that are enthroned in the heavens.

   As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,  

or the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,

   So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God,  

until he have mercy upon us.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.

   Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, 

for we have had more than enough of contempt.

5    Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of the arrogant, 

and of the contempt of the proud.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.

2 Corinthians 12.2-10

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Alleluia, alleluia.  Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark (6.1-13)    Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. 

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ

Post Communion: 

Grant, O Lord, we beseech you,

that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered

   by your governance,

that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers                         

Please remember in your prayers:

Those who are sick:  Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Pat Brooks, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thea Harris-Ellis, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Stephen Taylor, Dorothy Eidsforth, Jenny Lawrence

RIP:  Jane Howson, Allan Twiname

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  

Those who live and work in Aberdeen Road, Wyresdale Road, and Kirkes Road;  for the plans to restart Tiddlers, and those who will join.

Some suggested hymns you may like to follow at home:

Welcome back!

…. to Pat, our Reader, who’s returning to preaching today after a break – we look forward to hearing your thoughts and insight, Pat!

Pet Blessing Service 11th July

On Sunday 11th July at 3pm, there will be a Pet Blessing Service: a time to give thanks, remember and bless our pets. All welcome – please bring your pet on a lead/in a suitable container (or a photo instead) – and please let Rev Carol know if you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane! 

Prayer and Worship this week: 

Sunday 4th July Fifth Sunday after Trinity

8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)

6pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)

Wednesday  5:30 pm Meditation, followed by

6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)

Friday 9:30 am Holy Communion  (Lady Chapel) 6.45pm South Lancaster Churches Together prayer walk from Trinity URC calling at Christ Church 7.45pm

Saturday  9pm: Compline (YouTube*)

Sunday 11 th July  Sixth Sunday after Trinity

8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)

3 pm Pet Blessing Service

6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)

*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q

If you would like to book in for the Sunday Eucharists, please use these Eventbrite links:

Sundays: 8:30 am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/144628127623

Sundays: 10:30 am

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/112092136598

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Zoom Prayer

Tuesday 13th July is the next meeting of Prayer4 – 30 minutes of prayer, at 4pm every fortnight. There’ll be a short Bible reading, some music, some stillness, and space to pray for the people and places on your heart – all from the comfort of your own sofa. Zoom details: https://zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=TlV6QUQ5UVdiK0p1M0Q0cE0vRXIvUT09  Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: ChristChch

Dial in: 0208 080 6591  Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: 310771 (any queries see Rev Carol)

Living in Love and Faith – a process of discernment

We are continuing to join in the national time of discernment, Living in Love and Faith. This encourages us to listen to a rich breadth of stories and experiences of relationships and faith, and to reflect on what Scripture and the Holy Spirit are saying to us about what that means for the future. Across the Church of England groups are sharing in these five sessions, as part of a national discernment of how the church will teach about relationships in future, and what prayer and blessing for couples will look like in years to come. All are welcome to join these sessions – we want your voice to feed into this exercise on these issues, which we pray will affect how the Church moves forward together in love and faith. 

Online: each Monday until 12th July at 7pm  

https://zoom.us/j/98449131608?pwd=Y0RNQ3VUckh1aGJYQmt1dEpLbW13dz09

Meeting ID: 984 4913 1608, Passcode: 342669

In person: (restrictions permitting) after the 10:30 Eucharist Service from 5th September in the Hall.

Meeting up

I’m able to meet more people in the parish again, and to get to know folks. If you’d like to go for a walk, or arrange a garden visit – it would be lovely to meet and chat, please let me know when’s convenient! Rev’d Carol.

Children’s Corner

Read today’s Gospel story (above)

What are some of the different things that you have to be ready for? 

When the disciples told people about Jesus they had to mostly rely on word of mouth. Think of some of the ways that we can tell others about Jesus today, e.g. via social media, etc. 

Create a weekly plan and write down all of the places that you know you’ll be going over the next seven days, such as school, work, to the shops, clubs and sports activities, even groups that meet online. When you have finished, look at your plan and pray for God to provide you with an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus this week. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, show us how to be witnesses for Jesus. Help us to be confident in telling other people about you. Amen 

Our Children, Youth and Families Co-ordinator

Congratulations to Julie Tinnion, who will be starting as our Children, Youth and Families Co-ordinator in late August. Please keep Julie in your prayers – and for all the children and young people who will be welcomed at Christ Church. Please also consider how you might support this ministry – whether in your prayers, in practical help, or in dreaming and planning what might evolve!

Children’s Church 

Thank you to Julie Tinnion for restarting Children’s Church.  We need a minimum of two adults in the Hall each week. If you can help (whether every week, every month – every little helps!), please have a chat with Rev Carol or Julie Tinnion. 

Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!

Learning how to collect rubbish wasn’t hard.

I just picked it up as I went along.

PCC

… meets next on Wednesday 21st July. If you have questions about the life of Christ Church, things you’d like to see happen, or concerns about how things are going, please raise them with Julie Buckley or Rev’d Carol 

Summer Garden Party

… is postponed until 21st August (2:30-4:30 pm).  Original tickets are still valid, but if you would like a refund, that’s no problem.

Thank you

… to the gardening group who met on Friday – the churchyard was looking at its finest in time for the wedding later that day! 

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PLEAS OF THE WEEK   

The Future of Healthcare in Lancaster 29th July

The Government has recently announced plans for major super hospitals and one of those may well be at Garstang, changing services in Lancaster and Preston. What impact will this have on our community? Will it be a benefit, or will it reduce the quality of our healthcare? What kind of healthcare system do we want in place in Lancaster and the Bay?

Faith groups and faith-based charities are key players in their communities. How will these proposed changes affect those that they work with? What vision do they have for healthcare in the area? On Thursday 29th July 2021 at 7.30 pm, in partnership with Lancaster Friends, the Lancaster Health Festival will host a presentation and question and answer session with Phil Woodford, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Morecambe Bay Trust.

To book a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/161094400689

 Questions can be submitted in advance to:  ian.dewar@mbht.nhs.uk or 

ann.morgan44@btinternet.com

Lancaster Health Festival 2021, 26th-30th July 

From Rev’d Ian Dewar, the RLI Chaplain: 

Medical Unit 2 (3 wards) is looking to host a week of live music, art competitions and carers information stalls as part of the Lancaster Health Festival 2021.  This week of live music will start on Monday 26th July and finish on Friday 30th July. Do you play an instrument?  Could you give up 30 – 45 minutes in that week? Do you know someone who might be interested?  If so, we would love to hear from you.

Phone 01524 519231 Email: lancasterhealthfest@mbht.nhs.uk

SLCT Prayer Walk. Friday 9th July

South Lancaster Churches Together are holding a prayer walk this year, having missed out last year.  It is still not clear what the Covid regulations will be, so plans may have to be slightly altered, even at short notice.  They will meet at Trinity URC, Bowerham, either in the garden or inside church for 6.45pm on Friday 9th July.  The walk may have to be socially distanced and please bring a face mask if they are still required for inside buildings. The walk will not be strenuous or too long, will be on footpaths, and will not include hills – just gentle slopes.     We will stop several times for prayers and there will be opportunities to sit down.  The group will be at Christ Church at around 7:45 pm. Theyaim to return to Trinity URC about 8.45pm.  Please bring your own drink and biscuit.  Contact: Christine Medd: 01524 64730  or email: arton.medd@btinternet.com

West End Impact …

.. are seeking someone for approx. 10 hrs/week, either as a volunteer position, or at an hourly rate negotiable subject to funding, to provide administrative support to West End Impact staff and trustees, facilitate communication, assist with monitoring & evaluation of grants, accounting and fundraising support and volunteer data management. Please email Michael Kohl to arrange an informal chat.  info@westendimpact.org.uk 

Fundraising Group

If you’d like to help plan some fun social events and fundraisers for the church in coming months (or would like to help on the day) – please contact Julie Buckley.

Looking ahead – Christmas Tree Festival!

On 3rd December, we’ll be holding the first ever three-day Christ Church Christmas Tree Festival! The church will be filled with trees, which will be decorated by local groups to represent and celebrate our community. There’ll be music, refreshments – and we look forward to welcoming lots of people over the weekend.  If you can help – with planning, publicity, community links, or nearer the time – please let Julie Buckley know.

Squares for Syria

Thank you to everyone who has been contributing knitted squares to be sent to Syria – we have made up several blankets – and also to those who have supplied the crocheted squares which have been made into lovely baby blankets.  Margaret Lyth has been given a large quantity of wool to be used for knitting/crocheting more squares, so if you’re able to make more squares – or would like to start helping – please contact her on 60387. 

Supporting Christ Church 

If you would like to regularly support Christ Church’s work and worship, or already do – please consider giving by Direct Debit. 

Christ Church is taking part in the Parish Giving Scheme, which allows us to offer direct debit as an option. This national Scheme takes a lot of hassle out of claiming gift aid, and also ensures that any donation is covered by guarantees. It also allows you to easily review how much you give depending on circumstances. There are no costs or overheads to the parish. 

If you already give by standing order, please consider cancelling this and setting up a direct debit instead. Please note: all payments are taken on the 1st of the month, but may be set up for monthly, quarterly or annually donations.

The QR code takes you to our page on the scheme

Online at www.parishgiving.org.uk

By telephone 0333 002 1271 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Postal forms  available on request.

For any of these methods our PGS code 030603240 ensures that your gift goes to our church.

The Olive Branch Foodbank

Donations of tinned pies, curry, meatballs and hotpot especially needed. Thank you for all the donations in recent weeks  –  they gave out 300 parcels last month alone!   Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/

Vaccinaid – Give the world a shot!

Our church leaders are encouraging us to play our part in helping UNICEF deliver 2 billion vaccines around the world by the end of this year, to bring this world-wide epidemic to an end.  Keeping one another safe from COVID is part of living out Christ’s call to love our neighbour.  By contributing to crowdfunding this project on  https://www.vaccinaid.org  we can help the whole world get the protection many of us already have through our easy access to healthcare. 

The Christ Church Cookbook: contributions invited

The Eco Church Group has been promoting reducing our carbon footprint by eating less meat.  Reducing meat consumption, especially meat from intensive farming, has benefits for both the climate and animal welfare.  We’re producing a cookbook of our favourite vegetarian and vegan dishes that could tempt even carnivores. Contributions of your favourite tried and tested veggie and vegan recipes are invited (metric measurements). Sales will raise money for Christ Church funds.  The size of the booklet means finding a balance of starters, mains and puddings, vegan/non-vegan recipes, but all contributions are welcome, even if they can’t all be included. Please send to: reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.

Recycling Sunday: Today 4th July

Please bring clean, empty plastic bottle tops, crisp packets, blister packs, toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes/toothbrush heads so that they can be taken for recycling.  If you’ve not brought them today,  please bring them to the next collection on 1st August. 

Church Repair Fund

We recently launched our Church Repair Fund to help keep our buildings in good condition so that they can continue to be used for ministry and outreach in the years to come. There are several big projects on the Porch, East Wall, and Hall, which are in need of urgent work.  If you’d like more details about what is going on, please pick up a leaflet – and if you are able to make a donation there are envelopes available. If you’re able to give of your time and talents to plan or help with some fundraising events – please keep an eye on the notices for more details!

You can also contribute online via the Give a Little website: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909

Prayers & our Newsletter

If you, or someone you know would like to receive this newsletter, either electronically or a paper version – do let Jacqueline/Rev Carol know and we will endeavour to keep in contact with people.

We will be praying daily for all who are suffering in the current crisis. If you would like us to pray for you, or for someone you know, for any reason, please email your request to prayer@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or text the Prayer Chain on 07980 351855. Please ask the person’s permission if you’d like them included in the weekly notices. 

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Thought for the week

Our strength grows out of our weakness.  

                                    Ralph Waldo Emerson

Eco-Group Good News Thanks for the Week:  

All over the world people of all ages and stations in life are recognising the climate emergency. David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg are well known but many others are getting involved including young activists in Australia, Canada and Norway who are taking their governments to court to prevent developments that will increase carbon emissions. Thank you for being part of this.

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Key contacts:

Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 942105 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com

1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE

Lay Reader:  Dr Pat Allen 39552.

Churchwarden: Dr Paul Thompson 34949

Churchwarden: Mrs Jacqueline Stamper 64083 churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk

Parish Safeguarding Officer:  Ms Jane Lippitt 07930 979503 safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk

Nightshelter Co-ordinator: Ms Jan Norbury 07547 717 060   coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com

Hall Bookings: hallchristchurch@btinternet.com 07890 351855

Christ Church School  Ms Emma Simpson 60955

The national prayer for this outbreak:

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.  Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen