18th July 2021

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

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

A vibrant inclusive worshipping community

Sunday 18th July 2021

Seventh Sunday after Trinity

Collect

Generous God,

you give us gifts and make them grow:

though our faith is small as mustard seed,

make it grow to your glory

and the flourishing of your kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Readings 

Jeremiah 23.1-6

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

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

Psalm 23

Refrain:  I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

1    The Lord is my shepherd;  

therefore can I lack nothing.

2    He makes me lie down in green pastures  

and leads me beside still waters.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

3    He shall refresh my soul  

and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4    Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;  

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

5    You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;  

you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.

6    Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,  

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Ephesians 2.11-22

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by those who are called ‘the circumcision’—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

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 (6.30–34, 53-56)    Glory to you, O Lord.

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

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

Post Communion: 

Lord God, whose Son is the true vine and the source of life,

ever giving himself that the world may live:

may we so receive within ourselves the power of his death and passion

that, in his saving cup, we may share his glory and be made perfect in his love;

for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.  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

RIP:  Jane Howson, Allan Twiname, Jenny Lawrence

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  

Those who live and work in Park Avenue and Fenham Carr Lane; the work of Churches Together in Lancaster.

Some suggested hymns you may like to follow at home:

Christ Church School – Year Six Leavers

It was a joy to welcome Year Six and their parents into church on Thursday for their Leavers’ Service. They have come through an incredibly difficult year with flying colours, so please keep them in your prayers as they move up to senior school.  Please pray too for all the staff and pupils at Christ Church, and all our schools – that they are blessed with a well-deserved holiday!

Prayer and Worship this week: 

Sunday 18th July  Seventh Sunday after Trinity

8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

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

6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)

Wednesday  5:30 pm Meditation, followed by

6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)

Friday 9:30 am Holy Communion – St Mary Magdalene (Lady Chapel)

Saturday  9pm: Compline (YouTube*)

Sunday 25 th July  St James/Eighth Sunday after Trinity

8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

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

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

Next Sunday –

We celebrate St James the Apostle at the 1030 Eucharist. Regulations now allow us to return to singing hymns together, and this will form part of the PCC’s discussion this coming Wednesday on how we implement the new guidance here at Christ Church. The choir will be leading our worship, with new music for the ‘Lord, have mercy’, Gloria, ’Holy, Holy’, ‘Lamb of God’. Do join in as you pick it up, and have a listen online!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Ose65Z9CA&t=15s

Zoom Prayer

Tuesday 27th 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 in the in-person sessions in the hallstarting from 5th September after the 10:30 Eucharists – 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.  Let us know if there are other times that would suit those for whom after the 10:30 isn’t convenient. There will also be cross-Deanery courses starting in the autumn.

Children’s Corner

Read today’s Gospel story (above)

Talk about the things that are happening in your local community that God would want you to pay attention to. Are there things happening that would make him sad? 

Are there things that you have a lot of as a family that you could share with others? Physical things, or things like your time? 

Write a list of all the different types of shoes you have between you as a family, such as party shoes, casual shoes, running shoes, golf shoes, high heels, wellington boots, flip flops and summer sandals. The phrase ‘walking in someone else’s shoes’ is a reminder for us to show empathy and compassion towards others like Jesus did. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, help us to notice those who are in need of our kindness and compassion. Show us how to be generous and ready to respond to others in a way that reflects your love.  Amen  

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

A flock of sheep suddenly surrounded me.

It was a lambush!

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. 

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.

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!

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.

Feast of the Assumption: 15th August

We will be commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s assumption (arrival) into heaven on Sunday 15th August, with a special service at 1030. After the 8.30 Eucharist, there will be a bacon brunch (with vegan alternatives) – so do come early if you’re coming to the 1030 service for chance to mix, meet, and munch. All welcome – do invite friends and neighbours too!

Summer Garden Party 21st August  2:30-4:30 pm.  

Please come along to this lovely event in the church, the Hall and the church garden. Afternoon tea, music in church, stalls, games – what’s not to like!  If you haven’t already bought tickets for entrance and afternoon tea, now’s the time do so – and why not buy a few numbers for the draw too? (Tickets for the original date are still valid, but if you would like a refund, that’s no problem.)

Thank you ..

.. to all who helped re-cover and tidy up the noticeboards at the back of church.  The boards look so much more attractive and far easier for people to find their way around!

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PLEAS OF THE WEEK   

The Olive Branch Foodbank – extra donations, please

Now that the school holidays are starting, the Olive Branch are in need of extra donations to help them support families facing holiday hunger. They’re in particular need of tinned fruit and puddings, tinned meat and fish, rice, cereal, spaghetti, jam, kit kats and penguins (the biscuit ones!) 

 Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/

Do you eat Gü puddings?

(Or can you be persuaded to?!)  We need lots of the little glass pots for the Summer Garden Party on the 21st August – please wash and save them!

Water Aid Bookstall

Thanks to everyone who’s supported the bookstall in recent months – over £50 sent to WaterAid by the EcoGroup! Why not top-up on some holiday reading and support an excellent cause? 

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

Next Recycling Sunday:

Please bring clean, empty plastic bottle tops, crisp packets, blister packs, toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes/toothbrush heads so that they can be taken for recycling, to the next collection on Sunday 1st August. 

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.

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

Supporting Christ Church 

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

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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

Precisely because our home is in God, we can be in the world, and speak words of healing, of confrontation, of invitation, and of challenge.  

Henri Nouwen

Eco-Group Thanks for the Week: Responding

People from all walks of life are now responding to the climate crisis, from shareholders forcing fossil fuel giants such as Total Energies, ExxonMobil and Shell to find new and quicker ways to reduce their carbon footprint, to environmental charities and individuals pressurising their governments with their signatures on petitions and their votes, to honour the promises made at the Paris Agreement in 2015. Thank you for being part of this.

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COVID-19 – FURTHER UPDATE

Following the confirmation of changes to legislation, to take effect from July 19th, most restrictions on social distancing and face coverings will be withdrawn – and probably congregational singing. At the time of writing, further guidance is still awaited from the Government, and then from the national church and the diocese about what this will mean, especially given that the advice from Public Health in Lancashire is to keep some precautions in place to minimise infection spread and enable people to feel confident in attending worship.  St Paul writes: ‘If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.’ (1 Corinthians 12:26)    

Our concern as a church is for the care of the most vulnerable, and whilst we have no powers to police this, we wish everyone to feel safe. Our PCC will discuss this further on Wednesday 21st July – if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please contact Rev Carol.

Key contacts:

Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 942105 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com

1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE

Lay Reader:  Dr Pat Allen 39552 reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.

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