(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 22nd August 2021
St Bartholomew
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your word:
grant that your Church may love that word which he believed and may faithfully preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 43.8-13
Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
who are deaf, yet have ears!
Let all the nations gather together,
and let the peoples assemble.
Who among them declared this,
and foretold to us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to justify them,
and let them hear and say, ‘It is true.’
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
and besides me there is no saviour.
I declared and saved and proclaimed,
when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses, says the Lord.
I am God, and also henceforth I am He;
there is no one who can deliver from my hand;
I work and who can hinder it?
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 145.1-7
Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
1 I will exalt you, O God my King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you
and praise your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised;
his greatness is beyond all searching out.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another
and declare your mighty acts.
5 They shall speak of the majesty of your glory,
and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
6 They shall speak of the might of your marvellous acts,
and I will also tell of your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the story of your abundant kindness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
Acts 5.12-16
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, alleluia. I do not call you servants but friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. Alleluia.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke (22.24-30) Glory to you, O Lord.
A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
Almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame,
filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel: by the power of the same Spirit strengthen us to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;
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, Dorothy Eidsforth, Ann Boss, Ella Patterson
RIP: Michael Goulding, Stephen Taylor, Mary Kerr, Irene Watson
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in Guildern Park, Dutton Drive, and Grab Lane; the Claver Hill Project.
Also praying for Phoenix Oliver, ahead of her Christening today.
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 22nd August St Bartholomew/Trinity 12
8:30am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10.30am Parish Eucharist – St Bartholomew (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
12:30 pm Baptism of Phoenix Oliver
6 pm Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation, followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday 9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Saturday 9pm: Compline (YouTube*)
Sunday 29th August Thirteenth Sunday of Trinity
8:30am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10.30am Parish Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
6 pm Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday 31st August 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)
Coming soon – save the date! 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 hall starting 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 Church
Children’s Church is taking its summer break and will restart on Sunday 5th September 2021 – looking forward to seeing you then!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What’s the best thing about Switzerland?
A. I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.
PCC
If there are things which you’d like PCC to discuss on September 22nd – if there are things which concern you, or you’d like to see the church do, please speak to Rev’d Carol, Julie Buckley, or one of the PCC members.
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
Julie Tinnion will be commissioned today as our Children, Youth and Families Co-ordinator. Please keep her in your prayers – and 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!
Save the Date!
Steven Moore, percussionist, will be giving a concert of Preludes and Encores at Christ Church on Wednesday 8th September at 7.30pm. The concert will be on a ‘pay what you can’ basis – with funds raised being split with the church. Music will include pieces by Bach, Piazzolla, Sejourne and others.
Save the Date (2)!
Sunday 12th September at 3pm – Songs of Praise Service – all the hymns and worship songs you’ve wanted to sing for the last 16 months! There’s a request sheet at the back of church.
Save the date (3)
The monthly Taizé Eucharist resumes on Sunday 5th September at 6pm. All welcome for a reflective service of prayers, song and stillness. If you’d like to join the music group for this, there will be a rehearsal from 4.30pm that afternoon – please contact Julian Davies or Rev’d Carol for more info.
Save the date (4)!
As part of preparations for COP26, Christians are walking a Climate Camino – a pilgrimage for Climate Justice from London to Glasgow. On Saturday 25th September from 11am, there will be a 7.5 mile Christ Church Camino – praying around our parish for issues of climate change and justice – all welcome for all or part of the walk.
Pray and fast for the climate
Please join in praying for climate justice and climate action ahead of CoP26 in Glasgow in November. A global movement of Christians is praying and fasting on the first Sunday of each month for climate justice. As well as theChrist Church Camino, we hope to hold a vigil here sometime in October, ahead of the Glasgow summit. You can find out more at https://prayandfastfortheclimate.org.uk
Christians Aware …
Is a magazine covering topics such as international development, ecology and climate care, and social justice. Clive Shaw has left several copies at the back of church – do borrow them! Or better yet, join the national charity, Christians Aware, and get your own copy free www.christiansaware.co.uk. ‘We work for a world of justice and peace, where all people can work together as community across cultures and faiths.’
Anna Richings’ fundraising – thank you ….
… from Anna to all her sponsors – her fortnight of cold-water swims and dips raised over £500 for the Church Repair Fund – so well done, Anna – and thank *you*!
Thank you to the gardening team
… for sprucing up the churchyard!
And a huge thank you
… to everyone who helped with yesterday’s Garden Party – what a lovely afternoon we had!
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
Heritage Open Weekend – Help Needed
Can you spare an hour (or more) on the 11th, 12th, 18th or 19th September, between 10am and 4pm to be in church to welcome visitors? We’re taking part in the national Heritage Open Weekend, as it’s a lovely opportunity to welcome guests who may never have seen the church before, and show off the beautiful building and stained glass. More details from Rev’d Carol.
The Olive Branch Foodbank – extra donations, please
During the school holidays, the Olive Branch is 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/
Next Recycling Sunday & Co-op soft plastics recycling
Please bring clean, empty plastic bottle tops, crisp packets, blister packs, toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes/toothbrush heads so that they can be taken for recycling, today, and then the next collection is on Sunday 5th September.
Co-op stores now recycle soft plastics (in particular, bread bags, crisp packets, pasta bags, fruit & veg wrappers, pizza wrappers).
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.
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
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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
If you do not ask yourself what it is you know, you will go on listening to others and change will not come because you will not hear your own truth.
St Bartholomew
Eco-Group Prayer for the Week
Madagascar, like a number of other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is suffering from the most acute drought in four decades, plus experiencing cyclones, dust storms, and locusts, which for some families are now the only source of food. Madagascar is now heading for a climate-linked famine it did not create, and thousands are migrating north to escape starvation. Consider supporting charities that are working to help.
COVID-19 – latest update from Rev’d Carol
Now that regulations on Covid precautions have changed, much advice has been issued by the government, national church and local health authorities, with each Vicar being responsible for plans and arrangements in each church building. After discussion at PCC on Wednesday 21st July, Christ Church asks that everyone continues to:
- Wear a face covering within the building, unless medically exempt
- Keep a safe distance – with some pews remaining closed to help this
- Use the Track and Trace code, or the paper sign-in sheet for each service
- Use hand gel on arriving in the building, and before receiving communion
In addition:
- At the 1030 service, communion will now be received from the rail; please kneel or stand to receive. Afterwards, please return to your seat via the Lady Chapel – The common cup (chalice) may be shared *if desired*. If you wish to receive, please remain at the rail after receiving the bread. The person administering will wear a face covering, and please *do not* touch the chalice with your hands, and *do not* intinct your wafer (dip it into the wine). The chalice will be wiped with an alcohol sanitiser between use.
- Congregational singing will restart at the Sunday 10:30 Eucharist, with other services remaining said.
- The 10:30 Service will continue to be recorded for those who wish to watch and worship at home.
- Face-to-face gatherings can resume, outdoors where possible and with ventilation/face coverings in situ where not.
As a church community, we are called to act for the benefit of all, and especially the most vulnerable. We wish our church community to be safe, accepting and welcoming for all, regardless of health, or vaccine-status. Although regulations have lifted, I strongly encourage everyone to continue to take precautions and continue the good habits we have got into in recent months.
All of us will feel differently about the lifting of regulations – some ecstatic, some anxious. I’m more than happy to listen and hear your own views on this, and talk through what will help you feel safe and continue to be part of the church in coming weeks. There is a range of quieter and busier services at Christ Church so you may also wish to consider something different to your usual pattern. Please be mindful that some may not be as ready to be as close-up as others, and that is absolutely fine, so please don’t be afraid to say, ‘Please may I have space?’ if you need it, knowing that no questions will be asked.
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