(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 12th September 2021
Education Sunday
We welcome the Rev’d Alex Logan, Coordinating Chaplain at the University of Cumbria,
as our preacher at the 10:30 Eucharist
Collect
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
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 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 116.1-8
Refrain: Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
1 I love the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication; because he inclined his ear to me on the day I called to him.
2 The snares of death encompassed me; the pains of hell took hold of me; by grief and sorrow was I held. 3 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I beg you, deliver my soul.’
4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
5 The Lord watches over the simple; I was brought very low and he saved me.
6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has been gracious to you.
7 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
8 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
James 3.1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their
whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Alleluia, alleluia. Whoever keeps the commandments and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (8.27-38). Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they
answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them,‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said,‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us,
and make us continually to be given to all good works;
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, Barry Pickering, Sitar Rose
RIP: Michael Goulding, Stephen Taylor, Mary Kerr, Irene Watson, Elly
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in Cassidy Drive and Far Moor Lane; the volunteers and staff who care for Scotch Quarry and Williamson Park.
Also for Christ Church Primary School, Castle View Primary School, Central High School and LRGS, as well as the University of Cumbria.
Christ Church Primary School ask: ‘please pray for the children who have just left us to begin their secondary school journey, and those who have just joined us in reception’.
Please also pray for Lorna and William Woodhead, following their Wedding on Thursday
And for Elliot Arthur, to be baptised on 19th September.
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 12 th September Education Sunday
8:30am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10.30am Parish Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
3 pm Songs of Praise Service – see notice
No 6 pm Evening Prayer
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 19 th September Sunday
8:30am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10.30am Intergenerational Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
12:30pm Baptism – Elliot Arthur
6pm Eucharist – Saint Matthew (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Today: 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 today (12th 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, or you may wish to join …..
Living in Love and Faith – Deanery Course
Here in Lancaster and Morecambe Deanery, we are offering the Living and Love in Faith Course in-person during the autumn on the following dates:
- Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm: 5, 12, 19 October, 2, 9, 16 November
Christ Church CE Primary School has kindly offered their school premises to host the course. Please see the invitation leaflets circulated with the newsletter, which also tells you how to book.
Help needed for the Deanery Course
Can you help on (all or some) of Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th October and 2nd, 9th and 16th November from 7.10pm at Christ Church Primary School? We need a couple of people to welcome and direct people around the building and car park, as well as serve refreshments – and do join the course too!
Today: Songs of Praise Service
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
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday 21st September 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)
Children’s Church
Children’s Church started again last Sunday after the summer break. Looking forward to seeing you today!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why did the teacher draw on the window?
A. Because he wanted his lesson to be very clear!
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.
Baptisms and Confirmations 2021
If you are interested in being baptised and/or confirmed, or know someone who would like to be, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a confirmation service with Bishop Jill on Sunday 21st November, with preparation classes beforehand. Confirmation is a public declaration of faith in Christ, and the Bishop represents the whole church in giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. It may (but not necessarily) be a time to begin receiving Holy Communion. Children may be in Year 6 or above.
Save the date: 25th September Christ Church Camino
Everyone’s welcome to join our parish walk on Saturday 25th September, which will pause at different points around the parish boundaries to pray. It’s part of a nationwide prayer movement ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November. If you’d like to join all (or part) of the walk, timings are as follows:
11am- Leave Church and walk through Scotch Quarry
1120 – Walk along the Canal and over to Sainsbury’s
1140- Begin walking along the river path
1215 – Denny Beck Lunch Stop
1pm – M6 motorway bridge
1.20pm Lancaster Prison/Cemetery
1.40pm Standen and Grab Lane, heading to the abattoir
2pm Return to Church.
Please bring stout shoes, waterproofs, and plenty of water, suncream, snacks, and lunch. Dogs welcome.
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
Great Big Green Week
Please see local events for the Great Big Green Week (18-26 September) in the attached leaflets orhttps://transitioncitylancaster.org/events/listing, and the Lament for Lost Species event at 7:30pm on 23 September at Lancaster Methodist Church.
Next Recycling Sunday
Please bring your blister packs, used dental products (brushes, toothpaste tubes, etc) and crisp packets this Sunday, 3rd October, ready for recycling.
Co-op soft plastics recycling
Co-op stores now recycle soft plastics (in particular, bread bags, crisp packets, pasta bags, fruit & veg wrappers, pizza wrappers).
Legacies at Christ Church.
Gifts in Wills are an important part of Christian stewardship, and dedicating a gift is one way tho thank God for blessings received. If you’re considering writing a Will and leaving a gift to the church, there is a lilac leaflet available near the offertory box which explains more. The PCC have recently passed a Legacy Policy to ensure that gifts are used well to support Christ Church’s mission and ministry, whilst taking into account a donor’s wishes. If you wish to speak to Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline Stamper in confidence, or for further details, please see www.churchlegacy.org.uk.
Taizé Eucharist
It was very special to resume the monthly Taizé Eucharist last Sunday, supported by a very talented music group. If you’d like to join the music group, please contact Julian Davies or Rev’d Carol for more info. Or just come along on 3rdOctober at 6pm for the next reflective service of prayers, song and stillness.
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.
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
Heritage Open Weekends – Help Needed
Can you spare an hour (or more) on the 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
… is in particular need of tins – including meat, fish, vegetables and pies. They have sufficient pasta and rice – but all other items, including toiletries, are also gratefully received!
Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Christ Church Crafting:
Begins on Tuesday 14th September at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or share in the work on the new banners. Future meetings will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
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
Apples!
Many of the apples in the church orchard are ripe, much earlier this year. We are planning an Apple Festival on the 9th October so if you are able to gather the windfalls and either store, preserve or freeze them ahead of the 9th – that would be gratefully appreciated!
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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
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. Sydney J Harris
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Give thanks to our Creator God for his wonderful creation and ask for wisdom to help us better steward the creatures and habitats in his beautiful earth. Take action by joining in the Great Big Green Week, a nationwide celebration of action on climate change – in particular the local programme detailed at https://transitioncitylancaster.org/events/
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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 reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.
Churchwarden: Ms Jacqueline Stamper 64083 churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Ms Jane Lippitt 07930 979503 safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623 children@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
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.