3rd October 2021

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

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

A vibrant inclusive worshipping community

Sunday 3rd October 2021

Harvest Festival

Collect

Eternal God, 

You crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: 

grant that we may use them to your glory,
for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being: 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 forever.  Amen.

Readings 

Deuteronomy 8:7-18

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. You shall eat your fill and bless the Lord your God for the good land that he has given you.

Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid waste-land with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gained me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.

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

Psalm 65

Refrain:    Be joyful in God, all the earth.

1    Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion;  

to you that answer prayer shall vows be paid.

   To you shall all flesh come to confess their sins; when our misdeeds prevail against us, you will purge them away.

3    Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there.  

We shall be satisfied with the blessings of your house,

even of your holy temple.

Be joyful in God, all the earth.

   With wonders you will answer us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.

5    In your strength you set fast the mountains  

and are girded about with might.

6    You still the raging of the seas, the roaring of their waves and the clamour of the peoples.

   Those who dwell at the ends of the earth tremble at your marvels; the gates of the morning and evening sing your praise. 

Be joyful in God, all the earth.

   You visit the earth and water it;  

you make it very plenteous.

9    The river of God is full of water;  you prepare grain for your people, for so you provide for the earth.

10  You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges;  

you soften the ground with showers and bless its increase.

11  You crown the year with your goodness,  

and your paths overflow with plenty.

12  May the pastures of the wilderness flow with goodness  and the hills be girded with joy.

13  May the meadows be clothed with flocks of sheep  

and the valleys stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing.

Be joyful in God, all the earth.

2 Corinthians 9:6-end

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,

‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;

   his righteousness endures for ever.’ 

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 

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

Alleluia, alleluia.
Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are ripe for harvesting.  Gather the fruit for eternal life. Alleluia.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (12:16-30)  Glory to you, O Lord.

Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 

But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’

He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

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

Post Communion: 

Lord of the harvest, with joy we have offered thanksgiving for your love in creation and have shared in the bread and the wine of the kingdom. 

By your grace, plant within us a reverence for all that you give us and make us generous and wise stewards of the good things we enjoy, 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, Heather McFadden, Maddison Crompton, Irene Forrester, Sister Jocelyn OHP.

RIP:  Elly, Hadžira Mehmedovič

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  

Those who live and work in Parker Street, and Davidson Street;  those working in the food industry, whether on land or sea.

Please also pray for Olivia Evelyn, to be baptised on 10th October

And Hughie James to be baptised on 17th October

Prayer and Worship this week: 

Sunday 3rd October 

8:30 am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel

10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*) – Harvest Sunday

6 pm Taizé Eucharist  (Lady Chapel)

Tuesday 5th October

Prayer4 (on Zoom)

Wednesday  

5:30 pm Meditation, followed by

6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)

Friday 9:30 am Holy Communion 

Saturday  9pm: Compline (YouTube*)

Sunday 10th October 

8:30 am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel

10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)

12:30 pm Christening Service

6 pm Evening Prayer  (Lady Chapel)

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

Today: Harvest Collection for the Night Shelter

Tins of rice pudding and hot dogs, as well as sugar, juice, biscuits and long-life cake are especially needed for this year’s Night Shelter. Roll-on deodorants, toothpaste and toothbrushes are also needed. Donations of socks, pants, hats, gloves, t-shirts and thermals will be gratefully received. 

Today: Taizé Eucharist 6 pm

The next Taizé  Eucharist will be today,  Sunday 3rd October from 6pm until 6.45pm, with music, stillness and  prayer inspired by the ecumenical Taizé Community in France. As we approach COP26, the service will also include prayers for the climate crisis. Everyone welcome!

Zoom Prayer

Tuesday 5th October 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)

Christ Church All Together!

.. is the new monthly communion service, where all ages come all together to share in stories, songs and prayer together as a community. The next one is on 10th October – so please invite a friend along. If you’ve any thoughts or reflections on the first one, please let Rev’d Carol know. 

Children’s Church

Children’s Church continues to meet regularly during the 10:30 Eucharists on Sundays.  We look forward to seeing you and your children/grandchildren there!

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

Q.  What is a scarecrow’s favourite fruit?

A.  Straw-berries!

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. 

Tiddlers re-starting: Friday 8th October!

Julie Tinnion is starting our Tiddlers group again, beginning Friday 8th October at 10:30 am in the Hall.  All pre-school-age children and their carers (parents/grandparents, etc.) are very welcome to come for activities, a chat, etc.  Please contact Julie for more details.

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! 

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.  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

Christ Church: 70 trees for the Treebilee

The Eco-Group are encouraging each of us to sponsor or plant a tree as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. You can either arrange your own sponsorship, through organisations such as the National Trust or Woodland Trust: for £5 per tree  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/plant-a-tree; or £6 https://www.treesforcities.org/get-involved/donate.  Or become a member of the Woodland Trust, which will count as five trees or buy membership as gifts.  If you prefer to give through Church, please give £3 to the Eco-Group collection, who will then arrange for trees to be planted in the National Forest.  https://www.nationalforest.org/donate

There will be a display at the back of church to show how many trees have been planted in the name of Christ Church – so if you make your own arrangements,  please add your name to it!

Today: Recycling Sunday 

Please bring your blister packs, used dental products (brushes, toothpaste tubes, etc) and crisp packets today, Sunday, 3rd October, ready for recycling.

Threads through Creation 

A stunning exhibition of huge silk panels re-imagining the Genesis story at Lancaster Priory.  29th September to 3rd November Mondays – Saturdays 10-4. Admission free

Legacies at Christ Church. 

Gifts in Wills are an important part of Christian stewardship, and dedicating a gift is one way to 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.

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.

Apple Festival Saturday  9th October 1 pm – 4 pm

Please come along to this celebration of all things applelicious. Stalls include an apple-press, the RSPB, Claver Hill, Moorlands  Planters, games, scavenger hunt, bottle tombola, hot dogs,  drinks, cakes to eat and buy, apple-based chutneys and other produce.  Musical entertainment throughout the afternoon – and competitions for best tasting and best presented entries – and the most innovative use of an apple! Free entry!

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PLEAS OF THE WEEK   

Apple Festival – cakes, produce, bottles, help, needed

Please bring clean bottles with tops to church by today (3rd October) – they’ll be needed to fill with fresh-pressed juice.  Please also sign up to bring cakes for refreshments and/or competition (apple-based), bottles for the tombola, etc., or if you can help on the day. 

Night Shelter News – volunteers needed!

The Winter season will begin on 1st November. If you’d be interested in supporting and/or volunteering with the Shelter this winter, please contact Jan Norbury, lead co-ordinator (details on back page). There will be a briefing session for volunteers on Sunday 24th October at 12noon until 2pm in the Church Hall.  A soup lunch will be provided.

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: 

… will meet next on Tuesday 12th October at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. We will be looking at creating decorations/hangings for one of the Advent Christmas trees on 4th December, so bring ideas too.  Future meetings will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.

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:

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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

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.        Robert Louis Stevenson

Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week 

Prepare a spring harvest for wildlife by planting bulbs such as crocus, grape hyacinths, allium and anemone nemorosa which are loved by bees and hibernating species of butterfly. 

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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: 

  1. – 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.
  2. Congregational singing will restart at the Sunday 10:30 Eucharist, with other services remaining said. 
  3. The 10:30 Service will continue to be recorded for those who wish to watch and worship at home.
  4. 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.