24th October 2021

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

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

A vibrant inclusive worshipping community

Sunday 24th October 2021

Bible Sunday

Collect

Blessed Lord,

who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:

help us so to hear them,

to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them

that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,

we may embrace and for ever hold fast

   the hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our 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 

Isaiah 55.1-11

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;

and you that have no money,

   come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

   without money and without price. 

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

   and your labour for that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,

   and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to me;

   listen, so that you may live.

I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

   my steadfast, sure love for David. 

See, I made him a witness to the peoples,

   a leader and commander for the peoples. 

See, you shall call nations that you do not know,

   and nations that do not know you shall run to you,

because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,

   for he has glorified you. 

Seek the Lord while he may be found,

   call upon him while he is near; 

let the wicked forsake their way,

   and the unrighteous their thoughts;

let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,

   and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

   nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

   so are my ways higher than your ways

   and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

   and do not return there until they have watered the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

   giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

   it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

   and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 

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

Psalm 19.7-14 

Refrain:    The commandment of the Lord is pure

7    The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;  

the testimony of the Lord is sure

and gives wisdom to the simple.

8    The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart;  

the commandment of the Lord is pure

and gives light to the eyes.

   The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever;  

the judgements of the Lord are true

and righteous altogether.

10  More to be desired are they than gold,

more than much fine gold,  

sweeter also than honey,dripping from the honeycomb.

11  By them also is your servant taught  

and in keeping them there is great reward.

The commandment of the Lord is pure

12  Who can tell how often they offend  

O cleanse me from my secret faults!

13  Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins

lest they get dominion over me;  

so shall I be undefiled,

and innocent of great offence.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,  

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

The commandment of the Lord is pure

2 Timothy 3.14 – 4.5

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

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

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to (Mark 10.4652)  Glory to you, O Lord.

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

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

Post Communion: 

God of all grace,

your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry

with the bread of his life

and the word of his kingdom:

renew your people with your heavenly grace,

and in all our weakness

sustain us by your true and living bread;

who 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, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thea Harris-Ellis, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Heather McFadden, Maddison Crompton, Irene Forrester, Sister Jocelyn OHP, Galiba Sijarić.

RIP:  Elly, Hadžira Mehmedović, Pat Brooks, Margaret Lamb

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  

Those who live and work in Grasmere Road and Ullswater Road; for those beginning half term this week.

Please also pray for Olivia Evelyn, to be baptised today. 

Also for Darryl Flynn and Helen Rawlinson, whose Banns are being read.

Prayer and Worship this week: 

Sunday 24th 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*)

3 pm Christening Service

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 

Saturday  9pm: Compline (YouTube*)

Sunday 31st October 

8:30 am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel

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

3 pm Memorial Service

6 pm Eucharist: All Souls  (Lady Chapel)

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

All Saints and All Souls – 31st October – next Sunday

As part of our commemoration of All Saints and All Souls this year, there will be the following services: 

  • 3pm Memorial Service for those who have died in the last two years, especially inviting the families of those who have had a church funeral recently. A simple service of reflection and comfort, with opportunities to light candles and name loved ones. 
  • 6pm All Souls Eucharist – praying for the faithful departed. If you would like a loved one remembered at this service, please PRINT their name on the list at the back of church. 

Zoom Prayer

Tuesday 2nd November 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)

Taizé Eucharist 

The next Taizé  Eucharist will be on Sunday 7th November 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!

Children’s Church

Children’s Church continues to meet regularly during the 10:30 Eucharists on Sundays (or in Christ Church: All Together services).  We look forward to seeing you and your children/grandchildren there!

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

Q.  What’s the difference between cats and a comma?

A.  Cats have claws at the end of their paws and commas are a pause at the end of a clause.

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 Group

The Tiddlers group runs each Friday,  All pre-school-age children and their carers (parents/grandparents, etc.) are very welcome to come for activities, a chat, etc., at 10:30 am in the Hall.  Please contact Julie Tinnion for more details.

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!

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.

The next PCC meeting

 … will be on the 10th November. If there are issues or concerns you’d like to raise, or things you’d like to see the Church doing, please let Julie Buckley/Rev Carol know. 

Meeting up

The clergy are available for pastoral support and spiritual direction, please don’t hesitate to be in in contact.

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time or is seriously ill, please let us know as soon as possible, to arrange prayers, home communion, a hospital visit, or anointing of the sick. 

Advent Calendars

The Real Advent Calendar will be on sale at church in coming weeks – please sign up on the welcome table if you’d like one (or more!).   It contains Fairtrade milk chocolate, and also a story book to help get ready for Christmas. Suggested donation: (£5?) Each. 

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PLEAS OF THE WEEK   

Night Shelter Vacancies – Urgent!

There is a vacancy for a Deputy Coordinator for the Night Shelter season – please see the attached advertisement and job description, for someone to help ensure that the Shelter runs safely and smoothly, with a supportive welcome to our guests. Starts 1st January 2022.  Please contact Rev’d Carol or Jan Norbury for further details, and to apply with a CV and covering letter.  Deadline for applications:  16th Nov.

We also need a part-time cleaner for the church hall during the Shelter season – 8am -10 am Saturday and Sunday, November – March inclusive. Please contact Jacqueline Stamper for further information.  

Both are paid posts.

Lancaster District Food Poverty Alliance (LDFPA) Networking event taking place from 10am on Monday 1st November. 

This event is an opportunity to hear from organisations involved in the Alliance about the work they have been doing towards realising the LDFPA Action Plan, 6 months following the launch.  There will also be time for you to network with other food organisations and share your thoughts on what is needed to address food insecurity in the district.  

To register for a place at the event, please click on this link: Lancaster District Food Poverty Alliance: Our Journey So Far Tickets, Mon 1 Nov 2021 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

LDHAS Winter Appeal

Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service are making their Annual Winter Appeal. Cheques payable to LDHAS can be sent to Edward Street, Lancaster, LA1 1QH, or bank transfers to LDHAS, 40-52-40, 00031967 (reference ‘Shelter2021’) Thank you. 

The Olive Branch Foodbank 

… is in particular need of tins – including meat, fish, vegetables and pies., as well as donations of rice (not pasta or baked beans).  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/

Recycling Sunday 

Please bring your blister packs, used dental products (brushes, toothpaste tubes, etc) and crisp packets next on Sunday, 7th November, ready for recycling.

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.

Christ Church Crafting: 

… will meet next on Tuesday 12th November 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.

Gardening Day

The gardening day was postponed, owing to the weather – thanks for being willing to help!

Boxes of Hope

Christ Church Primary School will once again be supporting the Boxes of Hope Appeal, a charity which visits Romania each year to distribute shoe boxes of gifts to children.

If are able to fill a shoe box or send in some items that could be used to fill one in school, we’d be very grateful. An ideal box will contain….

A selection of toys and games such as a ball, car, doll,

skipping rope, yo-yo, dominoes (sturdy toys please

as these children are not used to toys and have little

manual dexterity).

• Sweets (use by date at least March of next year).

• Notebook, colouring book, pen, crayons, pencils,

rubber, ruler, pencil sharpener.

• Hat, scarf, mittens or gloves, a pair of socks.

• Soap and a facecloth, toothbrush, toothpaste,

hair brush/comb, hair accessories.

And a £2 donation in the shoebox and

secure with an elastic band.

Please return them to school by Monday 8th

November. Many thanks in advance for your support.

Icon Workshop at Hyning 22nd-26th Nov. 2021

(Non residential for beginners and beyond)

Cost.  £200 for tuition and materials 

Refreshments provided but bring a packed lunch. For more details contact Sr. Mary Bernard: hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk Monastery of Our  Lady of Hyning Warton, Lancs. LA5 9SE Tel. 01524 732684

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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 Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.                              Søren Kierkegaard

Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week 

Try to provide food and shelter for insects and birds through the coldest months by allowing vegetation to die back naturally, leaving plenty of foliage near ground level and seed heads especially teasels, thistles and sunflowers.

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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.