(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 15th May 2022 Fifth Sunday of Easter
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 01524 942105
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE
www.christchurchlancaster.org.uk Facebook:@ChristChurchLancaster
Everyone is welcome to join in prayer and worship this week:
Today – Sunday 15th May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
12:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 22nd May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist* Rogation Day
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church in the Hall
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Welcome
To Jenny Guilder, who is on a month’s placement at Christ Church.
Jenny is an Ordinand (a trainee Vicar) studying at Emmanuel Theological College, and is with us to gain experience of the liberal catholic tradition of worship, and parish ministry.
She’ll be shadowing Rev’d Carol during the week, and sharing in Sunday worship.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Acts 11.1-18
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, ‘Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?’ Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.”
But I replied, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” But a second time the voice answered from heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.”
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?’ When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 148
Refrain: O praise the name of the Lord.
1 Alleluia. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you stars of light.
4 Praise him, heaven of heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
6 He made them fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
Refrain: O praise the name of the Lord.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and mist,
tempestuous wind, fulfilling his word;
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle,
creeping things and birds on the wing;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and women,
old and young together;
let them praise the name of the Lord.
13 For his name only is exalted,
his splendour above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up the horn of his people and praise for all his faithful servants,
the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Alleluia.
Refrain: O praise the name of the Lord.
Revelation 21.1-6
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.’
And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (13: 31-35) Glory to you, O Lord.
When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life: grant us to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Jacqueline Stamper, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Caroline Lillicrap
Those who have died recently: Heather McFadden, Elizabeth Taylor, Ken Richardson, Joseph Wolfe, Olive Niccolls, Luke Wilson, Susan Edwards.
Those being baptised: Meadow-Fern Lambert, Vinnie Owens
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Denis Street, De Vitre Street
For those working in haulage and public transport.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 31st May 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
Meeting ID: 806 945 9310
Olive Niccolls (RIP)
Olive Niccoll’s funeral will be on Tuesday 17th May at 10am at Christ Church.
Taizé
On the first Sunday of every month at 6pm, there is a beautiful service of prayer, music and stillness in the style of the Taizé Community. There’ll be a special celebration for Pentecost on the 5th June – everyone welcome! If you’d like to join the music group (singing or instrumental), the rehearsal starts at 4.30pm. Do see Julian if you’d be interested.
Thought for the week
When people say that religion and politics don’t mix, I wonder which Bible it is they are reading. Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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.
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.
In Other News…
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/
Riding Lights Theatre Company – My Place
Renowned Christian theatre company Riding Lights are coming to Lancaster to perform their play, My Place, in conjunction with the charity Home for Good, who will be sharing about their work with children and young people. The play is suitable for adults and high school aged young people, tickets are available to purchase via www.ridinglights.org.uk.Thursday 19th May at 7.30pm in St Thomas’ Church
The Archbishop of York comes to Blackburn
Our new Archbishop, Stephen Cottrell, is visiting our Diocese. On Saturday the 28th May at 7pm he will be leading an evangelistic event at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Globe Arena – do bring a friend to share worship, testimony and the Good News of what God has done for us in Jesus. There will also be an open air service at Whalley Abbey, with the theme ‘Rejoice’,
which will happen on Friday the 27th May at 7:30pm. This is an event for the whole family and
you are invited to bring a picnic and rug/folding chairs to enjoy the evening there.
Thank you!
…. to those who kindly gave to the bird food kitty appeal to boost the funds to keep our feathered friends fed for a while longer. Julian.
Madagascar: how to face a climate emergency – 24th May 7:30 pm
All are invited to a talk in church on recovering from the climate-emergency driven famine in Madagascar by local charity Money for Madagascar. Please see separate leaflet.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
This year Christian Aid is focusing on the plight of vulnerable communities around the world which face intense drought resulting in crop failure and starvation. Support their fund raising efforts during Christian Aid week 15th to 21stMay and turn hunger into hope.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday 5th June, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What do you call a fake noodle?
A. An impasta!
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays at 7.15pm for an hour. New members always welcome; if you’re not sure, come along and give it a try for a few weeks! Have a word with Clive or contact him via cliveshaw54@gmail.com
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on 25th May – if there are ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th June at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. Future meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
Gardening Session – 27th May
The next church gardening session will be on Friday 27th May 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Everybody Welcome!
On Tuesday 17th May the ‘Everybody Welcome’ course continues. As we restart as a community, the course will help us think about how we warmly welcome visitors and new arrivals into church. It’s for everyone to come along and share your thoughts and ideas – 7pm at the Vicarage (1 East Road), for 4 weeks. Don’t worry if you missed last week!
Ascension and Pentecost
As the Easter season draws to a close, we remember Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and then, 9 days later, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples to empower them to continue Jesus’ work. This Novena (9 days) is a time for prayer – please look out for the adult and children’s booklets in church as we join Christians around the world praying for God’s Kingdom to come.
Thursday 26th May (Ascension Day) – Prayers at 12noon up at the benches behind the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park – 15 minute service, followed by coffee in the cafe.
Later that evening at 7pm there will be a Eucharist in Church.
Sunday 5th June (Pentecost)
Parade Service at 10.30am – as we come All Together to celebrate the birthday of the Church.
Then at 3pm there will be a Churches Together service in Lancaster Priory, followed by a picnic in the Castle – everyone welcome!
And if you’re looking for a peaceful, reflective end to the day, the Taizé Eucharist at Christ Church begins at 6pm.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
21st May Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead, for a picnic lunch
24th May 7:30 pm Madagascar Talk, hosted by the Eco Group
29th May – 4pm Choral Evensong and Cream Tea to begin the Jubilee Weekend
24th July – 3pm Pet Blessing Service
31st July – 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
14th August 10.30am Feast of the Assumption, followed by Barbecue in the Church grounds.
9-18th September Heritage Open Days
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
8th October Parish Bounds Walk
2nd October Harvest Festival
1-4th December Christmas Tree Festival
Supporting Christ Church
Church Repair Fund
Our Church Repair Fund helps 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. You can also contribute online via the Give a Little website: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909
Sponsored Sundays
If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday hymn (perhaps in memory of a loved one), please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard at the back of church, and give it to Rev’d Carol with at least a month’s notice before the Sunday you’d like to sponsor. You can nominate a hymn if you wish. Please place your donation in an envelope labelled ‘Sponsored Sundays’, and place it in the offertory box. It is up to you how much you wish to give!
Supporting Christ Church – One-off Gifts
If you would like to make a one-off donation to the church as an offering, to pay a fee, or as a gift to regular funds, you can give through our ‘Give a little’ page: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/f63a0655-b270-4d05-bf35-3994747785d0 This will also give you the option to Gift Aid your donation (if you pay tax in the UK), enabling the church to get an extra 25p back from the taxman for every £1 you give.
Supporting Christ Church – Regularly
Christ Church is now taking part in the Parish Giving Scheme, which enables you to give regularly by Direct Debit, and to to easily review how much you give depending on circumstances. Online at www.parishgiving.org.uk Or by telephone 0333 002 1271 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For any of these methods our PGS code 030603240 ensures that your gift goes to our church.
Key contacts:
Churchwarden: …Ms Jacqueline Stamper churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 64083
Priest with PTO and Choir Contact: …Rev’d Clive Shaw. cliveshaw54@gmail.com
Lay Reader: …Dr Pat Allen reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 39552
Parish Safeguarding Officer: …Ms Jane Lippitt safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07930 979503
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: …Mrs Julie Tinnion children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
Parish Secretary: …Mrs Julie Buckley buckleys@live.co.uk 01524 37229
Hall Bookings: …hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: …Ms Jan Norbury coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com 07547 717 060
Christ Church School …Ms Emma Simpson 01524 60955
Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead
Saturday 21st May 2022 Grid Ref SD 551/545 – OL41
Abbeystead has much in common with Christ Church, Lancaster – not least its dedication as ‘Christ Church’ and windows made by Lancaster’s Shrigley and Hunt workshop.
Up in the hills, it’s a world away from the city, and an excellent place for stillness and prayer.
Everyone welcome to don walking boots for the 9 mile walk. We’ll meet at Christ Church at 8.30am for a short service of morning prayer. Or, if you prefer, come and meet at the Shepherd’s Church at 1pm for prayers, a picnic and a brief tour of the church.
Walkers, please bring stout shoes/boots, waterproofs, suncream and hat, plenty of water, snacks and a picnic, and, if possible, a first aid kit. Dogs only allowed if on a lead throughout.
There will be some road walking, so children must be supervised. Please sign up on the sheet at the back (including if you can offer a lift) – any questions, please ask Rev’d Carol.
Christian Aid Week:
This Year, Christian Aid Week is supporting farmers like Jessica, who are battling climate change in Zimbabwe. You can see more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haiNNf9mY10&feature=youtu.be
The Lancaster Christian Aid Group have set up a giving page, available here or via the QR code.
https/envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/lancaster-and-area-christian-aid-group.