(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 29th May 2022 Seventh 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 22nd May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
4 pm Choral Evensong preceded by Cream Teas from 2:30 pm
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 5th June Pentecost
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together for Pentecost
3 pm Churches Together Service (at Lancaster Priory)
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Risen, ascended Lord,
as we rejoice at your triumph,
fill your Church on earth with power and compassion,
that all who are estranged by sin
may find forgiveness and know your peace,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen
A Prayer for our new Bishop
Heavenly Father, we pray for a bishop full of your Holy Spirit:
a disciple who makes disciples,
a bold witness to Jesus,
and a Christ-like leader,
able to inspire children and young people
with the transforming message of your gospel.
We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 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.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Acts 16.16-34
One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, ‘These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.’ She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.
But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market-place before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, ‘These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.’ The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God….
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 97
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
1 The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his enemies on every side.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
4 His lightnings lit up the world;
the earth saw it and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declared his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
7Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in mere idols. Bow down before him, all you gods.
8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced,
because of your judgements, O Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his faithful
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous and joy for the true of heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
Revelation 22.12-14, 16,17,20,21
‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (John 17.20-26)
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, giver of love and power,
your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world
to preach the gospel of his kingdom,
confirm us in this mission,
and help us to live the good news we proclaim;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Caroline Lillicrap, Lori Guerrard, Pauline Green TOHP
Those who have died recently: Ken Richardson, Joseph Wolfe, Olive Niccolls, Luke Wilson, Susan Edwards, Sheila Gaskell, Alan Liver
Those being baptised: Devon Parker
Those preparing for marriage: Sam Robson and Ella Hall
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Moor Lane, East Road.
For Central Lancaster High School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School
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
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
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C S Lewis
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/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
The Eco-Church book stall is now supporting a Lancaster based charity which raises funds for Madagascar, an island which is seriously affected by climate change, suffering both prolonged periods of drought as well as tropical storms. Contribute to this valuable work by donating a £1 and taking away a bargain book.
Eco-Group Meeting
On Tuesday 31st May at 7pm in the Church Hall. All welcome
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. Why do birds fly south in the winter?
A. It’s faster than walking!
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 22nd June – if there are ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
At the PCC meeting on 25th May, we discussed:
- Plans to refurbish the Children’s area
- Plans to move the church onto online banking
- The Sanctuary re-ordering (and decided to keep things as they are now).
- Forthcoming events, including how we invite our local community
- Work with schools, children and young people.
We also heard from Rev’d Steve Haskett, about a programme to help us grow Christ Church.
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
Thank you to everyone who came to help out this week! The next church gardening session will be on 24th June 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Everybody Welcome!
The final session of the ‘Everybody Welcome’ course is on Tuesday 31st May. 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). Don’t worry if you missed any of the previous weeks!
Ascension and Pentecost
As the Easter season draws to a close, we remembered last Thursday Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and then, nine days later, we shall celebrate 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.
Please do collect a Prayer Journal (children’s books also available) from the back of 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.
You are cordially invited to Moorside Hall’s ROYAL JUBILEE GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 5th June 2.30pm – 4.30pm (Clougha Avenue entrance)
Refreshments will be served. There will be entertainment, fun and games. Fancy dress optional – prizes. RSVP by 30th MAY TO 01524 69901 – the Hall staff need to know numbers attending.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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
Ordinations
Please hold in your prayers those in our Diocese preparing to be ordained priest or deacon on 2nd and 3rd July: Jordan Bentliffe, Amy Bland, Sam Dickinson, Andrew Downes, Lloyd Etheridge, Alan Gault, Liz Gethin, Nathaniel Gilmour, Simon Griffiths, Barbara Houghton, Simon King, Martin McDonald, Jordan McDermott, Ian McGrath, Bryn Naylor, Tristan Meares, Ryan Otley, Matthew Rowley, Anna Walker, Mark Wooding, and Matteo Zambon.