(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 12th June 2022 Feast of the Holy Trinity
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 12th June Trinity
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Baptism *
6 pm No Evening Prayer (6:30 pm Diocesan Service at Lancaster Priory
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 19th June Trinity
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (afterwards uploaded to YouTube) *
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
Every Friday from 10.30am in the Hall
For under 5s and their parents/carers
Children’s Church
Every Sunday during the 10.30 service
For KS1/2
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 26th June in the Hall for KS1/2
Youth Group (KS3+)
Fortnightly on Fridays at 4pm in the Hall
Prayer for the Week:
Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,
that we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.. 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:
Proverbs 8.1-4,22-31
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: ‘To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8
1 O Lord our governor,
how glorious is your name in all the world!
2 Your majesty above the heavens is praised out of the mouths of babes at the breast.
3 You have founded a stronghold against your foes, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained,
5 What are mortals, that you should be mindful of them; mere human beings, that you should seek them out?
6 You have made them little lower than the angels and crown them with glory and honour.
7 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands and put all things under their feet,
8 All sheep and oxen,
even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea and whatsoever moves in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our governor,
how glorious is your name in all the world!
Romans 5.1-5
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (John 16.12-15)
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love:
hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three Persons yet one God, 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, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Lori Guerrard, Pauline Green TOHP, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris
Those who have died recently: Olive Niccolls, Luke Wilson, Susan Edwards, Sheila Gaskell, Alan Liver, Lindsey deLao
Those being baptised: Devon Parker
Those preparing for marriage: Sam Robson and Ella Hall
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Tarbet Street, Ayr Street
For the staff, volunteers and patients at the RLI hospital.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 21st June 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. The next will be on 3rd July – 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
All sorts of people are fond of repeating the Christian statement that “God is love.” But they seem not to notice that the words ‘God is love’ have no real meaning unless God contains at least two persons. Love is something that one person has for another person. If God was a single person, then before the world was made, He was not love. 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
Enrich the soil which isn’t just “dirt” but the essence of life, allowing good things to grow and flourish. God doesn’t make things to waste so put natural goodness back using your own compost if possible.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday 3rd July, and the first Sunday of every month.
Cross Bay Walk for Madagascar
The Eco-Group are supporting a local charity, Money for Madagascar, as part of their work to reduce the effects of climate change. In addition to the fundraising bookstall at the back of church, you may also wish to join some of the group to do the Cross Bay Walk on the 25th June, leaving Arnside at 3pm.
Please book your place at https://moneyformadagascar.org/crossbaywalk/ and let Rev’d Carol know if you’d like a lift. The walk costs £12/adult, and £2/dog, plus money for train fare.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work?
A. A can’t opener!
Study Group
If you would enjoy exploring our weekly Bible readings and sermons further, all are welcome to an informal study group meeting after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sundays, starting next Sunday, 19th June. The groups will meet either in the Hall or the Storey Chapel. Please see Rev’d Carol, Pat or Jacqueline for more details.
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.
Community at Christ Church:
Thank You ….. !
….to all who helped with and came to the Cream Teas and Choral Evensong, and bought tickets for the Jubilee Raffle – in total these raised over £850. Special thanks to Julie Buckley. Particular thanks also to Susan Brooks, whose solo sponsored walk over the Easter weekend raised more than £700. An amazing achievement, Susan!
All of this will help contribute to the several expensive repair projects needed for our buildings. If you’d like to join the Fundraising Group or have further ideas for social activities and other events to add to our welcome, please contact Julie Buckley.
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
The next church gardening session will be on 24th June 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Saturday 25th June – Help Needed!
From 9.30-12.30am help is needed to clean and tidy the church and hall, along with some basic DIY. Please bring gloves and old clothes, and wear closed-toe shoes. Come for 30 minutes, or longer if you’re able, children welcome to help too. Brunch will be provided!
New Assistant Archdeacons
From today, Sunday 12th June, there will be three assistant Archdeacons in our Diocese, and a Dean of Women’s Ministry. There will be a special commissioning service on Sunday 12th at 6.30pm in the Priory – everyone welcome. (No evening prayer at Christ Church that day). Please hold Rev’ds Fleur Green, Leah Vasey-Saunders, Sarah Gill and Anne Beverley in your prayers.
Lancaster Pride 26th June
Everyone in our churches is welcome to come and join the local Christians taking part in Lancaster Pride Parade on Sunday 26th June. It starts at 11am so you might want to attend worship earlier or in the evening? Meet at The Cornerstone at 10.45am, or look out for the ‘Big Jesus’ puppet coming from Liberty Church, Blackpool and gather around him in the parade. Banners, placards or flags with words of love and inclusion are optional extras, as is colourful dress. The important thing is to be there if you believe that God loves LGBTQ+ people and that Jesus welcomes them in his church. We hope to see lots of you.
Help buy mobile ‘phones for asylum seekers – RAIS
RAIS and St T’s Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support Network currently have about 50 asylum seekers waiting to let their family know they’ve arrived safely. Help us to provide them with a ‘phone – often their only way of staying connected to their home and family. Any support would be greatly appreciated! You can give via https://gofund.me/615ac706, or please see Pat or Jacqueline.
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
1st October Ceilidh
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.