(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 26th June 2022 Second Sunday of 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 26th June Trinity 2
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (afterwards uploaded to YouTube) *
12:30 pm Baptism
1:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel) – SS Peter and Paul
Next Sunday – 3rd July – Trinity 3, also St Thomas
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Christ Church All Together Service
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (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:
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
A Prayer for our new Bishop
(Bishop Julian retires in August, and so we pray for the discernment process and those involved in appointing his successor. We pray too for Bishop Julian and Heather as they prepare to leave the diocese.)
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:
1 Kings 19.15-16, 19-end
Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
So he set out from there, and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was ploughing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’ Then Elijah said to him, ‘Go back again; for what have I done to you?’ He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them; using the equipment from the oxen, he boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out and followed Elijah, and became his servant.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 16
Refrain: The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you have I taken refuge;
I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my lord, all my good depends on you.’
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,
upon those who are noble in heart.
3 Though the idols are legion
that many run after,
their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, neither make mention of their names upon my lips.
4 The Lord himself is my portion and my cup;
in your hands alone is my fortune.
5 My share has fallen in a fair land;
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
Refrain: The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall
6 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel,
and in the night watches he instructs my heart.
7 I have set the Lord always before me;
he is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
8 Wherefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices;
my flesh also shall rest secure.
9 For you will not abandon my soul to Death,
nor suffer your faithful one to see the Pit.
10 You will show me the path of life; in your presence is the fullness of joy
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Refrain: The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
Galatians 5.1, 13-25
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 9.51-end)
Glory to you, O Lord.
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Loving Father, we thank you for feeding us at the supper of your Son:
sustain us with your Spirit, that we may serve you here on earth
until our joy is complete in heaven, and we share in the eternal banquet
with 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, Lori Guerrard, Pauline Green TOHP, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris, David Fowler.
Those who have died recently: Alan Liver, Lindsey deLao
Those being baptised: Luan Gander, Alina Pilkington.
Those preparing for marriage: Sam Robson and Ella Hall
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Gregson Road, Dumbarton Road, Argyle Street.
The Ridge Community Centre.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 5th July 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 next Sunday, 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
Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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…
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Enrich the special landscapes and wildlife around us by supporting those who care for it e.g. Friends of Williamson Park, AONB landscape Trust or Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
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.
Thank you 1 !
… to those who walked or sponsored yesterday’s Cross Bay Walk in aid of the local charity, Money for Madagascar, which the Eco-Church Group is supporting for their work to reduce the effects of climate change.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
The Ark Restarts:
In September we are hoping to re-launch the Ark on Friday evenings at St Thomas’ Church. The Ark offers a weekly meal to those who are homeless, economically disadvantaged or simply seeking friendship with others. We hope to provide a safe space for those who have been battered and bruised by the storms of life by offering practical and prayerful support.We are particularly looking for people to join the team on a Friday from 4.30-8pm as cooks and kitchen support. We are also looking for people who can act as befrienders by sitting, eating and chatting with our guests.Full training will be provided, and appropriate safety checks will need to be completed. If you have any questions or feel like you may be able to support this important ministry on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, please do get in touch with Jenny Guilder: j.guilder@st.tees.org.uk. If you’re unable to support practically, please do pray for the team as we seek to share the love of Jesus with some of the most vulnerable in our city. Many thanks.
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. This Sunday the group will meet in the Hall.
Messy Church
Families with children in KS 1/2 are particularly invited the monthly Messy Church gathering, which meets at 4 pm today (26th June) in the Hall – craft, stories, fun and a meal together. Do come and try it out – we’re sure you’ll enjoy it.
Work Day – Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who came to clean, polish, tidy, move, fix, wash and/or throw out on Saturday – and enjoy brunch together! You have all done a great job!
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 12th July 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 helped on Friday! The next church gardening session will be on Friday 29th July, 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Lancaster Pride today – 26th June
Everyone in our churches is welcome to come and join the local Christians taking part in Lancaster Pride Parade this 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.
Concert at Christ Church
Lancaster Royal Grammar School’s end of term concert will be on Wednesday 29th June at 7pm in church, £3 on the door, with a retiring collection. Everyone welcome.
Thank you 2!
…… to the generous anonymous donor who helped fund the purchase of a roving microphone, which will enable children’s and others’ voices around the church to be heard by everyone during services, etc. This was also supported by the Diocese’s Parish Vision Fund.
Thank you 3!
… from the National Trust for the sum of £125 that people at Christ Church contributed to the Treebilee – well done everyone!
Gaia – An illuminated planet Earth sculpture and events.
Luke Jerram’s Gaia, The Festival of the Earth, at Lancaster Priory, is on until 17 July, 10am – 5pm. Adults £3, Children £1. https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing?eid=27689&
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
29th June – 7 pm LRGS School Concert in Christ Church
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 Harvest Supper and 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
New Assistant Archdeacons
Please hold in your prayers: Rev’ds Fleur Green, Leah Vasey-Saunders, and Sarah Gill (our new Assistant Archdeacons) and Rev’d Anne Beverley as Dean of Women’s Ministry. Rev’d Sarah will be commissioned Assistant Archdeacon in Blackburn Cathedral on 5th July.
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.
Buildings Update!
Repair works on the Lady Chapel roof will soon be completed; resetting slates and damaged caused by Storm Arwen, as well as sealing the gulleys to reduce leaks.
Work to resurface the Hall Roof (where the bitumen has deteriorated) will begin this week. This work will not interrupt Hall users. Grateful thanks to Andy Steele for his generous help.
Both projects have been possible through grant funding, donations and insurance. Thank you to everyone who has generously supported the Church Repair Fund!
Special thanks to Susan Brooks who has been repainting doors, gates and railings!