10th July 2022

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

A warm welcome to 

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

on Sunday 10th July 2022 Trinity 4

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 3rd July Trinity 3/St Thomas

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10:30 am Parish Eucharist 

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 – 17th July – Trinity 5*

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10:30 am All Together Eucharist

12:30 pm Baptism

4 pm Messy Church (Hall)

6 pm Evening Prayer  (Lady Chapel)

* Please note that the Elite Cycle race may affect access and parking at church on the morning of the 17th.

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 17th July in the Hall for KS1/2

Youth Group (KS3+)

Fortnightly on Fridays at Christ Church Primary School

Prayer for the Week: 

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:

increase and multiply upon us your mercy;

that with you as our ruler and guide

we may so pass through things temporal

that we lose not our hold on things eternal;

grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord 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:

Deuteronomy 30.9-14

And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

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

Psalm 25

Refrain:    Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.

1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame, but let the treacherous be shamed and frustrated.

3 Make me to know your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you have I hoped all the day long.

5 Remember, Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.

Refrain: Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.

6 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions, but think on me in your goodness, O Lord, according to your steadfast love.

7 Gracious and upright is the Lord;  

therefore shall he teach sinners in the way.

8 He will guide the humble in doing right and teach his way to the lowly.

9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

10  For your name’s sake, O Lord,  

be merciful to my sin, for it is great.

Refrain:  Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.

Colossians 1: 1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 

In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 10.25-37)  

Glory to you, O Lord.

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewiseThis is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Prayer after Communion: 

Eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken, you have fed us at the table of life and hope: teach us the ways of gentleness and peace, that all the world may acknowledge the kingdom of your Son 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 Foster.

Those who have died recently:  Lindsey deLao, Pauline Green TOHP

Those being baptised:  Leo Bechard

Those preparing for marriage: Sarah Vare and John Bosson; Daniel Walker and Camille Whitty; Craig Hunter and Cheryl Nicholls.

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  Aberdeen Road, Wyresdale Road, Kirkes Road.

For new families coming to Tiddlers.

Zoom Prayer: 

Tuesday 26th 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 on Sunday 7th August – 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 imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’    Dr Martin Luther King   

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 

Climate change means our summers are getting drier so choose plants that tolerate drier conditions and reduce the need for watering.

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.

Deanery Secretary

Might you be able to spare 1-2 hours per month to help the churches of Lancaster and Morecambe? We’re looking for someone who is able to send mailings and take notes for deanery meetings – more details from Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline Stamper.

Going to East Road

…. is a new exhibition at Lancaster City Museum, telling the story of Lancaster’s Workhouse.   Christ Church was built as a chapel for the inmates, and features in the displays.   Admission is free.

Recycling at Christ Church

The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday, 7th August, and the first Sunday of every month.

Cross Bay Walk for Madagascar

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored the Cross Bay walkers – 8 of us made it! We’ve raised over £300 for Money for Madagascar. Please leave any sponsorship money in an envelope marked ‘MFM’.

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

Q.         Why are penguins socially awkward?

A.         Because they can’t break the ice.

Community at Christ Church:

PCC Meeting

The next Church Council meeting will be on 27th July – 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 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

The next church gardening session will be on Friday 29th July, 2-3 pm. All welcome!

BBQ needed

Do you have a large-ish gas BBQ which you might be able to lend on Sunday 14th August? 

We’ll be having a special celebration after the 10.30am service to mark the Feast of the Assumption.

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 in the Hall. 

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

Welcome group 

Following our Everybody Welcome course earlier this summer, we’d like to follow up on some of the ideas which came up about how we make our church community and buildings a more welcoming place. If you’d like to join the working party, there’s a meeting in the Vestry at 11.30am on Monday 11th July. Everybody Welcome! 

Social action – working party.

If you’d like to be part of a working party thinking about how Christ Church can best serve those in need in our parish in future, please let Rev’d Carol know.

Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!

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.  

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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.

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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

Pimms and Hymns

Following the success of our Songs of Praise service last summer, on the 31st July we’ll have a special service to celebrate our favourite hymns. Come at 3pm for a glass of Pimms (or something else), with a service at 3.30pm followed by tea and cake. Please vote for your favourite hymn on the yellow sheet at the back of church, and the top 8 will be sung on the day. Maximum 2 votes per person.

Pet Blessing Service

On Sunday 24th July at 3pm. Bring your pet for a service of thanksgiving and blessing – everyone welcome! Donations of old blankets and towels (not duvets) or tins of Butchers/Chappie dog food will be collected for the work of Wolfwood Sanctuary. If you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane, please let Rev’d Carol know – and please bring pets in a suitable container or on a lead.  

Health Festival – 7th – 10th July

This weekend sees the Lancaster Health Festival in Dalton Square. Do look out for the remembrance stall hosted by local churches, and please pray for the team leading it!