(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 17th July 2022 Trinity 5
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 17th July Trinity 5 *
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church (Hall)
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 – 24th July – Trinity 6
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
3 pm Pet Blessing Service
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:
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 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:
Genesis 18.1-10a
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 15
Refrain: Through the greatness of your mercy,
I will come into your house.
1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
Who may rest upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads an uncorrupt life and does the thing that is right;
3 Who speaks the truth from the heart and bears no deceit on the tongue;
4 Who does no evil to a friend
and pours no scorn on a neighbour;
5 In whose sight the wicked are not esteemed,
but who honours those who fear the Lord.
6 Whoever has sworn to a neighbour and never goes back on that word;
7 Who does not lend money in hope of gain, nor takes a bribe against the innocent;
8 Whoever does these things
shall never fall.
Refrain: Through the greatness of your mercy,
I will come into your house.
Colossians 1.15-28
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him— provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 10.38-42)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Grant, O Lord, we beseech you,
that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by your governance,
that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness;
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, Lori Guerrard, Pauline Green TOHP, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris, David Foster.
Those who have died recently: Edna Wilson
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: Dundee Street, Wyresdale Court.
For members of our uniformed organisations.
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
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. Joel A Baker
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
Shorter grass dries out more quickly so leave it longer and water less. Better still wait for the rain, a brown lawn will soon bounce back.
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. 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. Where do sharks go on vacation?
A. Fin-land.
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 – 14th August 2022
We now have a large-ish gas BBQ for our special celebration after the 10.30am service on Sunday 14th August, to mark the Feast of the Assumption. God moves in mysterious ways!
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
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.
News from School
Everyone is welcome to Christ Church Primary School (Derwent Road) on Monday 18th July for their summer fair from 2.30-4.30pm – featuring work from our own church craft club who have been working with pupils!
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.
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
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.