31st July 2022

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

A warm welcome to 

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

on Sunday 31st July 2022 Trinity 7 

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 24th July Trinity 6 St James

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10:30 am Parish Eucharist 

3:30 pm Pimms and Hymns (see below)

NO Evening Prayer 

Wednesday

5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel) 

Friday

9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)

Next Sunday – 7th August – Trinity 8

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10:30 am Parish Eucharist 

12:30 pm Baptism

4 pm Messy Church (Hall)

6 pm Taizé Eucharist  

Children and Youth

Tiddlers

For under 5s and their parents/carers, with holiday activities for older siblings, 10.30am in the Hall on 29th July, and 12th and 26th August.

Children’s Church

Takes a break during August and resumes on Sunday 11th September during the 10.30 service. For KS1/2.

For KS1/2

Monthly Messy Church

Crafts, stories, song and a meal together

4pm on 7th August in the Hall for KS1/2

Youth Group (KS3+)

Fortnightly on Fridays at Christ Church Primary School in termtime

Prayer for the Week: 

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things:

graft in our hearts the love of your name,increase in us true religion,

nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 

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 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:

Ecclesiastes 1.2,12-14; 2.18-23

Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher,
   vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem, applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me —and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? 

Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labours under the sun, because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.

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

Psalm 49

Refrain: Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

1 Hear this, all you peoples;  

listen, all you that dwell in the world,

2 You of low or high degree,  

both rich and poor together.

3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

4 I will incline my ear to a parable; I will unfold my riddle with the lyre. 

Refrain: Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

5 Why should I fear in evil days,  

when the malice of my foes surrounds me,

6 Such as trust in their goods  

and glory in the abundance of their riches?

7 For no one can indeed ransom another or pay to God the price of deliverance.

8 To ransom a soul is too costly;  

there is no price one could pay for it,

9 So that they might live for ever,  

and never see the grave.

10  For we see that the wise die also; with the foolish and ignorant they perish  

and leave their riches to others.

11  Their tomb is their home for ever, their dwelling through all generations,  

though they call their lands after their own names.

12  Those who have honour, but lack understanding,  

are like the beasts that perish. 

Refrain:    Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Colossians 3.1-11

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

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

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 12.13-21)  

Glory to you, O Lord.

Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Prayer after Communion: 

Lord God, whose Son is the true vine and the source of life, ever giving himself that the world may live: may we so receive within ourselves the power of his death and passion that, in his saving cup, we may share his glory and be made perfect in his love;

for he is alive and reigns, 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, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis.

Those who have died recently:  Edna Wilson, Gordon Sutton, Howard Haviland

Those being baptised:  Freddie Riding

Parish Cycle of Prayer:  Parkgate Drive, Cedarwood Place, Gleneagles Drive.   

For the work of local food banks.

Zoom Prayer: 

Tuesday 9th August 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     Passcode 942105

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, 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

It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you use that makes a difference.         Zig Ziglar

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 

Water may fall from the sky but collecting, cleaning and transporting it to us has a significant carbon footprint. Fix a water meter and use less to help the water industry achieve its net zero carbon target by 2030.

The Big Butterfly Count

… continues until 7th August. Find out how to take part at https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

An appeal from the birds

Once more our flying friends come to the kind and generous people of Christ Church cap in beak. They are in the red and their nest egg is empty. Will you see them reduced to taking a flutter on the lottery? No, surely not. So, on a wing and a prayer they appeal to you for a few more pennies to feather the kitty.  Donations can be passed directly to Julian or via a convenient envelope to be found at the back of church.   With thanks.  Julian

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.

Recycling at Christ Church

The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, 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 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!

Are people born with photographic memories, or does it take time to develop?

[That’s one for those of us who remember pre-digital photography ….!]

Community at Christ Church:

PCC

Met on Wednesday. We discussed: 

  • New lighting in the choir and Lady Chapel
  • Plans to refurbish the Children’s area
  • A new candle stand for the Lady Chapel
  • Changes to charges for the Hall

… amongst many other things – and will meet again on the 7th September.

Christ Church Crafting 

… will meet next on Tuesday 9th August 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.

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.  The group will now resume in September after the summer break.

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.

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.

Tea and coffee – do stay after the 10:30 service!

We all enjoyed meeting regularly on Sundays for tea and coffee after the 10:30 am Eucharist, which sadly we had to miss during Covid.  That started again last Sunday, and will continue most Sundays from now on.  Please do stay and enjoy a hot drink, juice and a biscuit, and get to know one another better.   (If you’re able to offer occasional help with the refreshments,  please let Jane Lippitt or Julie Buckley know. )

Pimms and Hymns

Following the success of our Songs of Praise service last summer, this Sunday (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. 

Feast of the Assumption – and Barbecue

On Sunday 14th August, we’ll be celebrating the Feast of the Assumption (Mary’s return to heaven). This will be followed by a barbecue in the churchyard – everyone welcome! Please bring something to drink.  Food (meat and veggie) will be available for a donation, so please sign up to let us know that you’re coming and if you have any dietary requirements.

Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!

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