(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 7th August 2022 Trinity 8
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
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church (Hall)
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see below)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 14th August – Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Festal Eucharist with Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, with holiday activities for older siblings, 10.30am in the Hall on 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
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 7th August, 21st August and 11th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Father in heaven,
whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:
give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross that in the world to come we may see him as he is; 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:
Daniel 7.9,10,13,14
As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousand served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgement, and the books were opened. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 97
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
1 The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
4 His lightnings lit up the world; the earth saw it and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declared his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in mere idols. Bow down before him, all you gods.
8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced,
because of your judgements, O Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his faithful and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous and joy for the true of heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
2 Peter 1.16-19
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 9.28-36)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save.This we ask 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, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis.
Those who have died recently: Edna Wilson, Gordon Sutton, Howard Haviland, Amira Tihić.
Those being baptised: Freddie Riding, Hugh Hamilton
Those preparing for marriage: Charles Tresham and Deborah Maclennan
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Lytham Close, Wentworth Drive.
Giving thanks for the repairs to the Hall Roof, and the donors and grants which have made this possible..
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. As well as today’s service, the next will be on Sunday, 4th September – 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
Listen to Jesus and follow him. That’s the message of the Transfiguration. Pope Francis
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
Take the opportunity to use public transport, walk or cycle, if you are able, for days out this summer.
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 today, and then on Sunday, 4th September and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What happens to an illegally parked frog?
A. It gets toad away …
Community at Christ Church:
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, when the group resumes 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 – please 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. )
Hymns and Pimms – Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who came to support Hymns and Pimms last Sunday – it was a lovely afternoon!
Thank you also to everyone who donated blankets and food to Wolfwood as part of the Pet Blessing Service on 24thJuly.
Feast of the Assumption – and Barbecue
Next 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!
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