(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 14th August 2022 Feast of the Assumption of Mary
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 14th August Feast of the Assumption of Mary
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Festal Eucharist with Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 21st August – Trinity 10
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Baptism
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, with holiday activities for older siblings, 10.30am in the Hall on 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 21st August and 11th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; 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 at the end of 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:
Isaiah 61.10-end
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 45 v10-17
Refrain: Behold our defender, O God, and look upon the face of your anointed.
10 Hear, O daughter; consider and incline your ear; forget your own people and your father’s house.
11 So shall the king have pleasure in your beauty; he is your lord, so do him honour.
12 The people of Tyre shall bring you gifts; the richest of the people shall seek your favour.
13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is embroidered cloth of gold.
14 She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework; after her the virgins that are her companions.
15 With joy and gladness shall they be brought and enter into the palace of the king.
16 ‘Instead of your fathers you shall have sons,
whom you shall make princes over all the land.
17 ‘I will make your name to be remembered through all generations;
therefore shall the peoples praise you for ever and ever.’
Refrain: Behold our defender, O God, and look upon the face of your anointed.
Galatians 4.4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 1.46-55)
Glory to you, O Lord.
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption you visit us with your Holy Spirit and overshadow us by your power; strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness; 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, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis.
Those who have died recently: Edna Wilson, Gordon Sutton, Howard Haviland, Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe
Those being baptised: Hugh Hamilton, Devon Parker, Ayda-Lea Glover
Those preparing for marriage: Charles Tresham and Deborah Maclennan
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Masonfield Crescent, Redwood Heights.
For the work of LDHAS on Edward Street
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 30th 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
“Her [Mary’s] example of faithful perseverance in doing the will of God and her heavenly reward are a source of courage and hope for all of us.” Pope Benedict XVI
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
To reduce carbon and save money limit car use to essential journeys and as a warm engine is more efficient take one longer journey than lots of little ones.
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, 4th September and the first Sunday of every month.
Inventory Morning – Saturday 20th August
If you are able to come along and help list and/or photograph the special furniture and memorials in the church between10 am and 12 pm on Saturday 20th August, that would be much appreciated! We need to do this to keep the Terrier and Inventory up to date. Refreshments will be provided. Please let Jacqueline know if you’re able to help. Many thanks.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
When I was a kid, I was made to walk the plank – We couldn’t afford a dog.
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 13th September 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
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. )
Appeal from Christian Aid
Who have launched an emergency East Africa Hunger Crisis Appeal. The Horn of Africa is suffering the worst drought in 40 years, and the severe conditions are being made worse by the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified an increase in global food prices that has turned a tough situation into a dire crisis. Christian Aid are helping over 300,000 people in the region by repairing wells, investing in water purification kits, and dispersing animal feed and medicine to keep valuable livestock alive. To donate, please click: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/east-africa-hunger-crisis-appeal
Feast of the Assumption – and Barbecue
Today, 14th August, we’re 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. If you are able, please let us know that you’re coming, and if you have any dietary requirements.
Baptisms, Confirmations and receiving Communion 2022
If you are interested in being baptised and/or confirmed, or know someone who would like to be, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a confirmation service with Bishop Jill on Sunday 27th November, with preparation classes beforehand.
Confirmation (of adults and older children) is a declaration of faith in Christ, and the Bishop represents the whole church in giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Children may be in Year 6 or above.
If your child is not old enough to be confirmed, but would like to start receiving Holy Communion, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a preparation class, and then children will be formally welcomed to receive communion for the first time during the service on the 27th November.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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