(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 21st August 2022 Trinity 10
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 21st August
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)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 28th August – Trinity 11
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
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 4th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Lord of heaven and earth,
as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer,
give us patience and courage never to lose hope,
but always to bring our prayers before you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord..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 58: 9b-14
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. If you refrain from trampling the sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honourable; if you honour it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Hebrews 12.18-29
You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. (For they could not endure the order that was given, ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.’ Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ‘I tremble with fear.’) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.’ This phrase ‘Yet once more’ indicates the removal of what is shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 13.10-17)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.’ But the Lord answered him and said, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?’ When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of our pilgrimage, you have willed that the gate of mercy should stand open for those who trust in you: look upon us with your favour
that we who follow the path of your will may never wander from the way of life; 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, John McCafferty.
Those who have died recently: Edna Wilson, Gordon Sutton, Howard Haviland, Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe
Those being baptised: Devon Parker, Ayda-Lea Glover
Those preparing for marriage: Charles Tresham and Deborah Maclennan
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Guildern Park, Dutton Drive, Grab Lane.
For the work of the Claver Hill Project
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
Jesus is defending the fact that he’s breaking the Sabbath by healing somebody, and he says, ‘My father is still at work, and I am still at work.’ There is no interruption possible for this unselfish act of life-giving, healing restoration and affirmation. Archbishop Rowan Williams
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
Half fill the car unless you need a full tank which will reduce your fuel consumption, save money and carbon emissions.
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.
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
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I have a chicken-proof lawn – it’s impeccable.
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
Steven Moore Concert 12th September 7 pm
More information about this exciting short concert at Christ Church is at the end of this newsletter.
Heritage Open Weekends, 10th -11th, and 17th – 18th September
If you can spare an hour between 10am-4pm on the 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th September, please sign up to help keep the church open for visitors.
Christ Church and Lancaster’s Workhouse 17th September 7 pm
Also on Saturday 17th from 7pm, Naomi Parsons, Curator at Lancaster City Museum, will be sharing some of her research about Christ Church and Lancaster’s Workhouse. Everyone welcome – free admission!
Thank you!
…. to all who came to help with the Inventory days yesterday and on 6th August – many hands made light work!
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. )
Feast of the Assumption – Thank you!
… to everyone who made the service and barbecue such a success last weekend!.
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.
Christ Church Concert
On Monday 12th September, we welcome Steven Moore back to Christ Church. He’ll be leading school workshops during the day, and at 7pm will be giving a concert on marimba and other percussion. Last year’s was stunning – you’re in for a treat! Retiring collection, with funds being split between Steven and Church.
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 …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955