(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 11th September 2022 Trinity 13 Education Sunday
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 – 11th September
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Ben Green, Diocesan Youth and Education Officer
6 pm A Service of Prayers on the Death of Her Late Majesty The Queen (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (via Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 18th September –Trinity 14
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, every Friday at 10.30am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Resumes on 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 25th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching
and give to your people knowledge of your truth,
that we may enjoy eternal life
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty. Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
Exodus 32.7-14
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” ’ The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’
But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, “It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.” ’ And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 51.1-11
Refrain: The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
1 Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion
blot out my offences.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you only have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
5 So that you are justified in your sentence and righteous in your judgement.
Refrain: The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
6 I have been wicked even from my birth, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
7 Behold, you desire truth deep within me and shall make me understand wisdom in the depths of my heart.
8 Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
9 Make me hear of joy and gladness,
that the bones you have broken may rejoice.
Refrain: The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
10 Turn your face from my sins
and blot out all my misdeeds.
11 Make me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Refrain: The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
1 Timothy 2.1-7
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all —this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 15.1-10) Glory to you, O Lord.
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Keep, O Lord, your Church, with your perpetual mercy;
and, because without you our human frailty cannot but fall, keep us ever by your help from all things hurtful,
and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;
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 Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies, Doreen Hudson.
Those who have died recently: Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe, David Morris, Michelle Simpson, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
Those preparing for marriage: Madeleine Mansfield and Jordan Donnelly
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Mallside Close, Coleman Drive
For all who visit and work at the auction mart.
Prayers for Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
There will be a special service of prayers at 6 pm today, Sunday 11th September, and a Book of Condolence is available to sign. You may wish to use the special prayer that has been written (above).
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 13th 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, 2nd October – 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
Good Shepherd, You have a wild and crazy sheep in love with thorns and brambles. But please don’t get tired of looking for me! I know You won’t. For You have found me. All I have to do is stay found. Thomas Merton
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
Recycling is not the answer to the problem of plastic waste, because of the volume and because some plastics cannot be recycled indefinitely. Support retailers who are trialling new forms of packaging and try out new refill services being introduced by supermarkets and zero waste shops.
Some Eco-Church dates for your diary
There will be a talk on Electric Cars on the evening of Tuesday 4th October in the Lady Chapel, and a book sale after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sunday 23rd October.
A new home for St George
The statue of St George, along with a set of vestments, has gone to a new home at The Herbert Kelly Institute for the Study of Anglican Religious Life in Durham. All the items had links to the Society of the Sacred Mission, a religious order who were based at Quernmore Park, and who then moved to St Antony’s Priory in Durham where the institute is based. More details from Rev’d Carol.
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, 2nd October and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I was brought up as an only child … which really annoyed my sister.
Heritage Open Weekends
Thank you to everyone who has helped welcome visitors to Christ Church. If you can spare an hour between 10am-4pm on 17th and/or 18th September, please sign up.
An invitation from Lancaster Cathedral
The relics of St Bernadette (whose visions of the Blessed Virgin began Lourdes as a place of pilgrimage) are visiting the RC Cathedral in Lancaster on the 22nd September, as part of a national tour. Public services begin at 5pm, with the cathedral open overnight for prayer.
Community at Christ Church:
Harvest Donations
Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 2nd October when we give thanks for the food we enjoy, and pray for those with whom we share it. We will be collecting for Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS) on Edward Street. They have especially asked for: tinned meat, tinned vegetables, coffee, long-life milk, sugar, cooking oil, ketchup, brown sauce, salt and pepper. Thank you.
Audrey Davies
…… would like to thank everyone at Christ Church for all the prayers and good wishes received since her recent operation. She is making progress in her recovery and hopes to see you again soon.
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
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!
Tea and coffee – please stay after the 10:30 service!
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. )
Apple Festival
On Saturday 24th September from 2-4pm in the Churchyard – everyone welcome! There’ll be an orchard tree tour at 2pm, with apple pressing, and stalls from Lune Valley Beekeepers, Escape2Make, and Miss Whalley’s Field volunteers, plus a tombola and refreshments in the Hall. Competition for the best apple-based baked product (entries to arrive in the Hall by 2pm, with judging at 3pm).
Apple Festival – can you help?
For the Apple Festival on the 24th September, we need clean, empty glass bottles with screw-top lids, as well as gazebos/open sided tents. Please also see the list at the back of church if you’re able to help with refreshments and other items for sale.
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 – CANCELLED
With regret, and out of respect for the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Steven Moore has felt it inappropriate to continue his music tour. Tomorrow (Monday) night’s concert at Christ Church is therefore cancelled. We look forward to seeing Steven back at Christ Church before too long for another spectacular concert.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
10-11th, 17-18th September Heritage Open Days
17th September 7pm Christ Church and the Workhouse, an evening with Naomi Parsons, Curator
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
1st October 6 pm Harvest Supper and Ceilidh in LRGS Hall
2nd October Harvest Festival
4th October 7 pm Talk on Electric Cars with the Eco Group in the Lady Chapel
22nd October Parish Bounds Walk (postponed from 8th)
23rd October 11:45 am Money for Madagascar Book stall in the Hall
30th October 3 pm Remembrance Service for those who have died recently
12th November 9:30 -12 noon Church cleaning morning
13th November 10:30 am Remembrance Sunday Parade
20th November Feast of Christ the King
27th November 10:30 am Confirmation Service with Bishop Jill
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