(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 8th January 2023 Epiphany
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 – 8th January – Feast of the Epiphany
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Festal Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6pm Taizé Eucharist (with musicians from 4:30 pm)
Tuesday 10th
Prayer4 (Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 15th January
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10:30 am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together at 4pm on Sunday 29th January in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
A social get-together for Years 5 and 6 on Fridays 13th and 20th January at 4 pm in the Hall.
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.
Prayer for the Week
O God,
who by the leading of a star
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we,
who know you now by faith,
may at last behold your glory face to face; 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.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 60.1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 72.10-15
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall bring gifts.
11 All kings shall fall down before him;
all nations shall do him service.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
12 For he shall deliver the poor that cry out, the needy and those who have no helper.
13 He shall have pity on the weak and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
15 Long may he live; unto him may be given gold from Sheba;
may prayer be made for him continually
and may they bless him all the day long.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
Ephesians 3.1-12
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 2.1-12) Glory to you, O Lord.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour: fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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Prayer for the Week 25th December:
Lord God, the bright splendour whom the nations seek: may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light discern the glory of your presence in your Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Norman Muckalt, Mike Dickinson
Those who have died recently: Ann Gilbride, Stephen Mulholland, Lawrence ‘Lol’ Carr, Robert Leck, Julie Allonby
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Ambleside Road, Patterdale Road,
For our MP and local council.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 10th January 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 Eucharist
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 today, Sunday 8th January – 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
If we approach with faith, we too will see Jesus….; for the Eucharistic table takes the place of the crib. Here the Body of the Lord is present, wrapped not in swaddling clothes but in the rays of the Holy Spirit. St John Chrysostom (c.347-407)
Start Group
Start the New Year with God, Jesus and the journey of life in six fun, down-to-earth sessions – everyone welcome! Please pick up a flyer in church, or see Rev’d Carol for more info.
Tuesdays at 7pm from the 31st January, meeting at the Vicarage (1 East Road, LA1 3EE)
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 tined vegetables, fish, and meat. 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
1. Nearly everyone eats too much over Christmas. This is maybe a good time to try a lighter diet containing more plant based food or even take up the Veganuary challenge.
2. Cop27 was a disappointment in many ways but tackling climate crisis is not just about a two week conference. As it is a daily reality for millions living in the worst affected countries so we need to make a daily response by raising awareness, praying, taking action and speaking up.
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, 8th January, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Did you hear about the wise men in the age of NFTs? They came bearing GIFs.
Festivals and Fun – planning for 2023!
We’re beginning to think about the church calendar for 2023- and would like to host a range of events suitable for all ages and interests to welcome friends new and old into the church. Last year, we had a ceilidh, an apple festival, Christmas Tree Festival, Pimms & Hymns… what would you like to see happen this year? All suggestions welcome – please put these in the green box at the back of church, and/or come along to the gathering after the 1030 service on the 22nd January.
Looking to the future
We need to do some major work the the roof and wall paintings that hare behind the organ pipes. This gives us opportunity to refurbish this room and the vestry – for the benefit of future generations of our church and parish community. If you’d like to be part of the initial discussion of what’s needed, please come to a workshop in church on the 25th January at 3.30pm. There will be further opportunities to chip in, in future!
Community at Christ Church:
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on 18th January – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In December, we approved extra lighting around the church paths, appointed 2 governors for Christ Church School, reviewed the fees we charge, and reviewed the Advent services and events. Please keep your PCC in your prayers.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 10th January 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 Julie Buckley for further details.
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
Warm Spaces – Mingle on Mondays
We plan to launch on the 9th January, every Monday from 1-2.30pm. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church to help with hosting, food preparation etc. If you’d like to help but don’t have a current DBS check with church, please bring two forms of photo id with you to church (passport, driving licence etc) and proof of address (council tax, utility bill, etc). Any questions – please ask Rev’d Carol.
Please keep this project in your prayers, and help to share posters and flyers around neighbouring streets.
Interested in animal welfare and activism?
Animal Think Tank, a local group, are aiming to change the way in which society views animals and strive for a world where all animals are considered as individuals and are no longer exploited and viewed as commodities. If you’d like to know more or would like to join their campaigns, contact Michael michael.mckelvey@animalthinktank.org.uk
Thank you
To everyone who has made our Christmas celebrations go so well this year, not least to Rev’d Clive and Pat Allen for covering services last week, John Williams for helping out on the organ, and to Ron, Julie and everyone who has welcomed, read, led prayers, sung, and offered hospitality. I’m sure we have entertained angels unawares!
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks and biscuits after the 10:30 am services.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address.
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
Light up the Lady Chapel
The Psalmist writes: ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ However, the lighting in the choir and Lady Chapel is in need of help – some has broken beyond repair, and the rest is struggling to illuminate a space that is now regularly used for worship. We already have raised half the funds needed.Can you help by sponsoring a light, or making a donation towards the £5k cost? Please see the envelope for more details or use this code:
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.
Epiphany Gifts
As we give thanks for the gift of Christ, light of the world, and remember the gifts brought by the Wise Men – might you be able to make a donation towards the candles, incense, bread, wine and oil which are part of our worship? Please see the suggestions list at the back of church, and make a donation labelled ‘Epiphany Gift’. Thank you to those who have already given so generously!
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 Sarah Leadsom safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07547 717060
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