(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 22nd January 2023 Epiphany 3
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 – 22nd January – Epiphany 3
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 29th January – Candlemas
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Festal Eucharist for Candlemas (with Children’s Church)
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
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 youth group for those in Years 5-7, with games, snacks and conversation. Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 10th February).
Houseparty 2023
Youth groups are coming together from local churches to enjoy a night of big fun, food and faith! Rodeo bull, computer games, craft, indoor archery, chill space, karaoke, Just Dance, takeaway pizza and more! 27 January. Instagram info: @ResoluteYouthUK
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
God of all mercy,
your Son proclaimed good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed: anoint us with your Holy Spirit and set all your people free to praise you in Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 9.1-4
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 27.1,4-12*
Refrain: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord
and that alone I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
5 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord
and to seek his will in his temple.
6 For in the day of trouble he shall hide me in his shelter; in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me
and set me high upon a rock.
7 And now shall he lift up my head
above my enemies round about me;
8 Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Refrain: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
9 Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call;
have mercy upon me and answer me.
10 My heart tells of your word, ‘Seek my face.’ Your face, Lord, will I seek.
11 Hide not your face from me,
nor cast your servant away in displeasure.
12 You have been my helper; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Refrain: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 Corinthians 1.10-18
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (4.12-23). Glory to you, O Lord.
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty Father, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
may your people, illumined by your word and sacraments, shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
+++++++++++++++++++++++
A new Bishop for Blackburn
It has been announced that Bishop Philip North will become our diocesan bishop, moving from being Bishop of Burnley. Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares to take up this role in the summer.
Please also 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, Mike Dickinson
Those who have died recently: Ann Gilbride, Stephen Mulholland, Lawrence ‘Lol’ Carr, Robert Leck, Julie Allonby, Norman Muckalt, Samantha Coates
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Lingmoor Road, Patterdale Road.
For Lancaster Churches Together, during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
For Bishop Philip North, as he prepares to become Bishop of Blackburn.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 24th 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
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25th January
This year Lancaster’s service for Christian Unity will take place at St Chad’s, Skerton at 7 pm on Sunday 22nd January 2023. Led by the Ecumenical band, Forever Amen, we hope you can join Lancaster Churches Together for this uplifting spiritual event.
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 5th February – 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.
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)
Houseparty 2023
Youth groups are coming together from local churches to enjoy a night of big fun, food and faith at St Thomas’s in Lancaster on 27 January! Rodeo bull, computer games, craft, indoor archery, chill space, karaoke, Just Dance, takeaway pizza and more! With special guest: Jono Peatman For further information on Instagram: @ResoluteYouthUK.
Thought for the week
Discipleship is not limited to what you can comprehend – it must transcend all comprehension. ……Bewilderment is the true comprehension. Not to know where you are going is the true knowledge. Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
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/
Volunteer Note taker needed:
Might you be able to support the Gregson Centre as a Volunteer Minute Taker? We rather urgently need to find somebody to support us with this role. There’s more information here: https://gregson.co.uk/vacancies/ – approx 5-6 hours per month.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Many farmers are facing a dilemma between producing cheaper food and better environment. Support those who are working to achieve both these objectives if you can.
Vegan cookery book
The Eco-Group have produced a vegan recipe booklet, available at the back of church in the newsletter. Free – but donations to the Food bank if wished.
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, 5th February, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What’s the fastest fish in the lake? A. A motor-pike..
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 10:30 service today – 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 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 15th February – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In January, we approved work to repair the cellar door, and grant applications for the initial work on the Vestry. Please keep your PCC in your prayers, and share this prayer for our church:
Lord God, Together with you by our side, we can bring growth to our Church. Send your Holy Spirit to give us good planning, wise actions, joy in worship and our welcome, the right words when we speak to others. Help our Church grow in numbers, in Spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community, through Christ our Lord. Amen
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th February 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
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.
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: … TBC 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