(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 3rd March 2023 Second Sunday of Lent
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 5th March –2nd Sunday of Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
12:00 pm Lent Course (Hall)
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
No Start Group this week
4 pm Prayer4 (Zoom)
7 pm Start Group (Vicarage)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation (Storey Chapel)
6 pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 12th March – 3rd Sunday of Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
12:00 pm Lent Course (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 26th March in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 10th March). Youth group for those in Years 5-7, with games, snacks and conversation.
Contact: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623
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
Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Genesis 12.1-4a
Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’
So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 121
Refrain: The Lord shall keep you from all evil.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer your foot to stumble; he who watches over you will not sleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Refrain: The Lord shall keep you from all evil.
5 The Lord himself watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, neither the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall keep you from all evil; it is he who shall keep your soul.
8 The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.
Refrain: The Lord shall keep you from all evil.
Romans 4.1-5,13-17
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 3.1-17. Glory to you, O Lord.
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.. Amen.
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Sitar Rose, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Mike Dickinson, Valerie Williams, Margaret Lyth.
Those who have died recently: Margaret Smith, David Robinson, Andrew Wilson, Fred Forrest, Janet Ball.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Lowther Road, Caldbeck Road.
For the work of local food banks.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 7th March 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
Lent
Lent is a season of prayer, reflection, good works, and changing our lives into the pattern of Christ. Study booklets (Dust and Glory and Watching in Hope) are available, which give a daily prayer and reflection.
To receive Watching in Hope into your inbox, please click https://anglican.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a15fccd4e5e3c1f2c18b97300&id=297750f36b
Lent Course
…. started last Sunday. Everyone is welcome to join the Bread of Life course, exploring more about what the Eucharist means for us. Five more sessions will run throughout Lent after the 10.30am Eucharist – and there are plans to repeat the course after Easter midweek for those unable to make it. https://spckpublishing.co.uk/bread-of-life-course
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 March – 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 until 14th March, 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.
The Electoral Roll
Would you say that Christ Church is your church? If so, please consider adding your name to the Electoral Roll (a list of people who are part of Christ Church and who worship here regularly). This entitles you to vote in church elections, and also helps us know how many people feel at home here. Please pick up form at the back of church, or see Jane Lippitt for more info.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tinned pudding, rice, tinned curry, tinned pies, tinned ham, sweetcorn and peas, shampoo, shower gel, size 5 and size 6 nappies. . 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
Lent is a time to open your hearts to God and to transform your life. Reflect on how you can change your life and the natural world around you.
Donations for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Donations of washing powder, laundry liquid, men’s toiletries, men’s hats and gloves needed. Please leave donations in the box at the back of church for RAIS.
Help for the Turkish and Syrian Earthquakes.
If you’re able to make a donation to support the rescue and relief efforts, a national appeal has been launched: https://donation.dec.org.uk/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal, for which Christian Aid and other faith-based charities are providing essential aid.
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 today, Sunday, 5th March, and then 2nd April and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
If you understand English, press 1. If you do not understand English, press 2. (Recording on an Australian tax help line.)
Thought for the week
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. —C.S. Lewis
Lent Lunch
On Friday 10th March, everyone welcome at the Vicarage (1 East Road) for lunch (soup and a roll) between 12 and 2pm.
Donations welcomed for the work of Christian Aid.
Help Needed!
To make posies for Mothering Sunday. Meet on Saturday 18th March from 2pm in the Vestry. Please bring a warm jacket, and, if possible, scissors or secateurs. See Helen for more info.
The Real Easter egg – Fairtrade chocolate eggs
Order yours on the form at the back of church (milk or dark) for £5 each. Contains a delicious egg, and an Easter storybook.
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on the 15th March – if there are items of church life which you’d like to see discussed, please let your PCC reps, or Julie Buckley or Rev’d Carol know. 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
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th March at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Meeting 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 around neighbouring streets.
Restoration and Refurbishment
Following the workshop on 25th February, a working party will meet and put the key proposals to our architects for some initial sketch suggestions about what might be possible – so there will be more opportunity to share your thoughts on the plans in coming months! If you (or someone you know) has skills in project management, fundraising and finance, historic buildings or conservation, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Save the Date!
A Day to Pray – Saturday 18th March 9.30am-1.30pm. During Lent, we set apart time for prayer, reading the Scriptures, fasting and good works. Come along to try out some different ways of praying, and explore what prayer is. Everyone welcome – no experience necessary! Lunch provided, please let Rev’d Carol know any dietary needs.
Other Diary Dates…
10th March 12noon Lent Lunch at the Vicarage for Christian Aid
19th March 10.30am Mothering Sunday
2nd April 10.15am Palm Sunday Procession
TBC April Spring Fayre with Children’s games and events
8th May Community Litter Pick followed by Coronation BBQ
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
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: …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
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955