(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 19th March 2023 Mothering 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 – Sunday 19th March – Mothering Sunday
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist (for Mothering Sunday)
12 pm Lent Course (Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation (Storey Chapel)
6 pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 26th March – Lent 5
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
12 pm Lent Course (Hall)
4 pm Messy Church (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 24th 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
God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:
strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Exodus 2.1-10
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34.11-20
Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is there who delights in life
and longs for days to enjoy good things?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from lying words.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry and the Lord hears them and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and will save those who are crushed in spirit.
Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.
19 Many are the troubles of the righteous; from them all will the Lord deliver them.
20 He keeps all their bones,
so that not one of them is broken.
Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.
Colossians 3.12-17
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (19.25b-27). Glory to you, O Lord.
And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Loving God, as a mother feeds her children at the breast you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternal life: help us who have tasted your goodness to grow in grace within the household of faith;
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, Leon Taylor
Those who have died recently: Fred Forrest, Janet Ball, Shirley Riggulsford.
Those preparing for Baptism: Darcie Kernick
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Willow Grove, Ellwood Square.
For all foster carers
For our preparations for Holy Week and Easter, that in sharing the story of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection would grow in faith.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 21st 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
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 2nd April – 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.
Lent Course
Everyone is welcome to join the Bread of Life course, exploring more about what the Eucharist means for us. Four more sessions will run throughout Lent after the 10.30am Eucharist on Sundays – 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
Thought for the Week
What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family. St Teresa of Calcutta
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/
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.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Like many other monocultures, the cocoa industry is a major driver of deforestation as well as exploitation. Organisations such as NWF focus on commodities that have the greatest impact on forests and people and support agro- forestry systems which benefit farmers as well as producing earth friendly chocolate. Read and learn about their work at https://international.nwf.org/about/
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 2nd April and the first Sunday of every month.
Thank you!
… to all who came to help to make posies for Mothering Sunday yesterday afternoon, with special thanks to Helen for organising the flowers, etc.
Help needed!
Can you spare 30 mins or more on Saturday 1st April to help clean and prepare church ready for Holy Week? Basic DIY jobs also needed. 10am-12noon, includes brunch – everyone welcome!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why are koalas not really bears?
A. They don’t meet the koalafications.
The Real Easter egg – Fairtrade chocolate eggs
Buy 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 met on 15th March, when we approved the Annual Report and Account and discussed preparations for the APCM, the Choir Church project starting in 2024, Coronation weekend events, a report from CCPS on their music and library projects, Ron’s retirement as organist and future music arrangements, leaflets for Holy Week and Easter, the North Transept works, heating improvements, stewardship and events, as well as approving a suite of PCC policies. It meets next on 17th April. 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
Save the Date!
Saturday 10th June sees a cross-bay walk, in aid of Money For Madagascar, our Eco-Group’s nominated charity. Please book a place asap here https://moneyformadagascar.org/cross-bay-walk-2023/
and let Rev’d Carol know if you’d like a lift. She also has three spare tickets available, first come, first served!
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, the working party will meet again on Monday 27th March at 4pm to consider our vision for the buildings and begin to plan the fundraising. All welcome to have your say. If you (or some people you know) have skills in project management, fundraising and finance, historic buildings or conservation, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 30th April, at which our Churchwardens and Parish Church Council will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate to represent your congregation – and whether you have skills and experience you can offer.
Other Diary Dates…
1st April 10 am – 12 noon (no joke!) Church cleaning and DIY morning with brunch
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