(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 2nd April 2023 Palm 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 2nd April
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:15 am Meet at Martyr’s Field ready for
10:30 am Palm Sunday Procession and Service
12 pm Lent Course (Hall)
12:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
7 pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday
7:30 pm Festival Eucharist and Watch
Good Friday
9:30am Stations of the Cross
12noon Walk of Witness from Dalton Square
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
Holy Saturday 8th April
7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire with Vigil
Easter Day 9th April
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Festal Eucharist
12:30 pm Christening
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 30th April in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 21st April). 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
True and humble king, hailed by the crowd as Messiah: grant us the faith to know you and love you, that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross, which is the path of glory. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2.5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (21.1-11). Glory to you, O Lord.
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant, and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation: give us the mind to follow you and to proclaim you as Lord and King, to the glory of God the Father. 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: Jean Staveley, Shirley Riggulsford, Celine Pye.
Those preparing for Baptism: Darcie Kernick, Margot Edmondson
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Mannin Way, Caton Road, Langdale Road,
For armed forces personnel and their families.
For our preparations for Holy Week and Easter, that in sharing the story of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection we would grow in faith.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 4th April 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 last session of the Bread of Life course, exploring more about what the Eucharist means for us, after the 10.30am Eucharist today, and then …
Starting after Easter
The Bread of Life Course will be starting on Tuesday 18th April at 7pm at the Vicarage, running for 6 weeks. Everyone welcome as we explore more about the Christian faith through the lens of the Eucharist. More info from Rev’d Carol.
Thought for the Week
God is at our side in every affliction, in every fear; no evil, no sin will ever have the final word. God triumphs, but the palm of victory passes through the wood of the cross. For the palm and the cross are inseparable. Pope Francis
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.
Holy Week and Easter at Christ Church
– please share flyers with neighbours, and our parish.
Palm Sunday 2nd April 10:15am Palm Procession from Martyrs’ Field, Derwent Rd
10:30am Family Eucharist in church
7pm Taizé Eucharist for Holy Week
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday 6th April 7.30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch to remember the Last Supper
Good Friday 7th April 9:30am Stations of the Cross 2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
12noon Walk of Witness from Dalton Square
4pm Messy Church for families (in the Church Hall)
Holy Saturday 8th April 7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire with a Vigil to bring Christ’s light into church.
Easter Day 9th April Festival Eucharists at 8:30am and 10:30am
Maundy Thursday
Please sign up for 30 minutes of quiet prayer after the 7.30pm Eucharist on the 6th April. It’s traditional to keep a watch until midnight, sharing in Christ’s long night of prayer before his trial and crucifixion.
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.
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.
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
Bay Area Recycling is the local arm of TerraCycle a global leader dealing with hard to recycle materials. Learn more by visiting their Facebook page or contact them via https://bayarearecycling.wordpress.com/about/ Ask the eco group is there is anything you would like to add to our monthly collection. Bay Area Recycling is the local arm of TerraCycle a global leader dealing with hard to recycle materials. Learn more by visiting their Facebook page or contact them via https://bayarearecycling.wordpress.com/about/ Ask the eco group is there is anything you would like to add to our monthly collection.
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 2nd April and the first Sunday of every month.
Thank you!
To everyone who came to help with the DIY and cleaning yesterday and for helping to get church ready for Holy Week.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q, What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? A. Finding half a worm
PCC
Our Church Council 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 11th April 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
This Monday, 27th March, will be the last time we offer the service this season. All are welcome to come along from 1-2.30pm.
Please keep this project and all who have shared in it in your prayers.
Restoration and Refurbishment
Following the workshop on 27th March, February, the working party will meet ith the architects to begin to plan the next steps. 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.
Other Diary Dates…
TBC April Spring Fayre with Children’s games and events
7th May Cream Tea and Choral Evensong
8th May Community Litter Pick followed by Coronation BBQ
14th May Parish Walk
17th June 7pm Steven Moore Concert in Church
23rd July 3pm Pet Blessing Service
30th July 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
13th August Feast of the Assumption followed by Barbecue
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