(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 21st May 2023 Easter 7
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 21st May – Sunday after Ascension Day
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12.30 and 1.30pm Baptisms
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel))
Monday
2:30pm Funeral (Claire Payne)
Tuesday
7pm Bread of Life Course (Vicarage)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 28th May – Pentecost
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Festal Eucharist for Pentecost
6pm 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 21st May in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 26th May). 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
Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find forgiveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 1.6-14
So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 68.1-10,32-35
Refrain: Sing to God, sing praises to his name.
1 Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered; let those that hate him flee before him.
2 As the smoke vanishes, so may they vanish away; as wax melts at the fire,
so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them make merry with gladness.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
exalt him who rides on the clouds.
The Lord is his name; rejoice before him.
5 Father of the fatherless, defender of widows, God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home
and brings forth prisoners to songs of welcome, but the rebellious inhabit a burning desert.
Refrain:
7 O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook and the heavens dropped down rain, at the presence of God, the Lord of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent down a gracious rain, O God;
you refreshed your inheritance when it was weary.
10 Your people came to dwell there; in your goodness, O God, you provide for the poor.
Refrain:
32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; make music in praise of the Lord;
33 He rides on the ancient heaven of heavens and sends forth his voice, a mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God, whose splendour is over Israel, whose power is above the clouds.
35 How terrible is God in his holy sanctuary,
the God of Israel, who gives power and strength to his people! Blessed be God.
Refrain:
1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 14.15-21
Glory to you, O Lord
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the good news we proclaim; 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, Leon Taylor, Juliann Dougherty
Those who have died recently: Joan Howarth, Albert Stott, Claire Payne, Paul Woodhouse, Julie Lewarne.
Those preparing for Marriage: Kirsten McCaskill and John Marshall, Charlotte Quail and James Woodhouse.
Those preparing for Baptism
Finley Cumpstey, Luke Cumpstey, Allie Diamond.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Denis Street, De Vitre Street.
For travellers, especially those in haulage and public transport.
For preparations and volunteers for the Children’s Activity Afternoon.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 30th May 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 on Sunday 4th June – 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.
Please will you spare 3 minutes to help the 6pm service?
The 6pm service has been running in it’s current pattern for 18 months. It includes the Taize Eucharist, Celtic Evening Prayer, Ignatian Prayer, and Book of Common Prayer services. We’d like to know what works for you about the current prayer and worship, and your thoughts on what you’d like to see happen in the next 18 months.
The QR code will take you to a short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9Z7VZNM
Or please have a chat with Rev’d Carol about what would make the service better,
what you look forward to, and where you find God in 6pm prayer and worship.
The Eucharist – going deeper
The final session of the Bread of Life Course is on Tuesday at 7pm at the Vicarage. Everyone welcome as we explore more about the Christian faith through the lens of the Eucharist – don’t worry if you missed the last session. More info from Rev’d Carol.
Thought for the Week
Many people want to serve God – but only as advisors.
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.
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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
Delay cutting your lawn until late summer and allow grasses to set seed, wildflowers bloom and provide nectar. Just by doing this you will encourage small mammals, insects and seed eating birds for you to enjoy.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be Sunday 4th June, and the first Sunday of every month.
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Spotted on a church notice board: “Love your enemies – After all, you made them.”
APCM
Jacqueline Stamper and Peter Bohdan were elected as Churchwardens.
Pat Allen and Cathy Wilson were elected as Deanery Synod Representatives.
Julie Buckley, Louise Tuck, Paul Thompson, Celia Brigg, Joel Taylor, Susan Brooks, Cathy Wilson, Claire Mumford and Helen Simpson were elected to PCC.
PCC
…. meets next on 24th May. If there are ideas, suggestions or things you’d like to raise, please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie Buckley 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
Cross Bay Walk!
Thank you to everyone who sponsored Rev’d Carol and the group doing the Cross Bay Walk for Money For Madagascar. Please leave sponsorship money in the labelled envelope.
Community at Christ Church:
Children’s Games and Sports – 27th May – can you help, please?
A further reminder that volunteers are needed to: help set up the children’s activities; be present during the afternoon to help and chat to people; help dismantle and tidy up. If you can help with some or all the above, please contact Julie Tinnion on 07749 489623
Small toys/games for the children’s tombola, please!
Small new, or good condition used games and toys are needed for the ‘win every time’ tombola at the Children’s Games afternoon on 27th May. Please contact Julie Tinnion.
Steven Moore Concert Tour
Percussionist Steven is returning, this time with his friends to bring some thrilling new repertoire on Saturday 17th June. At 7.30pm Music will be eclectic as always, including transcriptions of Debussy and Bach, exhilarating works with multi-percussion, new works with film and pieces to bring moments of serenity. Tickets £15 or £10 Concessions (with funds split with Christ Church) Available on the door or pre-book at www.StevenMoorePercussionist.com
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 13th June 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
Gardening
The church gardening group meets on the first Friday of the month from 12-2pm – do come for as much or as little as you are able to. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you can although there are some spares in the shed – everyone welcome!
From Christ Church Birds (as conveyed by Julian)
The newly formed committee of feathered friends has passed a unanimous resolution to thank our congregation for their generous response to the recent appeal for funds. Pigeon is overwhelmed and Magpie has fainted at the sight of all those shiny coins. No matter – they will soon come round again on a tasty snack of suet and sunflower seeds. Well done everyone!
Other Diary Dates…
27th May Spring Fayre with Children’s Games and Sports
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
Man Alive!
At Blackburn Cathedral on Thursday 22nd June at 7.30pm An opportunity for men from across Lancashire to come together and hear inspiring stories of faith, to celebrate and worship God, and to be encouraged in their own walk of faith. Tickets available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/man-alive-tickets-598422256077
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc. 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