(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 6th August 2023 Transfiguration of Jesus
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 6th August
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (via Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 13th August – Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Children and Youth
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 17th September in the Hall for KS1/2
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
Father in heaven, whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem: give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross that in the world to come we may see him as he is; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Daniel 7.9,10,13,14
As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousand served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgement, and the books were opened. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.ing mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 97
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
1 The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his enemies on every side.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
4 His lightnings lit up the world;
the earth saw it and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declared his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in mere idols. Bow down before him, all you gods.
8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced,
because of your judgements, O Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his faithful
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous and joy for the true of heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name.
Refrain: You, Lord, are most high over all the earth.
2 Peter 1.16-19
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 9.28-36
Glory to you, O Lord
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty.
Those who have died recently: Patrick Hare, Barbara Rouse, Valerie Williams, June Skelland, Mike Dickinson.
Those preparing for Baptism: Kehlani-Mae Atkinson
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Parkgate Drive, Cedarwood Place, Gleneagles Drive.
For the work of local food banks, especially during the holidays.
For our parish barbecue and the people we will invite.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 8th August 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 Sunday 3rd September after a summer break – 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.
Starting in September – Choir Church
A new service will start in September. Christ Church are part of a diocese-wide programme of Choir Church, where pupils in our school learn to sing hymns and anthems in an after-school club, ready to share in a monthly eucharist in the school hall. Might you be able to help share refreshments and welcome people? Please ask Rev’d Carol for more info.
Thought for the Week
God places us in the world as his fellow workers – agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God’s world. Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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 URGENT 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
Oceans feed us, regulate our climate, and generate most of the oxygen we breathe but it’s still being polluted by plastic. Make sure your unwanted plastic is recycled or disposed of properly.
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.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be this Sunday, 6th August, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
PCC
…. next meets on the 13th September. 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
Community at Christ Church:
BBQ on the 13th August
Everyone welcome to share in our parish BBQ after the 10:30 am Service next Sunday. Delicious vegan and veggie options also available. For catering purposes, please get your advance tickets from Julie Buckley (and ideally give us any dietary requirements). On-the-day guests are welcome too! Why not bring a friend?
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 8th August 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
Explore and Play – fun activities for the school holidays
There will be games, stories, and snacks for primary age children and younger siblings in the Church Hall and grounds on Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st August 10am – 12 noon. Do bring your youngsters along for some fun.
Pet Blessing Service
Thank you for all the donations of old towels or blankets, these will be taken to Wolfwood animal care. We welcomed 11 dogs and 2 rabbits plus their owners – it was a lovely afternoon!
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 on the 1st September!
Help needed!
If you can spare 30 mins or more on Saturday 12th from 9.30-11am to help clean the church and do some basic DIY – everyone welcome! Brunch provided.
Other Diary Dates…
12th August Working Party to clean church and do basic DIY
13th August Feast of the Assumption followed by Barbecue
30th September 2-4pm Apple Festival
Giving in Grace Appeal
Thank you to everyone who has so far supported our Giving in Grace appeal towards the worship, ministry and upkeep of Christ Church. Please pick up a leaflet, and consider how you might support your church community.
We’re hiring!
Following a review of our children’s and youth work at Christ Church, we’re looking to appoint a Children’s Ministry Leader (part time).
The post holder will have the opportunity to help us make a real difference in a varied and rapidly changing parish with an expanding population.
Our congregations have grown in recent years, and we are looking for a leader who will enable new families to take the next step in faith, and to establish a volunteer team for children’s ministry within and beyond the church’s walls. The post is for 15 hours a week, on a 2 year initial contract and subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
For an informal conversation please contact the Vicar, revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com, or to apply for this Vacancy visit https://pathways.churchofengland.org/job/pathways/4483/children-s-ministry-leader-part-time
New Children’s Area
Thanks to a historic trust fund, we have been able to refurbish our children’s area, so that it is more welcoming, and helps children and families grow in faith. The furniture is made from up-cycled wood from other churches. We hope you enjoy it!
Looking for a venue?
Our Hall is available for bookings for parties, meetings, classes, talks, etc., at very reasonable rates (£24 for the first hour, then £12 for each subsequent hour). It’s a lovely big space, served by a very well-equipped kitchen with all the crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and equipment you’re likely to need. If you’d like to know about availability, or more about what’s available, please contact Pat Allen, at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or on 07980 351855 .
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:
Churchwardens: … Mr Peter Bohdan 07974924968; 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