(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 27th August 2023 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
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 27th August – Trinity 12
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 3rd September – Trinity 13
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
6pm Taizé Eucharist
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
Explore and Play
Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st August 10am – 12 noon. Primary age and siblings
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 and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good thing which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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
Isaiah 51.1-6
Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be for ever, and my deliverance will never be ended.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 67
Psalm 138
Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.
1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praise to you.
2 I will bow down towards your holy temple and praise your name, because of your love and faithfulness; for you have glorified your name and your word above all things.
3 In the day that I called to you, you answered me; you put new strength in my soul.
Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, that great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, he watches over the lowly; as for the proud, he regards them from afar.
Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will preserve me;
you will stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;
your right hand will save me.
8 The Lord shall make good his purpose for me; your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever; forsake not the work of your hands.
Refrain: Your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever.
Romans 12.1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 16.13-20
Glory to you, O Lord
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
God of all mercy, in this eucharist you have set aside our sins and given us your healing: grant that we who are made whole in Christ may bring that healing to this broken world, in the name of 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, Lucas Calvert.
Those who have died recently: Valerie Williams, June Skelland, Mike Dickinson, Linda Brady.
Those preparing for Baptism: Saskia Knowles, Sienna Knowles, Albie Keats, Bobbie Joseph Robinson
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on St Andrew’s Close, Quernmore Road, Campbell Drive,
For the work of our Cathedral, St Mary and St Paul in Blackburn.
For the guests we will welcome over the Heritage Open Weekends.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 29th 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
Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way. Karl Barth
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 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
Be thankful that, despite incidents of river pollution that have been in the news recently, we do have clean drinking water. Remember those millions of people worldwide that don’t, by supporting charities that are trying to help e.g. https://www.wateraid.org/uk/donate/tools-clean-water
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 on Sunday, 3rd September, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
My attempt to combine nitrous oxide and Oxo cubes made me a laughing stock.
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:
Apple Festival!
On Saturday 30th, our Apple Festival will celebrate local food, including pressing the fruit from our own orchard. Open between 2-4pm, with stalls, raffle and refreshments, and music from Mereside Community Choir. A competition for the best baked apple product (cake, biscuit, etc) will be open to child and adult categories – please bring entries for 2pm. If you’re able to help set up – please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie B know. And don’t forget to enter the raffle – numbers available at the back of church!
Heritage Open Weekends – and a local history talk
If you can spare an hour to welcome visitors to church on the 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th September as part of the Heritage Open Weekends, please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. Please also see the invitation (below) to the excellent talk on 9th September.
Christ Church Crafting
… meets monthly. Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Contact Julie Buckley for further details. A special session with Sara Dennis will be on Thursday 14th September 10.30-12noon in Church to repair the red altar frontal – all welcome! (No session on Tuesday 12th September.)
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.
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!
Heritage Open Weekend Talk 9th September at 7:30 pm in church
All are welcome to what will be an excellent talk by Dr Sam Riches of the Regional Heritage Centre, Lancaster University, entitled ‘From Cologne to Lancashire: a late medieval pilgrim badge of St Ursula in context.’ (Refreshments available. ) Please invite your friends and family along – she is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker.
Sponsored Swim
Susan Brooks will shortly be undertaking a sponsored swim in aid of Church funds – please fill in the sponsorship form at the back of church. Thank you, Susan!
Help Needed!
Do you have a car, and time to transport our donations to the Olive Branch food bank on White Cross each week? A 20 minute job… suitable for a jobshare! Please see Rev’d Carol if you’re interested.
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). 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
Claver Hill Community Farm
Would like to invite you to their Open Day on Sunday 27th August, near Central High School. Children to be accompanied and dogs on leads welcome. 12-4pm
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 .
Other Diary Dates…
30th September 2-4pm Apple Festival
1st October Harvest Festival, followed by Jacob’s Join
5th November 3pm Memorial Service for the recently departed
17th November 6.30pm Quiz Night
1st-3rd December Christmas Tree Festival
10th December 4pm Christingle Service
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