(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 12th November 2023 Remembrance 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 – 12th November – Remembrance
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Remembrance Sunday Eucharist
6pm Ignatian Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (see notice)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 19th November
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6pm Celtic Evening Prayer
Children and Youth
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Stories, crafts and a meal to share – meets in the Hall on Sunday 19th November from 4pm. Especially suitable for primary age children and their families
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, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Amos 5.18–24
Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake.
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 70
Refrain: Come to me quickly, O God.
1 O God, make speed to save me;
O Lord, make haste to help me.
2 Let those who seek my life
be put to shame and confusion;
let them be turned back and disgraced
who wish me evil.
3 Let those who mock and deride me
turn back because of their shame.
Refrain: Come to me quickly, O God.
4 But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say always, ‘Great is the Lord!’
5 As for me, I am poor and needy;
come to me quickly, O God.
6 You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.
Refrain: Come to me quickly, O God.
1 Thessalonians 4.13–18
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 25.1-13
Glory to you, O Lord
‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
God of peace, whose Son Jesus Christ proclaimed the kingdom
and restored the broken to wholeness of life: look with compassion on the anguish of the world, and by your healing power make whole both people and nations; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Please 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: Ivy Crawford, Doreen Naish.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Melbourne Road, Woodville Street
For the staff and residents at Sir Walter Lyon House.
For the our Confirmation candidates and for the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 14th November 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, 7th January- 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.
Services in Advent
Advent begins on the 3rd December, and throughout this month there will be no 6pm service. Instead, you’re warmly invited to come along at 4pm to the following special services: 3rd December, Advent Service; 10th December, Christingle; 17th December, Carol Service; and 24th December, Crib Service.
Thought for the Week
The whole point of the kingdom of God is Jesus has come to bear witness to the true truth, which is nonviolent. When God wants to take charge of the world, he doesn’t send in the tanks. He sends in the poor and the meek. N T Wright
Save the Date – Advent Course, starting 28th November
All are welcome to join our Advent Study Course, Preparing the Way, each Tuesday during Advent (except on 12th December, when we meet on Monday 11th). Come along to the Storey Chapel at 7:30 pm for about an hour. Sessions are standalone.
The Real Advent Calendar
The only Advent calendar to contain delicious Fairtrade chocolate and a beautifully illustrated booklet of the Christmas story! Please order on the form at the back of church. £5 each – please place cash in a yellow envelope and mark it ‘Advent Calendar’
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…
Mingle on Mondays – 20th November 2023 – 25th March 2024
This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship will start up again next month, open from 11:30 am – 2 pm each Monday (apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day). If you’re able to help set up and host, even occasionally, or if you can make soup or cake, or shop for bread and other supplies and bring them along on a Sunday, please sign up on the rota at the back of church. Please claim expenses – no-one should be out of pocket. Please pray for all who will come and all who will host. Thank you!
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
Although it may seem a strange time of year to think about nest boxes, if you put them up now there is a better chance of them being used next Spring. They can also be used for roosting during winter.
Emergency Short Term Refugee Accommodation
RAIS Lancaster is asking people in local churches to help find short-term accommodation to preventing new refugees suddenly becoming street homeless. (Help with additional costs is available). Please see the attached leaflet with further information, sign up to join the Zoom meeting to find out what’s involved, or ask Pat if you have any questions.
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 3rd December, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I needed a password eight characters long – so I chose Snow White and the seven dwarfs.
PCC
…. meets on the 13th November. We will be thinking about refugee accommodation, repairs to the North Porch, and the church finances. Please let Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley have your ideas and suggestions for discussion. 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:
Serving Team
We’re looking for new members for our serving team for the 10.30am Eucharist, who help carry the cross, lights and Bible, as well as helping the service go smoothly. This can be on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Suitable for ages 9+, training will be given.
Craft Group
Members of the craft group are currently repairing the gold-work embroidery on the red altar frontal. This has proved to be a mammoth task as some of the original work is Victorian – so thank you for all your hard work so far! We’ve been assisted by Sara Dennis from the Repair Shop – but in the mean time, the high altar will look a little plainer than usual!
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
Thank you to our team of gardeners who have transformed the church garden this year – enjoy a well-earned winter beak!
Quiz Night – 17th November
Why not come along to our first Christ Church Quiz Night on Friday 17th November at 6:30 pm? There will be lots of fun for all the family. Bring your own drinks – snacks will be provided. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door – £10 for a family ticket, or £4 for an individual adult.
Save the Date! Christmas Tree Festival 1st – 3rd December
Our Christmas Tree Festival will be on the 1st-3rd December. If you can spare an hour to help set up the Festival, to welcome guests or to help with refreshments, please sign up on the list at the back of church. We also need donations of homemade cakes! Please take an invite from the table near the church door.
Children’s Church, Messy Church – could you help?
Might you be able to help out occasionally with some of our children’s activities? Rev’d Carol and Julie Tinnion can tell you more about what would be involved.
Toy Service
A Christ Church tradition – every year, we collect new and good-condition-second-hand toys (no soft toys please) to share with local families through the Ryleands Sure Start Centre. This will be during the 10.30am service on Sunday 17th December.
Podcasts for Children – Follow the Son
From the Diocese of Blackburn: Starting new habits can be hard sometimes, especially when you’re an adult. Spending time with God can feel like a chore, even though we know it isn’t. Children pick up things very easily, that’s why we’ve created this podcast – to help children get into the practice of starting and ending their day with God. Available here: https://www.bdeducation.org.uk/podcasts/follow-the-son/
Other Diary Dates…
17th November 6.30pm Quiz Night
1st-3rd December Christmas Tree Festival
3rd December 4pm Advent Service
10th December 4pm Christingle Service
18th December 4pm Christmas Carol Service
24th December 4pm Crib Service
24th December 11:30pm Midnight Mass
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc., after the 10:30 am Sunday service.
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