Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 1st September 2024 Fourteenth Sunday of 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 – 1st September Trinity 14
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer via Zoom (see notice)
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 8th September Trinity 15
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Children’s Church
resumes on Sunday 8th September during the 10.30am service. For primary-aged children. Please see notice.
Contact: Rev’d Carol for more information.
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.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Deuteronomy 4.1-2, 6-9
So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you. You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!’ For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today?
But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 15
Refrain: Through the greatness of your mercy, I will come into your house.
1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
Who may rest upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads an uncorrupt life
and does the thing that is right;
3 Who speaks the truth from the heart and bears no deceit on the tongue;
4 Who does no evil to a friend
and pours no scorn on a neighbour;
5 In whose sight the wicked are not esteemed, but who honours those who fear the Lord.
6 Whoever has sworn to a neighbour
and never goes back on that word;
7 Who does not lend money in hope of gain, nor takes a bribe against the innocent;
8 Whoever does these things shall never fall.
Refrain: Through the greatness of your mercy, I will come into your house.
James 1.17-27
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 7.1-8, 14, 15, 21-23
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’ He said to them, ‘Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.” You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.’
Then he called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’ For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Diana Wickens, Steve Wilkinson, Richard Jones. – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those preparing for marriage:
John Lyth and Barbara Perrott – that God will bless them in their new life together.
Those who have died recently: Mary Tredennick, Jeanette Woodhead, Susan Allen, Diana Doren-Dean – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
Those who live and work on Mallside Close, Coleman Drive.
For those preparing to begin or return to school this week.
For our September mission weekend and the people we invite to share our church community. .
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
On 5pm each Tuesday (from the 27th August), Rev’d Carol and Rev’d Kaarina say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join them to give thanks for the day past, read the Scriptures and pray, the details are: Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Passcode 942105 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
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, 1st September – 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.
September Services – from the 8th September
To help us meet the needs of our children and families better, there will be a new shape to some of the 6pm evening services. These will include a Godly Play story, and time for quiet reflection. On the 2nd Sunday, it will be Evening Prayer, and on the 4th Sunday a family-friendly eucharist. We hope you can join us, and would love to hear your thoughts.
Children’s Church
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. We’re looking for helpers for Children’s Church for the new term. If you can offer one Sunday morning each a month (or more if possible) please have a word with Rev’d Carol. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged.
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, 1st September – 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.
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.
Thought for the Week
The marvels of God are not brought forth from one’s self. Rather, it is more like a chord, a sound that is played. The tone does not come out of the chord itself, but rather, through the touch of the musician. I am, of course, the lyre and harp of God’s kindness. Hildegard von Bingen
Confirmations
Would you like to take a next step in faith? Would you like to start receiving communion? On the 24th November, Bishop Jill will be with us for a Confirmation Service at 10.30am. If you’d like to be Confirmed (and/or Baptised) as part of this special occasion, or are curious, please have a chat with Rev’d Carol. There will be 6 preparation classes beforehand. Suitable for adults of any age, and for children in Year 6 and above.
Sponsor a Hymn
If you’d like to suggest and sponsor a hymn, to be sung within the 10.30am Eucharist, please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The foodbank continues to be in great need of tins of curry, chilli con carne, pies, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, kidney beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks of cake, cereal, jam, pasta sauce; packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, cordial, longlife juice, and many types of toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls, etc.) 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
Pope Francis established 1st September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, encouraging the Catholic community around the world to pray. Can you add your prayers to this world wide intercession on behalf of creation?
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 – from the Eco-Group
On the first Sunday of the month, we collect plastic toothbrushes and electric brush heads, covers and flosser nozzles,also flossing sticks, interdental brushes and dental tape containers. We can still take medical blister packs, but owing to the large quantities, please take your own to Superdrug if you can. No bottle tops please.
Fairtrade Church
We are now a Fairtrade Church. as a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
PCC
… meets next on 9th September. If there are aspects of church life, worship, and work in our parish which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley, or one of your PCC reps. If there are items of business which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley.
We ask you to pray this prayer ‘this time tomorrow’ after a Sunday service – wherever you are. (Why not put a reminder in your phone?)
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:
LGBTQ Sunday
Lancaster LGBTQ+ Christians and friends meet at 3pm on the first Sunday of every month at The Cornerstone, Dalton Square, LA1 1PX – LGBTQ-led service, friends and allies welcome, informal with reflection and conversation, safe space for all – www.LGBTQSunday.uk.
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please ask Rev’d Carol to complete the Supplementary Form with you during Office Hour (9.15am-10am on Sunday mornings). The deadline for forms is the 31st October.
Heritage Open Weekends
If you can spare an hour to welcome visitors to church on the 7th and 14th September at 11am and 2pm, as part of the Heritage Open Weekends, please sign up on the sheet at the back of church – more details from Rev’d Carol.
Chimney Appeal.
In May, a large chunk of plaster fell into the Sanctuary, from a height of at least 40ft. We’re awaiting a steeplejack to inspect the roof and chimney, and remove vegetation. If you are able to make a donation towards the £3000 cost of this work, please mark the envelope ‘Church Repair Fund’. Thank you very much.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
My friend got locked in a coffee place overnight. Now he only ever goes into Starbucks, not the rivals. He’s Costa-phobic.
Harvest Home 26th-29th September 2024
A weekend of special events at Christ Church to welcome people to our church family, and to share the love of God as we give thanks for the Harvest. Please take a card to help you pray for the church and our guests in the coming weeks:
Dear God, give me courage to invite my friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to our Harvest events. Give them an open heart to this invitation, and may they grow closer to your love. May our church be a welcoming community where we see Christ at work in each person. Help me to share what church means to me, and speak of the hope I find in Christ. Amen.
Thursday 26th September 6.30pm Harvest Supper and Quiz Night at the Gregson Centre, Moor Lane. (£3 per person for supper)
Friday 27th September Look out for the Christ Church team’s special events at the livestock market, LRGS, HMP Lancaster Farms, and Christ Church Primary School
Saturday 28th September 2-4pm Apple Festival at Christ Church
Apple juicing, Music, Storytelling, Games, Stalls, Refreshments, Competitions for home-baking. Free entry.
Sunday 29th September Harvest Festival
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together to Share the Harvest
With a collection of tins and long-life food for Lancaster Homeless Action
6pm Harvest Thanksgiving Service
I’m going – it’s going to be great! Would you like to come with me? Shall I pick you up?
Harvest Home 26th – 29th September – help needed
Volunteers are needed for the various events over the weekend (details below) – please sign up at the back of church if you’re able to spare some time to help welcome people. And if you can spare a raffle prize, that would be great, thank you.
Hall for Hire – Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially at weekends and during the day. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Pat hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855 for more info.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided by Lancashire Libraries, in addition to those shared by members. The date of the next meeting is 6th September. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion books is very welcome to join us. You can just turn up on the day, speak to Joyce, or send an email to joycelynch1946@gmail.com
Craft Group
Meets on the second (and sometimes other) Tuesday(s) of each month at 11.30am in the Hall. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. The group next meets on 10th September.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 6thSeptember between 12 and 2pm (and the first Friday of every month). Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like more 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 – 8:15 pm. 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
Promoting a Safer Church
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Any safeguardingconcerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your Parish Safeguarding Officers, Debbie Steele and Emma Muckalt, who can be contacted as above.
Concerns can also be raised directly with our Diocesan Team,Tel: 01254 503088 or email safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for refreshments after the 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:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
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: … Mrs Emma Muckalt & Ms Debbie Steele safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org 07547 717060
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
Promoting a Safer Church
Christ Church, Lancaster have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training. If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your Parish Safeguarding Officers, Debbie Steele and Emma Muckalt, who can be contacted as above. Concerns can also be raised directly with our Diocesan Team, Tel: 01254 503088 or email safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org