Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 19th January 2025 Epiphany 2
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 19th January
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
12:30pm Christening
4pm Godly Play
6pm Celtic Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Evenin Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 26th January – Epiphany 3
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Messy Church
6pm Pilgrim Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through 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
Children’s Church
welcomes primary-aged children during the 10.30am service during term time. Parents/guardians are also welcome to join in. Please see back-page notice.
Godly Play – today – 19th January
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 26th January
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in church for KS1/2 children
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 today:
Isaiah 62.1–5
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 36.5–10
Refrain: With you, O God, is the well of life
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens; and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep; you, Lord, shall save both man and beast.
7 How precious is your loving mercy, O God! All mortal flesh shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8 They shall be satisfied with the abundance of your house; they shall drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the well of life and in your light shall we see light.
10 O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.
Refrain: With you, O God, is the well of life
1 Corinthians 12. 1-11
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 2.1-11
Glory to you, O Lord.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of glory, you nourish us with your Word who is the bread of life: fill us with your Holy Spirit that through us the light of your glory may shine in all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Steve Wilkinson, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Ruby Rodrigues, Anne Brockbank, Marlene Phillips, Cathy Picken. – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Wendy (Clementine) Allen-Eliis, Barbara Gibson – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for marriage:
Thomas Fishwick and Lydia Benfold – that God will bless them in their new life together.
Those preparing for Baptism:
Amelie Connor – may they grow in faith and shine as lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those living and working on Honister Road, Ambleside Road.
For our servers, readers and intercessors.
For preparations for our School’s 150th celebrations and the guests we welcome.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
On 5pm each Tuesday, 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1.
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 Innes. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged.
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play shares Scripture stories with children, and helping them wonder about faith, using a Montessori approach, with crafts and a snack to share too. It’s free, and especially suitable for primary age children (accompanied by an adult please). The next gathering is today – 19th January at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
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.
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.
Thought for the Week
Jesus may have chosen this family situation [the wedding at Cana] to perform this miracle because it is something everyone in every culture can relate to. An ordinary setting became the showcase for His supernatural power. Perhaps that is another lesson He wants us to learn from it. He wants to do something supernatural in the everyday events of our lives, as well.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
A warm invitation to join in Compline at Lancaster Cathedral on Monday 20th at 7pm with Christians across Lancaster.
Epiphany Gifts
If you can make a donation towards the cost of candles, bread, wine, and other sacristy items used in worship, please sign up on the list at the back of church, and mark any cash donations as ‘Epiphany Gift’. Thank you!
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs the following: tinned curry, chilli con carne, pies, spaghetti/macaroni cheese/ravioli, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, potatoes, beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks (biscuit/cake bars), cereal, jam, peanut butter, basmati/long-grain rice, pasta, pasta sauce jars, cooking oil; coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cordial, juice (long-life/non-fridge), long-life milk; and various toiletries. You can also give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Only 9% of plastic is recycled, so recycling alone can never deal with the sheer volume of plastic produced on our planet. Choose one item that you can replace with a non-plastic option.
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 or toothpaste tubes 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
… met on the 15th January. We discussed an external defibrillator, plans for children’s work, repairs to the roof, and our 2025 budget. If there are aspects of life and worship at Christ Church which you’d like discussing, please speak to Rev’d Carol, Julie Buckley, or one of the PCC members.
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:
Christ Church Primary School at 150!
On the 25th January 2025, our school will celebrate its 150th anniversary! Originally founded by Rev’d Philip Bartlett on Moor Lane, it moved to its Derwent Road site in the early 1990s. There’ll be a special service for the school on the 20th January, and then our 10.30am service on the 26th January has an open invitation to past pupils and staff to celebrate this fantastic milestone!
Talk on the History of Christ Church School – 22nd January
Dr Matt Cole will be giving a fascinating talk on150 years’ history of Christ Church Primary School on Wednesday 22nd January at 7 pm in church – everyone welcome!
A Pint of Theology
On the second Tuesday of the month, at 7:30pm, starting 11th February, everyone is welcome in the Olive Bar at the Gregson for an hour’s discussion (with or without a pint) on aspects of Christian theology and its place in our contemporary world. Please share with others who might be interetsted, and contact Innes if you’d like to know more.
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.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays, 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
Craft Group
…. meets on on January 7th at 11.30am. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. The group is hoping to increase its frequency to alternate weeks – watch this space!
Book Group
The church book group’s meets on the first Friday of the month (the next is on 7th February) at 4 pm in the church hall. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion 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
Monthly Drop-In Lunch and Open Church
On the second Sunday of each month, so in January we are trialling hosting a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month (next – 9th February) and keeping the church open during the afternoon. Please sign up on the list at the back of church if you’re able to help by making or serving soup, buying bread and cheese, etc. (expenses will be reimbursed), or welcoming visitors into church for a few hours in the afternoon – thank you!
Allergies at Christ Church
If you help with refreshments and serving food at Christ Church, please consider doing the Food Safety and Allergy training available here: https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ . It’s free, and simply requires you to register through the website. Thank you!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What do you call a fish wearing a bow tie? A. Sofishticated.
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.
EasyFundraising
Did you know you can support Christ Church when you shop online? Register using https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/, and the brand’s commission will be donated to the church.
Epiphany Gifts
If you can make a donation towards the cost of candles, bread, wine, and other sacristy items used in worship, please sign up on the list at the back of church, and mark any cash donations as ‘Epiphany Gift’. Thank you!
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong (On leave)
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp 07853791776 children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
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 07717 824574
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