(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 16th March 2025 Second Sunday of Lent
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 – 16th March
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
12noon Lent Group
4pm Godly Play
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 23rd March – Third Sunday of Lent
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
12noon Lent Group
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 – 16th March
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 23rd March
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall 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:
Genesis 15.1-12,17-18
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ But the word of the Lord came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Then he said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.’ But he said, ‘O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?’ He said to him, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.
When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates’.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 27
Refrain: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not be afraid, and though there rise up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord and that alone I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
5 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek his will in his temple.
6 For in the day of trouble he shall hide me in his shelter; in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me and set me high upon a rock.
7 And now shall he lift up my head
above my enemies round about me;
8 Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Refrain:
9 Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call;
have mercy upon me and answer me.
10 My heart tells of your word, ‘Seek my face.’ Your face, Lord, will I seek.
11 Hide not your face from me,
nor cast your servant away in displeasure.
12 You have been my helper;
leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Refrain:
13 Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
14 Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of those who lie in wait for me.
15 Deliver me not into the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and those who breathe out violence.
16 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
17 Wait for the Lord; be strong and he shall comfort your heart;
wait patiently for the Lord.
Refrain:
Philippians 3.17 – 4.1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according Luke 13.31-35
Praise to you, O Lord
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through 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, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Liz Hilton, Marlene Phillips, Jamie Haxby- that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Anne Hull, Rev’d Ken Clapham, Derek Santon – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work in Grizedale Road, Coniston Road, Scarfell Road.
For the students and staff at the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria.
For Choir Church as it begins under Jayne Crow’s leadership – that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy 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. NO Zoom this week.
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. Please note that all children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian.
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, 16th March, 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
Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile. Connor Franta
Lent
The season of Lent invites us to follow Christ’s example of spending 40 days of prayer, study and fasting as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Please consider what habits you might take up (as well as give up!) to follow more closely in Christ’s footsteps. You may like to join the Lent Course – The Sacraments – meeting in the hall on Sundays after the 10.30 Eucharist, for five weeks from the 9th March. Please also pick up a Living Hope booklet, and you’re welcome to borrow some of the other books as food for the soul this season!
Notice of the Revision of the Church Electoral Roll
This year a completely new Church Electoral Roll has to be compiled, requiring all members of Christ Church to sign a new form. The new Electoral Roll opened on 9th March, and will end on 20th April . During these six weeks, new forms will be available at the back of church for each person to complete and sign. An electronic copy of the form will also be sent out with the newsletters, with more details of how to complete and return electronically Jane Lippitt – Electoral Roll Officer lippittjane@gmail.com
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink (cans of vegetables, meat, fish, pulses; packets of rice, pasta, biscuits, crisps, bars, cereals; jars of pasta sauce, jam, peanut butter; coffee, tea, hot chocolate; cartons of juice 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 – PLANT
Sow seeds for some home grown vegetables and herbs or for wild flowers for the birds, bees and butterflies
Further changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco-Group
On the first Sunday of the month, we collect medical blister packs and personal care items such as soft plastic tubes (e.g. for hand cream), wet wipe packaging and used make-up such as lipsticks, eyeshadow and mascara. Please look carefully at the information provided on and close to the collection boxes to ensure that you only bring in what can now be recycled volunteers. No bottle tops or dental products, please.
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.
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 10th March. We discussed our annual accounts and budget, plans for children’s ministry, and plans for work to repair the building.. 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:
Monthly Drop-In Lunch and Open Church – 13th April and 4th May
On the second Sunday of each month, there is a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month and we shall be 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).- 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!
A Pint of Theology – 8th April
On the second Tuesday of the month, at 7:30pm, 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
Choir Church
We’re delighted that our Choir Church Project is now up and running. Mrs Jayne Crow, a local music teacher, is leading singing lessons and a Choir Club in Christ Church School. The children will then share a eucharist with their families in school each half term. If you’re able to help with the 28th March’s service, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
Working Party – Saturday 29th March
Help is needed with some cleaning, maintenance and DIY tasks, as well as to prepare the Mothering Sunday posies, between 9.30-11.30am on 29th March. Please drop in even if you can’t spare the whole morning. Brunch will be provided. Children (accompanied by and adult) are welcome to help too.
Craft Group
…. meets most Tuesdays 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 is hoping to increase its frequency – watch this space!
Book Group
The church book group’s meets on the first Friday of the month (the next is on 4th April) 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
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (4th April) between 12noon at 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members always welcome – whether for all or part of the time. If you can, please bring gloves and secateurs.
Sponsored Walk
On the 29th March, Bruce Carter will be walking through (and staying in) our parish as he walks from John O’Groats to his home church in Salisbury, to raise funds for ABCD Bethlehem, a charity helping injured children in Gaza. If you wish to sponsor him, details are here: https://www.abcdbethlehem.org/donate
Mothering Sunday 30th March – As part of our service, we will be collecting toiletries to share with our local refuge. If you can, please bring shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, tampons and towels, nappies, moisturiser or skincare products to any of the services that day. Many in a refuge arrive with nothing, so these donations are really appreciated. Thank you.
Fairtrade Easter Eggs
If you’d like to celebrate a sweeter Easter, then the Real Easter Egg will soon be on sale. Made with dark or milk Fairtrade chocolate, and containing a story booklet. Please reserve yours on the list at the back of church. £5 each for church funds.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why do we put bulbs in the soil? A. So the worms can see where they’re going.
23rd Lancaster Scout Group (Christ Church) – Trustee wanted!
Our large, successful Scout Group https://23rdlancaster.org.uk/ provides adventure and life-skills to children aged 6-15. It now seeks members of our local church community to join its Trustee Board, to discuss and agree the direction of this active and outgoing group – only three Board meetings a year involved. If you are interested, please speak to Louise Tuck or email her on louisethearcher@hotmail.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.
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.
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