(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 11th May 2025 Fourth Sunday of Easter
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 – 11th May
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together Eucharist followed by APCM
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 18th May – Fifth Sunday of Easter
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
4pm Godly Play
6pm Evening Prayer.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he 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 – 18th May
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 25th May
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:
Acts 9.36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
3 He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever
Revelation 7.9-end
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John 10.22-30. Glory to you, O Lord
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; 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: David Whitehouse, His Holiness Pope Francis, Joyce Wilson, Patricia House. – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those recently married:
Jodie Townley and Simon Wearing – may God bless them in their new life together.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work on Moor Lane, East Road.
For our Eco Group, Craft Group and Book Group.
For our preparations for Choir Church on the 16th May. – 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.
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 today, and 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, 18th May, at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
Pathfinders & Voyagers – summer holiday clubs – Innes will run activities for Pathfinders (age 4+ Tuesdays) and Voyagers (age 8+ Thursdays) each week during the summer holidays (10am to 12 noon). All youngsters welcome! Flyers will follow.
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.
Rev’d Kaarina’s News
Rev’d Kaarina began a phased return to work on the 6th May. Please keep her in your prayers as she makes a gentle return to ministry in our parish.
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
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. Samuel Johnson
Annual Meeting and Elections
Today, Sunday 11th May, after the 10.30 Eucharist, we will hold our church Annual Meeting, giving thanks for all that happened within our community during 2024. We will also elect our Churchwardens and church council (PCC) members who will serve the community in the year ahead. Please save the date and come along!
Please prayerfully consider whether you can offer your time and skills to help the church in the year ahead, and have a chat with Rev’d Carol or one of the current PCC members about what’s involved. Nomination forms for PCC members and Churchwardens are available at the back of church. Please also collect copies of the annual accounts and annual report.
Vicarage News
The Diocese have found a new Vicarage on Wentworth Drive (near the Moor Hospital) to replace 1 East Road. It is a smaller and warmer property, easier to maintain, and closer to the centre of our parish. There’s no moving date yet. Please chat to Rev’d Carol if you have any questions, and any concerns can be raised with the Diocesan Property Department.
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
Acknowledged by RHS to be beneficial for nature, dandelions provide vital early spring food for many insects, including bees and butterflies. Their roots loosen soil and improve drainage and soil health. Please leave them alone to do their job.
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.
Climate Conversations, 14th June – St Thomas’ Church Centre
Dr Jan Maskell will facilitate interactive workshops about how we can reduce our carbon footprint at St Thomas’s Church Centre on 14th June 9:30am-12:30pm or 2pm-5pm. Booking details on the poster in church
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 9th April. We discussed our financial deficit, and plans for children’s ministry. 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:
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!
Choir Church
Our first service in school was a great success, with 40 people attending! Our children’s choir sounded fantastic. If you’re able to help with the 16th May’s service at 3.15pm in school, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
A Pint of Theology – 13th May
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.
Nearly New Sale – Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who supported and helped with our Nearly-New Sale yesterday!The final total will be announced soon.
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 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 6th June) 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 (6th June) 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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What lights up a football stadium? A. A match!
Christian Aid Week – 11th -17th May Dying crops means food stops
You can help farmers like Amelia in Guatemala, dependent on crops but heatwaves have dried up the river watering her land, by donating to https://fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/envelope-2025/lancaster-and-area-christian-aid-group
Save the dates:
On Thursday 29th May, 40 days after Easter, we keep Ascension Day – remembering Jesus’ return to heaven after His resurrection, and Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit upon His church. Join us for: 0730am Prayers at the Ashton Memorial with Lancaster Churches Together; and a 0930am Festal Eucharist in Christ Church.
Then on Saturday 31st May, join us for a walk around our parish boundary, approx 7.5 miles, leaving Church at 10am. We’ll walk through Scotch Quarry, along the Lune, and back via Halton and the Prison. Accompanied children and dogs welcome – please bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear.
And – on Sunday 8th June, there’ll be a Pentecost Concert in Church at 4pm – have a word with Rev’d Clive if you’d like to offer a musical item!
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 …. curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk07749 489623
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07853791776
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