(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 22nd June 2025 Trinity 1
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
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Christening
4pm Messy Church
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
No Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Thursday
6pm Corpus Christi Eucharist & Benediction
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 29th June – Trinity 2
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Christening
4pm Pimms & Hymns
No Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; 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 – 20th July
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – today – 22nd June
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Isaiah 65.1-9
I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am’, to a nation that did not call on my name. I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks; who sit inside tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine’s flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels; who say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.’ These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will indeed repay into their laps their iniquities and their ancestors’ iniquities together, says the Lord; because they offered incense on the mountains and reviled me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions. Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it’, so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains; my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall settle there.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 22.19-28
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
19 Be not far from me, O Lord;
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my poor life from the power of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion’s mouth,
from the horns of wild oxen. You have answered me!
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
22 I will tell of your name to my people; in the midst of the congregation will I praise you.
23 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; O seed of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, O seed of Israel.
24 For he has not despised nor abhorred the suffering of the poor;
neither has he hidden his face from them; but when they cried to him he heard them.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; I will perform my vows in the presence of those that fear you.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live for ever.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s
and he rules over the nations.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
Galatians 3.23-29
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 8.26-39. Glory to you, O Lord
Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me’— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘Legion’; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts: may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love; for the sake 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, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Liz Hilton, Marlene Phillips, Jamie Haxby, Mary Peel, Rev’d David Heap, Nicola, Robert Patterson- that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: John McCafferty – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for Baptism: Teddy Freeman, Cole Thompson – may they shine as lights in the world.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work Aberdeen Road, Wyresdale Road, Kirkes Road.
For all who use our Hall
For the people we will invite to Pimms and Hymns – 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. There is no Zoom Evening Prayer 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 on 20th July, 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 available.
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
When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had of lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened Sir Winston Churchill
John McCafferty
John’s Memorial Service will be at Christ Church on Friday 11th July at 11am, followed by refreshments in the Hall. Please keep Jean and the family in your prayers
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
It’s not just in winter that nature needs our help. All creation works to reproduce itself by rearing young or producing and broadcasting seed. Work towards creating a healthy organic garden in order to help wildlife prosper.
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.
The Bible Course
Following on from the Sponsored Scripture Read, we will be running The Bible Course , a fantastic way to learn more about the Bible’s context and history, as well as how to understand God’s words today. Starting on Sunday 29th June after the 10:30 service, everyone is welcome!
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
Our PCC meets on Wednesday 2nd July. If there are items you’d like discussing as part of the church’s worship and community life. Please do talk to your PCC reps about any aspect of life at Christ Church, and pray for the PCC in its work this year. You might want to use the following prayer
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
Choir Church
Our recent 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 4th July’s service at 3.15pm in school, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
Community at Christ Church:
Pimms and Hymns – is back!
Save the date for Sunday 29th June – with a Cream Tea at 3pm, and Christ Church’s favourite hymns at 4pm. There’s a pink voting sheet in church – please use your two votes per person wisely!
Monthly Lunch and Open Church – 6th July
On one Sunday of each month there is a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch, and the church will be open during the afternoon. Please come along and bring someone. If you can help bring food, serve, wash-up, etc., please sign up on the list at the back of church – 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!
Admissions to Communion
If your child is regularly attending Christ Church, and would like to start receiving communion (bread, and wine with parent’s permission) – please let Rev’d Carol or Innes know. There will be a couple of preparation classes before children are formally admitted, and children need to be Christened/Baptised first.. This is a step before Confirmation, and is a sign of being part of the church community.
A Pint of Theology – 8th July
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
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 July) 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 July) 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.
Christians at Pride – today
Everyone in our churches is welcome to come and join the local Christians taking part in Lancaster Pride, today, Sunday 22nd June. The Parade starts at 11am from outside The Cornerstone in Dalton Square. There will be a short act of worship at 10am in The Cornerstone, followed by coffee, and a Celebration Communion there at 4pm. If you can bake cake and bring on the day (with ingredients/ allergy information), that would be much appreciated.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
A little boy asked his father if he could have a bike. His father had to say no, but added, “If you pray hard, you may have a little brother to play with soon.” The little boy did pray, but soon tired of it. Some months later,, his father took his son upstairs and showed him not one, but two little brothers with whom he could play. “Aren’t you glad that you prayed for a little brother?” asked the father. “Yes,” said the boy, doubtfully, ‘but aren’t you glad I stopped praying when I did?”
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.uk 07749 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
Church Warden: Greg Skelland churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07944 683847
Notices: Ms Jacqueline Stamper j.stamper@btinternet.com 01524 64083
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