(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 13th July 2025 Trinity 4
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
6pm Evening Prayer
With thanks to Rev’d Alex, Fr Gary and Rev’d Keith for covering services
Tuesday
NO Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
2pm CCPS Leavers’ Service
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
NO Holy Communion – owing toRipley end of term service
Next Sunday: 20th July– Trinity 5
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Baptisms
12.30pm Baptism.
4pm Godly Play
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, 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 – 27th July
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:
Deuteronomy 30.9-14
… and the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe..
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 25
Refrain: Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame, but let the treacherous be shamed and frustrated.
3 Make me to know your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you have I hoped all the day long.
5 Remember, Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.
Refrain: Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions,
but think on me in your goodness, O Lord, according to your steadfast love.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore shall he teach sinners in the way.
8 He will guide the humble in doing right and teach his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10 For your name’s sake, O Lord,
be merciful to my sin, for it is great.
Refrain: Remember, Lord, your compassion and love.
Colossians 1.1-14
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 10.25-37
Glory to you, O Lord
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken, you have fed us at the table of life and hope: teach us the ways of gentleness and peace, that all the world may acknowledge the kingdom of your Son 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: Lennon Regan, Alex Bell, Ben Marsden and Baby Marsden – may they shine as lights in the world.
Those preparing for Marriage – Laura Bleackley and Kiernan Pedder – may God bless them in their new life together e
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Parkgate Drive, Cedarwood Place, Gleneagles Drive.
For local food banks, as they need more donations to help over the summer
For the General Synod meeting this week
For the preparations for our Summer Holiday Clubs – Voyagers and Pathfinders – 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 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
To love God and neighbour is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete; it means seeing in every person the face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely. And you are, dear brothers and sisters, the face of Jesus. Pope Francis
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
Help to assess how much help nature needs by taking part in The Big Butterfly Count between 18th July to 10 August. It’s vital important research as well as great family fun.
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.
Bible Course – Sundays – no session 13th July
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. Meeting in the Hall after the 10:30 service for a lively discussion – everyone is welcome! No session today – 13th July!
Taizé Eucharist
Join us for a beautiful service of music, prayers and songs from the Taizé community in France. The next service is on the 7th September, with musicians rehearsing from 4.30pm.
Save the Date! Pet Blessing service 27th July
Join us on Sunday 27th July for our Pet Blessing service at 4pm. All creatures great and small welcome – on a lead or in a container please. If you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane – please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a collection of tinned/packet pet food and used blankets and towels for Wolfwood. Please invite friends and neighbours too!
Save the Date! Christ Church Bug Hunt
We’re going on a bug-hunt – I’m not scared! Join friends from the North Lancashire Wildlife Group at 2pm on Sunday 3rd August in the Hall and Garden to look for all the creatures which make a home in our church grounds. Families welcome – children must be accompanied.
140 Years of the Gregson Centre
Celebrating 140 years since plans were laid for the building of the Gregson Centre on Moor Gate, and we’d like you to help if you know anything about the building. The Gregson has been relied on through wars, recessions and good times. If you ever came here, or if you remember anything you were told about the building and its surroundings in the past, we’d love to hear about it to contribute to the history we’re building. If you can help us with any recollections, documents or photographs, please contact us in any of the following ways: by email: m.r.cole@outlook.com; by mobile: 07762176035; at the Gregson itself by post or by leaving a note at the bar downstairs.
A Pint of Theology – 12th August
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.
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 met on Wednesday 2nd July. We discussed plans for a new Hall kitchen, the installation of fibre broadband, plans for music at Church, and much more. 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. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Community at Christ Church:
Monthly Lunch and Open Church – 17th August
On one Sunday of each month there is usually a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch, and the church will be open during the afternoon. This month, our open lunch will take the form of the annual parish barbecue for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so please come along and bring friends, family, neighbours. If you can help serve, wash-up, etc, 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!
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.
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 1st August) 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 (1st August) 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 do you get if you cross a sheepdog with a rose? A. A collie-flower!
Thank you from Rev’d Clive!
Thank you everyone at Christ Church for the kind and lovely words in the little book, for the coffee and the wine, for the beautiful picture of church, and for the very generous voucher for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. I first heard ‘the Phil’ aged 11 on regular trips from Barrow Grammar School, and it was my privilege to hear them perform in Tokyo last year. My five years in Lancaster have brought lots of joy, and new friendships which I hope will continue. When I found Christ Church I wasn’t looking for a job, just a friendly church community – but I seem to have gradually created a role for myself! However, I’m also looking forward very much to being back in Barrow, the place which I have always thought of as ‘home’, and being closer to family members, and to church connections which go back a lifetime. If you’d like to keep in touch, it’s cliveshaw54@gmail.com or you can find me on Facebook. Visitors will be welcome. Blessings, Clive x
We’re recruiting!
Christ Church are looking for a Director of Music, who will conduct our choir, play the organ/keyboard for services, and help grow our musical presence in the local community. If this might be you, or someone you know – please speak to Rev’d Carol.
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
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