(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 7th September 2025 Creation/Twelfth Sunday of Trinity
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 Festal Eucharist
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 14th September– Thirteenth Sunday of Trinity
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
God our Creator, who laid the foundations of the earth and stretched out the heavens as a tent cloth; how glorious is your name in all the world.
Give us grace to wonder at your gift, to treasure the earth and to work for its protection and renewal; 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 welcome to join in. Please see the notice below.
Messy Church – 28th September
On the 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:
Genesis 1: 26 – 2: 3
Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
So God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth[a] day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8
Refrain: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
2. You have set your glory above the heavens: out of the mouths of babes and infants.
3. You have founded a bulwark because of your foes: to silence the enemy and the avenger.
4. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers: the moon and the stars that you have established;
5. What are humans that you are mindful of them: mortals that you care for them?
6. Yet you have made them a little lower than God: and crowned them with glory and honour.
7. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands: you have put all things under their feet.
8. All sheep and oxen: and also the beasts of the field.
9. The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea: whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
Refrain: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Philemon 1-21
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith towards the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love-and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother-especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according Luke 14.25-33
Glory to you, O Lord
Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord of all Creation, as we have received the bread and wine, Fruits of the earth and tokens of salvation, so with joy we celebrate your goodness And commit ourselves to serve you on your earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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, Mary Peel, Rev’d David Heap – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Dorothy Walmsley – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Stone Row Head, Coleman Drive.
For those living in sheltered accommodation and those supporting them.
For those we will invite to the Apple Festival and Quiz Night
For the appointment of our new Director of Music.
– 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.
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 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com. 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.6
Taizé Eucharist
Join us on Sunday 7th for our beautiful Taizé Eucharist at 6pm (Musicians from 4.30pm). With stillness, prayer, and music from the Taizé Community in France.
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please call in to Office Hour (between 9.15 and 10am each Sunday morning before the 19th October). If it is impossible for you to come to Office Hour, please contact Rev’d Carol by email in the first instance, to make alternative arrangements.
Thought for the Week
The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder. G K Chesterton
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
Today on Creation Sunday we aim to renew our commitment to caring for our planet home. As we try to bring ‘Peace to Creation’ (this year’s theme) let us also try to have a positive impact on our gardens and that of the church by planting bulbs for a colourful and fruitful spring.
Bulb Planting
Today, Sunday (7th September) we will be marking the Feast of God the Creator, alongside Christians of many traditions across the world. At the end of the service, our Eco-Group invite everyone to help plant some spring bulbs in the church garden – trowels provided!
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.
A Pint of Theology – watch this space for further updates!
Fairtrade Church
We are 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 next meets on the 3rd September. 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
Community at Christ Church:
National Emergency Alert
At 3pm this afternoon (7th September) all mobile phones will receive a loud test message – even if the phone is on silent!
Quiz Night
Our next fun and family-friendly quiz night will be this Friday, 12th September, from 6.30pm in the Church Hall. Free admission (donations welcome for church funds). Substantial snacks and refreshments provided – why not invite a friend?
Heritage Open Week
As part of the Heritage Open Days, Christ Church will be open on Saturdays September 13th and 20th. There will be tours of the church’s history, windows and architecture at 11am and 2pm each day as well as a display of photos from the church archives. A children’s activity sheet is also available. Everyone welcome!
Sunday Lunch
Join us for a simple lunch after the 14th September’s 1030am service – if you can sign up to help or donate food, please see the list at the back of church. Do bring a friend!
Apple Festival
Our famous Apple Festival will be on Saturday 20th September, 12-4pm – please save the date! Please help collect and store windfall apples from the church orchard ready for juicing (or bring your own). We also need help:
• Please save and bring clean empty screw-top wine bottles (with lids)
• Donations of chocolate, sweets, bottles of wine and water, and raffle prizes needed
• Setting up and clearing away on the day – see the sign up sheet in church
• Competition entries for the Best Baked Apple product (cake, tart, etc)
If you’re part of a local community group who’d like a stall – please let Julie Buckley know.
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 Jacqueline at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (3rd October) between 12noon and 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members welcome – whether for all or part of the time. If you can, please bring gloves & secateurs.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month (3rd October) 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
Craft Group
…. meets in the Hall most Tuesdays at 11.30am. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. Please talk to Julie Buckley if you’d like more info.
Choir Church
Thank you for your prayers and support! The next service is on the 17th October at 3.15pm in school – please save the date.
Save the Dates!
Lumos Presents: A Magical Candlelight Evening – Friday 26th September
We’re delighted to share that Lumos is bringing their enchanting candlelight concert experience right here to Christ Church, Lancaster, on Friday 26th September. Enjoy an unforgettable evening as a live string trio performs Coldplay’s greatest hits, including favourites like Paradise and Fix You, all surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight in our very own church.
A night of music, magic, and community you won’t want to miss. Friday 26th September Tickets: Available on https://www.lumos-experiences.com/events/lancaster/
And:
24th October – Workshop 6pm and Concert 8.30pm With Spartimu, a Corsican singing ensemble https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pitchblend/1814542
If you are able to help steward on either day, please let Rev’d Carol know.
1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea 12th-14th September
From Anton Muller, Lancashire’s Ecumenical Officer: I am inviting individual churches and groups to the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea event organised by Churches Together in Lancashire with Blackburn Cathedral 12th-14th September. https://blackburncathedral.com/the-council-of-nicaea-1700th-anniversary-conference/.We have a fabulous line up of speakers and contributors which include the National Ecumenical Officers for the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Britain alongside church leader across the denominations. It would be lovely to be able to welcome you and members of your Church to this event.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?
Promoting a Safer Church
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
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
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 07808 765364
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