Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 14th September 2025 Thirteenth Sunday of Trinity/ Holy Cross
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 All Together Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Thursday
1:30 pm Ben Ward’s Funeral (Lancaster Crematorium)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 21st September– Fourteenth Sunday of Trinity
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Harvest Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, 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:
Numbers 21:4-9
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2:6-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John 3:13-17
Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus said, ‘No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.‘. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Faithful God, whose Son bore our sins in his body on the tree and gave us this sacrament to show forth his death until he comes: give us grace to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our hope, who reigns as Lord, now and for ever. 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, Mary Peel, Rev’d David Heap – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Ben Ward – 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 Grimeshaw Lane, Bond Street.
For HMP Lancaster Farms.
For those we will invite to the Apple Festival and Heritage Open Weekends
– 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.
Taizé Eucharist
Join us next on Sunday 5th October 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.
Together for the Church of England in Blackburn Diocese – 4th October
All are welcome at an inaugural meeting of this recently formed group for Anglicans committed to helping increase equality and diversity in our Diocese and across the wider Church, on Saturday 4th October, starting at 10:30 am at St Martin’s in Fulwood – buffet lunch available. Please see the attached flyer, and contact Jacqueline if you’d like transport and/or lunch.
Thought for the Week
I am a human being who was loved by God before I was born and whom God will love after I die. This brief lifetime is my opportunity to receive love, deepen love, grow in love, and give love. When I die, love continues to be active, and from full communion with God I am present by love to those I leave behind. Henri Nouwen
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
Lancaster’s Quaker Meeting is holding a 30-minute monthly vigil in support of those suffering from the effects of climate change, and for those seeking climate action. Support them if you can in Market Square from 12.15 pm next Sunday.
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 met on the 3rd September. We discussed the appointment of a new Director of Music, our recycling facilities, and plans for work with younger children. 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:
Quiz Night
Thank you to everyone who supported Friday’s Quiz Night – a great evening of fun and food!
Heritage Open Week
As part of the Heritage Open Days, Christ Church will be open on Saturday, September 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 10:30 am 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.
Harvest Appeal.
As part of our Harvest Thanksgiving, we will be hearing more about the work of the Olive Branch Foodbank. To show your support for this small but essential local charity, please bring donations of pasta, rice, cereal, tea, coffee, biscuits, and tins of soup, meat, fish, fruit or veg. Our harvest gifts will help replenish their stores ready for the winter months.
Please also consider supporting our Diocesan Harvest Appeal to support our twin Diocese in the Free State of South Africa. Their work is focussing on:
– Training and formation of vocation candidates and clergy;
- Assisting the Mothers’ Union and Diocesan Gender Coordinator in Gender Based Violence workshops;
- Developing ministry to boys and young men;
- Carrying out of Environmental workshops in safeguarding the sanctity of the earth.
You can make a donation here: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/bburn-diocesan-harvest-appeal-blackburn/
Or send a cheque payable to ‘Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance Limited (Diocese Harvest Appeal)’ and send to Blackburn DBF, , Diocesan Office, Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE.
Christmas Tree Festival
There’s a planning meeting on Monday 22nd September at 6.30pm – if you’re curious, or have skills to offer – please come along to help make this year’s festival an event to remember!
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What happens when it rains cats and dogs? A. You have to be careful not to step in a poodle.
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