Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 21st September 2025 Fourteenth Sunday of Trinity/ Harvest Thanksgiving
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 Harvest Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
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: 28th September– Fifteenth Sunday of Trinity/St Michael and All Angels
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
4pm Messy Church
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Creator God, you made the goodness of the land, the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons; as we thank you for the harvest, may we cherish and respect this planet and its peoples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
Deuteronomy 26.1-11
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name.
You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, ‘Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.’
When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: ‘A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labour on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
‘So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.’ You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 100
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
1 O be joyful in the Lord, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2 Know that the Lord is God; it is he that has made us and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and bless his name.
4 For the Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting,
and his faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
Philippians 4.4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John 6.25-35
Glory to you, O Lord.
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord of the harvest, with joy we have offered thanksgiving for your love in creation and have shared in the bread and the wine of the kingdom. By your grace, plant within us a reverence for all that you give us and make us generous and wise stewards of the good things we enjoy, 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, 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 Parker Street, Davidson Street.
For those working in the food industry, whether on land or sea.
– 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
Even if all the physical hunger of the world were satisfied, … the deepest hunger of man would still exist…Therefore, I say, …Come to Christ and you will never be hungry again. Pope John Paul II
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
Shopping locally not only saves air miles, it also supports your local community. You can buy via the new Gather Food Hub online shop (order Fri-Tues for weekly deliveries every Friday). You can pick up orders from a hub point or pay for home delivery. See https://foodfutures.org.uk/gather/
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 6th October. 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:
Thank you!
To everyone who helped and supported our Apple Festival and Heritage Open Weekends – both events were a great success and we hope you enjoyed them!
Sunday Lunch
Join us for a simple lunch after the 12th October’s 10:30 am service – if you can sign up to help or donate food, there’ll be a list at the back of church shortly. Do invite a friend or two!
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.
Ukrainian Youth Group Coffee Morning
Saturday, 27th September, 10am-1pm in Lancaster Baptist Church (East Road). To support the local Youth Group for Ukrainian refugees – all welcome. Tickets £5 fromMandy Whitehouse, or turn up on the day.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why did the farmer bury his money? A. To enrich his soil.
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