Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 12th October 2025 Seventeenth 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 Parish Eucharist with prayers for healing and wholeness
12 noon Confirmation Group
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: 12th October – Eighteenth Sunday of Trinity
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
12 noon Confirmation Group
12.30pm Baptism
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; 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
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. 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. All children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian, please.
Messy Church – 26th October
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:
2 Kings 5.1-3, 7-15
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favour with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, ‘If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.’ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, ‘Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.’ But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, ‘Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.’ So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, ‘I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?’ He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, ‘Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, “Wash, and be clean”?’ So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 111
Refrain: The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
1 Alleluia. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the faithful and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great,
sought out by all who delight in them.
3 His work is full of majesty and honour and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He appointed a memorial for his marvellous deeds; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He gave food to those who feared him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He showed his people the power of his works in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice; all his commandments are sure.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever;
they are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever;
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have those who live by it; his praise endures for ever.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
2 Timothy 2.8-15
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself.
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according Luke 17.11-19
Glory to you, O Lord.
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of all compassion, by the dying and rising of your Christ you restore us to yourself and enfold us in your love. May we who have been refreshed with the bread of life and the cup of salvation be renewed by your healing Spirit and made ready for the coming of your kingdom; 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 – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Ann Parry – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those who are preparing for Baptism
Sadie Wearing – may they shine as lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Grasmere Road, Ullswater Road.
For for those beginning half term next week.
For Graham Toft as he begins work as our 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.
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.
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. Everyone welcome to join us for the Eucharist in school, led by our fantastic school choir!
Prayers for Wholeness and Healing – today 12th October
As a church, we are called to pray for all who are troubled in mind, body or spirit; and our intercessions regularly include prayers for those in our community who are ill or injured. There are times when it is important to receive this prayer more personally, knowing that Christ’s hands hold our brokenness, and that the Holy Spirit pours out peace, healing and strength for our every need.
During the 10.30 Eucharist on the 12th October, there will be the opportunity to receive Prayers for Healing and Wholeness and anointing with oil. This may be for yourself, or on behalf of someone you know who is in need at this time. These prayers are an outward and visible sign of God’s grace meeting us in our need and making us whole within the love of God.
Confirmation Group
Ready to take the next step in faith? Confirmation is a special event, where we welcome a Bishop to confer the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, and confirm for ourselves the faith in Christ. If you’d like to learn more, please join the Confirmation Group meeting in church on Sundays at 12 noon, or have a chat with Rev’d Kaarina or Rev’d Carol. We’ll be welcoming Bishop Joe on Sunday 23rd November at 10.30am.
All Souls – 2nd November
On Sunday 2nd November, the 6pm Eucharist will remember loved ones who have died, as we give thanks for all whose lives have pointed to God’s love. If there is someone you’d like remembering, please print their name on the list at the back of church.
Thought for the Week
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C S Lewis
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
Your garden can be a lifeline for garden birds. Indeed many popular garden plants double up as life – saving natural food resources. But when flowers have faded, their berries, dead stems and seed heads provide a tasty snack so please try to leave them unpruned until spring.
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.
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 6th October. We discussed our safeguarding arrangements, a conservation survey, risk assessments for upcoming events, and student engagement. 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:
Welcome to our new Director of Music.
We’re pleased to announce that Graham Toft will begin as our Director of Music in mid-October. Graham brings a wealth of experience as an organist and musician. His role will include accompanying services, leading our choir, and helping our church grow its musical presence in our local community. Please keep him in your prayers.
New Vicarage!
Rev’d Carol has now moved house, and the new Vicarage will be 24 Wentworth Drive, Lancaster, LA1 3RJ (up near the old Moor Hospital). As there is no landline, the new phone number is 07857 449724.
Little Seedlings – New Group for 0-4 year olds and their carers.
We are launching a baby and toddler group called Little Seedlings, which will meet 9-10.30 every Tuesday from 4th November in the Church Hall. If you know anyone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along, please pass it on. Free!
Sunday Lunch
Join us for a simple lunch after today’s 10:30 am service – if you can sign up to help, there’s a list at the back of church. Do bring a friend!
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 (7th November) 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 (7th November) 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.
Save the Date! (1)
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.
Save the Date! (2)
All Hallows’ Tide Party – Saturday 1st November
Families, children (and anyone else who wants to attend!) are very welcome in the Hall between 4pm and 6:30pm (to align with sundown at 4:30pm) for an alternative celebration for Halloween and Bonfire Night, that is more spiritually nourishing and eco-friendly. Feel free to dress up as saints and other important people from Christian History (Try https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-saints-2061264) if you need inspiration.) Activities will include: creating your own Knight’s shield; decorating your own candle; story telling. There’ll also be seasonal food (e.g. fruit fondue, jacket spuds, veggie and vegan chilli, and marshmallow roasting). Why not come along and enjoy something different – and have lots of fun?
Christmas Tree Festival.
Please save the date of the 5-7th December for Christ Church’s famous Christmas Tree Festival! If you run a local business (or have used a local business recently) – please collect an invitation to sponsor a tree. Half the money raised will support Lancaster Homeless Action, with the rest going to church funds. And if you’re part of a community group (music, sport, charity, craft or social) – please consider decorating a tree to show off your work. We’d love you to be part of this fabulous event!
Appeal for Children’s Books
Ahead of our Christmas Tree Festival, we’re looking for donations of good condition children’s books (suitable for a range of ages). If you’re having an autumn clear out – please bring your books to church! Thank you
Deanery Synod – 15th October 7 for 7:30pm – St Thomas’, Lancaster
All are warmly invited to this open Synod meeting. Professor John Whitton will talk about the Church of England Net Zero Programme, and progress in the North West.
Christian Aid 80th Anniversary Quiz Night – Friday 14th November Lancaster & Area Christian Aid group is having a quiz night at Lancaster Methodist Church, Scotforth Road, at 7pm, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Christian Aid. Everyone Welcome!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Keeping tropical fish at home can have a calming effect on the brain. This is thanks to all the indoor fins ….
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
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