Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 26th October 2025 Nineteenth 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 All Together Eucharist
12 noon Confirmation Group
4pm Messy Church
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: 2nd November – All Saints and All Souls
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Saints’ Festal Eucharist
12 noon Confirmation Group
6pm Taizé Eucharist for All Souls
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Merciful God, teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty, that trusting in your word and obeying your will we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 – today – 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:
Isaiah 45.22-25
Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.’ Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119.129-136
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The opening of your word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and draw in my breath, as I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
133 Order my steps by your word, and let no wickedness have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from earthly oppressors so that I may keep your commandments.
135 Show the light of your countenance upon your servant and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes run down with streams of water, because the wicked do not keep your law.
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
Romans 15.1-6
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Luke 4.16-24
Glory to you, O Lord.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.”’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of all grace, your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry with the bread of his life and the word of his kingdom: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your true and living bread; who is alive and reigns, 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, 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.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Mill House Mews, St Peter’s Mews.
For our link diocese of the Free State in South Africa
For preparations for our family All Hallows event on the 1st November
– 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.
Choir Church
Thank you for your prayers and support! The service last Friday was wonderful and well-attended. Please save the date for the next service on the 12th December at 3.15pm in school. Everyone is welcome to join us for the Eucharist in school, led by our fantastic school choir!
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
Next 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.
Quiet Morning – Saturday 22nd November
All are warmly invited to a Quiet Morning on 22nd November, exploring prayer through bread and beads. Refreshments provided, and the morning will end with a light lunch. For more information, see the flyer, and/or contact Rev’d Kaarina.
Thought for the Week
The task of prophetic ministry is to nurture, nourish and evoke a consciousness and perception alternative to the consciousness and perception of the dominant culture around us. Walter Brueggemann
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
Morecambe Bay is a vital stopping point along the East Atlantic Flyway, a crucial migratory route between the Artic and wintering areas in Europe and Africa. This Autumn keep a look out for flocks of pink foot geese overhead or visit sites around Morecambe Bay and the Ribble Estuary to witness and learn how important our coastline is to the natural world.
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 meets next on 5th November. 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 has now started as our new Director of Music. 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 – 9th November
Join us for a simple lunch after the 10:30 am service on 9th November – 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)
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?
Save the Date! (2)
Rev’d Kaarina’s Ordination and First Eucharist – 17/18th January
Rev’d Kaarina will be ordained Priest on Saturday 17th January 2026, at Colne St Bartholomew. We’re planning to hire a coach so that as many as possible can attend from church. On Sunday 18th, she will celebrate the Eucharist for the first time at the 10:30 am service – and we’ll have a celebration to follow!
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.
MAGIC morning – Maintenance & Gardening in Church 8th Nov
We’d love your help between 9.30 and 11.30 on Saturday 8th November, if you could spare half-an-hour or more? Help is especially needed with leaf clearing, and getting the church ready for Remembrance Sunday. Brunch provided!
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!
My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.
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