Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 23rd November 2025 Feast of Christ the King
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 07857 449724
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 24 Wentworth Drive, Lancaster, LA1 3RJ
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 with Confirmations led by Bishop Joe
13.30pm Baptism
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
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: 30th November – Advent Sunday
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
12.30pm Baptism
4pm Choral Evensong for Advent
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
God the Father, help us to hear the call of Christ the King and to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end, for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory. Amen
Little Seedlings
Every Tuesday from 9am in the Church Hall for under 4s and their parents/carers
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 – 23rd November
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:
Jeremiah 23.1-6
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble;
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea;
3 Though the waters rage and swell, and though the mountains quake at the towering seas.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place of the dwelling of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; therefore shall she not be removed; God shall help her at the break of day.
6 The nations are in uproar and the kingdoms are shaken, but God utters his voice and the earth shall melt away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
8 Come and behold the works of the Lord, what destruction he has wrought upon the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease in all the world; he shatters the bow and snaps the spear and burns the chariots in the fire.
10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.’
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Colossians 1.11-20
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 23.33-43
Glory to you, O Lord.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Nicola, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, Marlene Phillips, Mary Peel – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Lizzy Hilton, Donald Silverwood – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for Baptism: Carter Driver, Bethany Muckalt, Isabelle Edwards. Lillie Edwards, and Sofia Edwards – may they shine like lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Garnet Street, Kentmere Road.
For local shops and businesses.
For those preparing for Confirmation – Harry, Oliver, Amelia, Keaton, Innes.
For preparations for our Christmas Tree Festival and the people we will invite
For Rev’d Kaarina, as she prepares for her priesting on the 17th January.
.
– 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 last service 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!
Advent at Christ Church
During Advent, the 6pm service will move to 4pm, as follows:
30th November: Advent Carol Service
7th December: Christmas Tree Festival Service
14th December: Christingle
21st December: Traditional Carol Service
Advent Course – Wednesday evenings or Sunday afternoons
Our course this year is based on Paula Gooder’s book, Women of the Nativity. The course will run at two different times from the first week of December: Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Sundays at 12.30pm to give people a choice of opportunities to join in. There are sign-up sheets at the back of church to indicate your interest.
Sunday Lunch – 14th December
Join us for a simple lunch after the 14th December’s 10:30am service – if you can help, please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. Thank you. Do bring a friend!
Thought for the Week
God is in command. … God does not let us fall, not a single one of us and not all of us together. [Christ] reigns! Karl Barth (last words to his friend on the day of his death, 1968)
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank – and Christmas Appeal
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink, as always, but has also launched its annual Christmas appeal for Christmas foodstuffs, toiletries, toys and goodies. They will distribute gift bags from 1st December, so the earlier they receive such items the better. (See the flyer.) You can also give money for them to buy what people need: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Start your Christmas shopping in a Fairtrade way by supporting our Fairtrade stall on 30th November. It’s a chance to buy Christmas cards, delicious chocolate, and gifts, while ensuring that producers and workers are treated fairly in every way.
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.
Fairtrade Stall – 30th November
There will be a Fairtrade stall at the back of church after the 10:30 am Eucharist on 30th November – a great opportunity to stock up with fairly-traded gifts and goodies.
PCC
Our PCC met on 5th November. We discussed: ensuring our budget reflected our mission and ministry priorities; refreshing our vision for our buildings; developing children and families’ ministry; refurbishing the hall kitchen; and affirming our commitment to inclusion. 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:
Little Seedlings – New Group for 0-4 year olds and their carers.
We have launched a baby and toddler group called Little Seedlings, which meets 9-10.30 every Tuesday in the Church Hall. Over the next two weeks we’ll be making salt dough footprint decorations to decorate our tree at the Christmas Tree Festival – then they can go home as a lovely keepsake. New children always welcome. f you know anyone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along with their carers, please pass it on. Free!
Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays 7-8:15 pm in Church. We’re a friendly and supportive bunch who welcome new singers. There’s lots of exciting music as we prepare for the Advent season, so please contact grahamtoft1@aol.com if you’d like to know more.
Advent Calendars
Fairtrade Advent Calendars are for sale at the back of church – £5 each with all money
raised going to church funds. Dark or Milk Chocolate, and contains a Christmas story
Hall Defibrillator
Thanks to a generous donor and local charity 3R, we’ve been able to install a public defibrillator on the outside of the Hall. We hope that it’s never needed – but pray that if someone is taken ill they will benefit from faster, life-saving treatment. Ring 999 first – and they’ll tell you the access code. Training video at https://vimeo.com/557677120/e7524918c5
Hall Kitchen
After a recent Environmental Health inspection, we found out that our 18-year old kitchen would not pass again and needs replacing. Thanks to grants from the Walney Trust, Community Fund and the Harold and Alice Bridges Trust, we will be replacing and upgrading the hall kitchen in early January. If you’re able to help with the demolition and clearance of the old kitchen, please have a word with Greg.
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 (5th December) 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 (5th December) 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!
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!
Christmas Tree Festival – Help Needed!
The Tree festival is a great celebration of our local community, welcoming in volunteer groups and schools to show off their good work. Across the weekend, we welcome over 500 people, and to make it a success we need your help. Whether for 30 mins or a whole afternoon, helping with the Festival is fun, chance to make new friends, and help your church community! Children are welcome to help too, so long as they are with their parent or guardian. Please sign up at the back of church, or have a chat with Lorna, Julie and the organising team about what’s involved.
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
Christ Church Toy Service
One of our church traditions is to take a collection of toys (new, and good-condition used) to share with local families via the Salvation Army in Morecambe. Please bring donations to the 14th December’s 10:30 Eucharist for a blessing. We’re unable to take soft toys, and please leave your gift unwrapped.
Christingle
Christingle is a celebration of the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas. One of the ways we share that light is by caring for others, so as part of our Christingle service on the 14th December, there will be a collection for the work of the Children’s Society. www.childrenssociety.org.uk/ Please take a collection candle to fill with change, or make a donation online.
Rev’d Carol’s News
Bishop Philip has asked Rev’d Carol to be the Area Dean of Lancaster and Morecambe. As well as remaining as parish priest and Vicar at Christ Church, this role also includes the pastoral care of clergy in our local family, and support for churches currently without a vicar. Please keep her in your prayers, and join in a Deanery commissioning service with Bishop Philip on Sunday 4th January at 6pm.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
There once was a king who was 12 inches tall. He was a terrible king but a great ruler.
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
Chimney Tops and Spire Appeal
Urgent repairs are needed to our church chimney and spires to make the building watertight and safe – 170 year old mortar has washed out, causing damage inside the building. We need to raise £10,000 ourselves before we are eligible for grant funding. Please would you help? Pick up a flyer with details of how to donate, and if you have ideas for fundraising events please have a word with Rev’d Carol or the fundraising team.
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 07857 449724
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
Director of Music: Graham Toft grahamtoft1@aol.com
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