(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 7th December 2025 Second Sunday of Advent
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 Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Darkness to Light Service
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion
3.15pm Choir Church Eucharist at CCPS
Next Sunday: 14th December –Third Sunday of Advent
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Christingle
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. 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 – 25th January
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 11.1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 72.1-7,18,19*
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
1 Give the king your judgements, O God, and your righteousness to the son of a king.
2 Then shall he judge your people righteously and your poor with justice.
3 May the mountains bring forth peace, and the little hills righteousness for the people.
4 May he defend the poor among the people, deliver the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
5 May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
6 May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like the showers that water the earth.
7 In his time shall righteousness flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wonderful things.
19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever. May all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.
Refrain: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice.
Romans 15.4-13
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.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name’; and again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’; and again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him’; and again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 3.1-12
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, 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: 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 Ambleside Road, Patterdale Road.
For our MP and local council in the year that lies ahead
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
Our next Choir Church Eucharist will be in Christ Church Primary School on Friday 12th December at 3.15pm. Everyone welcome as we keep Advent together!
Advent at Christ Church
During Advent, the 6pm service will move to 4pm, as follows:
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!
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.
Thought for the Week
John the Baptist is no independent figure – he belongs entirely to Christ. He is only there to collect and give back the light that falls upon him from the figure of the one and only Christ. Karl Barth
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
This Christmas try to reduce your carbon footprint by planning presents with the environment in mind; gifts such as experiences, charitable donations, eco-friendly products, home-made or charity shop items..
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
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. 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.
Carol Singing 2025
Can you spare some time to support the carol singing in our local community? You don’t need to be Aled Jones! Do pop along to one or more of these events:
- Saturday 13th December 5pm on the Ridge with our neighbours at Dynasty Church
- Sunday 14th December 2-4pm near Marketgate Primark – with Churches Together (please note the change of date)
- Monday 15th December 6.30pm around the hospital wards, meet in the RLI restaurant
- Monday 15th December 6.30pm Carol Singing around Freehold, meet at the Gregson.
- Tuesday 23rd December 3pm Christ Church singing at Moorside Hall Nursing Home
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 (2nd January) 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 (2nd January) 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 – Thank you!
A huge thank you to all our helpers, supporters and decorators this weekend – what wonderful celebration of our local community! Half the funds raised will support Lancaster and District Homeless Action, with the rest supporting Christ Church.
Volunteers
It would be great if we could have a few more volunteers to help with events and services. Sometimes we’re not good at asking for help, but you don’t have to wait to be asked – we’re all in this together. If you are able to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Christ Church Toy Service – 14th December
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 – 14th December
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!
I don’t have an Advent calendar, so I’m just opening cupboard doors and eating whatever is in there.
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 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