(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)

A warm welcome to 

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

for Sunday 15^th March 2026 Fourth Sunday of Lent/Mothering Sunday

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  All Together Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

5pm Lent Group

6pm Evening Prayer

Tuesday 

5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom 

Wednesday

5:30pm Meditation followed by 

6pm Evening Prayer 

6:30pm Lent Group

Friday

9:30am Eucharist

Sunday 15^th March – Fifth Sunday of Lent

8.30am Holy Communion 

10.30am  Parish Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

4pm Messy Church

5pm Lent Group

6pm Evening Prayer

Gluten-free wafers available.  Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.

Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Kim Robinson by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.

Prayer for this week

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 wor  with Innes.  An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged.  All children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian, please.

Messy Church – 22^nd March 

On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.

Youth Group – 27th March

Meets 3.30-5pm in the Hall for Year 6-9s, with food, fun, and space to chill out.

Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.

Scripture Readings for our Worship 

Exodus 2.1-10

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman.The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months.When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it.When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said.Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother.Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it.

When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses,‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’

This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 34

Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.

1. Come, my children, and listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
2. Who is there who delights in life and longs for days to enjoy good things?
3. Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from lying words.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.

1. The eyes of the Lord are upon the

righteous and his ears are open to their cry.

1. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
2. The righteous cry and the Lord hears them and delivers them out of all their troubles.
3. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and will save those who are crushed in spirit.

Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.

1. Many are the troubles of the

righteous; from them all will the Lord deliver them.

1. He keeps all their bones,

so that not one of them is broken.

Refrain: O taste and see that the Lord is gracious.

Colossians 3:12-17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 19.25-27 Glory to you, O Lord.

And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister,Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. 

Prayer after Communion

Loving God, as a mother feeds her children at the breast you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternallife: help us who have tasted your goodness to grow in grace within the household of faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

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, Jenny Lowe, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson. – may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.

Those who have died recently:   Muriel Grice. – 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 Skiddaw Road, Elterwater Place 

For our care homes: Moorside and Dolphinlee

                                      may God’s loving kindness be 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 – Friday 20th March

Please join us at Christ Church Primary School for our next Choir Church Service (led by our children) at 3.15pm on Friday 20th March.  We’ll be sharing an exciting performance of the Jonah Man Jazz!

Lent at Christ Church 

Please take one of the free booklets from the back of church to accompany you through Lent. You may also like to join the Lent Course looking at Paula Gooder’s book, Women of Holy Week, led by Rev’d Kaarina on Wednesdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 5pm

Mothering Sunday – 15^th March

As part of our service on the 15th March, we will be taking a collection of toiletries for our local refuge. If you can bring shower gel, shampoo, sanitary towels, tampons, deodorant, soap and other pamper products, please give generously.

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.  We’re getting closer to the target – can you help us get over the line? Thank you in advance.

Coffee with the Curate – Mondays in March at the Gregson 

Come along and join Rev’d Kaarina for a brew (on her) and a chat on Mondays at the Gregson Centre, any time 10am-12 noon. No booking needed..

Hall improvements – thank you!

A big thank you to Sarah and the team from AXA Insurance who volunteered their time to repaint our hall! It looks much brighter and it’s a big improvement! Thank you to all who loaned equipment.

Fairtrade Easter Eggs – coming soon!

The only Fairtrade Chocolate Easter egg on the market – The Real Easter Egg promises a fair deal for farmers, delicious chocolate, and an Easter Storybook too.  Please sign up at the back to order yours – £6 each in milk or dark chocolate.

Save the Date! 

On Friday 8th May, we’ll be holding an Auction of Promises to raise money for the Church Repair Fund. It’ll be a fund evening, with lots of food – held at Christ Church Primary School. Please consider what you might offer for auction: perhaps an hour’s gardening, a car wash, a month’s supply of baking? Please invite friends & family too!

In Other News…

The Olive Branch Foodbank 

The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink – please bring a tin or packet to church with you to leave in the collection crates.  . 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

As part of its 2030 net zero carbon target the Church of England is urging churches to adopt sustainable, locally sourced,and seasonal flowers and to avoid use of floral foam (micro plastic oasis).Try to follow this example as part of your carbon emissions reduction.

Are you concerned about climate change, and caring for Creation?

If so, contact joycelynch1946@gmail.com to find out if our active Eco Group is something you’d like to be part of – it meets every six weeks at a member’s home. 

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.

PCC

Our PCC met on the 11th March. We discussed our website, the annual accounts, and many other aspects of life at Christ Church.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   

Annual Meeting

Please save the date for Sunday 26th April, for our Annual Meeting, when we review the last year, discuss our finances, and elect our Church Council members.  Please prayerfully consider offering your skills and time to share in this work. 

Community at Christ Church:

Little Seedlings – Group for 0-4 year olds and their carers.

Our baby and toddler group, Little Seedlings, meets 9-10.30 every Tuesday in the Church Hall. If you know someone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along, please invite them. It’s 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. 

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 (10^th April) between 12noon and 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members welcome, for all or part of the time – contact lippittjane@gmail.com.  Please bring gloves & secateurs if you have them.

Book Group 

The church book group normally meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall (10th April). 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. 

Flowers for Mothering Sunday

Thank you for those who came and helped make up the posies of flowers for Mothering Sunday.

Would you welcome a ift to church? Why not join the FunBus?

Do you or does someone you know need a lift to church?  If you’re finding it difficult to get to church services (perhaps especially in the winter months), we’re organising a “bus” to bring people to church.  Please contact Rev’d Kaarina if you’re interested.  

Youth Group

Innes has started a new group for Year 6 upwards, meeting on the last Friday of the month, 3:30-5 pm, in the hall. The next will be on 27th February.   All are welcome.  Please share this with any youngsters you know.        

Moonrakers Concert – 26th April 3pm In Church

Celtic traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, Music from the UK & Ireland.Tickets on the door, £15 including a free drink. If you are able to help with drinks and stewarding please let Rev Carol know.

Maundy Thursday Vigil

Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church for 30 mins of quiet prayer after the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday.Jesus invites to watch with Him in the night before His death and so we keep vigil before the reserved sacrament.

Easter Raffle and Sponsor a Brick on the Banner

Sign up at the back of church, with donations to Church Funds and the Repair Fund!

Invitation to join the Electoral Roll

If Christ Church is your church, and you would like to join the list of people who are able to vote in the parish elections onthe 26th April, please fill in a form and return it to Jane Lippett, our Electoral Roll officer. If you’ve filled a form in last year -your name will still be on the list!

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

Fundraising – ideas, opportunities, and support needed!

We’re blessed to have received some generous grant funding for the work we need to do on the building, but we still need all the help we can get to raise the match funding we still need from our own resources. You’re welcome to send more ideas to buckleys@live.co.uk.  if you’re able to send a financial contribution by using the QR code below, thank you. We’re getting closer to the target, so anything you can give would be much appreciated.

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

Parish Administrator:   Ms Kim Kim Robinson 07483936011 kimberly.robinson@blackburn.anglican.org

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