(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 29th March 2026 Palm 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
10:15 Parade
10.30am Parish Eucharist
5pm Lent Group
6pm Taizé Eucharist for Holy Week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
7pm Evening Prayer
Maundy Thursday
7:30 pm Holy Communion and Vigil
Good Friday
9.30am Stations of the Cross
10.30am Family Service
12 noon Walk of Witness (Dalton Square)
2pm Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday
7.30pm Lighting the Easter Fire
Sunday 5th April – Easter Day
6.30am Dawn LCT (Dalton Square)
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
No 6pm Service
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
Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; 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
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Kim Robinson. Many thanks.
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
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 50. 4-9
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens — wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
There is no Psalm this week.
Philippians 2. 5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 21. 1-11
Glory to you, O Lord.
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant, and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation: give us the mind to follow you and to proclaim you as Lord and King, to the glory of God the Father. 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, Ruby Rodrigues. – may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Ridge Street, Albion Street, Hind Street. For all refugees and asylum seekers, and all who work to offer support and care may God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally
We pray for Archbishop Sarah Mullally as she begins her new Ministry this week.
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 15th May
Please join us again on Friday 15th May for our next Eucharist at 3.15pm in Christ Church School Hall.
Holy Week Services – Please join us as we walk with Christ to the cross and empty tomb:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday …7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday 2nd April …7:30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch
Good Friday 3rd April…9:30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
12noon Walk of Witness starting from Dalton Square
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday 4th April… 7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire, bringing Christ’s light into church.
Easter Day: 6.30am Dalton Square Churches Together Dawn Service (with Festal Eucharists at 8.30am and 10.30am at 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. 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..
Fairtrade Easter Eggs
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 purchase 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
Dandelions are one of the first flowers to bloom providing an essential source of pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies. Later their seeds are a food source for sparrows and finches and their deep tap roots aerate the soil. Leave them be and enjoy their cheerful yellow flowers while increasing the biodiversity in your garden.
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 meets on 13th April. We will be looking at 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, 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 (10th 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.
Volunteers needed
We are in need of volunteers to deliver Holy Week/Easter invitations to neighbouring streets, envelopes can be collected from the back of church. Thank you!
Save the date 1!
On Saturday 9th May, there will be a walk around our parish boundary – leaving church at 10am, we’ll walk up to Denny Beck, before returning along the river and through Scotch Quarry. 7.5 miles overall – please bring solid shoes, a packed lunch, and clothing suitable for the weather! Children and dogs very welcome – you may wish to join for all or part of the walk!
Save the Date 2!
On Saturday 16th May, our Diocesan family will be celebrating our centenary with a big Day Out at Blackpool! There will be family fun from 11am, followed by lunch and a festival service in St John’s Square – everyone is welcome! A coach will be leaving from our deanery – please invite friends and family too!
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.
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 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