A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster.
for Sunday 19th April 2026 Third Sunday of Easter
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
4pm Messy Church
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 19th April
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
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
Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; 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
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
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 2. 14a , 36-41
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptised, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 116. 1-3, 10-end
Refrain: Gracious is the Lord and righteous
1 I love the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication; because he inclined his ear to me on the day I called to him.
2 The snares of death encompassed me; the pains of hell took hold of me; by grief and sorrow was I held.
3 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I beg you, deliver my soul.’
10 How shall I repay the Lord for all the benefits he has given to me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.
12 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
13 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
14 O Lord, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your handmaid;you have freed me from my bonds.
15 I will offer to you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.
16 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
17 In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Alleluia.
1 Peter 1. 17-23
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke 24. 13-35
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about sevenmiles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Living God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work; 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, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues. – may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Marlene Philips, Rita Gal
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 Alfred Street and Shaw Street. For our Farmers and agricultural workers.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
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.
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.
Big Day Out!
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! Remember to book your place! A coach will be leaving from our deanery at a cost of £12 per person. Use the link below or scan the QR code to book your seat on the coach! Please invite friends and family too!
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
As the weather warms up we start to tidy our gardens. Be aware that somemammals will be emerging from hibernation and searching for food and water. It isalso a crucial time for emerging queen bumblebees, solitary bees and early butterflies so support them with nectar rich flowers and early flowering shrubs.
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.
Would you welcome a lift 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.
Auction of Promises – 8th May 7pm
On Friday 8th May, we’ll be holding an Auction of Promises at Christ Church Primary School to raise money for the Church Repair Fund. It’ll be a fun evening, with lots of food and a chance to bid on some fantastic lots! 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!
Book your place here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986436362634?aff=oddtdtcreator
Save the date!
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!
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 on the 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!
Marlene Philips’ Funeral
Marlene’s funeral will be at Yealand St John’s Church on Thursday 7th May at 1.30pm. Donations are to Save the Children and Lancaster Music Centre. If you are able to lift share please speak with Rev Carol.
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/
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.
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 Lorna at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (1st May) 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 (1st May). 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
Sponsored Hymn
If you’d like a particular hymn singing on a Sunday morning, perhaps in memory of a loved one, please fill in a blue sponsored hymn form from the back noticeboard, and return it to Rev’d Carol. Sponsoring a hymn raises funds for Christ Church – it is up to you how much you donate!
Volunteers needed
We are in need of volunteers for the Music For Peace Concert on Saturday 16th May at7pm, to help with teas and coffees, as well as welcoming concert goers – would need to be there from 6.30pm.
Supporting Christ 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.
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.
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.
Annual Meeting
Next Sunday, the 26th April, is 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 and pray for the PCC in it’s work for this upcoming 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
Repairs and Improvements -Your chance to share your views!
We’re gathering feedback on some changes we’ve made over the last 2 years and would love to hear from you. Your feedback will help us to understand how these changes have affected the experience of you and others, who use or visit the church. It will also help us to demonstrate to the national church and wider funders the benefits of investing in church buildings. Please compete the e-survey at the link below, which will be open to responses until 20th April. Your answers will be anonymous, we will not ask you for any personal details. Thank you in advance for taking the time help us to understand how repairs and improvements have benefited our church community.
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
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 Kim Robinson on the above address.