A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 26th April 2026 Fourth 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
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 3rd May
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 God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above,
where he 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. 42-end
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 23
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
3 He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my
head with oil and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
O God, our sovereign and shepherd, who brought again your Son Jesus Christ from the valley of death, comfort us with your protecting presence
and your angels of goodness and love, that we also may come home and dwell with him in your house for ever.
1 Peter 2. 19-end
For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John 10. 1-10
Glory to you, O Lord.
Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; 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, 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
For those preparing for baptism:
Christopher Wright and Carson Bradley
May they shine as lights in the world to the Glory of God
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Edward Street and Wyresdale Gardens. For our primary and secondary schools.
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
No Mow May is Plantlife’s annual campaign urging everyone to pack away the lawnmower, let wildflowers grow freely and help nature. Join their campaign to learn more. https://www.plantlife.org.uk/
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.
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
Parish Walk – 9th May 10am
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!
Marlene Philips’ Funeral
Marlene’s funeral will be at Christ Church on Thursday 7th May at 1.30pm. Donations are to Save the Children and Lancaster Music Centre. I
Paediatric First Aid Course
There are 8 places available on the Qualsafe Awards Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course, which will be running at Christ Church Lancaster on 8th and 9th May 2026 9-5pm each day. If you would like to book a place on the course, please email curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk and we will send you the booking form and payment details. The course costs £120/person and the qualification is necessary for anyone who is leading children’s work.
Bring a packed lunch, we will provide tea, coffee and biscuits!
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 aloved 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 at 7pm, 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
This Sunday, the 26th April, is our Annual Meeting, where 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
Volunteers needed – Church work party – 23rd May 9.30-12noon
On Saturday 23rd May 9.30-12noon, help is needed for a church working party to tackle some cleaning and basic maintenance and DIY jobs around the church. Children welcome to help, alongside a responsible adult! Bruch provided – everyone welcome, you don’t have to stay the full time!
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.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join to give thanks for the day past, readings from the Scriptures and prayer, the details are:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Kim Robinson on the above address.