A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 28th June 2026 Fourth Sunday after Trinity
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 – 28th June
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 5th July
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
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, 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
This Sunday at 2pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Jeremiah 28. 5-9
Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord; and the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfil the words that you have prophesied, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 89 1-4, 15-18
Refrain: Truly the Lord is our shield.
1 My song shall be always of the loving-kindness of the Lord: with my mouth will I proclaim your faithfulness throughout all generations.
2 I will declare that your love is established for ever; you have set your faithfulness as firm as the heavens.
3 For you said: ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 Your seed will I establish for ever and build up your throne for all generations.
Refrain: Truly the Lord is our shield.
15 Happy are the people who know the shout of triumph: they walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance.
16 In your name they rejoice all the day long and are exalted in your righteousness.
17 For you are the glory of their strength, and in your favour you lift up our heads.
18 Truly the Lord is our shield; the Holy One of Israel is our king.
Refrain: Truly the Lord is our shield.
Romans 6. 12-end
Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 10. 40-end
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken, you have fed us at the table of life and hope: teach us the ways of gentleness and peace, that all the world may acknowledge the kingdom of your Son 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, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Richard Jones, Barbara Ellison, Finn Dickinson
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 Park Avenue, Fenham Carr Lane. For our school leavers and school community.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
We pray for people attending and helping with the following events:
Bug Hunt, Organ Recital and Pet Blessing.
Bless our community and those who share in worship and service here.
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.
National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups
It’s National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups this month. Please pray for Little Seedings, its leaders and all the families it comes into contact with. The theme is Jesus The Good Shepherd. John 10. 14-16
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Plastic Free July is a global campaign running from July 1–31, 2026, challenging individuals, schools, and workplaces to reduce single-use plastic waste. Join in and try to avoid common items like plastic bags, bottles, and coffee cups and if possible, create a lasting, year-round change to help tackle the ever-increasing world-wide problem.
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.
Bible Study Group – commencing 24th June
Are you curious to go a bit deeper into the bible? Rev’d Kaarina will be holding a drop in bible study group every Wednesday Evening after Evening Prayer where we read and discuss the Gospel of Luke. No prior knowledge required, come along and find out a bit more! Wednesdays 6.45 – 7.30pm in the Storey Chapel/Church Hall (dependant on weather!)
Lunch after the service followed by Bug Hunt – Sunday 28th June
Please join us for lunch after the service on Sunday 28th June. All are welcome, Please bring a friend! Bug Hunt with friends from North Lancs Wildlife Group starts at 2pm – with additional activities for children and families.
Lancaster Churches Together Prayer Walk – Thursday 9th July
Lancaster Churches Together July meeting will be a Prayer Walk around the city, praying for city institutions and organisations and we invite everyone to join us. Meet at 6.30 pm at Ripley School Gates, Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RS. The walk will end at approximately 8 pm at Lancaster Baptist Church for a short service and refreshments.
Organ recital – Tuesday 21st July 12 noon
Our organist Graham Toft will be hosting an organ recital on Tuesday 21st July at 12 noon in Church. Come and enjoy organ music by Widor, Lefebvre Wely and Franck. Free admission and refreshments in the Church Hall. All are welcome!
Save the date – Pet Blessing 26th July 4pm
We will be having our Pet Blessing Service on the 26th July at 4pm. All creatures great and small welcome! Please bring your pet on a lead or in a cage, or just a bring a photo! Just let us know if you are bringing anything larger than a Great Dane! Donations of tinned dog food/treats and old towels and blankets for Wolfwood will be very welcome.
Walk through the bible
A Walk Thru The Bible OT live event is to be hosted by Thornton-le-Fylde Christ Church on Saturday 11 July, designed to help people see how the 39 books connect and tell an amazing story. In just a few hours, participants will go from Genesis to Malachi, learn the major events, meet key figures, and finally understand how it all fits together from creation to Christ, an interactive, high-energy experience featuring hand motions, storytelling, and movement that makes the story stick. To find out more –
https://us.list-manage.com/GgNG9dKbSDF?e=c5b99109da&c2id=
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 (3rd July) 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 (3rd July). 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
Inspired by Icons Workshop – Saturday 18th July
Join us for a fun afternoon at Christ Church led by professional artist Julia M Swarbrick, and learn about the rich history of icon painting and create your own design to take home. Places are £35 includes all design materials and light refreshments. This is a fundraising event to help repair the church roof and spires. Please book your place by 30th June.Contact Rev Kaarina curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or contact Clare Mumford on 07419211461 to book your place.
Charity Nomination
In recognition of all the charities who work to support the community, The Benefact Group are giving 20 charities £5000 each. Please would you be willing to nominate Christ Church for this? The form takes two minutes, and our Charity number is 1216172 – if we’re successful, the grant will make a huge difference to our Choir Church project! Thank you!
https://click.benefactgroup.com/click/ggno-77ov4-nngom-5b82kd9/
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.
PCC
Our next PCC meeting will be held on the 21st July. Please do talk to our 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
Coffee with the Curate
Coffee with the Curate is held weekly on Mondays 10-12 at The Gregson Cafe. Meet new folk and have a chat over a brew. All are Welcome!
Thank you
A huge thanks to all who helped at Pimms and Hymns last Sunday! Those who helped set up, provided refreshments and to all who attended. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the sunshine before heading in to Church to sing our top voted well-loved hymns.
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
Organist: 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.