A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 20th September 2026 Festival of St Matthew
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 –20th September 2026
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Taizé
Tuesday
5pm Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 27th September
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 Almighty God, whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist: give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Children’s Church
welcomes primary-aged children during the 10.30am service during term time. Parents/guardians are welcome to join.
Messy Church
On Sunday 27th September 2026 at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Proverbs 3. 13-18
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 119. 65-72
Refrain- Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
65 You have dealt graciously with your servant, according to your word, O Lord.
66 O teach me true understanding and knowledge,
for I have trusted in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are gracious and do good; O Lord, teach me your statutes.
Refrain- Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared me with lies, but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart has become gross with fat, but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me than a hoard of gold and silver.
Refrain- Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
2 Corinthians 4. 1-6
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 9. 9-13
Glory to you, O Lord.
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame, filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel: by the power of the same Spirit strengthen us to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; 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, Christine McCrann, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Maria, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart, Tony Walmsley, Marie Baines, Linda Tomkinson, Aaron
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Jenny Bowerman, Chris Treddenick, Joan Hardcastle MBE
May they rest in peace and rise in glory
For those to be married:
We pray for Dan and Courtney, Susan and Mary for their upcoming marriage
May God bless them in their life together
For those preparing for Baptism
Tommie-Beau Cowperthwaite and Delilah Tann
May they shine as lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Hartington Street, park Square. For the work of Lancaster Churches Together
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared
Prayer for youth work
Loving God, fill our hearts and minds with your wisdom, so that we may exemplify your kingdom here on earth, and help our young ones know your infinite grace. Amen
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.
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.
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Fairtrade Fortnight begins 21st to 4th October. Under the ‘Do it fair theme’ the national event highlights trade justice, fair pay for producers, and the disproportionate effect of climate change on agricultural communities in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Honduras. So check labels for fair trade goods when you can and attend events where goods are on sale
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.
Chris Tredennick’s funeral
Chris’ funeral will be held at Christ Church on Wednesday 30th September at 1pm. Chris’ family has requested that people don’t wear black, and to come in whatever they feel comfortable in. Donations can be made in Chris’ memory to Christian Aid and Christ Church funds.
Bible Study Group
A new Bible study group will be starting on 4th October at 11.30am and continuing each Sunday until the end of November. Kingdom over Nation will look at how we can faithfully explore and respond to the rising tide of Christian Nationalism in our land. Please see the poster for details of each session.
Apple Festival
Thank you for all the help and support with the Apple Festival on Saturday. It was lovely to welcome lots of new faces – the final total raised is still TBC. There are still some eating apples on the trees in the churchyard so people are welcome to go and help themselves!
In Other News…
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/
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (2nd October ) 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 meets on the first Friday of each month (2nd October) at 4 pm in the church hall. 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
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!
Confirmations 2026
On the 29th November, we will be welcoming Bishop Joe for a Confirmation Service at Christ Church. Confirmation is the next step on the journey of Christian faith, where the Bishop gives the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to help us follow Christ. For some, Confirmation is also the opportunity to receive Holy Communion for the first time. If you’d like to know more, please talk with Rev’d Carol, Rev’d Kaarina or Innes. Confirmation Group will be starting on the 4th October at 4.30pm in church, continuing on Sundays 11th, 18th October and 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd November. Snacks provided!
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 September. 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
Hall for Hire
Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially during the day and at weekends. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Lorna on hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or 07808 76536 for more information.
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
Support our Family Ministry:
Volunteering to help Innes with family Ministry is a great way to go deeper in your own faith, while having a lot of fun. It is a privilege to pass on our Christian faith to the next generation, and contribute to our wider church family. Come help at Children’s Church or support an event! Speak to Innes to find out more, or sign up for the opportunity to make important memories for our families.
Ripley Supplementary Forms
Please speak to Rev’d Carol after any of the services to complete a Ripley Supplementary form for attendance. Following a recent change, Ripley School request that Rev’d Carol collects and delivers the forms to school before the October half term
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.