(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 22nd May 2022 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 01524 942105
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE
www.christchurchlancaster.org.uk Facebook:@ChristChurchLancaster
Everyone is welcome to join in prayer and worship this week:
Today – Sunday 22nd May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist* Rogation Day
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church in the Hall
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 29th May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
4 pm Choral Evensong preceded by Cream Teas from 2:30 pm
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Welcome
To Jenny Guilder, who is on a month’s placement at Christ Church.
Jenny is an Ordinand (a trainee Vicar) studying at Emmanuel Theological College, and is with us to gain experience of the liberal catholic tradition of worship, and parish ministry.
She’ll be shadowing Rev’d Carol during the week, and sharing in Sunday worship.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Rogation Sunday readings are separate from those below.
Acts 16.9-15
During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us,
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 67
Refrain: Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
1 God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
2 That your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad,
for you will judge the peoples righteously and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, and God, our own God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
Refrain: Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Revelation 21.10,22 – 22.5
And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practises abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (John 14.23-29)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life:
may we thirst for you, the spring of life and source of goodness,
through him who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Jacqueline Stamper, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Caroline Lillicrap
Those who have died recently: Elizabeth Taylor, Ken Richardson, Joseph Wolfe, Olive Niccolls, Luke Wilson, Susan Edwards, Sheila Gaskell, Alan Liver
Those being baptised: Rory-Jay Rodgers.
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Edward Street, Wyresdale Gardens.
For Christ Church and Castle View Primary Schools
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 31st May is the next meeting of Prayer4 – 30 minutes of prayer, at 4pm every fortnight. There’ll be a short Bible reading, some music, some stillness, and space to pray for the people and places on your heart – all from the comfort of your own sofa. Zoom details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
Meeting ID: 806 945 9310
Taizé
On the first Sunday of every month at 6pm, there is a beautiful service of prayer, music and stillness in the style of the Taizé Community. There’ll be a special celebration for Pentecost on the 5th June – everyone welcome! If you’d like to join the music group (singing or instrumental), the rehearsal starts at 4.30pm. Do see Julian if you’d be interested.
Thought for the week
Praying is first and foremost listening to Jesus who dwells in the very depths of your heart. … His voice is an unassuming voice, very nearly a whisper, the voice of a gentle love. Whatever you do with your life, go on listening to the voice of Jesus in your heart. Henri Nouwen
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 prayer@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or text the Prayer Chain on 07980 351855. Please ask the person’s permission if you’d like them included in the weekly notices.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tins – including meat, fish, vegetables and pies, as well as donations of rice (not pasta or baked beans). All other items, including toiletries, are also gratefully received! Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
The Archbishop of York comes to Blackburn
Our new Archbishop, Stephen Cottrell, is visiting our Diocese. On Saturday the 28th May at 7pm he will be leading an evangelistic event at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Globe Arena – do bring a friend to share worship, testimony and the Good News of what God has done for us in Jesus. There will also be an open air service at Whalley Abbey, with the theme ‘Rejoice’,
which will happen on Friday the 27th May at 7:30pm. This is an event for the whole family and
you are invited to bring a picnic and rug/folding chairs to enjoy the evening there.
Madagascar: how to face a climate emergency – 24th May 7:30 pm
All are invited to a talk in church on recovering from the climate-emergency driven famine in Madagascar by local charity Money for Madagascar. Please see separate leaflet.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Remember that we have been made responsible for the care of creation. Do what you can to care for your part of creation by sowing the right seeds in your garden and providing food and water for visiting wildlife.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday 5th June, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Did you know that I have a fear of speed bumps?
…. I am slowly getting over it.
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays at 7.15pm for an hour. New members always welcome; if you’re not sure, come along and give it a try for a few weeks! Have a word with Clive or contact him via cliveshaw54@gmail.com
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on 25th May – if there are ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th June at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. Future meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
Gardening Session – 27th May
The next church gardening session will be on 27th May 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Everybody Welcome!
The course takes a one week pause due to the Eco-Group talk. On Tuesday 31st, the ‘Everybody Welcome’ course has it’s final session. As we restart as a community, the course will help us think about how we warmly welcome visitors and new arrivals into church. It’s for everyone to come along and share your thoughts and ideas – 7pm at the Vicarage (1 East Road). Don’t worry if you missed last week!
Ascension and Pentecost
As the Easter season draws to a close, we remember Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and then, 9 days later, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples to empower them to continue Jesus’ work. This Novena (9 days) is a time for prayer – please look out for the adult and children’s booklets in church as we join Christians around the world praying for God’s Kingdom to come.
Please do collect a Prayer Journal (children’s books also available) from the back of church.
Thursday 26th May (Ascension Day) – Prayers at 12 noon up at the benches behind the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park – 15 minute service, followed by coffee in the cafe.
Later that evening at 6:30 pm there will be a Eucharist in Church (not 7 pm as previously advertised).
Sunday 5th June (Pentecost)
Parade Service at 10.30am – as we come All Together to celebrate the birthday of the Church.
Then at 3pm there will be a Churches Together service in Lancaster Priory, followed by a picnic in the Castle – everyone welcome!
And if you’re looking for a peaceful, reflective end to the day, the Taizé Eucharist at Christ Church begins at 6pm.
You are cordially invited to Moorside Hall’s ROYAL JUBILEE GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 5th June 2.30pm – 4.30pm (Clougha Avenue entrance)
Refreshments will be served. There will be entertainment, fun and games. Fancy dress optional – prizes. RSVP by 30th MAY TO 01524 69901 – We do need to know numbers attending.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
24th May 7:30 pm Madagascar Talk, hosted by the Eco Group
29th May – 4pm Choral Evensong and Cream Tea to begin the Jubilee Weekend
24th July – 3pm Pet Blessing Service
31st July – 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
14th August 10.30am Feast of the Assumption, followed by Barbecue in the Church grounds.
9-18th September Heritage Open Days
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
8th October Parish Bounds Walk
2nd October Harvest Festival
1-4th December Christmas Tree Festival
Supporting Christ Church
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
Sponsored Sundays
If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday hymn (perhaps in memory of a loved one), please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard at the back of church, and give it to Rev’d Carol with at least a month’s notice before the Sunday you’d like to sponsor. You can nominate a hymn if you wish. Please place your donation in an envelope labelled ‘Sponsored Sundays’, and place it in the offertory box. It is up to you how much you wish to give!
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.
Key contacts:
Churchwarden: …Ms Jacqueline Stamper churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 64083
Priest with PTO and Choir Contact: …Rev’d Clive Shaw. cliveshaw54@gmail.com
Lay Reader: …Dr Pat Allen reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 39552
Parish Safeguarding Officer: …Ms Jane Lippitt safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07930 979503
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: …Mrs Julie Tinnion children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
Parish Secretary: …Mrs Julie Buckley buckleys@live.co.uk 01524 37229
Hall Bookings: …hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: …Ms Jan Norbury coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com 07547 717 060
Christ Church School …Ms Emma Simpson 01524 60955
Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead
Thank you to everyone who came, and to Rev’d Chris at Christ Church Abbeystead for hosting us!
Christian Aid Week:
This Year, Christian Aid Week is supporting farmers like Jessica, who are battling climate change in Zimbabwe. You can see more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haiNNf9mY10&feature=youtu.be
The Lancaster Christian Aid Group have set up a giving page, available here or via the QR code.
https/envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/lancaster-and-area-christian-aid-group.