(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 13th November 2022 Remembrance Sunday
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
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist for Remembrance
6pm Iona Service of Prayers for Healing and Wholeness (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 20th November Feast of Christ the King
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Festal Eucharist for Christ the King (with Children’s Church)
6pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10.30am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children.
For KS1/2
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 27th November in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world’s salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Malachi 4.1-2a
See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 98
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things
2 His own right hand and his holy arm have won for him the victory
3 The Lord has made known his salvation; his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness towards the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
5 Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; break into singing and make music.
6 Make music to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the voice of melody.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sound praises before the Lord, the King.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
8 Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, the world and all that dwell upon it.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands and let the hills ring out together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world and the peoples with equity.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
2 Thessalonians 3.6-13
Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 21.5-19)
Glory to you, O Lord.
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’
They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.
‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament
you give substance to our hope:
bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies, John McCafferty, Doreen Hudson, Norman Muckalt
Those who have died recently: Dorothy Eidsforth, Teresa Isaac
Those preparing for baptism: Marnie Mai Higgins, Marcia Dearnley
For our eight candidates preparing for Confirmation: Kelly, Zara, Poppy, Freddie, Dylan, Jacob, Peter and Robin.
Parish Cycle of Prayer: For those who live and work on Mill House Mews, St Peter’s Mews.
For our link diocese of the Free State in South Africa.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 15th November 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 Passcode 942105
Taizé Eucharist
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. In December the next will be on Sunday, 11th, owing to the Christmas Tree Festival and the Advent Celebration service the previous weekend – 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
When I wear my poppy I’m remembering everyone affected by war, across races, genders, ideologies and borders. I’m remembering the tragedy of war, all wars. I wear it in the hope that wars will be a thing of the past. Dave Stewart, Canadian writer, musician, film-maker
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…
Brunch – 20th November
Next Sunday (20th) is our Patronal Festival (a bit like a church birthday) as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the church year. Do stay after the 8.30 (or come early for the 10:30) to enjoy brunch in the Hall.
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/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Buy Fairtrade goods from the stall in church next Sunday to help ensure that people and the planet are not exploited to create the products we enjoy.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be this Sunday, 6th November and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How do you make a squid laugh? A. With ten-tickles!
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on 16th November – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In October, we reviewed recent prayer and worship in church, heard back from the team who went to the Leading your Church into Growth Conference, and discussed becoming a Warm Space for the community this winter. Please keep your PCC in your prayers.
Warm Spaces – can you help?
A group have been thinking about how we can offer a warm, social space for our community this winter. It’s proposed to offer a soup lunch, with board games, puzzles and conversation in the Hall on either a Monday or Wednesday 1-3pm. However, we need a critical mass of volunteers to make this possible. Please indicate on the sheet at the back of church you might be able to help (even occasionally). Training will be given
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 13th December 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.
Christian Aid News:
Are you devastated with the news hitting our screens about extreme flooding in Pakistan or drought in Eastern Africa? Perhaps God is stirring your heart to take a stand for climate and racial justice. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to even start.. Hopefully we can help… so, if you live in commuting distance to Liverpool – Co-hosted by Liverpool Cathedral and Christian Aid, and marking the eve of the COP27 UN climate talks, we welcome you to join us as we take time to reflect, talk and take action as the church on racial and climate justice. For more information, and to book your place click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talking-climate-and-racial-justice-liverpool-tickets-392541782037
Community at Christ Church:
The Puzzles of the Kingdom – study group.
If you would enjoy exploring some of the key ideas and themes in Jesus’ teaching reflected in his extraordinary parables and pictures (the ‘Puzzles of the Kingdom’), all are welcome to an informal study group meeting after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sundays in the Hall.
Advent Calendars
The Real Advent Calendar, a Fairtrade chocolate calendar which shares the Christmas Story, will be available at Christ Church for £5 each. Please reserve yours by signing up on the sheet at the back of 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
Tea and coffee – please stay after the 10:30 service!
Please do stay and enjoy a hot drink, juice and a biscuit, and get to know one another better. (If you’re able to offer occasional help with the refreshments, please let Jane Lippitt or Julie Buckley know. )
Christmas Tree Festival
We’re looking forward to hosting our second Festival on the 2-4th December, raising funds for church and LDHAS. But we need your help! If you can spare an hour or more to:
- help set up the trees and prepare the church
- Welcome visitors and steward the festival
- Offer refreshments or run a stall (sale goods will be provided)
Please sign up on the lists at the back of Church – it will be a fun weekend and a chance to make new friends.
Local schools and groups are decorating trees to celebrate what’s going on in the community – and we still have a couple of trees left to sponsor and decorate. Please speak to Julie Buckley if you are interested.
Please invite friends and family along – there will be a Candlelit Advent Celebration Service at 4 pm on Sunday 4th December – everyone welcome!
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address.
Remembrance 2022
This Sunday, 13th November, we will be joined by our uniformed organisations for a Parade Service, which will include 2 minutes’ silence at the War Memorial. Everyone is welcome.
Later in the day, the 6pm Service will include prayers for Healing and Wholeness, using beautiful words and music from the Iona Community. This will offer to God the pain and suffering of the world, and of those known to us, trusting in God’s compassion to being wholeness and peace.
All are welcome – you may wish to pray for someone you know who is troubled in mind, body or spirit, to pray for yourself, or for those whose troubles are known only to God.
Thank you! …. to everyone who came to help with cleaning and DIY yesterday morning! We got lots done, helped by coffee and bacon butties!
Help needed!
If you can spare 30 minutes (or more!) on Tuesday 15th November, please come to the Vicarage (1 East Road) from 7pm onwards to help stuff envelopes of invitations for our Christmas Tree Festival – everyone welcome, refreshments provided!
Choral Evensong
On Wednesday 23rd November at 5pm – we’ll be joined by LRGS’ Choir for a special service. Everyone welcome!
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
13th November 10.30am Remembrance Sunday Parade
15th November 7pm Tree Festival Preparation at the Vicarage
20th November Feast of Christ the King
27th November 10:30 am Confirmation Service with Bishop Jill
1-4th December Christmas Tree Festival
11th December Christingle Service, with Toy Collection for Ryelands Sure Start Centre
17th December 9.30-1pm Advent Quiet Morning with Sr Sue
18th December 6pm Carol Service
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
Light up the Lady Chapel
The Psalmist writes: ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ However, the lighting in the choir and Lady Chapel is in need of help – some has broken beyond repair, and the rest is struggling to illuminate a space that is now regularly used for worship. We already have raised half the funds needed.Can you help by sponsoring a light, or making a donation towards the £5k cost? Please see the envelope for more details or use this code:
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 …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955