(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 7th May 2023 Easter 5
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 7th May – Easter 5
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
4pm Choral Evensong
*No 6 pm service
Tuesday
7pm Bread of Life Course (Vicarage)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 14th May Easter 6
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10:30 am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together at 4pm on Sunday 21st May in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 12th May). Youth group for those in Years 5-7, with games, snacks and conversation.
Contact: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623
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.
Prayer for the Week
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 7.55-60
But filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 31
Refrain: Into your hands I commend my spirit.
1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Incline your ear to me;
make haste to deliver me.
3 Be my strong rock, a fortress to save me, for you are my rock and my stronghold; guide me, and lead me for your name’s sake.
4 Take me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my strength.
5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
Refrain: Into your hands I commend my spirit.
15 ‘My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 ‘Make your face to shine upon your servant, and save me for your mercy’s sake.’
Refrain: Into your hands I commend my spirit.
1 Peter 2.2-10
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: ‘See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’ To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner’, and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 14.1-14 Glory to you, O Lord
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life: grant us to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Sitar Rose, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Mike Dickinson, Valerie Williams, Leon Taylor, Juliann Dougherty
Those who have died recently: Jean Staveley, Celine Pye, Louie Etchells, baby Leo Harrison, Joan Howarth, Albert Stott, Claire Payne.
Those preparing for Marriage: John Keegan and Krystal Heathorn, Kirsten McCaskill and John Marshall, Charlotte Quail and James Woodhouse.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Factory Hill, Troutbeck Road, Wolseley Street
For our newly elected PCC members, Churchwardens and Deanery Synod Reps.
For the guests we will welcome over the Coronation weekend, and the community we will serve in the litter pick
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 16th 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 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. Owing to the Coronation, the next will be on Sunday 4th 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.
Please will you spare 3 minutes to help the 6pm service?
The 6pm service has been running in it’s current pattern for 18 months. It includes the Taize Eucharist, Celtic Evening Prayer, Ignatian Prayer, and Book of Common Prayer services. We’d like to know what works for you about the current prayer and worship, and your thoughts on what you’d like to see happen in the next 18 months.
The QR code will take you to a short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9Z7VZNM
Or please have a chat with Rev’d Carol about what would make the service better, what you look forward to, and where you find God in 6pm prayer and worship.
The Eucharist – going deeper
The Bread of Life Course is running on Tuesdays at 7pm at the Vicarage, for 6 weeks. Everyone welcome as we explore more about the Christian faith through the lens of the Eucharist – don’t worry if you missed the last session. More info from Rev’d Carol
Thought for the Week
My Christian beliefs have love at their very heart. By my most profound convictions therefore, as well as by my position as sovereign, I hold myself bound to respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives according to secular ideals. His Majesty King Charles III
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.
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12 noon today, Sunday 30th April, at which our Churchwardens and Parish Church Council will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate to represent your congregation – and whether you have skills and experience you can offer.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tinned pudding, rice, tinned curry, tinned pies, tinned ham, sweetcorn and peas, shampoo, shower gel, size 5 and size 6 nappies. . 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
This month started on International Dawn Chorus Day. Birds such as robins, blackbirds and song thrushes sing when the still morning air carries sound well, increasing their chances of attracting a mate or defending their territory. Take ten minutes to hear their song.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be today, Sunday 7th May, and the first Sunday of every month.
Donations for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Donations of washing powder, laundry liquid, men’s toiletries, men’s hats and gloves needed. Please leave donations in the box at the back of church for RAIS.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
My grandfather invented the cold air balloon, but it never really took off. Milton Jones
APCM
Jacqueline Stamper and Peter Bohdan were elected as Churchwardens.
Pat Allen and Cathy Wilson were elected as Deanery Synod Representatives.
Julie Buckley, Louise Tuck, Paul Thompson, Celia Brigg, Joel Taylor, Susan Brooks, Cathy Wilson, Claire Mumford and Helen Simpson were elected to PCC.
PCC
…. meets later this month. If there are ideas, suggestions or things you’d like to raise, please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie Buckley know. Please keep your PCC in your prayers, and share this prayer for our church:
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
Save the Date!
Saturday 14th May sees a cross-bay walk, in aid of Money For Madagascar, our Eco-Group’s nominated charity. Please book a place asap here https://moneyformadagascar.org/cross-bay-walk-2023/
and let Rev’d Carol know if you’d like a lift, leaving from 1.30pm from Arnside. She also has three spare tickets available, first come, first served!
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 9th May at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Julie Buckley for further details.
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
Gardening
The church gardening group meets on the first Friday of the month from 12-2pm – do come for as much or as little as you are able to. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you can although there are some spares in the shed – everyone welcome!
Thank you – from our feathered friends! (conveyed by Julian)
Many thanks to all those who contributed so generously to the bird food appeal – our avian friends will be well looked after in coming weeks and months.
Other Diary Dates…
7th May Cream Tea and Choral Evensong
8th May Coronation Community Litter Pick followed by BBQ
14th May Cross Bay Walk
27th May Spring Fayre with Children’s Games and Sports
17th June 7pm Steven Moore Concert in Church
23rd July 3pm Pet Blessing Service
30th July 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
13th August Feast of the Assumption followed by Barbecue
Coronation Weekend:
On Sunday 7th May, there will be a special Cream Tea and Choral Evensong to mark the occasion. Cream Teas served from 2.30pm on the lawn (weather permitting!) followed by Evensong in Church at 4pm. Please do take a poster, and invite friends and neighbours along too.
On Monday 8th May as part of the Big Help Out, we have a barbecue at 12noon, followed by a Community Litter Pick in the parish – please bring bags and pickers if you are able, also gloves and solid shoes.
Help Needed – 27th May!
Volunteers are needed to: help set up the children’s activities; be present during the afternoon to help and chat to people; help dismantle and tidy up. If you can help with some or all the above for the Children’s Games and Sports afternoon that day, please contact Julie Tinnion on 07749 489623
Small toys/games for the children’s tombola, please!
Small new, or good condition used games and toys are needed for the ‘win every time’ tombola at the Children’s Games afternoon on 27th May. Please contact Julie Tinnion.
Save the date – 19th May Resolute Level Up
7-9pm @ Hope Church, Queen Street. Watch this space for more details of this event for young people.
Man Alive! At Blackburn Cathedral on Thursday 22nd June at 7.30pm An opportunity for men from across Lancashire to come together and hear inspiring stories of faith, to celebrate and worship God, and to be encouraged in their own walk of faith. Tickets available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/man-alive-tickets-598422256077
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc. after the 10:30 am services.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address.
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
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: …TBC safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07547 717060
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
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955