(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 30th March 2025 Fourth Sunday of Lent – Mothering 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 – 30th March
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Mothering Sunday Eucharist
12noon Lent Group
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
NO Communion Service today
Next Sunday: 6th March – Fifth Sunday of Lent – Passion Sunday
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together Eucharist
12noon Lent Group
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living; that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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 also welcome to join in. Please see back-page notice.
Godly Play – 18th May
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 25th May
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
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:
Joshua 5.9-12
The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.’ And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the Israelites were encamped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 32
Refrain: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord.
1 Happy the one whose transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is covered.
2 Happy the one to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3 For I held my tongue; my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.
4 Your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my moisture was dried up like the drought in summer.
Refrain: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and my iniquity I did not hide.
6 I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
7 Therefore let all the faithful make their prayers to you in time of trouble; in the great water flood, it shall not reach them.
8 You are a place for me to hide in;
you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with songs of deliverance.
Refrain: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord.
9 ‘I will instruct you and teach you
in the way that you should go;
I will guide you with my eye.
10 ‘Be not like horse and mule which have no understanding; whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you.’
11 Great tribulations remain for the wicked, but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord.
12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
Refrain: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5.16-21
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God..
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according Luke 15.1-3, 11b-32
Praise to you, O Lord
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable:
Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate. Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Loving God, as a mother feeds her children at the breast you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternal life: help us who have tasted your goodness to grow in grace within the household of faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Liz Hilton, Marlene Phillips, Jamie Haxby- that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Anne Hull, Rev’d Ken Clapham, Derek Santon – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work in Mardale Road, Bulk Road, Grebe Wharf.
For gardeners and all who work to keep our streets and public places clean and beautifu
For Bruce Carter on his sponsored walk through our parish for Gazan children.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join them to give thanks for the day past, read the Scriptures and pray, the details are: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1. NO Zoom this week.
Children’s Church
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. We’re looking for helpers for Children’s Church for the new term. 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. Please note that all children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian.
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play shares Scripture stories with children, and helping them wonder about faith, using a Montessori approach, with crafts and a snack to share too. It’s free, and especially suitable for primary age children (accompanied by an adult please). The next gathering is on 18th May, at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
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.
Rev’d Kaarina’s News
We keep Kaarina in our prayers as she recovers from surgery. Please direct any enquiries or pastoral conversations to Rev’d Carol in the first instance.
Sponsor a Hymn
If you’d like to suggest and sponsor a hymn, to be sung within the 10.30am Eucharist, please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard.
Holy Week and Easter Services at Christ Church
Palm Sunday 13th April 10:15am Palm Procession from Quernmore Rd/Derwent Rd Jcn
10:30am Family Eucharist in church
6pm Taizé Eucharist for Holy Week
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday 17th April 7:30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch to remember the Last Supper
Good Friday 18th April
9:30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
12noon Walk of Witness (from Dalton Square)
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday 19th April 7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire with a Vigil service to bring Christ’s light of resurrection into church.
Easter Day 20th April Festival Eucharists at 8:30am and 10:30am
Thought for the Week
I now see that the hands that forgive, console, heal, and offer a festive meal, must become my own. Henri Nouwen
Notice of the Revision of the Church Electoral Roll
This year a completely new Church Electoral Roll has to be compiled. Applications for the new Electoral Roll will close on 20th April. New forms will be available at the back of church for each person to complete and sign. An electronic copy of the form will also be sent out with the newsletters, with more details of how to complete and return electronically Jane Lippitt – Electoral Roll Officer lippittjane@gmail.com
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink (cans of vegetables, meat, fish, pulses; packets of rice, pasta, biscuits, crisps, bars, cereals; jars of pasta sauce, jam, peanut butter; coffee, tea, hot chocolate; cartons of juice milk) and various toiletries.. You can also give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week – -PLEDGE
The devastating effects of climate change are all around us, at home and abroad. Despite election pledges our government seems to be wavering between economic growth and green actions. Let your MP know that this government will be held to account.
Further changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco-Group
On the first Sunday of the month, we collect medical blister packs and personal care items such as soft plastic tubes (e.g. for hand cream), wet wipe packaging and used make-up such as lipsticks, eyeshadow and mascara. Please look carefully at the information provided on and close to the collection boxes to ensure that you only bring in what can now be recycled volunteers. No bottle tops or dental products, please.
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.
Fairtrade Church
We are now a Fairtrade Church. as a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
PCC
… meets on the 9th April. If there are aspects of life and worship at Christ Church which you’d like discussing, please speak to Rev’d Carol, Julie Buckley, or one of the PCC members.
We ask you to pray this prayer ‘this time tomorrow’ after a Sunday service – wherever you are. (Why not put a reminder in your phone?)
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
Community at Christ Church:
Monthly Drop-In Lunch and Open Church – 13th April and 4th May
On the second Sunday of each month, there is a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month and we shall be keeping the church open during the afternoon. Please sign up on the list at the back of church if you’re able to help by making or serving soup, buying bread and cheese, etc. (expenses will be reimbursed).- Thank you!
Allergies at Christ Church
If you help with refreshments and serving food at Christ Church, please consider doing the Food Safety and Allergy training available here: https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ . It’s free, and simply requires you to register through the website. Thank you!
A Pint of Theology – 8th April
On the second Tuesday of the month, at 7:30pm, everyone is welcome in the Olive Bar at the Gregson for an hour’s discussion (with or without a pint) on aspects of Christian theology and its place in our contemporary world. Please share with others who might be interetsted, and contact Innes if you’d like to know more.
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 Pat hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855 for more info.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays, 7-8:15 pm. 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
Choir Church
We’re delighted that our Choir Church Project is now up and running. Mrs Jayne Crow, a local music teacher, is leading singing lessons and a Choir Club in Christ Church School. The children will then share a eucharist with their families in school each half term. If you’re able to help with the 16th May’s service at 3.15pm in school, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
Working Party – Saturday 29th March
Help is needed with some cleaning, maintenance and DIY tasks, as well as to prepare the Mothering Sunday posies, between 9.30-11.30am on 29th March. Please drop in even if you can’t spare the whole morning. Brunch will be provided. Children (accompanied by and adult) are welcome to help too.
Craft Group
…. meets most Tuesdays at 11.30am in the Hall. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. The group is hoping to increase its frequency – watch this space!
Book Group
The church book group’s meets on the first Friday of the month (the next is on 4th April) 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
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (4th April) between 12noon at 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members always welcome – whether for all or part of the time. If you can, please bring gloves and secateurs.
Sponsored Walk
On the 29th March, Bruce Carter will be walking through (and staying in) our parish as he walks from John O’Groats to his home church in Salisbury, to raise funds for ABCD Bethlehem, a charity helping injured children in Gaza. If you wish to sponsor him, details are here: https://www.abcdbethlehem.org/donate
Mothering Sunday – today – 30th March – As part of our service, we will be collecting toiletries to share with our local refuge. If you can, please bring shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, tampons and towels, nappies, moisturiser or skincare products to any of the services that day. Many in a refuge arrive with nothing, so these donations are really appreciated. Thank you.
Fairtrade Easter Eggs
If you’d like to celebrate a sweeter Easter, then the Real Easter Egg will soon be on sale. Made with dark or milk Fairtrade chocolate, and containing a story booklet. Please reserve yours on the list at the back of church. £5 each for church funds.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
They say invisible ink is making a comeback. I can’t see it myself. Tim Vine
Clocks go forward overnight Saturday/Sunday 29th/30th March!
Don’t forget to put your clocks forward overnight – we lose an hour as we move to BST.
23rd Lancaster Scout Group (Christ Church) – Trustee wanted!
Our large, successful Scout Group https://23rdlancaster.org.uk/ provides adventure and life-skills to children aged 6-15. It now seeks members of our local church community to join its Trustee Board, to discuss and agree the direction of this active and outgoing group – only three Board meetings a year involved. If you are interested, please speak to Louise Tuck or email her on louisethearcher@hotmail.com
Promoting a Safer Church
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Any safeguardingconcerns 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.
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.
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.
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong (On leave)
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp 07853791776 children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
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: … 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 07980 351855
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