Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 7th July 2024 Sixth Sunday of Trinity
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 – 7th July
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (on Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 14th July Trinity 7
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
3pm Pimms and Hymns
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 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
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Godly Play
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm in Church for KS1/2 children. Next: 21st July
Contact: Rev’d Carol for more information.
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
Ezekiel 2.1-5
He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 123
Refrain: Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.
1 To you I lift up my eyes,
to you that are enthroned in the heavens.
2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
or the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3 So our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us.
Refrain: Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.
4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.
5 Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of the arrogant, and of the contempt of the proud.
Refrain: Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.
2 Corinthians 12.2-10
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (6.1-13)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of our pilgrimage, you have led us to the living water: refresh and sustain us as we go forward on our journey, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Mary Tredennick, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Diana Wickens, Rev’d Bethany Austin – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those preparing for Baptism:
Laynie-Mai Taylor – may they grow in faith and shine as lights in the world
Those preparing for marriage:
John Lyth and Barbara Perrott as their Banns are read. – that God will bless them in their new life together.
Those who have died recently: Kurt Johnson, Sheelagh Lynch, Ernie Wilson, Joyce Myerscough, Ella Patterson – 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 on Dundee Street, and Wyresdale Court.
For our uniformed organisations.
For our September mission weekend and the people we invite to share our church community.
For our Pimms and Hymns event, and the people we will invite.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 9th July 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
Thought for the Week
How can we make prayer not merely something that we do, but something that we are? For that is what the world needs: not persons who say prayers from time to time, but persons who are prayer all the time. Bishop Kallistos Ware
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing 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 Sunday, 21st July, 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.
Use of the Sanctuary
A large chunk of plaster fell into the Sanctuary, from a height of at least 60ft. We’re awaiting a specialist to inspect the roof and chimney to find out whether water has got in, and what work needs to happen to stop further issues. In the meantime, we will be worshipping in the Lady Chapel and/or using a freestanding altar in the Nave. Please don’t walk on the carpet in front of the high altar!
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The foodbank continues to be in great need of tins of curry, chilli con carne, pies, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, kidney beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks of cake, cereal, jam, pasta sauce; packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, cordial, longlife juice, and many types of toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls, etc.) 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
The Big Butterfly Count takes place between 12th July and 4th August. Please choose the church garden as one of your survey spots and add to the information we have on our wildlife. https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
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.
Changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco Group
We can still collect plastic bottle tops/lids, plastic toothbrushes and electric brush heads, covers and flosser nozzles, also flossing sticks, interdental brushes and dental tape containers, We can still take medical blister packs, but owing to the large quantities, please take your own to Superdrug if you can. Thank you for your ongoing support with recycling on the first Sunday of each month.
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.
Christians at Pride
Would you be interested in a new LGBTQ-led eucharistic gathering in Lancaster based on Open Table (https://opentable.lgbt) or similar for LGBTQ+ Christians and friends and allies? Join us for exploratory prayer and planning on any or all of 7, 14, 21 and 28 July – that’s all four Sundays of July – 3pm at The Cornerstone, Dalton Square LA1 1PX. Contact Michael – mh@ssra.uk for more information.
PCC
… next meets on the 17th July. If there are aspects of church life, worship, and work in our parish which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley, or one of your PCC reps. If there are items of business which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley.
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:
Help Needed!
On Saturday 10th August between 9.30am and 11am. Please could you spare half an hour (or more) to help clean and care for church? Some DIY jobs need doing too. Children welcome to come and help. Brunch provided.
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.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided by Lancashire Libraries, in addition to those shared by members. The date of the next meeting is 2nd August. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion books 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
Craft Group
Meets on the second (and sometimes other) Tuesday(s) of each month 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 next meets on 9th July.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 2nd August, between 12 and 2pm (and the first Friday of every month). Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like more 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
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Question in an RE paper at a CofE High School: “What does a Bishop do?”
One pupil replied: “Move diagonally across the board.”
Consecration of the next Bishop of Burnley – 19th July
Just a reminder that the Rev’d Dr Joe Kennedy will be consecrated in York Minster on 19th July. Please contact Jacqueline about how to book a place for the service and on the (free) coach leaving from Ellel at 8 am..
Save the Date!
Pimms and Hymns are back! Join us on Sunday 14th July from 3pm to enjoy cake and refreshments, before a selection of favourite hymns from 4pm. Please vote for your favourite hymns on the sheet at the back of church – two votes per person. Raffle tickets are also on sale at the back of church.
Save the Date 2
Our annual Pet Blessing Service will be on Sunday 28th July at 3pm Please bring your pet in a suitable container, or on a lead. (Or bring a photo!) All creatures great and small welcome, but you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will also be a collection of blankets, treats, and old towels for Wolfwood. Please invite friends and neighbours along too.
Appeal for donations towards Christmas Tree stands and lights
We are planning to host our fourth Christmas Tree Festival in early December following our previous successful years. Last year, our trees and lights were spectacular, and the improvement was due to better tree stands, which we’d borrowed from Northallerton Church. We’d like to have our own stands and lights this year – please would you help? We’re trying to raise £300-£400 to cover the costs for 20 tree stands and lights, which would then last us for years to come! If you can help, please add your details to the sponsor form at the back of church, and mark your donation ‘Tree Stand’. With grateful thanks, Julie Buckley and the fundraising teams.
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.
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
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: … Mrs Emma Muckalt & Ms Debbie Steele safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org 07547 717060
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