A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 3rd May 2026 Fifth Sunday of Easter
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 07857 449724
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 24 Wentworth Drive, Lancaster, LA1 3RJ
www.christchurchlancaster.org.uk Facebook:@ChristChurchLancaster
Everyone is welcome to join in prayer and worship this week:
Today
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 10th May
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Kim Robinson by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Little Seedlings
Every Tuesday from 9am in the Church Hall for under 4s and their parents/carers.
Children’s Church
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. 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. All children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian, please.
Messy Church
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 7. 55-end
But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God andJesus 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.’
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 saidto 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 remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Lou Rawlinson
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Marlene Philips, Rita Gal
May they rest in peace and rise in glory
For those preparing for baptism:
Christopher Wright and Carson Bradley
May they shine as lights in the world to the Glory of God
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Moor Lane and East Road. For our Eco Group, Craft Group and Book Group
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
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 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com. Please ask the person’s permission if you’d like them included in the weekly notices.
Choir Church – Friday 15th May
Please join us again on Friday 15th May for our next Eucharist at 3.15pm in Christ Church School Hall.
Big Day Out!
On Saturday 16th May, our Diocesan family will be celebrating our centenary with a Big Day Out at Blackpool! There will be family fun from 11am, followed by lunch and a festival service in St John’s Square – everyone is welcome! Remember to book your place! A coach will be leaving from our deanery at a cost of £12 per person. Use the link below or scan the QR code to book your seat on the coach! Please invite friends and family too!
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Next Sunday is Rogation Tide a day on which we ask for God’s blessing on the land and its bounty. We are encouraged to step outside to witness God’s creation and to remind ourselves of the integral relationship between humans and the natural world.
Are you concerned about climate change, and caring for Creation?
If so, contact joycelynch1946@gmail.com to find out if our active Eco Group is something you’d like to be part of – it meets every six weeks at a member’s home.
Would you welcome a lift to church? Why not join the FunBus?
Do you or does someone you know need a lift to church? If you’re finding it difficult to get to church services (perhaps especially in the winter months), we’re organising a “bus” to bring people to church. Please contact Rev’d Kaarina if you’re interested.
Auction of Promises – 8th May 7pm
On Friday 8th May, we’ll be holding an Auction of Promises at Christ Church Primary
School to raise money for the Church Repair Fund. It’ll be a fun evening, with lots of food and a chance to bid on some fantastic lots! Please invite friends & family too! Book your place here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986436362634?aff=oddtdtcreator
Parish Walk – 9th May 10am
On Saturday 9th May, there will be a walk around our parish boundary – Leaving Christ Church at 10am, we’ll walk through Scotch Quarry and along the canal, before joining the river at Sainsbury’s and walking to Denny Beck. We’ll aim to have lunch there at 12.30, before heading along the bridleway behind the prison and through Standen Park. You’re welcome to join us for all (or part) of the walk – please let Rev’d Carol know if you’re joining us midway so we don’t miss you! Bring a Packed Lunch! Children and dogs welcome!
Marlene Philips’ Funeral
Marlene’s funeral will be at Christ Church on Thursday 7th May at 1.30pm.
Donations are to Save the Children and Lancaster Music Centre.
Paediatric First Aid Course
There are 8 places available on the Qualsafe Awards Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Course, which will be running at Christ Church Lancaster on 8th and 9th May 2026 9-5pm each day. If you would like to book a place on the course, please email curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk and we will send you the booking form and payment details. The course costs £120/person and the qualification is necessary for anyone who is leading children’s work. Bring a packed lunch, we will provide tea, coffee and biscuits!
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink – please bring a tin or packet to church with you to leave in the collection crates. . You can also give money for them to buy what people need: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Chimney Tops and Spire Appeal
Urgent repairs are needed to our church chimney and spires to make the building watertight and safe – 170 year old mortar has washed out, causing damage inside the building. We need to raise £10,000 ourselves before we are eligible for grant funding. Please would you help? Pick up a flyer with details of how to donate, and if you have ideas for fundraising events please have a word with Rev’d Carol or the fundraising team. We’re getting closer to the target – can you help us get over the line? Thank you in advance.
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 Lorna at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (1st May) between 12noon and 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members welcome, for all or part of the time – contact lippittjane@gmail.com. Please bring gloves & secateurs if you have them.
Book Group
The church book group normally meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall (1st May). 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
Sponsored Hymn
If you’d like a particular hymn singing on a Sunday morning, perhaps in memory of a loved one, please fill in a blue sponsored hymn form from the back noticeboard, and return it to Rev’d Carol. Sponsoring a hymn raises funds for Christ Church – it is up to you how much you donate!
Admission to Communion
If your child is baptised and regularly taking part in Eucharist services at Christ Church,please talk with them about whether they would like to be Admitted to Communion. This is a step before Confirmation, and enables children to understand the significance of God’s grace at work when we share bread and wine as a church family. There will be a special service on Sunday 28th June, with preparation classes on the 7th, 14th and 21st June. Please speak to Rev’d Carol or Innes if you’d like to sign up or know more!
Supporting Christ 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.
Fundraising – ideas, opportunities, and support needed!
We’re blessed to have received some generous grant funding for the work we need to do on the building, but we still need all the help we can get to raise the match funding we still need from our own resources. You’re welcome to send more ideas to buckleys@live.co.uk. if you’re able to send a financial contribution by using the QR code below, thank you. We’re getting closer to the target, so anything you can give would be much appreciated.
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.
PCC
Thank you to everyone who attended our APCM last Sunday. We warmly welcome our new PCC Members David Lyon and Teresa Wilson. Our next meeting will be on the 3rd June. Please do talk to our PCC reps about any aspect of life at Christ Church. And pray for the PCC in it’s work this year.
You might want to use the following prayer:
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
Volunteers needed – Church work party – 23rd May 9.30-12noon
On Saturday 23rd May 9.30-12noon, help is needed for a church working party to tackle some cleaning and basic maintenance and DIY jobs around the church. Children welcome to help, alongside a responsible adult! Bruch provided – everyone welcome, you don’t have to stay the full time!
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 07857 449724
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07853791776
Church Warden: Greg Skelland churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07944 683847
Director of Music: Graham Toft grahamtoft1@aol.com
Parish Administrator: Ms Kim Robinson 07483936011 kimberly.robinson@blackburn.anglican.org
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 07808 765364
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
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for refreshments after the service.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join to give thanks for the day past, readings from the Scriptures and prayer, the details are:
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Kim Robinson on the above address.