10th March 2024

Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)

A warm welcome to 

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

for Sunday 10th March 2024 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 – 10th March 2024

8:30am Holy Communion

10:30am Parish Eucharist 

12noon Lent Group (in the Hall)

12:30pm Christening

6pm Evening Prayer 

Tuesday 

1.30pm Funeral

4pm Prayer4 (see notice)

Wednesday 

5:30pm Meditation, followed by  

6pm Evening Prayer  (Storey Chapel)

Friday 

9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

Next Sunday – 17th March – Fifth Sunday of Lent

8:30am Holy Communion

10:30am Parish Eucharist 

12noon Lent Group (in the Hall)

4pm Godly Play (in Church)

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 and Youth

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

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 

1 Samuel 1.20-28

In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked him of the Lord.’

The man Elkanah and all his household went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, ‘As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the Lord, and remain there for ever; I will offer him as a nazirite for all time.’ Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only—may the Lord establish his word.’ So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, ‘Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.’

She left him there for the Lord      

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 127.1-4

Refrain:    The Lord shall keep watch over your going out

and your coming in.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.

2 Unless the Lord keeps the city,  

the guard keeps watch in vain.

3 It is in vain that you hasten to rise up early and go so late to rest, eating the bread of toil,  

for he gives his beloved sleep. 

4 Children are a heritage from the Lord  and the fruit of the womb is his gift.

Refrain:    The Lord shall keep watch over your going out

and your coming in

2 Corinthians 1.3-7  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 19.25-27

Glory to you, O Lord

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’  And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

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, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ella Patterson, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them

Those who have died recently: Winifred Tyson   – May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:

Those who live and work on Dennison Close, Woodlands Close. 

For all families in the parish, and all with caring responsibilities.

For those attending Mingle on Mondays, the Pilgrim Course, and Godly Play 

– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.

Zoom Prayer: 

Tuesday 12th March 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 most first Sundays of every month at 6pm, there is a beautiful service of prayer, music and stillness in the style of the Taizé Community.  The next will however not be until Sunday, 24th March- 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.  

Lent Course – The Lord’s Prayer 

All are invited to join in this six-session Lent course, exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a gateway to the Gospel, as a guide to our own prayers, and as a way of deepening our relationship with God.  Every Sunday after the 10:30 Eucharist in the Hall – do come!

Thought for the Week  

Having a parent who listens creates a child who believes that he or she has a voice that matters in this world.     

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.

Welcome to Rev’d Nikki Mann

Rev’d Nikki is curate in Skerton, and is sharing in our 10.30 service to gain experience of a different style of worship. Rev’d Carol is her training incumbent whilst the Skerton parishes are without a Vicar. Please keep Nikki, St Luke’s and St Chad’s in your prayers.

Prayers of Love and Faith

The Prayers of Love and Faith are a series of prayers commended by the Church of England’s House of Bishops to be used to pray with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. They include prayers of dedication and thanksgiving; prayers for guidance, for companionship, for God’s blessing, and for the couple’s home and families.  If you’d like to read them, they can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/prayers-of-love-and-faith.pdf

This follows the Living in Love and Faith journey which the Church of England undertook (and which Christ Church took part) to discern the calling of the Holy Spirit about identity, sexuality, marriage and relationships. On the 9th February 2023, General Synod voted on a way forward, and there has since been an ongoing process of choosing the Prayers that would be used, and putting pastoral guidance in place so that the many sharp differences of opinion and belief within the community that is the Church of England can continue to be held together. 

The Prayers of Love and Faith can be used in private prayer or as part of a regular service. It is important to note that they are not a form of wedding service, and so couples would need to seek a registry office wedding. Rev’d Carol and the PCC have agreed that the Prayers of Love and Faith will be offered at Christ Church. If you would like to discuss this, Rev’d Carol is available to talk. 

In Other News…

Notice of APCMThe Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 21st 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.

The Electoral Roll

Would you say that Christ Church is your church? If so, please consider adding your name to the Electoral Roll (a list of people who are part of Christ Church and who worship here regularly). This entitles you to vote in church elections, and also helps us know how many people feel at home here. Please pick up form at the back of church, or see Jane Lippitt for more info. (You don’t need to complete a form if you signed up last year.)

Mingle on Mondays this autumn/winter

This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship started up in November.  We’re open from 11:30 am – 2 pm each Monday.  If you’re able to help set up and host, even occasionally,  or if you can make soup or cake, or shop for bread and other supplies and bring them along on a Sunday,  please sign up on the rota at the back of church.  Please claim expenses – no-one should be out of pocket.  Please pray for all who will come and all who will host, and do please encourage people to come along and enjoy a warm welcome!  Thank you.

Mothering Sunday  – today!

As part of our service this Sunday (10th March), we will take a collection of toiletries to our local Refuge. Please could you donate one or more of the following items?  Shower gel, shampoo, soap, sanitary towels and tampons, moisturiser, conditioner, bubble bath.

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 

Please pray for the Nature 2030 Campaign that political parties put nature at the heart of their policies. May we all recognise that thriving nature is not just nice to have, but essential for human wellbeing as well as fulfilling our biblical mandate to steward our precious creation. 

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

As a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers, Christ Church have become a Fairtrade Church. This means that we commit to using and serving only Fairtrade tea, coffee, and sugar – more info here: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.

Christ Church Time Capsule

We’ve been invited by the Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field to bury a time capsule in the field. Do you have photos of Christ Church, or other small items which could be included as a reflection of our community in 2024? Please speak to Rev’d Carol

Anny Lee – Memorial Service

Anny (and her husband John) were part of Christ Church for several years. Their daughter has shared an invitation to Anny’s Memorial Service at Cockerham on the 30th May – more details from Rev’d Brenda Harding.

Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!

Parent to Child:  What on earth are you doing?     Child to Parent:  It said on the news it’s more hygienic to sneeze into your elbow.       Parent to Child: They mean your own elbow

Godly Play!  4pm on the third Sunday of each month

Godly Play is a way of sharing Scripture stories, and helping children wonder about their 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 the 17th March at 4 pm.  If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you’re curious.

PCC

…. Meets next on the 13th March. Please let Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley have your ideas and suggestions for discussion. 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 

Thank you!

To our Mothering Sunday posy makers and for the donations of flowers

To everyone who supported the Lent Lunch – we raised £100 for Christian Aid

To Claire, Eleanor and Han who pruned our orchard ready for spring. 

Vacancies at Christ Church Primary School 

After School Club Manager and Assistant(s) and Site Supervisor. These posts are 3pm-6 pm Mon-Fri (15 hrs per week) term-time  Application packs at  www.christchurch-lancaster.lancs.sch.uk.   Closing date 12 noon 15th March.


Maundy Thursday – Invitation to our Cathedral

On the 28th March at 11am, churches and clergy from across the diocese are invited to share in a special Chrism Eucharist at Blackburn Cathedral. During the service, the Bishop blesses the oils used for baptisms, confirmations and anointing in the year ahead. If you’d like to come, Rev’d Carol has space in the car – please let her know. 

Community at Christ Church:

Mothering Sunday raffle – lovely prizes!

You can help contribute to church funds by buying numbers in this new raffle to be drawn on Mothering Sunday – 10th March.  Numbers at the back of church.

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 5th April.  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 Tuesday 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 the 12th March. 

Gardening

If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meet on the first Friday of the month, between 12 and 2pm, starting on the 5th April. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more. 

Working Party

Please could you help with a few cleaning and DIY jobs around church? Saturday 16th March, 9.30-11.30am, with brunch provided.

Special Appeal – Doorways and Windows

You may be aware that the stonework around the porch is deteriorating, and has been shedding pieces of masonry.  We urgently need to re-mortar the porch to make it safe and weathertight for decades to come. There are also several of our unique and historic windows which currently do not have protection from stones, pellets, weather, etc – and need a polycarbonate shield fixing. This combined work will cost around £8,000.  Whilst we can apply for a grant towards some of the work – please will you help by making a donation to the Church Repair Fund? Thank you!

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

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.  

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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: …currently vacant  safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org  01254 503088

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