A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 26th July 2026 Eighth Sunday after Trinity
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 – 26th July
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
4pm Pet Blessing
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 2nd August
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 Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Little Seedlings
Every Tuesday from 9am in the Church 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.
Intercession workshop – Sunday 23rd August
Our prayers of intercession (the ‘prayers of the people’) are a key part of our church’s life and worship as we bring to God the needs and concerns of our community. If you’d like to know more about this way of praying, or would like some food for the soul as you lead these prayers, Rev’d Carol will be running a workshop after the 10.30am service on Sunday 23rd August – all welcome!
Messy Church
On Sunday 26th July at 3pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
Scripture Readings for our Worship
1 Kings 3. 5-12
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Our Psalm today is Psalm 119. 129-136 with the Refrain: The opening of your word gives light. Unfortunately there is insufficient space to print in full.
Romans 8. 26-end
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 13. 31-33, 44-52
Glory to you, O Lord.
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that have taken holy things; may the ears which have heard your word be deaf to clamour and dispute; may the tongues which have sung your praise be free from deceit; may the eyes which have seen the tokens of your love shine with the light of hope; and may the bodies which have been fed with your body be refreshed with the fullness of your life; glory to you 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, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Finn Dickinson, Bishop Stephen Pedley
May they rest in peace and rise in glory
For those to be baptised:
Athena and Ariella
May they shine as lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in St Andrew’s Close, Quernmore Road, Campbell Drive. For the work of our Cathedral, St Mary and St Paul in Blackburn.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
We pray for people attending and helping with the following events:
Pet Blessing, Summer Club, BVM Summer BBQ
Bless our community and those who share in worship and service here.
Prayer for youth work
Loving Father, we ask you to help make our youth summer club fruitful. Lord, as you call us, make us worthy of your calling. Amen.
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.
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1.
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
The natural world is the very foundation of our existence and critical to our survival. We live in a beautiful part of the UK close to two Areas of National Landscapes so this summer please take the opportunity to visit these areas and learn to appreciate the natural world and how to care for it.
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.
Bible Study Group – Wednesdays 6.45pm
Are you curious to go a bit deeper into the bible? Rev’d Kaarina will be holding a drop in bible study group every Wednesday Evening after Evening Prayer where we read and discuss the Gospel of Luke. No prior knowledge required, come along and find out a bit more! Wednesdays 6.45 – 7.30pm in the Storey Chapel/Church Hall (dependant on weather!)
Pet Blessing 26th July 4pm
We will be having our Pet Blessing Service on the 26th July at 4pm. All creatures great and small welcome! Please bring your pet on a lead or in a cage, or just a bring a photo! Just let us know if you are bringing anything larger than a Great Dane! Donations of tinned dog food/treats and old towels and blankets for Wolfwood will be very welcome.
Messy Church – Sunday 26th 3pm
We will be making treat boxes for the animals at Wolfwood, which we will donate at the Pet Blessing at 4pm. A dog may make an appearance!
MAGIC Morning – Saturday 15th August 9.30- 11am
We will be holding MAGIC (Maintenance and Gardening in Church) morning on Saturday 15th August, 9.30 – 11am. Help is needed with some odd jobs, cleaning and basic DIY around church. Children welcome to help with parent’s supervision
Help Needed – BVM BBQ – 16th August
We are in need for volunteers to help and food and drink contributions for our Summer BVM BBQ. If you are able to help please sign up using the list at the back of church. Thank you!
Tombola at the BVM BBQ – Donations needed
We are going to be having a sweetie and Chocolate Tombola at the summer BVM BBQ. If you are able to donate some treats please leave them at the back of church. Thank you!
In Other News…
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/
Hall for Hire
Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially during the day and at weekends. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Lorna on hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or 07808 76536 for more information.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (7th August ) 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 meets on the first Friday of each month (7th August) 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
Church Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7 to 8pm in church. Although small in number, we are enthusiastic and newcomers are made very welcome. We sing at services about once a month. Please contact jean.mccafferty@gmail.com if you’d like to know more.
Coffee with the Curate
Coffee with the Curate is held weekly on Mondays 10-12 at The Gregson Cafe. Meet new folk and have a chat over a brew. All are Welcome!
Emergency Appeal – Message from Bishop Philip
Request for your urgent support in addressing a humanitarian crisis that has broken out in our link Diocese of Liwolo in South Sudan.crisis in our link Diocese of Liwolo in South SudanParts of the Diocese have been attacked by Ugandan troops in the most serious of a number of border incursions. As a result of this attack and the continuing presence of Ugandan troops, 10,000 people have been internally displaced. With no effective government response, they have taken refuge in the compound of Liwolo Cathedral. We have been working with Christian Aid (SSUDRA: Humanitarian Aid in South Sudan | ssudra). Already, aid supplies are starting to flow because of an emergency grant from this Diocese. But a great deal more is required.If you are able to make a donation, all moneys given will be used at once to alleviate suffering in the Cathedral Compound where people have access to water but not to food, blankets, tents or medical supplies. Donations can be made here via our Harvest Appeal: parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/bburn-diocesan-harvest-appeal-blackburn. Please do be praying for Bishop Joseph and his people.
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.
Charity Nomination
The Benefact Group are giving 20 charities £5000 each. Please would you be willing to nominate Christ Church for this? The form takes two minutes, and our Charity number is 1216172 – if we’re successful, the grant will make a huge difference to our Choir Church project! Thank you! https://movementforgood.com/draws/1000#charitySearchForm
PCC
Our next PCC meeting will be held on the 17th August. Please do talk to our PCC reps about any aspect of life at Christ Church. And pray for the PCC in its 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
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
Organist: 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.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Kim Robinson on the above address.