(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 25th July 2021
St James the Apostle/Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Collect
Merciful God, whose holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ and followed him even to death: help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world, to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay; 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.
Readings
Jeremiah 45.1-5
The word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: You said, ‘Woe is me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: I am going to break down what I have built, and pluck up what I have planted—that is, the whole land. And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 126
Refrain: The Lord has indeed done great things for us.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter
and our tongue with songs of joy.
3 Then said they among the nations,
‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
4 The Lord has indeed done great things for us,
and therefore we rejoiced.
The Lord has indeed done great things for us.
5 Restore again our fortunes, O Lord,
as the river beds of the desert.
6 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed,
will come back with shouts of joy,
bearing their sheaves with them.
The Lord has indeed done great things for us.
Acts 11.27 – 12.2
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew (20:20-28) Glory to you, O Lord.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’
When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayers
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Pat Brooks, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thea Harris-Ellis, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Stephen Taylor, Dorothy Eidsforth, Tracey Kennedy
RIP: Jane Howson, Allan Twiname, Jenny Lawrence
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in Parkgate Drive, Cedarwood Place and Gleneagles Drive; our local food banks.
Also for William Woodhead and Lorna Jackson, as their Banns of Marriage are read; and for
Willow Makemson, ahead of her Christening on 8th August.
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 25 th July St James/Eighth Sunday after Trinity
8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.30am Parish Festal Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday 4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see below)
Wednesday 5:30 pm Meditation, followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday 9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Saturday 9pm: Compline (YouTube*)
Sunday 1st August Ninth Sunday after Trinity
8.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.30am Parish Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube*)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
If you would like to book in for the Sunday Eucharists, please use these Eventbrite links:
Sundays: 8:30 am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/144628127623
Sundays: 10:30 am
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/112092136598
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday 27th 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://zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=TlV6QUQ5UVdiK0p1M0Q0cE0vRXIvUT09 Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: ChristChch
Dial in: 0208 080 6591 Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: 310771 (any queries see Rev Carol)
Living in Love and Faith – a process of discernment
We are continuing to join in the national time of discernment, Living in Love and Faith. This encourages us to listen to a rich breadth of stories and experiences of relationships and faith, and to reflect on what Scripture and the Holy Spirit are saying to us about what that means for the future. Across the Church of England groups are sharing in these five sessions, as part of a national discernment of how the church will teach about relationships in future, and what prayer and blessing for couples will look like in years to come. All are welcome to join in the in-person sessions in the hallstarting from 5th September after the 10:30 Eucharists – we want your voice to feed into this exercise on these issues, which we pray will affect how the Church moves forward together in love and faith. Let us know if there are other times that would suit those for whom after the 10:30 isn’t convenient. There will also be cross-Deanery courses starting in the autumn.
Children’s Church
Children’s Church is taking its summer break and will restart on Sunday 5th September 2021 – looking forward to seeing you then!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why did the fish get bad grades?
A. Because it was below sea level.
Meeting up
I’m able to meet more people in the parish again, and to get to know folks. If you’d like to go for a walk, or arrange a garden visit – it would be lovely to meet and chat, please let me know when’s convenient! Rev’d Carol.
Our Children, Youth and Families Co-ordinator
Julie Tinnion will be starting as our Children, Youth and Families Co-ordinator on 21st August. Please keep her in your prayers – and all the children and young people who will be welcomed at Christ Church. Please also consider how you might support this ministry – whether in your prayers, in practical help, or in dreaming and planning what might evolve!
Feast of the Assumption: 15th August
We will be commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s assumption (arrival) into heaven on Sunday 15th August, with a special service at 1030. After the 8.30 Eucharist, there will be a bacon brunch (with vegan alternatives) – so do come early if you’re coming to the 10:30 service for chance to mix, meet, and munch. All welcome – do invite friends and neighbours too! Please sign up on the list on the board at the back of church so we’ve an idea of numbers for catering.
Summer Garden Party 21st August 2:30-4:30 pm.
Please come along to this lovely event in the church, the Hall and the church garden. Afternoon tea, music in church, stalls, games – what’s not to like! If you haven’t already bought tickets for entrance and afternoon tea, now’s the time do so – and why not buy a few numbers for the draw too? (Tickets for the original date are still valid, but if you would like a refund, that’s no problem.)
And another date for your diaries: 12th September
Sunday 12th September at 3pm – Songs of Praise Service – all the hymns and worship songs you’ve wanted to sing for the last 16 months! Watch out for a request sheet.
Christians Aware …
Is a magazine covering topics such as international development, ecology and climate care, and social justice. Clive Shaw has left several copies at the back of church – do borrow them! Or better yet, join the national charity, Christians Aware, and get your own copy free www.christiansaware.co.uk. ‘We work for a world of justice and peace, where all people can work together as community across cultures and faiths.’
Clavinova seeks a home!
We’re looking for a good home for our old Clavinova (electric piano). It’s in full working order, but please be aware that there are no instructions, and spare parts are no longer available for it. A donation to the Organ Fund in lieu gratefully received. Collection only – please see Rev’d Carol.
Other musical news:
- The Roland electric piano is being replaced with a new, lightweight model
- New hymnbooks will be purchased for the choir as they lead us in new music in coming months. We’ll be using the latest edition of Ancient & Modern, which contains many of the traditional favourites, as well as newer hymns, worship songs and chants. We hope you like it!
- Both of these will be paid for out of the Organ Fund, with grateful thanks to Ron Holmes for his faithful and dedicated support of this over the years!
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
Anna Richings is fundraising!
Anna has (very bravely!) decided to take a cold-water swim or dip every day this fortnight to raise money for the Church Repair Fund. If you’d like to sponsor her, there’s a sign up sheet at the back of church, or give online at https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909
The Olive Branch Foodbank – extra donations, please
Now that the school holidays are starting, the Olive Branch is in need of extra donations to help them support families facing holiday hunger. They’re in particular need of tinned fruit and puddings, tinned meat and fish, rice, cereal, spaghetti, jam, kit kats and penguins (the biscuit ones!)
Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Can you spare 3 hours a week?
Lancaster Samaritans are looking for volunteers to help in their shop on 12 Damside. Call in for details or email lancaster@samaritans.org Help support their vital work, no experience necessary.
Do you eat Gü puddings?
(Or can you be persuaded to?!) We need lots of the little glass pots for the Summer Garden Party on 21st August – please wash and save them!
Water Aid Bookstall
Thanks to everyone who’s supported the bookstall in recent months – over £50 sent to WaterAid by the EcoGroup! Why not top-up on some holiday reading and support an excellent cause?
The Future of Healthcare in Lancaster 29th July
The Government has recently announced plans for major super hospitals and one of those may well be at Garstang, changing services in Lancaster and Preston. What impact will this have on our community? Will it be a benefit, or will it reduce the quality of our healthcare? What kind of healthcare system do we want in place in Lancaster and the Bay?
Faith groups and faith-based charities are key players in their communities. How will these proposed changes affect those that they work with? What vision do they have for healthcare in the area? On Thursday 29th July 2021 at 7.30 pm, in partnership with Lancaster Friends, the Lancaster Health Festival will host a presentation and question and answer session with Phil Woodford, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Morecambe Bay Trust.
To book a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/161094400689
Questions can be submitted in advance to: ian.dewar@mbht.nhs.uk or
Next Recycling Sunday & Co-op soft plastics recycling
Please bring clean, empty plastic bottle tops, crisp packets, blister packs, toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes/toothbrush heads so that they can be taken for recycling, to the next collection on Sunday 1st August.
Co-op stores now recycle soft plastics (in particular, bread bags, crisp packets, pasta bags, fruit & veg wrappers, pizza wrappers).
The Christ Church Cookbook: contributions invited
The Eco Church Group has been promoting reducing our carbon footprint by eating less meat. Reducing meat consumption, especially meat from intensive farming, has benefits for both the climate and animal welfare. We’re producing a cookbook of our favourite vegetarian and vegan dishes that could tempt even carnivores. Contributions of your favourite tried and tested veggie and vegan recipes are invited (metric measurements). Sales will raise money for Christ Church funds. The size of the booklet means finding a balance of starters, mains and puddings, vegan/non-vegan recipes, but all contributions are welcome, even if they can’t all be included. Please send to: reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.
Church Repair Fund
We recently launched our Church Repair Fund to help 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. If you’re able to give of your time and talents to plan or help with some fundraising events – please keep an eye on the notices for more details!
You can also contribute online via the Give a Little website: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909
Supporting Christ Church
If you would like to support Christ Church’s work and worship regularly, or you already do – please consider giving by Direct Debit. Christ Church is now taking part in the Parish Giving Scheme, which allows us to offer direct debit as an option. This national Scheme takes a lot of hassle out of claiming gift aid, and ensures that any donation is covered by guarantees. It also allows you to easily review how much you give depending on circumstances. There are no costs or overheads to the parish. For more information, the QR code takes you to our page on the scheme:
Online at www.parishgiving.org.uk
By telephone 0333 002 1271 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
Postal forms available on request.
For any of these methods our PGS code 030603240 ensures that your gift goes to our church.
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Prayers & our Newsletter
If you, or someone you know would like to receive this newsletter, either electronically or a paper version – do let Jacqueline/Rev Carol know and we will endeavour to keep in contact with people.
We will be praying daily for all who are suffering in the current crisis. 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.
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Thought for the week
I have abandoned all … prayer techniques. My only prayer practice is attention. I carry on a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God that fills me with overwhelming joy. Brother Lawrence
Eco-Group Thanks for the Week: Renewing
Nature is being regenerated in many ways including the rewilding of former agricultural land at Wild Ken Hill Reserve and Hesketh Outmarsh RSPB Reserve, and the restoration of carbon absorbing upland blanket bogs, lowland raised mires and other peatland habitats in Lancashire and Greater Manchester. The Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative invites people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ which will complement planting carried out by the Woodland Trust and others. Community groups and individuals are planting wildflowers in parks and gardens to nurture bees and other pollinating insects. Thank you for being part of this.
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COVID-19 – latest update from Rev’d Carol
Now that regulations on Covid precautions have changed, much advice has been issued by the government, national church and local health authorities, with each Vicar being responsible for plans and arrangements in each church building. After discussion at PCC on Wednesday 21st July, Christ Church asks that everyone continues to:
- Wear a face covering within the building, unless medically exempt
- Keep a safe distance – with some pews remaining closed to help this
- Use the Track and Trace code, or the paper sign-in sheet for each service
- Use hand gel on arriving in the building, and before receiving communion
In addition:
- Communion will remain in one kind (bread) only until such time as a safe way of sharing the common cup is possible.
- Congregational singing will restart at the Sunday 10:30 Eucharist, with other services remaining said.
- The 10:30 Service will continue to be recorded for those who wish to watch and worship at home.
- Face-to-face gatherings can resume, outdoors where possible and with ventilation/face coverings in situ where not.
As a church community, we are called to act for the benefit of all, and especially the most vulnerable. We wish our church community to be safe, accepting and welcoming for all, regardless of health, or vaccine-status. Although regulations have lifted, I strongly encourage everyone to continue to take precautions and continue the good habits we have got into in recent months.
All of us will feel differently about the lifting of regulations – some ecstatic, some anxious. I’m more than happy to listen and hear your own views on this, and talk through what will help you feel safe and continue to be part of the church in coming weeks. There are a range of quieter and busier services at Christ Church so you may also wish to consider something different to your usual pattern. Please be mindful that some may not be as ready to be as close-up as others, and that is absolutely fine, so please don’t be afraid to say, ‘Please may I have space?’ if you need it, knowing that no questions will be asked.
Key contacts:
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 942105 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com
1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE
Lay Reader: Dr Pat Allen 39552 reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.
Churchwarden: Mrs Jacqueline Stamper 64083 churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Ms Jane Lippitt 07930 979503 safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: Ms Jan Norbury 07547 717 060 coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com
Hall Bookings: hallchristchurch@btinternet.com 07890 351855
Christ Church School Ms Emma Simpson 60955
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