(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 14th November 2021
Remembrance Sunday
Collect
God, our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Readings
Daniel 12.1-3
‘At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 16
Refrain: The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you have I taken refuge;
I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my lord,
all my good depends on you.’
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,
upon those who are noble in heart.
3 Though the idols are legion that many run after,
their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
neither make mention of their names upon my lips.
4 The Lord himself is my portion and my cup;
in your hands alone is my fortune.
5 My share has fallen in a fair land;
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
6 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel,
and in the night watches he instructs my heart.
7 I have set the Lord always before me;
he is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
8 Wherefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices;
my flesh also shall rest secure.
9 For you will not abandon my soul to Death,
nor suffer your faithful one to see the Pit.
10 You will show me the path of life;
in your presence is the fullness of joy
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
The Lord is at my right hand; I shall not fall.
Hebrews 10.11-14, 19-25
And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, ‘he sat down at the right hand of God’, and since then has been waiting ‘until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.’ For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (Mark 13.1-8) Glory to you, O Lord.
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
God of peace,
whose Son Jesus Christ proclaimed the kingdom
and restored the broken to wholeness of life:
look with compassion on the anguish of the world,
and by your healing power
make whole both people and nations;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Prayers
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thea Harris-Ellis, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Heather McFadden, Maddison Crompton, Irene Forrester, Galiba Sijarić, Susan Stringer
RIP: Margaret Lamb, Dennis Howson, Eric Ball
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in our parish, in Greenfield Street and Williamson Road; and all working in mental health care and support.
Please pray also for Evie McDonough, Isaac Ferguson and Darcy-Mae Ferguson to be baptised today.
And for Joel, Elyse, Fran and Chloe, ahead of their Confirmation on the 21st November
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 14th November – Remembrance Sunday
8:30 am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10:30 am All Together for Remembrance (in church)
12:30 pm Baptism
1:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation, followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 21st November – Christ the King
8:30 am Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel
10.30am Patronal Festival for Christ the King, with Confirmations, president and preacher, Rt Rev’d Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Next Sunday – 21st November
… is a special day for Christ Church – our Patronal Festival! This is like a church’s birthday, celebrating our dedication in the name of Christ, and His reign over earth and heaven. As part of this service, the Bishop of Lancaster will be baptising Joel, and confirming Fran, Chloe, Elyse and Joel. Please hold them in your prayers as they prepare. There will be refreshments after the service to celebrate!
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday 16th November 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)
Advent Quiet Day – 27th November
‘Advent Icons – the Image of the invisible God.’ A quiet day of prayer and reflection, watching and waiting for Christ’s Coming. Led by Sr Sue, OCMM Saturday 27th November 10am-3pm at Christ Church, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EA
Soup lunch provided. Suggested donation £7. For more details, or to book, please see Rev’d Carol.
Christmas Tree Festival – Help needed!
Can you spare 2 hours 3rd – 5th December?
We need help to steward the church and welcome our visitors to the Tree Festival, and help to offer refreshments in the Hall. There’s a sign-up sheet at the back of Church outlining the times during set-up-week, and the festival itself. If you’ve any questions about what’s involved, please see Julie Buckley, Rev’d Carol, or Jane Lippitt.
Help needed 2 – Tree Festival invitations!
If you are free for an hour on Wednesday 17th at 7.15pm to help write invitations and stuff envelopes ready for the Christmas Tree Festival – please come along to the Vicarage. Limited parking in the drive on the left.
Advent Carol Service – 5th December
To help us begin Advent, there will be a candle carol service at 4pm on Sunday 5th December, with prayers and music helping us to watch and wait for Christ’s coming. Do bring a friend!
Toy Service- 12th December
As part of our preparations for Christmas, Christ Church holds an annual Toy Service where we collect and bless toys (new, or used-but-in-good-condition) which will be distributed by Rylands Sure Start Centre to families who would otherwise go without Christmas presents this year. All donations gratefully received.
Children’s Church
Children’s Church continues to meet regularly during the 10:30 Eucharists on Sundays (or in Christ Church: All Together services). We look forward to seeing you and your children/grandchildren there!
Tiddlers Group
The Tiddlers group runs each Friday, All pre-school-age children and their carers (parents/grandparents, etc.) are very welcome to come for activities, a chat, etc., at 10:30 am in the Hall. Please contact Julie Tinnion for more details.
Christ Church: 70 trees for the Treebilee
The Eco-Group are encouraging each of us to sponsor or plant a tree as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. You can either arrange your own sponsorship, through organisations such as the National Trust or Woodland Trust: for £5 per tree https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/plant-a-tree; or £6 https://www.treesforcities.org/get-involved/donate. Or become a member of the Woodland Trust, which will count as five trees or buy membership as gifts. For those who just want to put their donation in the box next to the tree, add a leaf, and the church will buy a tree from the National Trust for every £5 donated. There will be a display at the back of church to show how many trees have been planted in the name of Christ Church – so if you make your own arrangements, please add your name to it!
Advent Calendars
The Real Advent Calendar will be on sale at church in coming weeks – please sign up on the welcome table if you’d like one (or more!). It contains Fairtrade milk chocolate, and also a story book to help get ready for Christmas. Suggested donation: (£5?) Each.
Eye’ll Be Seeing You
A support and friendship group for blind and visually impaired people. Mondays 11.00 – 12.30 at the Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster Information – Katie – 07868314807, katie.schad@hotmail.co.ukLancaster Priory Community Worker
Chair-based exercise
Thursdays at 10.30am at St Thomas’ Church, Penny Street, Lancaster. Improve your mobility and make friends Gentle routine with friendly, qualified instructors No charge, but donations welcome to help with costs jeanette@st.tees.org.uk 07486 985 357
Do you have a pre-paid funeral plan?
Or do you know someone who does? If you would like your funeral to be taken by a Vicar/parish priest, please check that this is clearly stated in your wishes, whether for a church service, or at the crematorium or graveside. There have recently been issues where a ‘Christian ceremony’ has been misinterpreted by funeral directors. If you have any queries (or if the company tries to charge you extra for this) – please contact Rev’d Carol who is very happy to discuss things further.
Christ Church Crafting:
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th December at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, ormake a pennant for the community bunting. We will be looking at creating decorations/hangings for one of the Advent Christmas trees on 4th December, so bring ideas too. Future meetings will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
Recycling Sunday
Please bring your blister packs, used dental products (brushes, toothpaste tubes, etc) and crisp packets on 6thDecember, ready for recycling.
Icon Workshop at Hyning 22nd-26th Nov. 2021
(Non residential for beginners and beyond)
Cost. £200 for tuition and materials
Refreshments provided but bring a packed lunch. For more details contact Sr. Mary Bernard: hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning Warton, Lancs. LA5 9SE Tel. 01524 732684
Lancaster Black History Group
Exhibition of Slavery Family Trees Banner in Lancaster University Library from Sunday 14 Nov
Exhibition is open to the public from Sunday 14th November. The banner is a collaborative textile creation, which highlights some of the key findings of a community research project relating to Lancaster’s black history. Learn about the key characters, places and objects displayed on the banner and their links to transatlantic slavery and local history.
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
Night Shelter Deputy Coordinator vacancy
There is a vacancy for a Deputy Coordinator for the Night Shelter season – please see the attached advertisement and job description, for someone to help ensure that the Shelter runs safely and smoothly, with a supportive welcome to our guests. Starts 1st January 2022. Please contact Rev’d Carol or Jan Norbury for further details, and to apply with a CV and covering letter. This is a paid post. Deadline for applications: 16th Nov.
Help Needed!
Could you spare some time to help keep our Hall prepared for our guests? We need someone to keep an eye on the levels of cleaning products, paper towels and other comestibles in the Hall, and to reorder enough to keep supplies topped up. It requires a 10 minute check each fortnight, and a further 15-30 minutes ordering and delivery on a monthly basis. If you’re interested, please see Jacqueline Stamper or Rev’d Carol.
Lancaster and Morecambe City of Sanctuary
With Christmas approaching asylum seekers will feel very isolated and being separated from family and friends at this time is especially hard.
Lancaster and Morecambe City of Sanctuary is organising Christmas Hampers as a token of the welcome and care from the generous people of Lancaster. The boxes were very well received last year and brought much joy and gratitude to our community. We will send a list of suggested items and hope to also have a small gift for under £5 for each person (toiletries, stationery, winter clothing). Banana boxes from a local supermarket could be suitable and donors are welcome to decorate their box. The filled boxes will be picked up and delivered to each house in the week before Christmas.
We have men, women and families from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Kuwait etc living in 40 houses in and around Lancaster and there are between four and eight asylum seekers in each house. Lancaster and Morecambe City of Sanctuary welcomes your kind support and we look forward to hearing from you. Dorothea Williamson
dorotheawilliamson@hotmail.com
Across the Generations
We are on a recruiting drive to find more participants for our ‘Across the Generations’ project. We will be renewing our funding from Lancashire County Council for a further two years. The project is changing slightly and is now open to anyone in the community who would like to get to know asylum seekers and refugees. Also, there will be more meetings where all project participants and volunteers will be invited such as the recent open air vegetarian bbq at Claver Hill. Mostly meetings are in threes, or triads, at the home of the project participant: an asylum seeker or refugee volunteer, a UK volunteer, and a project participant. The frequency of the meetings is variable but generally fortnightly. Those involved in the project are really enjoying it. Hilary Hopwood, Co-chair, East Meets West M: 07767 626891 FB East Meets West Lancaster. eastmeetswest6@gmail.com
LDHAS Winter Appeal
Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service are making their Annual Winter Appeal. Cheques payable to LDHAS can be sent to Edward Street, Lancaster, LA1 1QH, or bank transfers to LDHAS, 40-52-40, 00031967 (reference ‘Shelter2021’) Thank you.
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tins – including meat, fish, vegetables and pies., as well as donations of rice (not pasta or baked beans). All other items, including toiletries, are also gratefully received!
Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Bird-food Fund – donations welcome!
Our church garden helps to attract birds and insects, and the bird feeders are regularly topped up by a willing volunteer to keep our feathered friends fed and watered. A number of people used to contribute to the “kitty” to buy supplies, but that has happened much less during and following lockdown and the fund is almost at zero. Please could you consider giving a few pounds to the birds fed? If so, please contact Julian Davies, or pass them to Jacqueline who will ensure that Julian gets them. Thank you.
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.
Legacies at Christ Church.
Gifts in Wills are an important part of Christian stewardship, and dedicating a gift is one way to thank God for blessings received. If you’re considering writing a Will and leaving a gift to the church, there is a lilac leaflet available near the offertory box which explains more. The PCC have recently passed a Legacy Policy to ensure that gifts are used well to support Christ Church’s mission and ministry, whilst taking into account a donor’s wishes. If you wish to speak to Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline Stamper in confidence, or for further details, please see www.churchlegacy.org.uk.
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. 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
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Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Magician: “I can turn this handkerchief into a flower.”
Little boy: “That’s nothing. I can walk down the street and turn into an alley.”
Thought for the week
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
The Climate conference has come to an end and National leaders have offered up their contributions. This is only the beginning of the road to climate recovery, so think what extra you can do, whether it’s travelling less, eating less meat or using less single use plastic. We all have our part to play.
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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.
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.
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: Ms Jacqueline Stamper 64083 churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Ms Jane Lippitt 07930 979503 safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623 children@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
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:
- – At the 1030 service, communion will now be received from the rail; please kneel or stand to receive. Afterwards, please return to your seat via the Lady Chapel – The common cup (chalice) may be shared *if desired*. If you wish to receive, please remain at the rail after receiving the bread. The person administering will wear a face covering, and please *do not* touch the chalice with your hands, and *do not* intinct your wafer (dip it into the wine). The chalice will be wiped with an alcohol sanitiser between use.
- 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 is 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.