(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 21st November 2021
Christ the King
Collect
God the Father,
help us to hear the call of Christ the King
and to follow in his service,
whose kingdom has no end;
for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory. Amen
Readings
Daniel 7.9-10,13,14
As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousand served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgement, and the books were opened.
As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 93
Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
1 The Lord is king and has put on glorious apparel;
the Lord has put on his glory
and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the whole world so sure
that it cannot be moved.
3 Your throne has been established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
4 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their pounding waves.
5 Mightier than the thunder of many waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea,
the Lord on high is mightier.
6 Your testimonies are very sure;
holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever.
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 1.4b-8
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (18.33-37) Glory to you, O Lord.
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,
may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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
RIP: Dennis Howson, Eric Ball, Susan Stringer
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in our parish, in Melbourne Road and Woodville Street; and the staff and residents at Sir Walter Lyon House.
For Joel, Elyse, Fran and Chloe, on their Confirmation today.
And for Lilly Watson and Elliott Watson ahead of their Christening on 28th November
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 21st November – Christ the King
8:30 am Holy Communion (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 Celtic Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation, followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Saturday
Advent Quiet Day 10 am–3 pm (in church)
Sunday 28th November – First Sunday of Advent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church (in church then uploaded to YouTube)*
6 pm Holy Communion – St Andrew (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Today – 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 on this special day. There will be refreshments after the service to celebrate!
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday 30th 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.
Advent Carol Service – 5th December
To help us begin Advent, there will be a candlelit 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 Ryelands Sure Start Centre to families who would otherwise go without Christmas presents this year. All donations gratefully received.
Lancashire Sings Christmas
Hope for all at Christmas – Thursday 16th December 2021 From Radio Lancashire and at venues around the County, including Trinity URC, Bowerham. 7.00pm – 8.00pm (Tune in from 6pm) 95.5 FM, 103.9 FM or 104.5 FM. DAB. Join voices with the whole of Lancashire! Live from the Radio Lancashire Studio Blackburn. Join in and sing your Christmas socks off!
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 is on sale at church – 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
Always Hopeful – Lancaster Methodist Church
Are you in, or recovering from an abusive relationship? Do you wonder where God is in all this? You are not alone, there is help. Always Hopeful is a 13-week programme for Christian women who have experienced or are still experiencing domestic abuse. Whether it’s emotional, financial, spiritual, or physical abuse. Nobody will tell you what you should believe, how you should feel or how you are supposed to respond to your partner. Rather the programme creates space and offers support for you to work stuff out and recover alongside other women of faith who “get it”. For more information about when or where the course is running, or to book a place, or just for an informal chat about whether it might be right for you please email alwayshopesally@gmail.com or phone Sally 01524 840027
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, or make 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
An exhibition of the Slavery Family Trees Banner in Lancaster University Library opened on Sunday 14th Nov and is open to the public. 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
Epiphany Gifts
As usual at this time of year, we ask you to consider making a donation towards the cost of the supplies we use at our services in church all year round. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; it would be great if you could contribute towards the cost of the incense, candles, votive lights, Communion wafers, etc., which are all part of our worship. Please sign up on the list at the back of church, or contact Jacqueline if you have any questions.
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 has become very low. Please could you consider giving a little to keep the birds fed this winter? If so, please contact Julian Davies, or pass them to Jacqueline who will pass on donations. Thank you.
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.
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.
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!
Q. Why was the king only 12 inches tall?
A. Because he was a ruler!
Thought for the week
The gospel, in the New Testament, is the good news that God (the world’s creator) is at last becoming King and that Jesus, whom this God raised from the dead, is the world’s true lord. N T Wright
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
As winter and Christmas approach, take time for your own spiritual and physical well-being: get out, walk, or sit and enjoy nature as much as you can.
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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.