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The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 27th February 2022
Sunday next before Lent
Today’s 10:30 am Eucharist is sponsored by Helen Simpson in memory of Rose.
Collect
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
Readings
Exodus 34.29-35
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 99
Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
1 The Lord is king: let the peoples tremble;
he is enthroned above the cherubim: let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion
and high above all peoples.
3 Let them praise your name, which is great and awesome;
the Lord our God is holy.
4 Mighty king, who loves justice,
you have established equity;
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests
and Samuel among those who call upon his name;
they called upon the Lord and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud;
they kept his testimonies and the law that he gave them.
8 You answered them, O Lord our God;
you were a God who forgave them
and pardoned them for their offences.
9 Exalt the Lord our God
bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
2 Corinthians 3.12 – 4.2
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (9.28–43a). Glory to you, O Lord.
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Post Communion:
Holy God,
we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
may we who are partakers at his table
reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know his power to change and save.
This we ask through 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, Bishop Julian Henderson, Jacqueline Stamper
Those who have died recently: Stephen Mallon, Jean Briggs
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in our parish: in Lowther Road and Caldbeck Road; and the work of local food banks.
A Prayer for the Ukraine
Almighty God, seated above all the affairs of humankind and sovereign over nations and leaders, hear our prayer for Ukraine at this time of war, that lives may be spared,
that national boundaries be respected and that forces
of aggression be restrained.
Grant, Lord God, peace in your world in our time.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 27th February – Sunday next before Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube)*
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Ash Wednesday 2nd March
11 am Holy Communion with Ashing (Lady Chapel)
7.30pm Holy Communion with Ashing
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 6th March– First Sunday of Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (in church, then uploaded to YouTube)*
12 noon Lent Course (in the Hall)
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Zoom Prayer
Tuesday, 8th 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://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.)
Messy Church – today 4 -6 pm
Messy Church will meet again today at 4 pm in the Hall – it’s good to see so many families joining in this less formal gathering for children and adults alike, for creativity, celebrating God in prayer and song, and eating together.
Preparing for Lent
The season of Lent begins this Wednesday, 2nd March, a time of walking with Christ for 40 days, in prayer, study, charity and preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Whilst it is traditional to give up harmful and bad habits during Lent (smoking, drinking, eating junk food, and/or swearing are all examples) so as to focus better on God – you may also wish to ‘take up’ something for Lent – for example reading a spiritual book, a month-long creative project, giving to charity, or volunteering. There is a short leaflet available at the back of church to inspire you.
This Sunday we will learn new music for the 10:30 Eucharist – James Macmillan’s ‘St Anne’s Mass’ – first sung by the choir at the All Souls’ Eucharist.
Ash Wednesday, 2nd March, is a day of penitence and acknowledging that we are ‘only human’ – and in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. There will be Eucharists at 11 am and 7.30 pm, with opportunities to receive a cross of ashes as a sign of our own mortality. If you wish to make a personal confession and receive absolution outside of these services, please arrange this with Rev’d Carol.
Copies of the Live Lent: Embracing Justice and the Diocesan Signs of Life daily devotional booklet will also be available (in adult and children’s versions) for you to follow at home.
Lent Course
On Sunday 6th March, after the 10:30 Eucharist, we will begin a Lent Course, ‘Glimpses of God’ to which everyone is welcome. The course started in 2020, then lockdown intervened! It promises to be a thought-provoking series in 5 sessions. If you were in the group prior to lockdown, please bring your booklet, and spares will be available.
Taizé
The next Taizé Eucharist is on Sunday 6th at 6pm. If you’ve not been to one before, Taize is a a very peaceful, contemplative way of praying and worshipping, inspired by the international community in France. Simple songs, stillness and reflection (plus beautiful music offered by our own orchestra!) offer a lovely, prayerful end to the day.
Festival of Faith in Daily Life
There will be a Festival of Faith in Daily Life at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday, March 19. Rev’d Carol is going – so if you’d like a lift, please let her know!
It will be a time to reflect on how we can all be confident disciples, witnesses and leaders for Jesus Christ in our homes, workplaces and communities. Bishop Philip will preside at a Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Youth Choir; there will be a keynote address from Lord David Alton of Liverpool about how faith has affected his working life of public service, and a variety of workshops with some practical ideas for faith at home, faith at work and living alongside people of other faiths. There will also be an introduction to The Vine Community, which is a simple and flexible framework for living out a Christian life, sometimes called a ‘rule of life’.
The Festival is free, but places need to be booked in advance so that the Cathedral can manage workshop numbers.For more information and to book a place, please email Jean Duerden on conference@blackburn.anglican.org
Further Study with the Diocese of Blackburn:
The next Roots of Faith module ‘Believing: The teachings of the church; questions of faith and doctrine’ starts on Thursday 3rd of March at 7.30pm. This will run on three Thursday evenings (3rd, 10th, and 17th March) and end with a day at Whalley Abbey on Saturday 26 March. Session 1 will be at Trinity Church, Accrington, and the other two Thursday evenings will be on Zoom.
The Roots of Faith programme is for anyone who wants to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can find out more and book for this module on Eventbrite:
Sponsored Sundays
If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday hymn (perhaps in memory of a loved one), please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard at the back of church, and give it to Rev’d Carol with at least a month’s notice before the Sunday you’d like to sponsor. You can nominate a hymn if you wish. Please place your donation in an envelope labelled ‘Sponsored Sundays’, and place it in the offertory box. It is up to you how much you wish to give!
70 trees for the Treebilee – Platinum Jubilee update!
On 6th February it was 70 years since Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. Christ Church has been sponsoring or planting trees to contribute to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Her Majesty’s Green Canopy initiative.
If anyone still wants to plant a tree, sponsor a charity, or put £5 in the box for the church to do so on your behalf please do it this month if possible. Don’t forget to add a leaf to the tree so your gift can be counted. A big thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our Jubilee Tree. Our 70-tree target is in sight.
Christ Church Crafting:
… will meet next on Tuesday 8th March at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. Future meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
Palm Crosses – please return today!
Please return your Palm Cross (if you still have last years’) today, ready for Ash Wednesday.
Church Giving
Thank you to everyone who nominated local and national causes for Christ Church to support in the coming year – 14 in all! How we respond will be discussed at the Fundraising meeting (see below) – but if you have ideas (e.g. cake sale, sponsored walk, inviting a speaker) please let Rev’d Carol know.
The Real Easter Egg
A Fairtrade Easter Egg, (in dark, milk or white chocolate) with the story of Easter included. Please sign up on the sheet at the back so that eggs can be ordered by the 14th March. Suggested donation to church funds: £6 – please label your donation ‘Eggs’
Fairtrade Fortnight – stall today and next Sunday
As part of Fairtrade Fortnight (which raises awareness about the importance of fairly-traded products, and their effect on small farms and businesses that would otherwise struggle in the face of large free-trade corporations), there will be a stall of Fairtrade goods after the 10:30 Eucharist today and on Sunday 6th March. Thanks to Jenny and the Eco-Church group for arranging this.
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
9th March 2 pm – Can you help?
Year 11 students from Jamea al Kauthar Islamic College are visiting Christ Church to learn more about Christian worship, and what the Eucharist means to us. Please can you spare an hour to help welcome them, and serve refreshments? See Rev’d Carol.
Spring Raffle
£3 per ticket, or 4 tickets for £10 – choose your number from the list in church. A hamper and a L’Occitane gift set are among the prizes! The draw will be made on 27th March. Please contact Julie Buckley if you’d like a ticket.
The Olive Branch needs volunteers!
In particular, if you are over 18, available between 11am and 4pm on a weekday, and would be interested in volunteering as a packer on a Thursday, or in the office on a Friday, please get in touch by going to their website: https://the-olivebranch.org.uk
then ‘Support us’ and ‘Register interest with us’.
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/
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
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
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 Or 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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Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I’ve decided to start a career as a mirror cleaner.
It’s something I can see myself doing.
Thought for the week
[The Transfiguration] broke the barrier between heaven and earth, for Jesus was the one who could belong to both at the same time. A citizen of heaven, a citizen of earth. Sara Lowe
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Plan how meat- or dairy-free you want to be during Lent. Try a vegetarian Lenten fast or just one day each week.
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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.
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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
Parish Secretary: Mrs Julie Buckley buckleys@live.co.uk 01524 37229
Hall Bookings: hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
07890 351855
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: Ms Jan Norbury 07547 717 060 coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com
Christ Church School Ms Emma Simpson 60955
COVID-19 – latest update from Rev’d Carol, 25th Feb.
National covid rules have changed again, and there is now no longer a requirement to sign/zap in on arrival. It is the discretion of each Vicar how each church responds, so if you have any queries or concerns please contact Rev’d Carol. I ask that people still consider wearing a face covering (especially for sung services) and remain at a sociable distance apart until local case rates drop further.
I also ask that people don’t return to the practice of intincting their wafer – if you prefer not to receive the common cup, it is fine to receive the bread only. I continue to encourage people to use hand gel on arrival and before receiving communion.
As a church, we seek to be a safe place for all, especially those who feel vulnerable for any reason. We’re called to be one body united by diverse opinions and experiences, and so we respect that some will feel comfortable with more and others with fewer personal precautions in place. There are a range of quieter and busier services for those who wish. We continue to pray for healing for the effects of covid on individuals, communities and our world, and lift up those who are grieving, exhausted or lonely at this time.