(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 3rd April 2022 Fifth Sunday of Lent
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 01524 942105
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE
www.christchurchlancaster.org.uk Facebook:@ChristChurchLancaster
Everyone is welcome to join in prayer and worship this week:
Today – Sunday 3rd April
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
with Children’s Church
12 noon Lent Course (in the Hall)
12:30pm Baptism
1.30pm Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Silent Meditation followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 10th April
Palm Sunday
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.15 Palm Procession from Martyr’s Field, Derwent Rd
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
(in church, then uploaded to YouTube)*
12 noon Lent Course (in the Hall)
4pm Messy Church in the Hall
6 pm Taize Eucharist
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory;
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
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Isaiah 43.16-21
Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honour me,
the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
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.
Refrain: 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.
Refrain: The Lord has indeed done great things for us.
Philippians 3.4b-14
Even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (12.1-8)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said,‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Jacqueline Stamper, Istok n Bratić
Those who have died recently: Simon Cooper, Heather McFadden
Those being baptised: Ellsie Bateson, Boblee Calvert
Those preparing for Marriage: Alberto Zambianchi and Louise Tripp
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Grizedale Road, Coniston Road, Scarfell Road.
For the students and staff at the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 5th April 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
Meeting ID: 806 945 9310
Lent Course
Our Lent course, ‘Glimpses of God’, continues after the 10:30 Eucharist today in the Hall. Everyone very welcome!
Messy Church
There will be another Messy Church at 4 pm next Sunday (10th April) – come and enjoy an informal gathering for worship and fellowship
Thought for the week
A [person] who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. Thomas Merton
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Most of the things we use, make or buy add to carbon emissions. Review your use and purchase of everyday items and see what greener choices you can make.
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 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.
In Other News…
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/
Homes for Ukrainian Refugees
From Lizzy Hare at RAIS – ‘Please apply here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-launches or by Googling ‘home for Ukraine UK’ to register for the scheme. This link will lead you to a registration form. Then email Fariha (our co-ordinator) at coordinator@rais.org.uk and she will put you in touch with a charity who are pairing hosts with Ukrainian guests. Once your guests have arrived at your house then please get in touch or visit us if you need any help.
Update on the Night Shelter.
On Monday 21st, 28 representatives from local churches, as well as the Council and Edward Street, began to share the current and future needs of our local communities after all the changes of recent years, and ask how we might serve those who are vulnerably housed and in need in future.
These included provision for basic needs (food, shelter, warmth, equipment, and accommodation) as well as longer term support with the cost of living, financial help and specialist advice, health and wellbeing; and the importance of community and support networks in befriending. This is at a time where there are local concerns for families as well as single people at risk of eviction and the effects of rapidly rising prices after an already strained few years.
If you’d like more details, please ask Rev’d Carol for a summary. I ask that you continue the conversation and discernment process about what what’s needed, how we grow what we have, and how we might work together.
There will be a meeting to discern the next steps on Monday 25th April at 2 pm in church – all welcome.
School News!
Christ Church Primary School has just been awarded a £750k decarbonisation grant from the government, via our Diocese. This is fantastic news and will help the school’s carbon footprint to reduce through more efficient heating and insulation.
Holy Week Walk
Susan Brooks is walking to Galgate from Lancaster every day over the Easter Weekend (4 days) raising funds for Christ Church. If you’d like to sponsor her, please add your name to the form at the back of church. Thank you Susan – we pray for good weather for you!
Community at Christ Church:
Mothering Sunday – Ukraine Appeal
Thank you to everyone who generously supported the ShelterBox Appeal this Lent – over £400 was raised to support refugees from the crisis.
Electoral Roll
If Christ Church is *your* church – whether or not you live locally, or worship here every Sunday – please consider joining the Electoral Roll. This enables you to vote in the Annual Parish meeting (on the 1st May) and helps us know how many people are part of the church. Please pick up a from and return it to Jane Lippitt. (If you’ve filled a form in the last 2 years, you don’t need to do another)
Gifts and Talents
Christ sets before us a pattern of serving others. Whether in making worship possible, reaching out to the community or making our church life together possible, there are several teams which need your help. Please pick up a green form (and return it to the green box by the 1st May) – and talk with Rev’d Carol if you’re not sure.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays at 7.15pm for an hour. New members always welcome; if you’re not sure, come along and give it a try for a few weeks! Have a word with Clive or contact him via cliveshaw54@gmail.com
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 12th April 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.
The Real Easter Egg – available to collect!
If you have pre-ordered a Fairtrade Easter Egg, (in dark, milk or white chocolate) these are now available to collect from the back of church. There are some spare eggs available for £6 too. Please label your donation ‘Eggs’
Spring Raffle
Thank you to everyone who supported the Raffle – £321.71 was raised for church funds!
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why do bees have sticky hair?
A. Because they use honeycombs.
Notice of APCM
The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 1st May, at which our Churchwardens and PCC will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
15th April – 12 noon Walk of Witness from Dalton Square with Churches Together
6th May – 7pm Ladies’ Night at the Vicarage
21st May Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead, for a picnic lunch
29th May – 4pm Choral Evensong and Cream Tea to begin the Jubilee Weekend
24th July – 3pm Pet Blessing Service
31st July – 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
14th August 10.30am Feast of the Assumption, followed by Barbecue in the Church grounds.
9-18th September Heritage Open Days
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
8th October Parish Bounds Walk
2nd October Harvest Festival
1-4th December Christmas Tree Festival
Supporting Christ 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. You can also contribute online via the Give a Little website: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909
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!
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.
Key contacts:
Churchwarden: …Ms Jacqueline Stamper churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 64083
Priest with PTO and Choir Contact: …Rev’d Clive Shaw. cliveshaw54@gmail.com
Lay Reader: …Dr Pat Allen reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 39552
Parish Safeguarding Officer: …Ms Jane Lippitt safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07930 979503
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: …Mrs Julie Tinnion children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
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 coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com 07547 717 060
Christ Church School:…Ms Emma Simpson 01524 60955
COVID-19 – Update from Rev’d Carol
I ask that people still consider wearing a face covering indoors (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.
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.
Holy Week Services:
Palm Sunday:
10:15am Palm Procession gathers at Martyrs Field, Derwent Rd, arriving at Church for 10:30am Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
6.30pm Stations of the Cross followed by
7 pm Eucharist
Maundy Thursday:
7.30pm Eucharist followed by Vigil
Good Friday
09:30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
12noon Walk of Witness from Dalton Square
2pm Last Hour at the Cross
Holy Saturday
7.30pm Vigil & Lighting the Easter Fire
Easter Day
Festal Eucharists at 8.30 am and 10.30am
Please take some flyers for neighbours!