(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 10th April
Palm Sunday
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.15 Palm Procession from Martyrs’ Field, Derwent Rd
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
(in church, then uploaded to YouTube)*
12 noon Lent Course (in the Hall)
4pm Messy Church CANCELLED
6 pm Evening Prayer
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
6:30 pm Stations of the Cross
7 pm Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Maundy Thursday
7.30pm Festal Eucharist, followed by Watch ’til Midnight
Good Friday
9:30 am Stations of the Cross
10:30 am Family Service in Church
2 pm Last Hour at the Cross
Holy Saturday
7:30 pm Vigil & Lighting the Easter Fire in Church
Next Sunday – 17th April
Easter Day
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
3pm Baptism
6 pm NO Evening Prayer
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
True and humble king, hailed by the crowd as Messiah:
grant us the faith to know you
and love you,
that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross,
which is the path of glory. 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 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens –
wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2.5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death –
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
(19.28-40)
Glory to you, O Lord.
After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’
So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!’
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
The Passion Gospel is found in the main order of service (Luke 23: 1-49)
Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,
and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:
give us the mind to follow you and to proclaim you as Lord and King,
to the glory of God the Father. 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 Bratić, Yan Connell
Those who have died recently: Simon Cooper, Heather McFadden
Those being baptised: Isaac and Jessica Dixon
Those preparing for Marriage: Alberto Zambianchi and Louise Tripp
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Skiddaw Road, and Elterwater Place.
For the residents and staff at Moorside Hall and Dolphinlee House
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 26th 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’, concludes after the 10:30 Eucharist today in the Hall. Everyone very welcome!
Messy Church – cancelled today
Today’s Messy Church has had to be cancelled owing to Covid. It will next meet on Sunday 22nd May at 4 pm in the Hall.
Churches Together in Holy Week
Please note that there are two special services this week:
Good Friday at 12 noon, meet in Dalton Square for a Walk of Witness, concluding at Market Square
Easter Day – Sunrise Service at 6.30am in Dalton Square – everyone welcome!
Thought for the week
Remember finally, that the ashes on your forehead are created from the burnt palms of last Palm Sunday. New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are allowed to die. Richard Rohr
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Remember finally, that the ashes on your forehead are created from the burnt palms of last Palm Sunday. New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are allowed to die.
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.
Socks for Asylum Seekers
Many new asylum seekers have arrived in Lancaster (most from Afghanistan and Syria). They need lots of men’s socks. People can bring them to church for Pat to collect, or take them to RAIS at The Cornerstone on Thursday after 2pm, or on Monday from 10am onwards.
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.
Save the Date!
On Tuesday 3rd May a new course begins – called ‘Everybody Welcome’. As we restart as a community, the course will help us think about how we warmly welcome visitors and new arrivals into church. It’s for everyone to come along and share your thoughts and ideas – 7pm at the Vicarage, for 5 weeks.
Holy Week Walk
Susan Brooks is walking from her home in Lancaster to Galgate and back 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.
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on the 27th April – if there’s ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
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. What sort of cakes do snowmen like?
A. The ones with thick icing.
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!
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 07980 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!