(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 8th May 2022 Fourth Sunday of Easter
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 8th May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
12:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 via Zoom
Wednesday
5:30 pm Silent Meditation
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 15th May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist*
12:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Risen Christ,
faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:
teach us to hear your voice
and to follow your command,
that all your people may be gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father. 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.
Welcome
To Jenny Guilder, who is starting a month’s placement at Christ Church this week.
Jenny is an Ordinand (a trainee Vicar) studying at Emmanuel Theological College, and is with us to gain experience of the liberal catholic tradition of worship, and parish ministry.
She’ll be shadowing Rev’d Carol during the week, and sharing in Sunday worship.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Acts 9.36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
3 He shall refresh my soul
and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Revelation 7.9-17
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (10: 22-30) Glory to you, O Lord.
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Merciful Father,
you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd,
and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again:
keep us always under his protection,
and give us grace to follow in his steps;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Jacqueline Stamper, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Caroline Lillicrap
Those who have died recently: Heather McFadden, Elizabeth Taylor, Ken Richardson, Joseph Wolfe, Olive Niccolls
Those being baptised: Leo Diamond and Nadine Tomkinson, Meadow-Fern Lambert
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Alfred Street, Shaw Street
For our farmers and agricultural workers
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 10th May 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
Thought for the week
The tighter you squeeze, the less you have. Thomas Merton
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Greenpeace is gathering evidence of how much plastic we have to throw away to pressurise government to take serious action. Sign up to the Plastic Count during 16th to 22nd May https://thebigplasticcount.com/
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday 5th June, and the first Sunday of every month.
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/
The Olive Branch are recruiting!
The Olive Branch hope to move to new premises later this year. Would you like to join the team and support people who live on the margins? Assistant project manager needed, 20 hours per week, across 3 days with some flexibility. Closing date 9am on Monday 16th May, more details at https://the-olivebranch.org.uk/latest-news/assistant-manager-vacancy or phone 01524 555715
Riding Lights Theatre Company – My Place
Renowned Christian theatre company Riding Lights are coming to Lancaster to perform their play, My Place, in conjunction with the charity Home for Good, who will be sharing about their work with children and young people.The play is suitable for adults and high school aged young people, tickets are available to purchase via www.ridinglights.org.uk.Thursday 19th May at 7.30pm in St Thomas’ Church
From the Miss Whalley’s Field Volunteers:
A reminder about FMWF planned Working Party today, Sunday 8th May 1 – 3 pm. We intend to maintain the saplings by removing the canes and sleeves and clearing the area around them, plus other Spring maintenance tasks.
Please meet at the Memorial stone on Derwent Rd. Wear suitable clothing and footwear, and bring gardening gloves and any useful tools. e.g trowels, secateurs, shears, rakes. Children welcome under the supervision of adults.
The Archbishop of York comes to Blackburn
Our new Archbishop, Stephen Cottrell, is visiting our Diocese. On Saturday the 28th May at 7pm he will be leading an evangelistic event at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Globe Arena – do bring a friend to share worship, testimony and the Good News of what God has done for us in Jesus. There will also be an open air service at Whalley Abbey, with the theme ‘Rejoice’,
which will happen on Friday the 27th May at 7:30pm. This is an event for the whole family and
you are invited to bring a picnic and rug/folding chairs to enjoy the evening there.
Nature calls!
There is no more money in the bird food kitty. Our feathered friends find themselves with an account in the red, due largely to the recent spending on improvements to their facilities and the annual enthusiasm for baby making with associated peanut parties. If anyone would like to make a donation I am sure that the birds will be very appreciative. We may even be treated to a fly past! Julian.
Madagascar: how to face a climate emergency – 24th May 7:30 pm
All are invited to a talk in church on recovering from the climate-emergency driven famine in Madagascar by local charity Money for Madagascar. Please see separate leaflet.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What do you call a magician’s dog?
A. A labracadabrador.
Community at Christ Church:
Olive Niccolls (RIP)
Olive Niccoll’s funeral will be on Tuesday 17th May at 10am at Christ Church.
Taizé
On the first Sunday of every month at 6pm, there is a beautiful service of prayer, music and stillness in the style of the Taizé Community. There’ll be a special celebration for Pentecost on the 5th June – everyone welcome! If you’d like to join the music group (singing or instrumental), the rehearsal starts at 4.30pm. Do see Julian if you’d be interested.
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
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on 25th May – if there are ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 10th May 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.
Gardening Session – 27th May
The next church gardening session will be on 27th May 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Everybody Welcome!
On Tuesday 10th May the ‘Everybody Welcome’ course continues. 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 (1 East Road), for 4 weeks. Don’t worry if you missed last week!
Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead
Saturday 21st May 2022 Grid Ref SD 551/545 – OL41
Abbeystead has much in common with Christ Church, Lancaster – not least its dedication as ‘Christ Church’ and windows made by Lancaster’s Shrigley and Hunt workshop.
Up in the hills, it’s a world away from the city, and an excellent place for stillness and prayer.
Everyone welcome to don walking boots for the 9 mile walk. We’ll meet at Christ Church at 8.30am for a short service of morning prayer. Or, if you prefer, come and meet at the Shepherd’s Church at 1pm for prayers, a picnic and a brief tour of the church.
Walkers, please bring stout shoes/boots, waterproofs, suncream and hat, plenty of water, snacks and a picnic, and, if possible, a first aid kit. Dogs only allowed if on a lead throughout.
There will be some road walking, so children must be supervised. Please sign up on the sheet at the back (including if you can offer a lift) – any questions, please ask Rev’d Carol.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
21st May Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead, for a picnic lunch
24th May 7:30 pm Madagascar Talk, hosted by the Eco Group
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
Newly elected PCC Members
Following our Annual Meeting last week, the following people have been elected to PCC:
- Jane Lippitt
- Andrew Neal
- Julie Buckley
- Paul Thompson
- Susan Brooks
- Helen Simpson
- Cathy Wilson
- Louise Archer
- Jackie Park
Jacqueline Stamper was elected as our Churchwarden and the PCC appointed Andrew Neal as our Treasurer – please see the note below.
Please hold the PCC in your prayers as they hold oversight of the church’s life and worship.
Thanks also to Joyce Lynch for her 24 years of service on PCC as she steps down.
These people represent the church community, so if there are questions, concerns or suggestions you wish to raise, please have a chat!
In addition, we’re looking for a new treasurer (this doesn’t have to be a church member), and several people to help support the warden in some of the practical aspects of this post.