(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 19th June 2022 First Sunday of Trinity
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 19th June Trinity 1
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (afterwards uploaded to YouTube) *
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 26th June – Trinity 2
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (afterwards uploaded to YouTube) *
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
Every Friday from 10.30am in the Hall
For under 5s and their parents/carers
Children’s Church
Every Sunday during the 10.30 service
For KS1/2
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 26th June in the Hall for KS1/2
Youth Group (KS3+)
Fortnightly on Fridays at 4pm in the Hall
Prayer for the Week:
O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen
A Prayer for our new Bishop
(Bishop Julian retires in August, and so we pray for the discernment process and those involved in appointing his successor. We pray too for Bishop Julian and Heather as they prepare to leave the diocese.)
Heavenly Father, we pray for a bishop full of your Holy Spirit:
a disciple who makes disciples,
a bold witness to Jesus,
and a Christ-like leader,
able to inspire children and young people
with the transforming message of your gospel.
We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 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 65.1-9
I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am’, to a nation that did not call on my name. I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks; who sit inside tombs,and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine’s flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels; who say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.’ These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will indeed repay into their laps their iniquities and their ancestors’ iniquities together, says the Lord; because they offered incense on the mountains and reviled me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions. Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it’, so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains; my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall settle there.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 22
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
19 Be not far from me, O Lord;
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my poor life from the power of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion’s mouth,
from the horns of wild oxen.
You have answered me!
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
22 I will tell of your name to my people;
in the midst of the congregation will I praise you.
23 Praise the Lord, you that fear him;
O seed of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, O seed of Israel.
24 For he has not despised nor abhorred the suffering of the poor;
neither has he hidden his face from them; but when they cried to him he heard them.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; I will perform my vows in the presence of those that fear you.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live for ever.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s
and he rules over the nations.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
Galatians 3.23-end
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 8.26-39)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me’— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘Legion’; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts:
may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us up in hope, and make us grow in love; for the sake of 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, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Lori Guerrard, Pauline Green TOHP, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Morris
Those who have died recently: Luke Wilson, Susan Edwards, Sheila Gaskell, Alan Liver, Lindsey deLao
Those being baptised: Luan Gander, Alina Pilkington, Devon Parker
Those preparing for marriage: Sam Robson and Ella Hall
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Langdale Place, Melrose Street.
The staff, volunteers and patients at St John’s Hospice
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 21st June 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
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. The next will be on 3rd July – 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.
Thought for the week
There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. James Hudson Taylor
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/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Enrich the lives of others by offering trips out, if you are able, to those who can no longer reach the beautiful countryside and experience the joy of nature.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be on Sunday 3rd July, and the first Sunday of every month.
Cross Bay Walk for Madagascar
The Eco-Group are supporting a local charity, Money for Madagascar, as part of their work to reduce the effects of climate change. In addition to the fundraising bookstall at the back of church, you may also wish to join some of the group to do the Cross Bay Walk this coming Saturday, 25th June, leaving Arnside at 3pm.
Please book your place at https://moneyformadagascar.org/crossbaywalk/ and let Rev’d Carol know if you’d like a lift. The walk costs £12/adult, and £2/dog, plus money for train fare.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Whoever invented knock-knock jokes deserves a no-bell prize.
Study Group
If you would enjoy exploring our weekly Bible readings and sermons further, all are welcome to an informal study group meeting after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sundays, starting today, 19th June. The groups will meet either in the Hall or the Storey Chapel. Please see Rev’d Carol, Pat or Jacqueline for more details.
Thank you!
…… to the generous anonymous donor who helped fund the purchase of a roving microphone, which will enable children’s and others’ voices around the church to be heard by everyone during services, etc.
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on 22nd June – if there are ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
Buildings Update!
Repair works on the Lady Chapel roof will soon be completed; resetting slates and damaged caused by Storm Arwen, as well as sealing the gulleys to reduce leaks.
Work to resurface the Hall Roof (where the bitumen has deteriorated) will begin this week. This work will not interrupt Hall users. Grateful thanks to Andy Steele for his generous help.
Both projects have been possible through grant funding, donations and insurance. Thank you to everyone who has generously supported the Church Repair Fund!
Special thanks to Susan Brooks who has been repainting doors, gates and railings!
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th June 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
The next church gardening session will be on 24th June 2-3 pm. All welcome!
Next Saturday 25th June – Help Needed!
From 9.30-12.30am help is needed to clean and tidy the church and hall, along with some basic DIY. Please bring gloves and old clothes, and wear closed-toe shoes. Come for 30 minutes, or longer if you’re able, children welcome to help too. Brunch will be provided!
Lancaster Pride 26th June
Everyone in our churches is welcome to come and join the local Christians taking part in Lancaster Pride Parade on Sunday 26th June. It starts at 11am so you might want to attend worship earlier or in the evening? Meet at The Cornerstone at 10.45am, or look out for the ‘Big Jesus’ puppet coming from Liberty Church, Blackpool and gather around him in the parade. Banners, placards or flags with words of love and inclusion are optional extras, as is colourful dress. The important thing is to be there if you believe that God loves LGBTQ+ people and that Jesus welcomes them in his church. We hope to see lots of you.
Help buy mobile ‘phones for asylum seekers – RAIS
RAIS and St T’s Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support Network currently have about 50 asylum seekers waiting to let their family know they’ve arrived safely. Help us to provide them with a ‘phone – often their only way of staying connected to their home and family. Any support would be greatly appreciated! You can give via https://gofund.me/615ac706, or please see Pat or Jacqueline.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
25th June – 9:30am Church Cleaning, tidying and DIY
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
1st October Ceilidh
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
New Assistant Archdeacons
Please hold in your prayers: Rev’ds Fleur Green, Leah Vasey-Saunders, and Sarah Gill (our new Assistant Archdeacons) and Rev’d Anne Beverley as Dean of Women’s Ministry. Rev’d Sarah will be commissioned Assistant Archdeacon in Blackburn Cathedral on 5th July.
Ordinations
Please hold in your prayers those in our Diocese preparing to be ordained priest or deacon on 2nd and 3rd July: Jordan Bentliffe, Amy Bland, Sam Dickinson, Andrew Downes, Lloyd Etheridge, Alan Gault, Liz Gethin, Nathaniel Gilmour, Simon Griffiths, Barbara Houghton, Simon King, Martin McDonald, Jordan McDermott, Ian McGrath, Bryn Naylor, Tristan Meares, Ryan Otley, Matthew Rowley, Anna Walker, Mark Wooding, and Matteo Zambon.