(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 3rd July 2022 St Thomas
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 July Trinity 3/St Thomas
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Christ Church All Together Service
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (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 – 10th July – Trinity 4
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (afterwards uploaded to YouTube) *
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 Christ Church Primary School
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty and eternal God,
who, for the firmer foundation of our faith, allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son
till word and sight convinced him:
grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. 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:
Habakkuk 2.1-4
I will stand at my watch-post, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep
watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 31
Refrain: Into your hands I commend my spirit.
1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Incline your ear to me;
make haste to deliver me.
3 Be my strong rock, a fortress to save me, for you are my rock and my stronghold; guide me, and lead me for your name’s sake.
4 Take me out of the net
that they have laid secretly for me,
for you are my strength.
5 Into your hands I commend my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I put my trust in the Lord.
Refrain: Into your hands I commend my spirit.
Ephesians 2.19-end
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (John 20.24-29)
Glory to you, O Lord.
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart, in 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, David Fowler.
Those who have died recently: Lindsey deLao, Pauline Green TOHP
Those being baptised: Luan Gander, Alina Pilkington.
Those preparing for marriage: Sarah Vare and John Bosson; Daniel Walker and Camille Whitty; Craig Hunter and Cheryl Nicholls.
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Langdale Place, Melrose Street.
The staff, volunteers and patients at St John’s Hospice
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 5th July 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 this Sunday, 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
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. Samuel Johnson
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
Summer is hopefully a time for splashing about but water is too important to waste. Try to take shorter showers and use water from paddling pools to water your garden.
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.
Deanery Secretary
Might you be able to spare 1-2 hours per month to help the churches of Lancaster and Morecambe? We’re looking for someone who is able to send mailings and take notes for deanery meetings – more details from Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline Stamper.
Gaia
Luke Jerram’s Gaia, The Festival of the Earth, at Lancaster Priory, open until 17 July, 10am – 5pm. An illuminated planet Earth sculpture and events. Adults £3, Children £1. https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing?eid=27689&
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and blister packets of tablets will be this Sunday, 3rd July, and the first Sunday of every month.
Cross Bay Walk for Madagascar
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored the Cross Bay walkers last week – 8 of us made it! We’ve raised over £300 for Money for Madagascar. Please leave any sponsorship money in an envelope marked ‘MFM’.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What’s a frog’s favourite type of footwear?
A. Open toad sandals.
Community at Christ Church:
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on 27th July – 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 12th July 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 Friday 29th July, 2-3 pm. All welcome!
BBQ needed
Do you have a large-ish gas BBQ which you might be able to lend on Sunday 14th August?
We’ll be having a special celebration after the 10.30am service to mark the Feast of the Assumption.
Study Group – not meeting 3rd July
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. The group will not meet this week after the Christ Church All Together service.
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
Welcome group
Following our Everybody Welcome course earlier this summer, we’d like to follow up on some of the ideas which came up about how we make our church community and buildings a more welcoming place. If you’d like to join the working party, there’s a meeting in the Vestry at 11.30am on Monday 11th July. Everybody Welcome!
Social action – working party.
If you’d like to be part of a working party thinking about how Christ Church can best serve those in need in our parish in future, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
29th June – 7 pm LRGS School Concert in Christ Church
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 Harvest Supper and 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
Pimms and Hymns
Following the success of our Songs of Praise service last summer, on the 31st July we’ll have a special service to celebrate our favourite hymns. Come at 3pm for a glass of Pimms (or something else), with a service at 3.30pm followed by tea and cake. Please vote for your favourite hymn on the yellow sheet at the back of church, and the top 8 will be sung on the day. Maximum 2 votes per person.
Pet Blessing Service
On Sunday 24th July at 3pm. Bring your pet for a service of thanksgiving and blessing – everyone welcome! Donations of old blankets and towels (not duvets) or tins of Butchers/Chappie dog food will be collected for the work of Wolfwood Sanctuary. If you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane, please let Rev’d Carol know – and please bring pets in a suitable container or on a lead.
Health Festival – 7th – 10th July
Next weekend sees the Lancaster Health Festival in Dalton Square. Do look out for the remembrance stall hosted by local churches, and please pray for the team leading it!