(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 4th September 2022 Trinity 12
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 4th September
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Christ Church All Together Service
12:30 pm Baptism
4 pm Messy Church
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 11th September – Education Sunday/Trinity 13
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist with Ben Green, Youth and Education Officer
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10.30am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Resumes on 11th September during the 10.30 service for KS1/2.
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 25th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
God of constant mercy, who sent your Son to save us:
remind us of your goodness, increase your grace within us,
that our thankfulness may grow,
through Jesus Christ our LordAmen
A Prayer for our new Bishop
(We pray for the discernment process and those involved in appointing his successor, and for Bishop Philip, our Acting Bishop during the vacancy in see.)
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:
Deuteronomy 30.15-20
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 1
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
1 Blessed are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the assembly of the scornful.
2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord and they meditate on his law day and night.
3 Like a tree planted by streams of water bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither,
whatever they do, it shall prosper.
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
4 As for the wicked, it is not so with them; they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked shall not be able to stand in the judgement, nor the sinner in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
Philemon 1-21
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith towards the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 14.25-33)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of all mercy, in this eucharist you have set aside our sins and given us your healing: grant that we who are made whole in Christ may bring that healing to this broken world, in the name 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, Niki Artega, Molly Saylor, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies, Doreen Hudson.
Those who have died recently: Gordon Sutton, Howard Haviland, Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe, David Morris, Michelle Simpson
Those being baptised: Neveah-Anne Woodcock
Those preparing for marriage: Madeleine Mansfield and Jordan Donnelly
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Kershaw Drive, Campbell Drive
For those preparing to begin or return to school this week.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 30th August 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 Passcode 942105
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. As well as today’s service, the next will be on Sunday, 4th September – 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
Don’t just count your blessings. Be the blessing other people count on. Anon.
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
UK Government data for 2021 show that only 44.2% of plastic waste was recycled, and half of that is shipped overseas. Contamination of different materials is part of the problem, so please separate plastic film from ready-meal trays and sandwich packaging.
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.
Appeal from Christian Aid
Who have launched an emergency East Africa Hunger Crisis Appeal. The Horn of Africa is suffering the worst drought in 40 years, and the severe conditions are being made worse by the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified an increase in global food prices that has turned a tough situation into a dire crisis. Christian Aid are helping over 300,000 people in the region by repairing wells, investing in water purification kits, and dispersing animal feed and medicine to keep valuable livestock alive. To donate, please click: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/east-africa-hunger-crisis-appeal
A new home for St George
The statue of St George, along with a set of vestments, has gone to a new home at The Herbert Kelly Institute for the Study of Anglican Religious Life in Durham. All the items had links to the Society of the Sacred Mission, a religious order who were based at Quernmore Park, and who then moved to St Antony’s Priory in Durham where the institute is based. More details from Rev’d Carol.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be today, and then on Sunday, 2nd October and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I was wondering why the frisbee kept looking bigger and bigger, and then it hit me .…
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 13th September 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.
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 in the Hall, when the group resumes in September after the summer break.
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
Heritage Open Weekends, 10th -11th, and 17th – 18th September
If you can spare an hour between 10am-4pm on the 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th September, please sign up to help keep the church open for visitors.
Christ Church and Lancaster’s Workhouse 17th September 7 pm
Also on Saturday 17th from 7pm, Naomi Parsons, Curator at Lancaster City Museum, will be sharing some of her research about Christ Church and Lancaster’s Workhouse. Everyone welcome – free admission!
Tea and coffee – please stay after the 10:30 service!
We all enjoyed meeting regularly on Sundays for tea and coffee after the 10:30 am Eucharist, which sadly we had to miss during Covid. That started again last Sunday, and will continue most Sundays from now on. Please do stay and enjoy a hot drink, juice and a biscuit, and get to know one another better. (If you’re able to offer occasional help with the refreshments, please let Jane Lippitt or Julie Buckley know. )
Baptisms, Confirmations and receiving Communion 2022
If you are interested in being baptised and/or confirmed, or know someone who would like to be, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a confirmation service with Bishop Jill on Sunday 27th November, with preparation classes beforehand.
Confirmation (of adults and older children) is a declaration of faith in Christ, and the Bishop represents the whole church in giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Children may be in Year 6 or above.
If your child is not old enough to be confirmed, but would like to start receiving Holy Communion, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a preparation class, and then children will be formally welcomed to receive communion for the first time during the service on the 27th November.
Christ Church Concert
On Monday 12th September, we welcome Steven Moore back to Christ Church. He’ll be leading school workshops during the day, and at 7pm will be giving a concert on marimba and other percussion. Last year’s was stunning – you’re in for a treat! Retiring collection, with funds being split between Steven and Church. No need to purchase a ticket in advance.
Some Eco-Church dates for your diary
There will be a talk on Electric Cars on the evening of Tuesday 4th October in the Lady Chapel, and a book sale after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sunday 23rd October
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
9-18th September Heritage Open Days
12th September 7 pm Steven Moore Concert
17th September 7pm Christ Church and the Workhouse, an evening with Naomi Parsons, Curator
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
1st October 6 pm Harvest Supper and Ceilidh in LRGS Hall
2nd October Harvest Festival
4th October 7 pm Talk on Electric Cars with the Eco Group in the Lady Chapel
22nd October Parish Bounds Walk (postponed from 8th)
23rd October 11:45 am Money for Madagascar Book stall in the Hall
30th October 3 pm Remembrance Service for those who have died recently
12th November 9:30 -12 noon Church cleaning morning
13th November 10:30 am Remembrance Sunday Parade
20th November Feast of Christ the King
27th November 10:30 am Confirmation Service with Bishop Jill
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 …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955