(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 25th September 2022 Trinity 15
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 – 25th September
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 2nd October – Harvest Festival
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together for Harvest
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10.30am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children.
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, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love:
grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you,
they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. 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:
Amos 6.1a,4-7
Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts!
Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp,
and like David improvise on instruments of music; who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 146
Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.
1 Alleluia. Praise the Lord, O my soul: while I live will I praise the Lord;
as long as I have any being,
I will sing praises to my God.
2 Put not your trust in princes,
nor in any human power,
for there is no help in them.
3 When their breath goes forth, they return to the earth;
on that day all their thoughts perish.
Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.
4 Happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their help,
whose hope is in the Lord their God;
5 Who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them; who keeps his promise for ever.
6 Who gives justice to those that suffer wrong and bread to those who hunger.
Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.
7 The Lord looses those that are bound; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
8 The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous;
9 The Lord watches over the stranger in the land; he upholds the orphan and widow; but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.
10 The Lord shall reign for ever,
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Alleluia.
Refrain: The Lord shall reign for ever.
1 Timothy 6.6-19
Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 16.19-31)
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Keep, O Lord, your Church, with your perpetual mercy; and, because without you our human frailty cannot but fall,
keep us ever by your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; 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, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies, John McCafferty, Chrissy
Those who have died recently: Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe, David Morris, Michelle Simpson, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, Gary (Spider) Brennan
Those preparing for marriage: Madeleine Mansfield and Jordan Donnelly
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Stone Row Head
For those living in sheltered accommodation and those supporting them. .
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 27th September 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 Eucharist
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 next Sunday, 2nd October – 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
“We must observe also, that among the heathen the names of poor men are more likely to be known than of rich. Now our Lord mentions the name of the poor, but not the name of the rich, because God knows and approves the humble, but not the proud.” Pope Gregory the Great
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
The results of the Big Plastic count showed that 83% of the plastic was from food and drink packaging, with the most common from fruit and vegetables. Buy loose and make a difference.
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.
Money for Madagascar
Our Eco-Group’s nominated local charity ‘Money for Madagascar’ (MfM) will have an exhibition in Williamson Park Cafe starting this Saturday16th September. This is a chance to see some original art-work from Madagascar which will be on sale, as well as a display of educational resources about rainforests which can be used by local schools and community groups. The colourful displays will also tell stories of the joyful impact that the charity is making in Madagascar – helping Malagasy people to push back against poverty and climate crisis through effective community-led initiatives.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be on Sunday, 2nd October and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How do all the oceans say hello to each other? A. They wave!
Community at Christ Church:
Harvest Donations
Our Harvest Festival will be next Sunday, 2nd October, when we give thanks for the food we enjoy, and pray for those with whom we share it. We will be collecting for Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS) on Edward Street. They have especially asked for: tinned meat, tinned vegetables, coffee, long-life milk, sugar, cooking oil, ketchup, brown sauce, salt and pepper. Thank you.
Audrey Davies
…… would like to thank everyone at Christ Church for all the prayers and good wishes received since her recent operation. She is making progress in her recovery and hopes to see you again soon.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 11th October 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.
The Puzzles of the Kingdom – study group.
If you would enjoy exploring some of the key ideas and themes in Jesus’ teaching reflected in his extraordinary parables and pictures (the ‘Puzzles of the Kingdom’), all are welcome to an informal study group meeting after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sundays in the Hall.
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
Tea and coffee – please stay after the 10:30 service!
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. )
Harvest Ceilidh!
Next Saturday, 1st October, from 6pm in LRGS hall. Tickets available in church iron the door – £5 per person or £12 per family, includes soft drinks. Please bring some food to share (sweet or savoury) and the dancing starts at 7pm.
Christmas Tree Festival
We’re looking forward to hosting our second Festival on the 2-4th December, raising funds for church and LDHAS. But we need your help! Local schools and groups will decorate trees to celebrate what’s going on in the community – and we need individuals/ businesses/groups to sponsor the trees. If you (or your company, or a shop you visit regularly) can help in this, please take a letter, and write their name on the list at the back of church. Thank you!
A prayer for our new Bishop of Blackburn
(We pray for the discernment process and those involved in appointing Bishop Julian’s 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.
The Vine Community
There is a Vine Community Quiet Day on Saturday 8th October at Blackburn Cathedral. This is open to members of the Vine Community and anyone who is interested in finding out more about this new praying community. It will start with Morning prayer at 9.00am. There is no charge for attendance, The morning will finish at 1:00pm and it will then be possible to stay and have lunch, for which there will be a small charge. To book your place, please email vinecommunity@blackburncathedral.co.uk and indicate whether or not you will be staying for lunch. There is more information about the Vine Community on our website here: https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/the-vine-community-main-homepage
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.
Thank you!
To everyone who has helped to make the Apple Festival a success – it was great to welcome friends new and old, and share in a wonderful harvest!
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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
Light up the Lady Chapel
The Psalmist writes: ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ However, the lighting in the choir and Lady Chapel is in need of help – some has broken beyond repair, and the rest is struggling to illuminate a space that is now regularly used for worship. We already have raised half the funds needed.Can you help by sponsoring a light, or making a donation towards the £5k cost? Please see the envelope for more details or use this code:
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