(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 30th October 2022 Feast of All Saints
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
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Saints’ Festal Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
3 pm Memorial Service
6pm All Souls’ Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (via Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday -6th November
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6pm Taizé Eucharist (with musicians from 4:30 pm)
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 27th November in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
God of holiness, your glory is proclaimed in every age: as we rejoice in the faith of your saints, inspire us to follow their example with boldness and joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
Daniel 7.1-3,15-18
In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: ‘As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever—for ever and ever.’
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 149
Refrain: Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth.
1 Alleluia. O sing to the Lord a new song; sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their maker;
let the children of Zion be joyful in their king.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praise to him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the Lord has pleasure in his people and adorns the poor with salvation.
Refrain: Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth.
5 Let the faithful be joyful in glory;
let them rejoice in their ranks,
6 With the praises of God in their mouths and a two-edged sword in their hands;
7 To execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings in chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the judgement decreed: such honour have all his faithful servants. Alleluia.
Refrain: Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth.
Ephesians 1.11-23
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 6.20-31)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. ‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord of heaven, in this eucharist you have brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of the saints made perfect: as in this food of our earthly pilgrimage we have shared their fellowship, so may we come to share their joy in heaven; 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, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies, John McCafferty, Doreen Hudson
Those who have died recently: Gary (Spider) Brennan, Dorothy Eidsforth.
Those preparing for baptism: Louisa Salliss, Marnie Mai Higgins
For our eight candidates preparing for Confirmation.
Parish Cycle of Prayer: For those who live and work on Grasmere Road, Ullswater Road
For the work of St John’s Hospice.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 1st November 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. The next will be on Sunday, 6th November – 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
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison. Nelson Mandela
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 government’s food strategy has been condemned by its own adviser and the Director of Global Feedback is asking the government to rethink and produce a strategy that delivers for climate and nature. It is hard to know the right things to eat but food labelled Organic or Fairtrade is a good start. For useful advice look at www.sustainweb.org/sustainablefood
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, 6th November and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What does a storm cloud wear under his raincoat? A. Thunderwear.
Warm Spaces – can you help?
A group have been thinking about how we can offer a warm, social space for our community this winter. It’s proposed to offer a soup lunch, with board games, puzzles and conversation in the Hall on either a Monday or Wednesday 1-3pm. However, we need a critical mass of volunteers to make this possible. Please indicate on the sheet at the back of church you might be able to help (even occasionally). Training will be given
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 8th November 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.
Dementia Cafe
…. at Trinity URC Ulster Road, Lancaster for those with memory problems, and their carers. Join us on the 3rd Thursday of each month from17th November 10:30 am -1pm. Informal chat, background music, tea and coffee, soup lunch. Warm and safe space – all welcome.
Advent Calendars
The Real Advent Calendar, a Fairtrade chocolate calendar which shares the Christmas Story, will be available at Christ Church for £5 each. Please reserve yours by signing up on the sheet at the back of church.
Community at Christ Church:
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. )
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! If you can spare an hour or more to:
- help set up the trees and prepare the church
- Welcome visitors and steward the festival
- Offer refreshments or run a stall (sale goods will be provided)
Please sign up on the lists at the back of Church – it will be a fun weekend and a chance to make new friends.
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!
All Saints and All Souls
On Sunday, 30th October, we remember those who have been saints to us, and those who have died. At 3pm, there will be a Memorial Service for those who have died recently, with opportunities to light a candle to remember them. At 6pm, there will be a Requiem Eucharist for the Faithful Departed. If you would like a loved one’s name read out as part of there service, please add their name to the list at the back of church.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address.
Remembrance 2022
We’ve been invited to the Act of Remembrance at the memorial at Miss Whalley’s Field (Derwent Road) at 1045 on Friday 11th November. The service is led by local schools, and members of the local community are welcome to share.
On Sunday 13th November, we will be joined by our uniformed organisations for a Parade Service, which will include 2 minutes’ silence at the War Memorial. Everyone is welcome.
Later that day, the 6pm Service will include prayers for Healing and Wholeness, using beautiful words and music from the Iona Community. This will offer to God the pain and suffering of the world, and of those known to us, trusting in God’s compassion auto being wholeness and peace. All are welcome – you may wish to pray for someone you know who is troubled in mind, body or spirit, to pray for yourself, or for those whose troubles are known only to God.
Autumn Fiesta – 12th November – St Thomas’ – 10:30 am – 4 pm
Festival of food, music, and family activities to raise awareness and funds for asylum seeker and refugee groups. Free entry!
Fall back!
And don’t forget that the clocks go back an hour this Saturday night (29th/30th October)!
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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
11th December Christingle Service, with Toy Collection for Ryelands Sure Start Centre
17th December 9.30-1pm Advent Quiet Morning with Sr Sue
18th December 4pm Carol Service
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