(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 6th November 2022 Third Sunday before Advent
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 Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6pm Taizé Eucharist (with musicians from 4:30 pm)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
10:45 am Act of Remembrance (Miss Whalley’s Field)
Next Sunday 13th November
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist for Remembrance
6pm Iona Service of Prayers for Healing and Wholeness (Lady Chapel)
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:
Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he 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:
Job 19.23-27a
‘O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock for ever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 17.1-9*
Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand.
1 Hear my just cause, O Lord; consider my complaint; listen to my prayer, which comes not from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; let your eyes behold what is right.
3 Weigh my heart, examine me by night, refine me, and you will find no impurity in me.
Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand.
4 My mouth does not trespass for earthly rewards;
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast in the ways of your commandments;
my feet have not stumbled in your paths.
Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; incline your ear to me, and listen to my words.
7 Show me your marvellous loving-kindness, O Saviour of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9 From the wicked who assault me,
from my enemies who surround me to take away my life.
Refrain: Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand.
2 Thessalonians 2.1-5,13-17
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 20.27-38)
Glory to you, O Lord.
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God of peace,
whose Son Jesus Christ proclaimed the kingdom and restored the broken to wholeness of life:
look with compassion on the anguish of the world,
and by your healing power make whole both people and nations;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 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, Norman Muckalt
Those who have died recently: Dorothy Eidsforth, Teresa Isaac
Those preparing for baptism: Louisa Salliss, Marnie Mai Higgins
For our eight candidates preparing for Confirmation: Kelly, Zara, Poppy, Freddie, Dylan, Jacob, Peter and Robin.
Parish Cycle of Prayer: For those who live and work on Bath Street, St Peter’s Road.
For our Churchwarden and PCC members.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 15th 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 this 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
We need to keep alive a vision for the United Kingdom where no child is hungry; where the safety nets are robust; where child poverty is reducing; and where food banks are in decline. The well-being of the nation is now very fragile. The Rt Rev’d Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford
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 climate change conference (CoP27) starts today in Egypt providing the opportunity for world leaders to meet again to reaffirm their commitment to the global climate agenda. Pray for its success in terms of real action, not just words.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be this Sunday, 6th November and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What kind of maths do birds love? A. Owl-gebra
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on16th November – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In October, we reviewed recent prayer and worship in church, heard back from the team who went to the Leading your Church into Growth Conference, and discussed becoming a Warm Space for the community this winter. Please keep your PCC in your prayers.
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.
Christian Aid News:
Are you devastated with the news hitting our screens about extreme flooding in Pakistan or drought in Eastern Africa? Perhaps God is stirring your heart to take a stand for climate and racial justice. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to even start.. Hopefully we can help… so, if you live in commuting distance to Liverpool – Co-hosted by Liverpool Cathedral and Christian Aid, and marking the eve of the COP27 UN climate talks, we welcome you to join us as we take time to reflect, talk and take action as the church on racial and climate justice. For more information, and to book your place click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talking-climate-and-racial-justice-liverpool-tickets-392541782037
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Help needed!
If you can spare 30 minutes (or more!) on Tuesday 15th November, please come to the Vicarage (1 East Road) from 7pm onwards to help stuff envelopes of invitations for our Christmas Tree Festival – everyone welcome, refreshments provided!
Choral Evensong
On Wednesday 23rd November at 5pm – we’ll be joined by LRGS’ Choir for a special service. Everyone welcome!
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!
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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