20th November 2022

(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)

A warm welcome to 

The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster

on Sunday 20th November 2022 Feast of Christ the King

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

Today – 20th Nov – 

Feast of Christ the King

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

Followed by Brunch

10:30 am Festal Eucharist 

for Christ the King

6pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)  

Wednesday 

5 pm Choral Evensong with LRGS’ Choir

Friday 

9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)

Next Sunday 27th November Advent 1

8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)

10:30 am Confirmation Service with Rt Rev’d Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster

4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)

6pm 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

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 the Father,
help us to hear the call of Christ the King 
and to follow in his service,
whose kingdom has no end;
for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory. 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:

Jeremiah 23.1-6

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’This is the Word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Psalm 46

Refrain: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

1    God is our refuge and strength,  

a very present help in trouble;

2    Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,  

and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea;

3    Though the waters rage and swell,  

and though the mountains quake at the towering seas.

4    There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,  

the holy place of the dwelling of the Most High.

5    God is in the midst of her;

therefore shall she not be removed;  

God shall help her at the break of day.

6    The nations are in uproar and the kingdoms are shaken,  

but God utters his voice and the earth shall melt away.

7    The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

8    Come and behold the works of the Lord, what destruction he has wrought upon the earth.

9    He makes wars to cease in all the world; he shatters the bow and snaps the spear and burns the chariots in the fire.

10  ‘Be still, and know that I am God;  

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted in the earth.’

11  The Lord of hosts is with us;  the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Colossians 1.11-20

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke  (Luke 23.33-43).

Glory to you, O Lord.

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Prayer after Communion: 

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, 

may by you be plenteously rewarded; 

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, Norman Muckalt, Mike Dickinson

Those who have died recently:  Teresa Isaac, Ted Proctor, Michael Atkinson

Those preparing for baptism: Marcia Dearnley

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 Melbourne Road, Woodville Street

For the staff and residents at Sir Walter Lyon House.

Zoom Prayer: 

Tuesday 29th 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. In December the next will be on Sunday, 11th, owing to the Christmas Tree Festival and the Advent Celebration service the previous weekend  – 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

On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Christ is presented to us as the mocked King on the Cross as well as the King of the universe. The greatest humiliation and the greatest victory are both shown to us in today’s liturgy.                                      Henri Nouwen

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 

Whether we buy online or in person, there is an environmental impact. Support www.buynothingday.co.uk on 25th November and commit to consume less as a big start towards helping the environment.

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, 4th December and the first Sunday of every month.

Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!

Q.  What sound do hedgehogs make when they hug?      A.   Ouch!!

Advent Calendars

The Real Advent Calendar, a Fairtrade chocolate calendar which shares the Christmas Story, are available here for £5.  If you pay by cash, please mark the envelope ‘Advent Calendar’ Thank you!

PCC

Our Church Council next meets on 14th December – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In November, we reviewed our Safeguarding procedures, and made plans to invest some of our money as well as finalising plans for Christmas.  Please keep your PCC in your prayers.

Christ Church Crafting 

… will meet next on Tuesday 13th December 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 Julie Buckley for further details.

Choral Evensong

On Wednesday 23rd November at 5pm – we’ll be joined by LRGS’ Choir for a special evening service. 

Everyone welcome!

Christ Church School

We’ve been invited to the School Christmas Fair on Wednesday 14th December from 3.15pm onwards, including Santa’s Grotto, gifts, games and refreshments. If you might like to host a stall, please contact Emma on friends@christchurch-lancaster.lancs.sch.uk

Community at Christ Church:

Fairtrade Stall – today! 

After the 10.30 service today (20th), there will be a stall of Fairtrade food, cards and gifts at the back of church – everyone welcome!  Thank you to Jenny and the Eco-Church Group for hosting this.

Brunch today! 

As it is our Patronal Festival (a bit like a church birthday) – there will be brunch available between the 8.30 and 10.30 services in the Hall. Do stay behind (or grab a takeaway) – or come early for chance to chat and meet new friends.  Bacon butties, croissants, cinnamon whirls, fruit, juice, coffee, tea.  Veggie/vegan options available.

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

Epiphany Gifts 

As we prepare to give thanks for the gift of Christ, light of the world (and remember the gifts brought by the Wise Men) – might you be able to make a donation towards the candles, incense, bread, wine and oil which are part of our worship? Please see the suggestions list at the back of church, and make a donation labelled ‘Epiphany Gift’. Thank you!

Warm Spaces

There will be a briefing for everyone who would like to help with the Warm Spaces Lunch this Wednesday 23rd at 2pm in the Hall. If you don’t have a current DBS check with church, please bring 2 forms of photo id with you (passport, driving licence etc) and proof of address (council tax, utility bill, etc). Any questions – please ask Rev’d Carol.

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. 

Please also take a poster or bundle of flyers to share with your neighbours, and invite friends and family along. If you can share via WhatsApp and Facebook – even better! Thank you!

The Festival will close at 4pm on Sunday 4th with an Advent Celebration of music and readings by candlelight. Everyone welcome!

Receiving the notices by email

If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address. 

Watching in Hope – Advent 2022

Materials will soon be available as we prepare for the season of Advent – watching and waiting of God with us in the birth of Christ.  Our diocese is also sharing materials, available here: https://bit.ly/3EdCCYO  and here: https://bit.ly/3WYfmqB

Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!

13th November 10.30am           Remembrance Sunday Parade

15th November 7pm                 Tree Festival Preparation at the Vicarage

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 6pm                 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:   

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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.  

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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.

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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