(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 5th February 2023 3rd before Lent
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 29th January
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
1 pm Funeral
4 pm Prayer4 (Zoom)
7 pm Start Group (at the Vicarage)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
TBC 9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 12th February – 2nd before Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10:30 am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together at 4pm on Sunday 10th February in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
A youth group for those in Years 5-7, with games, snacks and conversation. Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 10th February).
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.
Prayer for the Week
Eternal God,
whose Son went among the crowds and brought healing with his touch:
help us to show his love,
in your Church as we gather together, and by our lives as they are transformed into the image of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 58.1-9
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practised righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgements, they delight to draw near to God. ‘Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?’ Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose:to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 112.1-9
Refrain: The righteous will be held in everlasting remembrance.
1 Alleluia. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and have great delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land, a generation of the faithful that will be blest.
3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, and their righteousness endures for ever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; gracious and full of compassion are the righteous. Refrain:
5 It goes well with those who are generous in lending and order their affairs with justice,
6 For they will never be shaken; the righteous will be held in everlasting remembrance.
7 They will not be afraid of any evil tidings; their heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Refrain:
8 Their heart is sustained and will not fear, until they see the downfall of their foes.
9 They have given freely to the poor;
their righteousness stands fast for ever; their head will be exalted with honour. Refrain:
1 Corinthians 2.1-12
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’ – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (5.13-20) Glory to you, O Lord.
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Merciful Father, who gave Jesus Christ to be for us the bread of life, that those who come to him should never hunger: draw us to the Lord in faith and love, that we may eat and drink with him at his table in the kingdom, where he is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
A new Bishop for Blackburn
It has been announced that Bishop Philip North will become our diocesan bishop, moving from being Bishop of Burnley. Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares to take up this role in the summer.
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Mike Dickinson
Those who have died recently: Norman Muckalt, Ivy Buckley, Samantha Coates, Margaret Smith, David Robinson, Andrew Wilson, Fred Forrest.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Crag Road, Guidem Park.
For the work of Churches Together in Lancaster.
For Mingle On Mondays, our Warm Space.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 7th February 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 today, Sunday 5th February – 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.
Start Group
Start the New Year with God, Jesus and the journey of life in six fun, down-to-earth sessions – everyone welcome! Please pick up a flyer in church, or see Rev’d Carol for more info.
Tuesdays at 7pm until 14th March, meeting at the Vicarage (1 East Road, LA1 3EE)
Thought for the week
So far from killing the taste of the egg, .. tripe, .. and … cabbage, [salt] actually brings it out. They do not show their real taste till you have added [it}. ….. It is something like that with Christ and us. The more we get what we now call ‘ourselves’ out of the way and let Him take us over, the more truly ourselves we become. C S Lewis
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 tined vegetables, fish, and meat. 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
Biodiversity is the web of life which connects us all but the planet is experiencing a dangerous decline in nature. Plan what you can do to improve conditions for wildlife in your garden or by helping nature conservation organisations and local groups.
Volunteers at Miss Whalley’s Field
Help needed on Saturday 18th February from 10am to prune and maintain the Wood, meet at the Memorial stone. Please bring solid footwear, secateurs and gloves, if possible.
Donations for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Donations of washing powder, laundry liquid, men’s toiletries, men’s hats and gloves needed. Please leave donations in the box at the back of church for RA
Vegan cookery book
The Eco-Group have produced a vegan recipe booklet, available at the back of church in the newsletter. Free – but donations to the Food bank if wished.
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 Sunday, 5th February, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What falls in winter but never gets hurt? A. Snow.
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on 15th February – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In January, we approved work to repair the cellar door, and grant applications for the initial work on the Vestry. Please keep your PCC in your prayers, and share this prayer for our church:
Lord God, Together with you by our side, we can bring growth to our Church. Send your Holy Spirit to give us good planning, wise actions, joy in worship and our welcome, the right words when we speak to others. Help our Church grow in numbers, in Spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community, through Christ our Lord. Amen
Community at Christ Church:
Save the Date!
A Day to Pray – Saturday 18th March 9.30am-1.30pm. During Lent, we set apart time for prayer, reading the Scriptures, fasting and good works. Come along to try out some different ways of praying, and explore what prayer is. Everyone welcome – no experience necessary! Lunch provided, please let Rev’d Carol know any dietary needs.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th February 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.
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
Warm Spaces – Mingle on Mondays
Every Monday from 1-2.30pm. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church to help with hosting, food preparation etc. If you’d like to help but don’t have a current DBS check with church, please bring two forms of photo id with you to church (passport, driving licence etc) and proof of address (council tax, utility bill, etc). Any questions – please ask Rev’d Carol.
Please keep this project in your prayers, and help to share posters around neighbouring streets.
Restoration and Refurbishment
Following the workshop on 25th February, a working party will meet and put the key proposals to our architects for some initial sketch suggestions about what might be possible – so there will be more opportunity to share your thoughts on the plans in coming months! If you (or someone you know) has skills in project management, fundraising and finance, historic buildings or conservation, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks and biscuits after the 10:30 am services.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Jacqueline Stamper on the above address.
Loan of a large umbrella, please?
Do you have a large blue or rainbow umbrella which you could lend for the 12th February’s Service? Please let Rev’d Clive, Julie Tinnion or Rev’d Carol know
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.
Epiphany Gifts
As we 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 to those who have already given so generously!
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: …TBC safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07547 717060
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
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955