(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 19th February 2023 Sunday next 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 19th February – Sunday before Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
4 pm Messy Church (Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (Zoom – see notice)
7 pm Start Group (at the Vicarage)
Ash Wednesday
12 noon Said Eucharist with Ashing
7pm Sung Eucharist with Ashing
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday 26th February –1st Sunday of Lent
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
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 19th February in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 10th March). Youth group for those in Years 5-7, with games, snacks and conversation.
Contact: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623
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
Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Exodus 24.12-18
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.’ So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, ‘Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.’
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 99
Refrain: Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
1 The Lord is king: let the peoples tremble; he is enthroned above the cherubim: let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion
and high above all peoples.
3 Let them praise your name, which is great and awesome; the Lord our God is holy.
4 Mighty king, who loves justice,
you have established equity;
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests and Samuel among those who call upon his name; they called upon the Lord and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; they kept his testimonies and the law that he gave them.
8 You answered them, O Lord our God; you were a God who forgave them and pardoned them for their offences.
9 Exalt the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill,
for the Lord our God is holy.
Refrain: Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
2 Peter 1.16-21
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (17.1-9). Glory to you, O Lord.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Mike Dickinson, Valerie Williams
Those who have died recently: Norman Muckalt, Ivy Buckley, Samantha Coates, Margaret Smith, David Robinson, Andrew Wilson, Fred Forrest, Janet Ball.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Lyth Road, Cartmel Road.
For our sides team and welcomers.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 21st 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
Ash Wednesday
22nd February marks the beginning of Lent, a season of prayer, reflection, good works, and changing our lives into the pattern of Christ. Study booklets (Dust and Glory and Watching in Hope) will be available, which give a daily prayer and reflection. Services with ashing will be at 12 noon (Said Eucharist) and 7pm (Sung Eucharist) – all welcome
To receive Watching in Hope into your inbox, please click https://anglican.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a15fccd4e5e3c1f2c18b97300&id=297750f36b
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 5th March – 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). **NB no meeting on the 28th February**
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
Climate change is making crops like cocoa, bananas and coffee harder to grow. Combined with unfair trade practices the people producing these goods are being pushed to the brink. Buying fair trade helps to provide extra income, power and support for the communities working to produce the goods in a sustainable and planet friendly way.
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 RAIS.
Help for the Turkish and Syrian Earthquakes.
If you’re able to make a donation to support the rescue and relief efforts, a national appeal has been launched: https://donation.dec.org.uk/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal, for which Christian Aid and other faith-based charities are providing essential aid.
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 March, and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Where are average things manufactured?
A. The satisfactory,
Thought for the week
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank
The Real Easter egg – Fairtrade chocolate eggs
Order yours on the form at the back of church (milk or dark) for £5 each. Contains a delicious egg, and an Easter storybook.
PCC
Our Church Council met on 15th February – we discussed the spiritual, numerical and mission work of Christ Church, as well as reviewing the church safeguarding procedure. 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.
Other Diary Dates…
10th March 12noon Lent Lunch at the Vicarage for Christian Aid
19th March 10.30am Mothering Sunday
2nd April 10.15am Palm Sunday Procession
TBC April Spring Fayre with Children’s games and events
8th May Community Litter Pick followed by Coronation BBQ
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 14th March at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. Apologies for the cancellation of the February meeting, but future meetings will normally 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.
In the news:
You may have seen that the General Synod (the national assembly of the Church of England, with representatives of bishops, clergy and laity from every diocese) has recently approved a motion which:
- Repents of the harm done to LGBTQI+ people by the Church
- Embeds the Pastoral Principles in the life of the Church of England (these are to do with how we hold good conversations in the face of difference)
- Welcomes the decision made by the House of Bishops to withdraw Issues in Human Sexuality (the 1991 statement by the Bishops on many aspects of sexual behaviour) and to commend and publish Prayers of Love and Faith*.
The Bishops will refine and issue these prayers, for use in different kinds of service to celebrate and bless same-sex couples in church, with pastoral guidance for their use. However, this doesn’t yet allow couples to marry in church, but only to receive a blessing. If you’ve any questions about this, or if it would help to talk through your own reactions to the news, please don’t hesitate to speak to Rev’d Carol.
*If you would like to see these Prayers, please contact Jacqueline Stamper.
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.
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
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal for funds to light up the Lady Chapel and Choir, and to AC Electrical for completing the work. Some of the lights have been sponsored in memory of loved ones, and there will be a list of names displayed on the windowsill. The plan is to light up the rest of church in due course.
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: …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
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: …Ms Jan Norbury coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com 07547 717 060
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955