(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 23rd April 2023 Easter 3
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 23rd April – Easter 3
8:30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30am All Together Eucharist
1:30pm Christening
6pm Celtic Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Monday
11am Funeral – Celia Pye
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
1:30pm Funeral – Louie Etchells
Sunday 30th April – Easter 4
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist (with Children’s Church)
6pm 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 21st May in the Hall for KS1/2
Connect Club
Meets in the Hall at 4pm on alternate Fridays (next one 12th May). 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
Living God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 2.14a,36-41
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 116.1-3,10-17*
Refrain: Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
1 I love the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication;
because he inclined his ear to me
on the day I called to him.
2 The snares of death encompassed me; the pains of hell took hold of me; by grief and sorrow was I held.
3 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I beg you, deliver my soul.’
Refrain:
10 How shall I repay the Lord for all the benefits he has given to me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call upon the name of the Lord.
12 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
Refrain:
13 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
14 O Lord, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
15 I will offer to you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.
16 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
17 In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Alleluia.
Refrain:
1 Peter 1.17-23
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 24.13-35 Glory to you, O Lord
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Living God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Sitar Rose, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Mike Dickinson, Valerie Williams, Margaret Lyth, Leon Taylor
Those who have died recently: Jean Staveley, Celine Pye, Louie Etchells, baby Leo Harrison, Joan Howarth.
Those preparing for Baptism: Amelia-Mae Bunford.
Those preparing for Marriage: John Keegan and Krystal Heathorn.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Skiddaw Road, Elterwater Place
For the staff and residents in Moorside and Dolphinlee House.
For those standing for election as our Churchwardens and PCC members.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 2nd May 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. Owing to the Coronation, the next will be on Sunday 4th June – 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.
Please will you spare 3 minutes to help the 6pm service?
The 6pm service has been running in its current pattern for 18 months. It includes the Taize Eucharist, Celtic Evening Prayer, Ignatian Prayer, and Book of Common Prayer services. We’d like to know what works for you about the current prayer and worship, and your thoughts on what you’d like to see happen in the next 18 months.
The QR code will take you to a short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9Z7VZNM
Or please have a chat with Rev’d Carol about what would make the service better,
what you look forward to, and where you find God in 6pm prayer and worship.
Starting after Easter
The Bread of Life Course started last Tuesday (18th) at 7pm at the Vicarage, running for 6 weeks. Everyone welcome as we explore more about the Christian faith through the lens of the Eucharist. More info from Rev’d Carol.
Thought for the Week
In one sense we are always travelling, and travelling as if we did not know where we were going. In another sense we have already arrived ….. We already possess Him by grace, and therefore, in that sense, we have arrived and are dwelling in the light. Thomas Merton
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.
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 30th April, at which our Churchwardens and Parish Church Council will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate to represent your congregation – and whether you have skills and experience you can offer.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tinned pudding, rice, tinned curry, tinned pies, tinned ham, sweetcorn and peas, shampoo, shower gel, size 5 and size 6 nappies. . 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
A lot of plastic recycling is sorted by hand and surprisingly much of it is unwashed, smelly and attracts flies. Please remember that washing the packaging we put into our recycling bins is important, not only to ensure that our plastics can be recycled properly, but to care for the welfare of the people who are having to do the sorting.
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 7th May, and the first Sunday of every month.
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q, What do you call a parade of rabbits hopping backwards? A. A receding hare-line.
PCC
Our Church Council meets next on 30th April. If there are ideas, suggestions or things you’d like to raise, please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie Buckley know. 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
Save the Date!
Saturday 14th May sees a cross-bay walk, in aid of Money For Madagascar, our Eco-Group’s nominated charity. Please book a place asap here https://moneyformadagascar.org/cross-bay-walk-2023/
and let Rev’d Carol know if you’d like a lift, leaving from 1.30pm from Arnside. She also has three spare tickets available, first come, first served!
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 11th April at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Meeting 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
Gardening
The church gardening group resumes on Friday 5th May from 12-2pm – do come for as much or as little as you are able to. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you can although there are some spares in the shed – everyone welcome!
An appeal from our feathered friends (conveyed by Julian)
Please see the separate appeal from Julian for funds for bird feed for our avian friends, and the outcome of their recent committee meeting – financial donations in the envelope at the back of church, please.
Other Diary Dates…
7th May Cream Tea and Choral Evensong
8th May Coronation Community Litter Pick followed by BBQ
14th May Cross Bay Walk
27th May Spring Fayre with Children’s Games and Sports
17th June 7pm Steven Moore Concert in Church
23rd July 3pm Pet Blessing Service
30th July 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
13th August Feast of the Assumption followed by Barbecue
Coronation Weekend:
On Sunday 7th May, there will be a special Cream Tea and Choral Evensong to mark the occasion. Cream Teas served from 2.30pm on the lawn (weather permitting!) followed by Evensong in Church at 4pm. Please do take a poster, and invite friends and neighbours along too.
On Monday 8th May as part of the Big Help Out, we have a barbecue at 12noon, followed by a Community Litter Pick in the parish – bags and pickers provided, but please bring gloves and solid shoes.
Help Needed!
If you’d like to help with planning and preparation for the Fayre and Children’s Fun Afternoon on the 27th May, please let Julie Tinnion know. 07749 489623
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc. 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
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
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955