(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 19th November 2023 Second 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 – 19th November
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
4pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6pm Celtic Evening Prayer
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 26th November
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Christ the King Festal Eucharist with Confirmations
6pm Evening Prayer
Children and Youth
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Stories, crafts and a meal to share – meets in the Hall on Sunday 19th November from 4pm. Especially suitable for primary age children and their families
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
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
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Zephaniah 1.7,12-18
Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do harm.’ Their wealth shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them. The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter, the warrior cries aloud there. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. I will bring such distress upon people that they shall walk like the blind; because they have sinned against the Lord, their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath; in the fire of his passion the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 90.1-8,12*
Refrain: O Lord my God, in you I take refuge.
1 Lord, you have been our refuge
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth and the world were formed, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn us back to dust and say: ‘Turn back, O children of earth.’
4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday, which passes like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away like a dream; they fade away suddenly like the grass.
6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; in the evening it is dried up and withered.
Refrain: O Lord my God, in you I take refuge.
7 For we consume away in your displeasure; we are afraid at your wrathful indignation.
8 You have set our misdeeds before you and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
12 So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Refrain: O Lord my God, in you I take refuge.
1 Thessalonians 5.1-11
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 25.14-30
Glory to you, O Lord
‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament you give substance to our hope: bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes.
Those who have died recently: Ivy Crawford, Doreen Naish, Frederick Jones.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Dalton Road, Nun Street,
For emergency services including fire, police, ambulance, coastguard and mountain rescue teams
For the our Confirmation candidates and for Mingle on Mondays as it starts this week.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 28th 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 Sunday, 7th January- 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.
Services in Advent
Advent begins on the 3rd December, and throughout this month there will be no 6pm service. Instead, you’re warmly invited to come along at 4pm to the following special services: 3rd December, Advent Service; 10th December, Christingle; 17th December, Carol Service; and 24th December, Crib Service.
Thought for the Week
Nobody made a bigger mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do little. Edmund Burke
Save the Date – Advent Course, starting 28th November
All are welcome to join our Advent Study Course, Preparing the Way, each Tuesday during Advent (except on 12th December, when we meet on Monday 11th). Come along to the Storey Chapel at 7:30 pm for about an hour. Sessions are standalone.
The Real Advent Calendar
The only Advent calendar to contain delicious Fairtrade chocolate and a beautifully illustrated booklet of the Christmas story! Please order on the form at the back of church. £5 each – please place cash in a yellow envelope and mark it ‘Advent Calendar’.
Confirmation Service
Next Sunday we welcome St Christopher’s Church, Bare, to share our Confirmation service. There will be refreshments after the service to celebrate with the ten candidates.
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…
Mingle on Mondays – 20th November 2023 – 25th March 2024
This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship will start up again next month, open from 11:30 am – 2 pm each Monday (apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day). If you’re able to help set up and host, even occasionally, or if you can make soup or cake, or shop for bread and other supplies and bring them along on a Sunday, please sign up on the rota at the back of church. Please claim expenses – no-one should be out of pocket. Please pray for all who will come and all who will host. Thank you!
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is making it’s Christmas Appeal for the following items – biscuit boxes, mince pies, yule logs, Christmas puddings and cakes, crisps, chocolates and coffee. 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
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Net Zero speech, the Bishop of Norwich said, ‘To postpone the necessary adaptations to the last minute and ignore the ongoing carbon emissions is a risky gamble.’ He reminds us we must act now to ensure a just transition: it is our moral duty to care for Gods creation. So carry on reducing your carbon footprint as much as you can.
Emergency Short Term Refugee Accommodation
RAIS Lancaster is asking people in local churches to help find short-term accommodation to preventing new refugees suddenly becoming street homeless. (Help with additional costs is available). Please see the attached leaflet with further information, sign up to join the Zoom meeting to find out what’s involved, or ask Pat if you have any questions.
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.
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 3rd December, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.
PCC
…. meets on the 13th November. We will be thinking about refugee accommodation, repairs to the North Porch, and the church finances. Please let Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley have your ideas and suggestions for discussion. 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:
Quiz Night!
Thank you to everyone who supported Friday’s Quiz Night- it was a great evening! Thank you to Julie and David for organising us!
Serving Team
We’re looking for new members for our serving team for the 10.30am Eucharist, who help carry the cross, lights and Bible, as well as helping the service go smoothly. This can be on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Suitable for ages 9+, training will be given.
Craft Group
Members of the craft group are currently repairing the gold-work embroidery on the red altar frontal. This has proved to be a mammoth task as some of the original work is Victorian – so thank you for all your hard work so far! We’ve been assisted by Sara Dennis from the Repair Shop – but in the mean time, the high altar will look a little plainer than usual!
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
Save the Date! Christmas Tree Festival 1st – 3rd December – help needed!
Our Christmas Tree Festival will be on the 1st-3rd December. If you can spare an hour to help set up the Festival, to welcome guests or to help with refreshments, please sign up on the list at the back of church. We also need donations of homemade cakes! Please take an invite from the table near the church door.
Toy Service
A Christ Church tradition – every year, we collect new and good-condition second-hand toys (no gift-wrapping, and no soft toys please) to share with local families. This year these will be distributed by the Salvation Army. Please bring the toys along for the 10.30am All Together Service on Sunday 17th December.
Podcasts for Children – Follow the Son
From the Diocese of Blackburn: Starting new habits can be hard sometimes, especially when you’re an adult. Spending time with God can feel like a chore, even though we know it isn’t. Children pick up things very easily, that’s why we’ve created this podcast – to help children get into the practice of starting and ending their day with God. Available here: https://www.bdeducation.org.uk/podcasts/follow-the-son/
New door!
We have a new cellar door – as the old one was badly rotted and dangerous. Thank you to the donor who made this possible, and to Susan Brooks for painting it!
Special Appeal – Doorways and Windows
You may be aware that the stonework around the porch is deteriorating, and has been shedding pieces of masonry. We urgently need to re-mortar the porch to make it safe and weathertight for decades to come. There are also several of our unique and historic windows which currently do not have protection from stones, pellets, weather, etc – and need a polycarbonate shield fixing. This combined work will cost around £8000. Whilst we can apply for a grant towards some of the work – please will you help by making a donation to the Church Repair Fund? Thank you!
Other Diary Dates…
26th November 10:30am Confirmation Service on the Feast of Christ the King
1st-3rd December Christmas Tree Festival
3rd December 4pm Advent Service
10th December 4pm Christingle Service
18th December 4pm Christmas Carol Service
24th December 4pm Crib Service
24th December 11:30pm Midnight Mass
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc., after the 10:30 am Sunday service.
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:
Churchwardens: … Mr Peter Bohdan 07974924968; 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