Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 17th March 2024 Fifth Sunday of Lent – St Patrick’s Day
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 – 17th March 2024
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12noon Lent Group (in the Hall)
4pm Godly Play (in Church)
6pm Evening Prayer
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation, followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 24th March – Palm Sunday
8:30am Holy Communion
10:15 Palm Procession begins from Derwent Road/Quernmore Road junction
10:30am Palm Sunday Eucharist
12noon Lent Group (in the Hall)
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Prayer for this week
Gracious Father, you gave up your Son out of love for the world: lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion, that we may know eternal peace through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Children and Youth
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Godly Play
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm in Church for KS1/2 children. Today, and then 21st April
Contact: Rev’d Carol for more information.
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
Jeremiah 31.31-34
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119.9-16
Refrain: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
9 How shall young people cleanse their way to keep themselves according to your word?
10 With my whole heart have I sought you; O let me not go astray from your commandments.
11 Your words have I hidden within my heart, that I should not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
O teach me your statutes.
Refrain: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
13 With my lips have I been telling of all the judgements of your mouth.
14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your testimonies
than in all manner of riches.
15 I will meditate on your commandments and contemplate your ways.
16 My delight shall be in your statutes and I will not forget your word.
Refrain: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
Hebrews 5.5-10
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’;
as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 12.20-33
Glory to you, O Lord
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever. 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, Ella Patterson, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them
Those who have died recently: Winifred Tyson – May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
Those who live and work on Mannin Way, Caton Road, Langdale Road,
For armed forces personnel and their families.
For those attending Mingle on Mondays, the Pilgrim Course, and Godly Play
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 26th March 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 most first Sundays 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 next Sunday, 24th 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.
Lent Course – The Lord’s Prayer
All are invited to join in this Lent course, exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a gateway to the Gospel, as a guide to our own prayers, and as a way of deepening our relationship with God. Each Sunday until Palm Sunday after the 10:30 Eucharist in the Hall – do come!
Thought for the Week
… The happiest moments are when we forget our precious selves…but have everything else (God, our fellow humans, the animals, the garden, and the sky) instead…. C S Lewis
Palm Sunday
As we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how the crowds laid palm branches on the road before him, our Palm Sunday service will begin at 10.15 at the junction between Derwent Road and Quernmore Road. We’ll process to church ready for 10.30, so if you’re unable to join the walk, we’ll meet you at church. We welcome our uniformed organisations too.
Maundy Thursday – Invitation to our Cathedral
On the 28th March at 11am, churches and clergy from across the diocese are invited to share in a special Chrism Eucharist at Blackburn Cathedral. During the service, the Bishop blesses the oils used for baptisms, confirmations and anointing in the year ahead. If you’d like to come, Rev’d Carol has space in the car – please let her know.
Holy Week
As we remember Jesus’ last days and His journey to the cross, there will be the following services at Christ Church: Please take a flyer to share with friends and family.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday 28th March 7:30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch to remember the Last Supper
Good Friday 29th March 9:30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday 30th March 7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire, with a Vigil service to bring Christ’s light of resurrection into church.
Easter Day 31st March Festival Eucharists at 8:30am and 10:30am (With Easter eggs for everyone!)
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing Scripture stories with children, and helping them wonder about faith, using a Montessori approach, with crafts and a snack to share too. It’s free, and especially suitable for primary age children (accompanied by an adult please). The next gathering is today, Sunday, 17th March, at 4pm. If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you are curious.
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.
Prayers of Love and Faith
The Prayers of Love and Faith are a series of prayers commended by the Church of England’s House of Bishops to be used to pray with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. They include prayers of dedication and thanksgiving; prayers for guidance, for companionship, for God’s blessing, and for the couple’s home and families. If you’d like to read them, they can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/prayers-of-love-and-faith.pdf
This follows the Living in Love and Faith journey which the Church of England undertook (and which Christ Church took part) to discern the calling of the Holy Spirit about identity, sexuality, marriage and relationships. On the 9th February 2023, General Synod voted on a way forward, and there has since been an ongoing process of choosing the Prayers that would be used, and putting pastoral guidance in place so that the many sharp differences of opinion and belief within the community that is the Church of England can continue to be held together.
The Prayers of Love and Faith can be used in private prayer or as part of a regular service. It is important to note that they are not a form of wedding service, and so couples would need to seek a registry office wedding. Rev’d Carol and the PCC have agreed that the Prayers of Love and Faith will be offered at Christ Church. If you would like to discuss this, Rev’d Carol is available to talk.
In Other News…
Community Fair
*You* make our community possible – please might you be able to help Christ Church by sharing your time and skills? All sorts of roles and jobs are up for grabs. Please take a moment before/after the service today to look at the display in church.
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 21st 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.
The Electoral Roll
Would you say that Christ Church is your church? If so, please consider adding your name to the Electoral Roll (a list of people who are part of Christ Church and who worship here regularly). This entitles you to vote in church elections, and also helps us know how many people feel at home here. Please pick up form at the back of church, or see Jane Lippitt for more info. (You don’t need to complete a form if you signed up last year.)
Mingle on Mondays this autumn/winter
This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship started up in November. We’re open from 11:30 am – 2 pm each Monday. 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, and do please encourage people to come along and enjoy a warm welcome! Thank you.
Mothering Sunday – thank you!
For all the donations of toiletries which have been delivered to our local refuge. Also to everyone who helped make posies of flowers to share.
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The foodbank continues to be in great need of tins of curry, chilli con carne, pies, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, kidney beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks of cake, cereal, jam, pasta sauce; packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, cordial, longlife juice, and many types of toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls, etc.) 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
During this Lenten period try to connect with God our Creator and his Creation. Learn about it and marvel at how each small leaf, each particle of soil and each tiny insect forms an integral part of an ecosystem to which we all belong.
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.
Changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco Group
We can still collect plastic bottle tops/lids, plastic toothbrushes and electric brush heads, covers and flosser nozzles, also flossing sticks, interdental brushes and dental tape containers, We can still take medical blister packs, but owing to the large quantities, please take your own to Superdrug if you can. Thank you for your ongoing support with recycling on the first Sunday of each month.
Fairtrade Church
As a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers, Christ Church have become a Fairtrade Church. This means that we commit to using and serving only Fairtrade tea, coffee, and sugar – more info here: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
Anny Lee – Memorial Service
Anny (and her husband John) were part of Christ Church for several years. Their daughter has shared an invitation to Anny’s Memorial Service at Cockerham on the 30th May – more details from Rev’d Brenda Harding.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I hate Russian dolls. They’re so full of themselves.
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing Scripture stories, and helping children wonder about their faith, using a Montessori approach, with crafts and a snack to share too. It’s free, and especially suitable for primary age children (accompanied by an adult please). The next gathering is today, 17th March at 4 pm, and then 21st April. If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you’re curious.
PCC
…. met on the 13th March. We approved the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts, and discussed the recent Quinquennial Inspection, and ministry to children, youth and families. We ask you to pray this prayer ‘this time tomorrow’ after a Sunday service – wherever you are. (Why not put a reminder in your phone?)
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:
Hall for Hire – Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially at weekends and during the day. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Pat hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855 for more info.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided by Lancashire Libraries, in addition to those shared by members. The date of the next meeting is 5th April. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion books is very welcome to join us. You can just turn up on the day, speak to Joyce, or send an email to joycelynch1946@gmail.com
Craft Group
Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11.30am in the Hall. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. The group next meets on the 10th April.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meet on the first Friday of the month, between 12 and 2pm, starting on the 5th April. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more.
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 £8,000. 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!
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
Christ Church Time Capsule
We’ve been invited by the Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field to bury a time capsule in the field. Do you have photos of Christ Church, or other small items which could be included as a reflection of our community in 2024? Please speak to Rev’d Carol.
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for refreshments after the 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:
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: … currently vacant safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org. 01254 503088
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