Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 28th April 2024 Fifth Sunday of Easter
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 – 28th April 2024
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 via Zoom
7:15pm Pilgrim Course at the Vicarage
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 5th May Rogation Sunday
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12.30 Baptism
1.30pm Baptism
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Prayer for this week
Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
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. Next today: 19th Mays
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
Acts 8.26-40
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’
The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 22.25-31
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; I will perform my vows in the presence of those that fear you.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live for ever.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s
and he rules over the nations.
29 How can those who sleep in the earth bow down in worship,
or those who go down to the dust kneel before him
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
30 He has saved my life for himself;
my descendants shall serve him;
this shall be told of the Lord for generations to come.
31 They shall come and make known his salvation, to a people yet unborn, declaring that he, the Lord, has done it.
Refrain: Be not far from me, O Lord.
1 John 4.7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John (15.1-8)
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life:
grant us to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
For those preparing for Baptism:
Ace Altham, Xander Dodd – as they begin the journey of Christian faith
For those recently married:
Sue Taylor and Andrew Neal – that God will bless them in their new life together.
For those who have died recently: Ronald Stamper, Joyce – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work on Denis Street, and De Vitre Street
For Lancaster Homeless Action as they settle into their new home in Aalborg Place.
For the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader and the person God is calling
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 30th April 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
Thought for the Week
Whoever saves a single life is considered .. to have saved the world. Ancient proverb.
Ascension Day (9th May)
To mark Jesus’ ascension into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection, there will be two services on the 9th May.
- 7am Prayers with Churches Together outside the Old/Top Cemetery Chapels (as we can’t get access to Williamson Park due to the Highest Point Festival)
- 12noon Eucharist in Christ Church
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, 19st May, 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.
Pilgrim – a new course for the Christian journey
On Tuesdays 7.15pm in the Vicarage, everyone welcome as we continue Pilgrim – A Course for the Christian Journey. Whether you’re new to church, or wanting to go deeper, this new 6-week course will help us think about what it means to turn to Christ. Please ask Rev’d Carol if you’d like more info – why not invite a friend?
Children’s Ministry Leader
We’re looking for someone with experience of working with children and families, who will work with the clergy, congregations and local schools. Might this be you, or someone you know? The post is 22.5 hours per week with a salary depending on experience, for a 3-year contract. The post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance and references. Our parish serves a large number of schools and families. The PCC wish to consolidate and grow our work with primary school-aged children and their families. For more details, please contact Rev’d Carol. For the Job Specification and Application Form: https:// pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/sec-diocese-of-blackburn Closing date 12 noon 16th May 2024
Please pray for this appointment, and for the person God is calling to this role.
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…
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.
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
Plants are beginning to grow, birds are nesting and insects such as butterflies and bees are emerging from hibernation. You can support and enjoy the wildlife in your garden by delaying mowing your lawn, leaving some untidy corners and creating a log pile in a shady place.
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? A. I don’t know and I don’t care.
PCC
A new PCC was elected at the APCM last Sunday. Your new reps are: Greg and Lorna Skelland, Celia Bragg, Paul Thompson, Clare Mumford, Louise Tuck, Helen Simpson, Susan Brooks, Mandy Whitehouse, Jacqueline Stamper, and Julie Buckley. Our Deanery Synod reps are Cathy Wilson, and Pat Allen, and Sam Price remains as Treasurer. Please keep them in your prayers, and if you have questions or suggestions for life at Christ Church, please let us know!
Unfortunately, we were unable to elect Churchwardens as no-one was nominated. The PCC will look at ways of sharing this important role in the care and oversight of our community and buildings.
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:
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.
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 3rd May. 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 (and sometimes other) Tuesday(s) 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 14th May.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 3rd May, between 12 and 2pm. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more.
Easter Gifts
Please could you contribute to the costs of the consumables (e.g. candles, wine, etc. ) we use each week in church? There’s a list at the back of church for your gifts.. 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
Cross Bay Walk for Lightaware
Eleanor Levin, one of our congregation, is organising a Cross-Bay walk to raise much needed funds for the LightAware charity. This will be starting at Arnside at 1pm on Saturday 1st June. Children and dogs also welcome. https://lightaware.org/ https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/54767? If anyone needs a lift, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Date for your diary – 29th June!
We are blessed that Kaarina will be ordained Deacon on 29th June in Blackburn Cathedral. Rev’d Kaarina will then join Christ Church as Curate for the next few years to train further in ministry. If you would like to support her at her ordination, there will be lifts available to the Cathedral, and also opportunities to welcome her warmly.
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
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