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The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
A vibrant inclusive worshipping community
Sunday 16th January 2022
Second Sunday of Epiphany
Collect
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
Readings
Isaiah 62.1-5
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 36.5-10
Refrain: With you, O God, is the well of life.
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep;
you, Lord, shall save both man and beast.
7 How precious is your loving mercy, O God!
All mortal flesh shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
With you, O God, is the well of life.
8 They shall be satisfied with the abundance of your house;
they shall drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the well of life
and in your light shall we see light.
10 O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.
With you, O God, is the well of life.
1 Corinthians 12.1-11
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (2.1-11). Glory to you, O Lord.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Post Communion:
God of glory,
you nourish us with your Word who is the bread of life:
fill us with your Holy Spirit
that through us the light of your glory
may shine in all the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer and Worship this week:
Sunday 16th January – Second Sunday of Epiphany
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.30 am All Together Eucharist (in church)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 (on Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation, followed by
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 23rd January – Third Sunday of Epiphany
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10.30 am Parish Eucharist (in church, the uploaded to YouTube*)
6 pm Eucharist – Conversion of St Paul (Lady Chapel)
*The Christ Church YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayers
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thea Harris-Ellis, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Heather McFadden, Maddison Crompton, Irene Forrester, Bishop Julian Henderson, Jacqueline Stamper
RIP: James Cleminson, Reggie Collins, Elaine Fisher, Verity Barker
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
Those who live and work in our parish: Lingmoor Road and Patterdale Road; those working to provide us with clean water, and protect our water courses
Zoom Prayer
This Tuesday, 18th January, 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://zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=TlV6QUQ5UVdiK0p1M0Q0cE0vRXIvUT09 Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: ChristChch. Dial in: 0208 080 6591 Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Password: 310771 (Any queries see Rev Carol)
Everybody Welcome course – postponed
Please note that the course has had to be postponed due to technical difficulties – watch this space for more details.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th–25th January
Churches Together In Lancaster will be sharing online evening prayers for unity every night at 7.30pm from the 18th-25th January, available at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lancasterchurchestogether/ . (You don’t need a Facebook login to watch.)
Youth Activities for January at Christ Church
Tiddlers Group – birth to school age
Fridays 10.30 am – 12 pm in the Church Hall
Children’s Church – all welcome, under school age to be accompanied – as part of Sunday 10.30 am service.
Youth Group – Key Stage Three
21st and 28th January 4 pm – 6 pm, then fortnightly thereafter (snacks on sale)
Messy Church 30th January 4 pm – 6 pm
A form of Church for children and adults alike, which involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. So we’ll be getting crafty, celebrating God in prayer/song and eating a meal/snack together. (For families who are new to church or looking for a more informal gathering.)
Tiddlers Group
The Tiddlers group runs each Friday, All pre-school-age children and their carers (parents/grandparents, etc.) are very welcome to come for activities, a chat, etc., at 10:30 am in the Hall. Please contact Julie Tinnion for more details.
Next PCC Meeting
.. will be on Wednesday 26th January – if there are issues you’d like raising, or ideas to suggest, please have a word with Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley.
Everyone In 2
The Government has closed all communal night shelters nationwide, and is funding local authorities to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers under the second Everyone In scheme. This should mean that those who would normally have used our Night Shelter should not be left on the streets. We are reviewing appropriate future provision for this season and the longer term.
Christ Church: 70 trees for the Treebilee
The Eco-Group are encouraging each of us to sponsor or plant a tree as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. You can either arrange your own sponsorship, through organisations such as the National Trust or Woodland Trust: for £5 per tree https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/plant-a-tree; or £6 https://www.treesforcities.org/get-involved/donate. Or become a member of the Woodland Trust, which will count as five trees or buy membership as gifts. For those who just want to put their donation in the box next to the tree, add a leaf, and the church will buy a tree from the National Trust for every £5 donated. There will be a display at the back of church to show how many trees have been planted in the name of Christ Church – so if you make your own arrangements, please add your name to it!
Christ Church Crafting:
… will meet next on Tuesday 8th February at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bu
nting. Future meetings will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
Church Giving
In the course of a year, Christ Church supports many different charities, working abroad and in the UK – for many of which our help has been longstanding. Last year, these included Christian Aid, the Children’s Society, Water Aid, the Olive Branch, Refugee Advocacy Information and Support, and our local Refuge. If you would like to suggest a local or international charity which you’d like the church to support this coming year (whether through fundraising, an awareness campaign, or practical help) please pop your suggestion in the box at the back of church, or have a word with Rev Carol. By the 30th January please.
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PLEAS OF THE WEEK
Epiphany Gifts
As usual at this time of year, we ask you to consider making a donation towards the cost of the supplies we use at our services in church all year round. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; it would be great if you could contribute towards the cost of the incense, candles, votive lights, Communion wafers, etc., which are all part of our worship. Please sign up on the list at the back of church, and put your gift in an envelope labelled “Epiphany”, or contact Jacqueline if you have any questions.
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in particular need of tins – including meat, fish, vegetables and pies., as well as donations of rice (not pasta or baked beans). 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/
Supporting Christ Church
If you would like to support Christ Church’s work and worship regularly, or you already do – please consider giving by Direct Debit. Christ Church is now taking part in the Parish Giving Scheme, which allows us to offer direct debit as an option. This national Scheme takes a lot of hassle out of claiming gift aid, and ensures that any donation is covered by guarantees. It also allows you to easily review how much you give depending on circumstances. There are no costs or overheads to the parish. For more information, the QR code takes you to our page on the scheme:
Online at www.parishgiving.org.uk
By telephone 0333 002 1271 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Postal forms available on request. For any of these methods our PGS code 030603240 ensures that your gift goes to our 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. If you’re able to give of your time and talents to plan or help with some fundraising events – please keep an eye on the notices for more details!
You can also contribute online via the Give a Little website: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/1c7889a9-7ef8-4730-a84a-2d434726c909
Legacies at Christ Church.
Gifts in Wills are an important part of Christian stewardship, and dedicating a gift is one way to thank God for blessings received. If you’re considering writing a Will and leaving a gift to the church, there is a lilac leaflet available near the offertory box which explains more. The PCC have recently passed a Legacy Policy to ensure that gifts are used well to support Christ Church’s mission and ministry, whilst taking into account a donor’s wishes. If you wish to speak to Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline Stamper in confidence, or for further details, please see www.churchlegacy.org.uk.
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Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
What kind of wine is aged to purr-fection? Mos-cat-o!
Thought for the week
When one door closes, another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.
Alexander Graham Bell
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
The Climate Sunday team will be hosting a webinar on 20th January. Help to explore the next steps churches can take towards climate justice by registering for the event at https://ctbi.org.uk/climate-sunday-whats-next-after-cop26/
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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.
Prayers & our Newsletter
If you, or someone you know would like to receive this newsletter, either electronically or a paper version – do let Jacqueline/Rev Carol know and we will endeavour to keep in contact with people.
We will be praying daily for all who are suffering in the current crisis. 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.
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COVID-19 – latest update from Rev’d Carol
Now that regulations on Covid precautions have changed, much advice has been issued by the government, national church and local health authorities, with each Vicar being responsible for plans and arrangements in each church building. Christ Church asks that everyone continues to:
- Wear a face covering within the building, unless medically exempt
- Keep a safe distance – with some pews remaining closed to help this
- Use the Track and Trace code, or the paper sign-in sheet for each service
- Use hand gel on arriving in the building, and before receiving communion
In addition:
At the 1030 service, communion will be received from the rail; please kneel or stand to receive. Afterwards, please return to your seat via the Lady Chapel.
The common cup (chalice) may be shared *if desired*. In present circumstances, you may prefer not to do so, confident in the knowledge that to receive the sacrament of communion in one kind is to receive it in full.
If you do wish to receive from the chalice, please remain at the rail after receiving the bread. The person administering will wear a face covering, and please *do not* touch the chalice with your hands, and *do not* intinct your wafer (dip it into the wine). The chalice will be wiped with an alcohol sanitiser between use.
As a church community, we are called to act for the benefit of all, and especially the most vulnerable. We wish our church community to be safe, accepting and welcoming for all, regardless of health, or vaccine-status.
As regulations start to tighten again, I strongly encourage everyone to continue to take precautions and continue the good habits we have got into over the months.
All of us will feel differently about this. I’m more than happy to listen and hear your own views on this, and talk through what will help you feel safe and continue to be part of the church in coming weeks.
There is a range of quieter and busier services at Christ Church, so you may wish to consider something different to your usual pattern if it helps you to feel safer.
Key contacts:
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 942105 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com
1 East Road, Lancaster, LA1 3EE
Lay Reader: Dr Pat Allen 39552 reader@christchurchlancaster.org.uk.
Churchwarden: Ms Jacqueline Stamper 64083 churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Ms Jane Lippitt 07930 979503 safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Children, Youth & Families Coordinator: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623 children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: Ms Jan Norbury 07547 717 060 coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com
Parish Secretary: Mrs Julie Buckley buckleys@live.co.uk 01524 37229
Hall Bookings: hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
07890 351855
Christ Church School Ms Emma Simpson 60955