(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 24th April 2022 Second 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 – Sunday 24th April
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together Eucharist with uniformed organisations
12:45 pm Baptism
1:30 pm Baptism
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Tuesday
4 pm Prayer4 on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30 pm Silent Meditation
6 pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 1st May
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist* followed by APCM
3 pm Baptism
6 pm Taizé Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
*Our YouTube channel is at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPoAvGj4K9085RV8zo0ZS9Q
Prayer for the Week:
Risen Christ,
for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred:
open the doors of our hearts,
that we may seek the good of others
and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace,
to the praise of God the Father. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
the Prince of Peace. Amen.
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 today:
Acts 5.27-32
When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 150
Refrain: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
1 Alleluia. O praise God in his holiness;
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts;
praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
3 Praise him with the blast of the trumpet;
praise him upon the harp and lyre.
4 Praise him with timbrel and dances;
praise him upon the strings and pipe.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
5 Praise him with ringing cymbals;
praise him upon the clashing cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord. Alleluia.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Revelation 1.4-8
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen.
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (20: 19–end) Glory to you, O Lord.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord God our Father, through our Saviour Jesus Christ
you have assured your children of eternal life
and in baptism have made us one with him:
deliver us from the death of sin and raise us to new life in your love,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Olive Niccolls, Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Jacqueline Stamper, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, Barbara Cocker, Caroline Lillicrap
Those who have died recently: Heather McFadden, Elizabeth Taylor
Those being baptised: Indie Grace Humpage, Reggie Davis, Sophie Hooton
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Ridge Street, Albion Street, Hind Street
For all refugees and asylum seekers, and all who work to offer support and care
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 26th 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
Thought for the week
The mystery of the spiritual life is that Jesus desires to meet us in the seclusion of our own heart, to make his love known to us there, to free us from our fears, and to make our own deepest self known to us. Henri Nouwen
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Creation is choking on plastic by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish. Call on world leaders to end plastic pollution. Support petitions such as https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/plastics_treaty_loc/
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…
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/
Socks for Asylum Seekers
Many new asylum seekers have arrived in Lancaster (most from Afghanistan and Syria). They need lots of men’s socks. People can bring them to church for Pat to collect, or take them to RAIS at The Cornerstone on Thursday after 2pm, or on Monday from 10am onwards.
Update on the Night Shelter.
On Monday 21st, 28 representatives from local churches, as well as the Council and Edward Street, began to share the current and future needs of our local communities after all the changes of recent years, and ask how we might serve those who are vulnerably housed and in need in future.
These included provision for basic needs (food, shelter, warmth, equipment, and accommodation) as well as longer term support with the cost of living, financial help and specialist advice, health and wellbeing; and the importance of community and support networks in befriending. This is at a time where there are local concerns for families as well as single people at risk of eviction and the effects of rapidly rising prices after an already strained few years.
If you’d like more details, please ask Rev’d Carol for a summary. I ask that you continue the conversation and discernment process about what what’s needed, how we grow what we have, and how we might work together.
There will be a meeting to discern the next steps on Monday 25th April at 2 pm in church – all welcome.
Save the Date 1!
On Tuesday 3rd May a new course begins – called ‘Everybody Welcome’. As we restart as a community, the course will help us think about how we warmly welcome visitors and new arrivals into church. It’s for everyone to come along and share your thoughts and ideas – 7pm at the Vicarage, for 5 weeks.
Save the Date 2!
Friday 6th May – Ladies’ Night at the Vicarage, 6.30 for 7pm. Come for supper and a social – we’ll be joined by Jenny Guilder (who’s a trainee priest starting on placement with us soon) – and she will share something of her own story with us. Please invite a friend too – and let Rev’d Carol know any dietary needs.
Susan’s Easter Weekend Sponsored Walk – still time to sponsor!
Susan successfully completed her walk to Galgate and back on each of the four days of the Easter weekend, in aid of Christ Church funds. Well done, Susan, and many thanks for taking on the challenge! People can still contribute sponsorship, whether or not you’d already signed up to do so, either online or in church. Please let us know if you’re a UK taxpayer and would like to increase your donation by allowing us to claim Gift Aid on your donation.
Community at Christ Church:
Gifts and Talents
Christ sets before us a pattern of serving others. Whether in making worship possible, reaching out to the community or making our church life together possible, there are several teams which need your help. Please pick up a green form (and return it to the green box by the 1st May) – and talk with Rev’d Carol if you’re not sure.
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 Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 10th May at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or make a pennant for the community bunting. Future meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Marion Cowan for further details.
PCC Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be on the 27th April – if there’s ideas, suggestions or issues you’d like discussing, please let Rev’d Carol/Julie Buckley know.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How does the Easter Bunny keep his fur looking so nice?
A. Hare spray!.
Notice of APCM
The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 1st May, at which our Churchwardens and PCC will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate, and whether you may be being called to serve in these roles.
We’re looking for people to help on the team in the following ways:
- 2 Churchwardens (who assist the Vicar in the practical and pastoral care of the church community as well as the buildings and fabric)
- 2 Deanery Synod representatives to network with other churches in our areas
- 6 PCC Members who serve as trustees, looking after governance, buildings, safeguarding and money matters.
- Treasurer (with the option of working alongside Andrew, our current treasurer in the first year to learn the ropes of church book-keeping)
Nomination forms are available at the back of church – please return to Rev’d Carol
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
6th May – 7pm Ladies’ Night at the Vicarage
21st May Pilgrimage to the Shepherd’s Church, Abbeystead, for a picnic lunch
29th May – 4pm Choral Evensong and Cream Tea to begin the Jubilee Weekend
24th July – 3pm Pet Blessing Service
31st July – 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
14th August 10.30am Feast of the Assumption, followed by Barbecue in the Church grounds.
9-18th September Heritage Open Days
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
8th October Parish Bounds Walk
2nd October Harvest Festival
1-4th December Christmas Tree Festival
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
Sponsored Sundays
If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday hymn (perhaps in memory of a loved one), please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard at the back of church, and give it to Rev’d Carol with at least a month’s notice before the Sunday you’d like to sponsor. You can nominate a hymn if you wish. Please place your donation in an envelope labelled ‘Sponsored Sundays’, and place it in the offertory box. It is up to you how much you wish to give!
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: …Ms Jane Lippitt safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07930 979503
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
Nightshelter Co-ordinator: …Ms Jan Norbury coordinator.nightshelter@gmail.com 07547 717 060
Christ Church School …Ms Emma Simpson 01524 60955
COVID-19 – Update from Rev’d Carol
I ask that people still consider wearing a face covering indoors (especially for sung services) and remain at a sociable distance apart until local case rates drop further.
I also ask that people don’t return to the practice of intincting their wafer – if you prefer not to receive the common cup, it is fine to receive the bread only. I continue to encourage people to use hand gel on arrival and before receiving communion.
As a church, we seek to be a safe place for all, especially those who feel vulnerable for any reason. We’re called to be one body united by diverse opinions and experiences, and so we respect that some will feel comfortable with more and others with fewer personal precautions in place.
We continue to pray for healing for the effects of covid on individuals, communities and our world, and lift up those who are grieving, exhausted or lonely at this time.
Feedback and consultation on the new Bishop of Blackburn
There is a county-wide consultation event to be chaired by Bishop Jill, with the attendance of the two Secretaries for Appointments, to be held via Zoom next Thursday evening (28th April) at 7 pm.
https://churchofenglandorg.zoom.us/j/94114694303?pwd=VXlxT1VXU3JheFFBSnlrWEVWNXZKdz09.
Meeting ID: 941 1469 4303 Passcode: 829880.
This is another opportunity for you to contribute your own views and hear those of others, and to be able to speak directly to key players in this important process of discernment. The Appointments’ Secretaries want to hear directly from people in the Diocese. You also have until 29th April to submit your views via the jotforms, one for adults and one for children and young people, which can be accessed via the QR codes in Bishop Jill’s letter, which was circulated on 19th April, hard copies of which are available at the back of church.