(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 18th September 2022 Trinity 14
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 – 18th September
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
6pm BCP Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel) Including prayers ahead of Her late Majesty’s funeral
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday – 25th September –Trinity 15
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist
4 pm Messy Church (in the Hall)
6 pm Evening Prayer (Lady Chapel)
Children and Youth
Tiddlers
For under 5s and their parents/carers, every Friday at 10.30am in the Hall
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children.
For KS1/2
Monthly Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together
4pm on 25th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; 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
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty. Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
Amos 8.4-7
Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, ‘When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practise deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat.’ The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Psalm 113
Refrain: From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.
1 Alleluia.Give praise, you servants of the Lord, O praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord,
from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting
let the name of the Lord be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations
and his glory above the heavens.
Refrain: From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.
5 Who is like the Lord our God,
that has his throne so high,
yet humbles himself to behold
the things of heaven and earth?
6 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ashes,
7 To set them with princes,
with the princes of his people.
8 He gives the barren woman a place in the house and makes her a joyful mother of children. Alleluia.
Refrain: From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.
1 Timothy 2.1-7
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all - this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 16.1-13) Glory to you, O Lord.
Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Ivy Buckley, Stephen Gardner, Ann Gilbride, Thomas Platt, Janet Ball, Dorothy Eidsforth, Sitar Rose, Istok Bratić, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Audrey Davies,
Those who have died recently: Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe, David Morris, Michelle Simpson, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
Those preparing for marriage: Madeleine Mansfield and Jordan Donnelly
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Cassidy Drive, Far Moor Lane
For the volunteers and staff who care for Scotch Quarry and Williamson Park.
Prayers for Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
There will be a special service of prayers at 6 pm today, Sunday 18th September, in church. From 7:45 pm at Lancaster Castle, there will be a vigil, including the National Silence. Please bring a candle in a jar.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 27th September 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. As well as today’s service, the next will be on Sunday, 2nd October – 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.
Thought for the week
Remember this – you can’t serve God and money, but you can serve God with money. Selwyn Hughes
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/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Knowledge is the key to sensible actions. Pick up a fact sheet in church and learn about the environmental impacts of various types of plastic packaging and what you can do about them.
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Some Eco-Church dates for your diary
There will be a talk on Electric Cars on the evening of Tuesday 4th October in the Lady Chapel, and a book sale after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sunday 23rd October.
Money for Madagascar
Our Eco-Group’s nominated local charity ‘Money for Madagascar’ (MfM) will have an exhibition in Williamson Park Cafe starting this Saturday16th September. This is a chance to see some original art-work from Madagascar which will be on sale, as well as a display of educational resources about rainforests which can be used by local schools and community groups. The colourful displays will also tell stories of the joyful impact that the charity is making in Madagascar – helping Malagasy people to push back against poverty and climate crisis through effective community-led initiatives.
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 Sunday, 2nd October and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Have you played the updated kids’ game? I spy with my little eye….Phone.
An invitation from Lancaster Cathedral
The relics of St Bernadette (whose visions of the Blessed Virgin began Lourdes as a place of pilgrimage) are visiting the RC Cathedral in Lancaster on the 22nd September, as part of a national tour. Public services begin at 5pm, with the cathedral open overnight for prayer.
Community at Christ Church:
Harvest Donations
Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 2nd October when we give thanks for the food we enjoy, and pray for those with whom we share it. We will be collecting for Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service (LDHAS) on Edward Street. They have especially asked for: tinned meat, tinned vegetables, coffee, long-life milk, sugar, cooking oil, ketchup, brown sauce, salt and pepper. Thank you.
Audrey Davies
…… would like to thank everyone at Christ Church for all the prayers and good wishes received since her recent operation. She is making progress in her recovery and hopes to see you again soon.
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 11th October 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.
The Puzzles of the Kingdom – study group starting today, 18th Sept.
If you would enjoy exploring some of the key ideas and themes in Jesus’ teaching reflected in his extraordinary parables and pictures (the ‘Puzzles of the Kingdom’), all are welcome to an informal study group meeting after the 10:30 Eucharist on Sundays in the Hall.
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
Tea and coffee – please stay after the 10:30 service!
Please do stay and enjoy a hot drink, juice and a biscuit, and get to know one another better. (If you’re able to offer occasional help with the refreshments, please let Jane Lippitt or Julie Buckley know. )
Apple Festival
On Saturday 24th September from 2-4pm in the Churchyard – everyone welcome! There’ll be an orchard tree tour at 2pm, with apple pressing, and stalls from Lune Valley Beekeepers, Escape2Make, and Miss Whalley’s Field volunteers, plus a tombola and refreshments in the Hall. Competition for the best apple-based baked product (entries to arrive in the Hall by 2pm, with judging at 3pm).
Apple Festival – can you help?
For the Apple Festival on the 24th September, we need clean, empty glass bottles with screw-top lids, as well as gazebos/open sided tents. Please also see the list at the back of church if you’re able to help with refreshments and other items for sale.
Harvest Ceilidh!
Saturday 1st October, from 6pm in LRGS hall. Tickets available in church iron the door – £5 per person or £12 per family, includes soft drinks. Please bring some food to share (sweet or savoury) and the dancing starts at 7pm.
A prayer for our new Bishop of Blackburn
(We pray for the discernment process and those involved in appointing Bishop Julian’s successor, and for Bishop Philip, our Acting Bishop during the vacancy in see.)
Heavenly Father, we pray for a bishop full of your Holy Spirit: a disciple who makes disciples, a bold witness to Jesus, and a Christ-like leader, able to inspire children and young people with the transforming message of your gospel. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Baptisms, Confirmations and receiving Communion 2022
If you are interested in being baptised and/or confirmed, or know someone who would like to be, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a confirmation service with Bishop Jill on Sunday 27th November, with preparation classes beforehand.
Confirmation (of adults and older children) is a declaration of faith in Christ, and the Bishop represents the whole church in giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Children may be in Year 6 or above.
If your child is not old enough to be confirmed, but would like to start receiving Holy Communion, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will be a preparation class, and then children will be formally welcomed to receive communion for the first time during the service on the 27th November.
Thank you!
… to everyone who has helped welcome visitors to keep the church open for the Heritage Open Days – there have been some lovely comments in the Visitors’ Book, and it has been good to welcome people from near and far, especially in a time of national mourning.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
24th September – 2-4pm Community Apple Festival
1st October 6 pm Harvest Supper and Ceilidh in LRGS Hall
2nd October Harvest Festival
4th October 7 pm Talk on Electric Cars with the Eco Group in the Lady Chapel
22nd October Parish Bounds Walk (postponed from 8th)
23rd October 11:45 am Money for Madagascar Book stall in the Hall
30th October 3 pm Remembrance Service for those who have died recently
12th November 9:30 -12 noon Church cleaning morning
13th November 10:30 am Remembrance Sunday Parade
20th November Feast of Christ the King
27th November 10:30 am Confirmation Service with Bishop Jill
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 …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955