(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
on Sunday 2nd October 2022 Harvest Festival
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 – 2nd October.
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am All Together for Harvest
6 pm Taizé Eucharist
Wednesday
5:30 pm Meditation and Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9:30 am Eucharist (Lady Chapel)
Saturday
1 pm Wedding
Next Sunday – 9th October
8:30 am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:30 am Parish Eucharist (Homelessness Sunday)
6 pm Evening Prayer
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 23rd October in the Hall for KS1/2
Prayer for the Week:
Eternal God, You crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being: 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 forever,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:
Deuteronomy 8.1-10
This entire commandment that I command you today you must diligently observe, so that you may live and increase, and go in and occupy the land that the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. The clothes on your back did not wear out and your feet did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a parent disciplines a child so the Lord your God disciplines you. Therefore keep the commandments of the Lord your God, by walking in his ways and by fearing him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a landwhose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. You shall eat your fill and bless the Lord your God for the good land that he has given you.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 104: 1-25
Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul. You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart. The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work and to their labour until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Refrain: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Philippians 4. 4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 13.1-9,18-23)
Glory to you, O Lord.
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’
‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood
of your Son Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies, to be a living sacrifice. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work, to your praise and glory. 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, John McCafferty, Chrissy, Doreen Hudson
Those who have died recently: Amira Tihić. Maureen Thorpe, David Morris, Michelle Simpson, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, Gary (Spider) Brennan, Hannah Melling
Those preparing for marriage: Madeleine Mansfield and Jordan Donnelly
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Grimeshaw Lane, Bond Street,
For the staff and inmates at HMP Lancaster Farms.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 1st November 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 today, 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
Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God. Pope Francis
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
Just Stop Oil is a protest group seeking to apply pressure on the government to halt future fossil fuel deals. The Coalition’s focus is on Non-violent, Direct Action and Civil Disobedience. If you wish to know more or support their campaigns go to https://juststopoil.org/
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.
After the Flood: the Church, Slavery and Reconciliation‘ is a 66 minute feature documentary produced by the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation. If we are serious about racial justice being an integral part of our Christian mission, this film can be a step on a learning journey toward carrying out that mission with renewed integrity. The film is being screened on Saturday 15th October at 7 pm in Lancaster Priory. Free, donations welcome.
Recycling at Christ Church
The next collection of crisp packets, used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, plastic bottle tops, and blister packets of tablets, will be today 2nd October and the first Sunday of every month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How do you know if there’s an elephant under your bed? A. Your head hits the ceiling!
PCC
Our Church Council next meets on the 25th October – please let your PCC reps know if there are issues and ideas you’d like raising. In September, we made plans for church lighting and work on the North wall, set dates for special services and events, and discussed becoming a Warm Space for the community this winter. Please keep the PCC in your prayers.
Hosting warm spaces and a warm welcome
If you’d be interested in helping make a warm space at Christ Church this winter, please see Rev’d Carol, and/or bring ideas to a gathering after the 10:30 service on Sunday 9th.
Community at Christ Church:
Harvest Donations
Our Harvest Festival will be today, 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.
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.
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. )
Christmas Tree Festival
We’re looking forward to hosting our second Festival on the 2-4th December, raising funds for church and LDHAS. But we need your help! Local schools and groups will decorate trees to celebrate what’s going on in the community – and we need individuals/ businesses/groups to sponsor the trees. If you (or your company, or a shop you visit regularly) can help in this, please take a letter, and write their name on the list at the back of church. Thank you!
All Saints and All Souls
On Sunday 30th October we remember those who have been saints to us, and those who have died. At 3pm, there will be a Memorial Service for those who have died recently, with opportunities to light a candle to remember them. At 6pm, there will be a Requiem Eucharist for the Faithful Departed. If you would like a loved one’s name read out as part of there service, please add their name to the list at the back of church.
Wildflower bank in the churchyard
After the 10:30 service today, 2nd October, come and help seed the bank by the War Memorial with wildflower seeds, for a beautiful insect-friendly area in the churchyard.
Parish Walk
The next parish walk will be on Saturday 22nd October, leaving from Christ Church at 9.30am and walking to Galgate (5.5miles). Those who wish can then get the bus back, or continue back to Lancaster via the canal (a further 6 miles). Please bring lunch, waterproofs and stout shoes. Dogs welcome. Some road walking is involved, so children must be accompanied. Please let Rev’d Carol know if you’re interested.
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 to make the Ceilidh and Apple Festival go so well – it was great to welcome friends new and old, and share in a wonderful harvest!
Greetings!
Barbara Johnson, whom many of you will remember, has asked me to pass on her love to all at Christ Church, and to tell you how very much she misses you. She is active in the local churches in Scotland and her eldest granddaughter is to be married in Newburgh next month. Unfortunately Martin’s mobility is not great and he struggles to find words, but gets huge pleasure from reading. Their daughter is a huge help in caring for him.
Save the Dates: Please pick up a flyer!
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
Light up the Lady Chapel
The Psalmist writes: ‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ However, the lighting in the choir and Lady Chapel is in need of help – some has broken beyond repair, and the rest is struggling to illuminate a space that is now regularly used for worship. We already have raised half the funds needed.Can you help by sponsoring a light, or making a donation towards the £5k cost? Please see the envelope for more details or use this code:
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