(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 23rd July 2023 Seventh Sunday after Trinity
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 16th July
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
3pm Hymns and Pimms
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (see notice)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 30th July – Eighth Sunday after Trinity
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
3pm Pet Blessing Service
6pm Evening Prayer
Children and Youth
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Messy Church
Crafts, stories, song and a meal together at 4pm on Sunday 17th September in the Hall for KS1/2
Contact: Mrs Julie Tinnion 07749 489623
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.
Prayer for the Week
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; 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
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 44.6-8
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let them proclaim it, let them declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be. Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses! Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock; I know not one.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 86.11-17
Refrain: All nations you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you, that I may fear your name.
12 I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and glorify your name for evermore;
13 For great is your steadfast love towards me, for you have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave.
Refrain: All nations you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord.
14 O God, the proud rise up against me and a ruthless horde seek after my life; they have not set you before their eyes.
15 But you, Lord, are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and full of kindness and truth.
16 Turn to me and have mercy upon me; give your strength to your servant and save the child of your handmaid.
17 Show me a token of your favour,
that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; because you, O Lord, have helped and comforted me.
Refrain: All nations you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord.
Romans 8.12-25
So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 13.24-30,36-43
Glory to you, O Lord
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Lord God, whose Son is the true vine and the source of life, ever giving himself that the world may live: may we so receive within ourselves the power of his death and passion that, in his saving cup, we may share his glory and be made perfect in his love; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susannna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty.
Those who have died recently: Tina Smith, Patrick Hare, , Barbara Rouse, Valerie Williams, June Skelland, Mike Dickinson.
Those preparing for Baptism: Kehlani-Mae Atkinson
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Dundee Street, Wyresdale Court.
For our uniformed organisation and their summer break.
For our Hymns and Pimms afternoon and the people we will invite.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 25th July 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. The next will be Sunday 3rd September after a summer break – 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.
Starting in September – Choir Church
A new service will start in September. Christ Church are part of a diocese-wide programme of Choir Church, where pupils in our school learn to sing hymns and anthems in an after-school club, ready to share in a monthly eucharist in the school hall. Might you be able to help share refreshments and welcome people? Please ask Rev’d Carol for more info.
Thought for the Week
Jesus doesn’t write people off. He writes them in.
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.
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In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
… is in URGENTneed of tinned pudding, rice, tinned curry, tinned pies, tinned ham, sweetcorn and peas, shampoo, shower gel, size 5 and size 6 nappies. . 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/
The Olive Branch – 2
Now that the Olive Branch have moved to new premises, they are looking to become ‘more than a food bank’ by offering support to those suffering distress caused by poverty, homelessness, addiction or family breakdowns. Are you someone who is not easily shocked, and can listen rather than trying to fix someone? If so – please consider volunteering with the team.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Sowing cress is a great way of introducing children to the joy of growing your own food. A packet of seeds, damp cotton wool, a reused yoghurt pot and a sunny windowsill is all you need.
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, 6th August, and the first Sunday of every month.
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.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I’ve just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I have a nap.
PCC
…. met on Wednesday, 19th July. We discussed beehives in the churchyard, plans for Choir Church, and how we welcome people to the forthcoming events. If there are ideas, suggestions or things you’d like to raise, please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie Buckley know. Please keep your PCC in your prayers, and share this prayer for our church:
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:
Christ Church Crafting
… will meet next on Tuesday 8th August at 11:30am in the Hall – all welcome! Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. Contact Julie Buckley for further details.
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
Hymns and Pimms
This Sunday (23rd) – a service of favourite hymns chosen by the congregation, with a glass of Pimms (or other beverage) on the lawn. It’s a lovely occasion – please bring a friend or two!
Pet Blessing Service – 30th July, 3pm
Please let Rev’d Carol know if you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane. A collection of old towels and blankets will be taken to Wolfwood.
Gardening
The church gardening group meets on the first Friday of the month from 12-2pm – do come for as much or as little as you are able to. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you can although there are some spares in the shed – everyone welcome on the 1st September!
Other Diary Dates…
23rd July 3pm Pimms and Hymns Service celebrating our favourite hymns
30th July 3pm Pet Blessing Service
12th August Working Party to clean church and do basic DIY
13th August Feast of the Assumption followed by Barbecue
Giving in Grace Appeal
Thank you to everyone who has so far supported our Giving in Grace appeal towards the worship, ministry and upkeep of Christ Church. Please pick up a leaflet, and consider how you might support your church community.
New Children’s Area
Thanks to a historic trust fund, we have been able to refurbish our children’s area, so that it is more welcoming, and helps children and families grow in faith. The furniture is made from up-cycled wood from other churches. We hope you enjoy it!
Looking for a venue?
Our Hall is available for bookings for parties, meetings, classes, talks, etc., at very reasonable rates (£24 for the first hour, then £12 for each subsequent hour). It’s a lovely big space, served by a very well-equipped kitchen with all the crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and equipment you’re likely to need. If you’d like to know about availability, or more about what’s available, please contact Pat Allen, at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or on 07980 351855 .
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc. after the 10:30 am services.
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:
Churchwardens: … Mr Peter Bohdan 07974924968; 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: …TBC safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07547 717060
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
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955