(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 30th July 2023 Eighth 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 30th July
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist – We welcome the Rev’d Brian McConkey as our president and preacher today
3pm Pet Blessing Service
6pm Evening Prayer
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 6th August – Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
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 God,
your Son left the riches of heaven
and became poor for our sake:
when we prosper save us from pride,
when we are needy
save us from despair,
that we may trust in you alone;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
1 Kings 3.5-12
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119.129-136
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The opening of your word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and draw in my breath, as I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
133 Order my steps by your word,
and let no wickedness have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from earthly oppressors so that I may keep your commandments.
135 Show the light of your countenance upon your servant
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes run down with streams of water, because the wicked do not keep your law.
Refrain: The opening of your word gives light.
Romans 8.26-39
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 13.31-33,44-52
Glory to you, O Lord
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’
He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’
‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that have taken holy things;
may the ears which have heard your word be deaf to clamour and dispute; may the tongues which have sung your praise be free from deceit; may the eyes which have seen the tokens of your love shine with the light of hope; and may the bodies which have been fed with your body be refreshed with the fullness of your life; glory to you 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 Park Avenue, Fenham Carr Lane.
For the work of Churches Together in Lancaster
For our Pet Blessing Service and the people we will invite.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 8th August 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
I think earth, if chosen instead of Heaven, will turn out to have been, all along, only a region in Hell: and earth, if put second to Heaven, to have been from the beginning a part of Heaven itself. C S Lewis
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 URGENT need 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/
Thank you!
For all the donations to the Olive Branch Foodbank ahead of their time of greatest need over the summer holidays – please keep the tins and packets coming!
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
Enjoy local, fresh seasonal vegetables by ordering from the Plot via their online shop. Collect or have it delivered by your milkman. http://www.the-plot.uk/
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!
Don’t sweat the petty things, and don’t pet the sweaty things.
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
Explore and Play – fun activities for the school holidays
There will be games, stories, and snacks for primary age children and younger siblings in the Church Hall and grounds on Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st August 10am – 12 noon. Do bring your youngsters along for some fun.
Hymns and Pimms
Thank you to everyone who supported our Pimms and Hymns afternoon. Despite the weather, it was an afternoon to lift the spirits!
Pet Blessing Service – 30th July, 3pm
Everyone welcome – please ensure that your pet is on a lead or in a suitable container (or bring a photo). Please let Rev’d Carol know if you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane. If you have any old towels and blankets, a collection will be taken to Wolfwood animal care after the service.
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.
We’re hiring!
Following a review of our children’s and youth work at Christ Church, we’re looking to appoint a Children’s Ministry Leader (part time).
The post holder will have the opportunity to help us make a real difference in a varied and rapidly changing parish with an expanding population.
Our congregations have grown in recent years, and we are looking for a leader who will enable new families to take the next step in faith, and to establish a volunteer team for children’s ministry within and beyond the church’s walls. The post is for 15 hours a week, on a 2 year initial contract and subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
For an informal conversation please contact the Vicar, revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com, or to apply for this Vacancy visit https://pathways.churchofengland.org/job/pathways/4483/children-s-ministry-leader-part-time
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