(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 9th September 2023 Thirteenth 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 3rd September – Trinity 13
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (via Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 10th September – Trinity 14
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
1:30pm 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
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Jeremiah 15.15-21
O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation. Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail. Therefore, thus says the Lord: If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 26: 1-8
Refrain: Lord, I love the place where your glory abides.
1 Give judgement for me, O Lord,
for I have walked with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2 Test me, O Lord, and try me;
examine my heart and my mind.
3 For your love is before my eyes;
I have walked in your truth.
4 I have not joined the company of the false, nor consorted with the deceitful.
Refrain: Lord, I love the place where your glory abides.
5 I hate the gathering of evildoers
and I will not sit down with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, that I may go about your altar,
7 To make heard the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all your wonderful deeds.
8 Lord, I love the house of your habitation and the place where your glory abides.
Refrain: Lord, I love the place where your glory abides.
Romans 12.9-21
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 16.21-28
Glory to you, O Lord
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
God our creator, you feed your children with the true manna, the living bread from heaven: let this holy food sustain us through our earthly pilgrimage until we come to that place where hunger and thirst are no more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please also remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert.
Those who have died recently: Linda Brady.
Those preparing for Baptism: Albie Keats, Kalvin Tomlinson, Olivia-Rose Ingham
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Guidem Park, Dutton Drive, Grab Lane
For the work of the Claver Hill Project and local food growers.
For the guests we will welcome over the Heritage Open Weekends.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 12th 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. The next will today, 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 this term – Choir Church
A new service will start this term. 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
All true science begins in the love, not the dissection, of your fellow-creatures; and it ends in the love, not the analysis, of God. John Ruskin
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/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
The Government appears to be going back on its commitments for carbon net zero. Will you speak out in whatever way you can?
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.
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, 3rd September, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What’s a snake’s favourite subject at school? A. Hiss-tory
PCC
…. next meets on the 13th September. 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:
Apple Festival!
On Saturday 30th, our Apple Festival will celebrate local food, including pressing the fruit from our own orchard. Open between 2-4pm, with stalls, raffle and refreshments, and music from Mereside Community Choir. A competition for the best baked apple product (cake, biscuit, etc) will be open to child and adult categories – please bring entries for 2pm. If you’re able to help set up – please let Rev’d Carol, or Julie B know. And don’t forget to enter the raffle – numbers available at the back of church!
Heritage Open Weekends – and a local history talk
If you can spare an hour to welcome visitors to church on the 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th September as part of the Heritage Open Weekends, please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. Please also see the invitation (below) to the excellent talk on 9th September.
Christ Church Crafting
… meets monthly. Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. Contact Julie Buckley for further details. A special session with Sara Dennis will be on Thursday 14th September 10.30-12noon in Church to repair the red altar frontal – all welcome! (No session on Tuesday 12th September.)
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
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 6th October!
Harvest Collection for LDHAS
On the 1st October, we’ll celebrate our Harvest Festival, and support the work of Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service. This year, they are in special need of donations of coffee, long-life milk, tinned meat, Fray Bentos meals in a tin, cereals, condiments, tuna, bottled water (500ml), curry sauces, dishwasher tablets, washing powder, toilet paper. Please bring donations to the 8.30 and 10.30 services.
Heritage Open Weekend Talk 9th September at 7:30 pm in church
All are welcome to what will be an excellent talk by Dr Sam Riches of the Regional Heritage Centre, Lancaster University, entitled ‘From Cologne to Lancashire: a late medieval pilgrim badge of St Ursula in context.’ (Refreshments available. ) Please invite your friends and family along – she is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker.
Sponsored Swim
Susan Brooks will shortly be undertaking a sponsored swim in aid of Church funds – please fill in the sponsorship form at the back of church. Thank you, Susan!
Help Needed!
Do you have a car, and time to transport our donations to the Olive Branch food bank on White Cross each week? A 20 minute job… suitable for a jobshare! Please see Rev’d Carol if you’re interested.
Children’s Ministry Leader – closing date, tomorrow 4th September!
We’re looking to appoint a Children’s Ministry Leader. 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. To apply for this Vacancy visithttps://pathways.churchofengland.org/job/pathways/4483/children-s-ministry-leader-part-time by tomorrow, 4thSeptember.
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 .
Other Diary Dates…
30th September 2-4pm Apple Festival
1st October Harvest Festival, followed by Jacob’s Join
5th November 3pm Memorial Service for the recently departed
17th November 6.30pm Quiz Night
1-3rd December Christmas Tree Festival
10th December 4pm Christingle Service
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