(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 24th September 2023 Sixteenth 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 24th September – Trinity 15
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
6pm Evening Prayer for the Care of Creation
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (on Zoom – see notice)
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 1st October – Harvest Festival
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Harvest Eucharist
6pm Taizé Eucharist (Musicians from 4:30pm)
Children and Youth
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
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
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; 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
Jonah 3.10 – 4.11
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’ Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.
The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.’
But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?’ And he said, ‘Yes, angry enough to die.’ Then the Lord said, ‘You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labour and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 145: 1-8
Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
1 I will exalt you, O God my King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you and praise your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is beyond all searching out.
Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another and declare your mighty acts.
5 They shall speak of the majesty of your glory, and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
6 They shall speak of the might of your marvellous acts, and I will also tell of your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the story of your abundant kindness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, long-suffering and of great goodness.
Refrain: Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
Philippians 1.21-30
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 20.1-16
Glory to you, O Lord
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law: grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves; 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, Jenny.
Those who have died recently: Linda Brady, Maureen Renninson.
Those preparing for Baptism: Charlie Halewood
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Cassidy Drive, Far Moor Lane,
For the volunteers and staff who care for Scotch Quarry and Williamson Park.
For the Apple Festival and Harvest Festival, the guests we invite and the hungry we will feed.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 26th 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 be next Sunday 1st 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.
Starting this term – Choir Church
A new service will start after half-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
Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things. C S Lewis
New Minister starting at Christ Church!
In June 2024, we will welcome Kaarina Leong as Curate at Christ Church, where she will train and minister alongside Rev’d Carol. Please keep Kaarina in your prayers as she prepares for her ordination as a Deacon – and see the extra notice for more info!
Looking for a retreat?
A retreat is a quiet time, away from the busyness of daily life to pray, and attend to God more clearly. Our diocese’s retreat house, Whalley Abbey has a range of retreats, please see the leaflets in church, or take a look at www.whalleyabbey.org
Confirmations
Would you like to take a next step in faith? Would you like to start receiving communion? On the 26th November, Bishop Jill will be with us for a Confirmation Service at 10.30am. If you’d like to be Confirmed (and/or Baptised) as part of this special occasion, or are curious, please have a chat with Rev’d Carol. There will be 6 preparation classes beforehand. Suitable for adults of any age, and for children in Year 6 and above.
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 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 poster at the back of church lists the actions members of our Eco group are taking to reduce their carbon footprint. Do any of these suggest something that you could also do?
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 on 1st October, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying? A. You rocket.
PCC
…. met on 13th September and discussed: Harvest Appeals, the Christmas Tree Festival, the North Transept/Vestry project, printing arrangements, finances, and more. Please let Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley have your ideas and suggestions for discussion. 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, with results announced at 3 pm. 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!
Harvest Jacob’s Join Lunch – 1st October
If you are able to bring some food to share at the lunch after the 10:30 am Harvest Festival Eucharist, please sign up on the list at the back of church.
Heritage Open Weekends
Thank you to everyone who’s helped open the church and welcome our visitors!
Warm Spaces in the Hall – winter season?
Could you help offer a warm welcome and a hot soup lunch this winter? Possibly Monday lunchtimes? Please let Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline know if so, and when suits you.
Christ Church Crafting
… meets next on 10th October at 11:30 am in the Hall, and on the second Tuesday of the month. Bring your own craft project, or help with a community banner. 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
Plans for Christ Church
You may be aware that the Vestry and North Transept (area behind the organ pipes) are in a poor state of repair. They are spaces which, if refurbished, could benefit our community and the welcome we offer. A Working Party has been discussing this – and our architects have produced some initial suggestions for what might be possible. These sketches will be at the back of church in coming weeks – please take a look and comment on what you like (or dislike, or suggest to make the plans even better). These ideas will then be turned into a final plan – so please have your say!
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 (and CRESS UK)
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. There will also be a Harvest cash collection in aid of CRESS UK, which helps people in South Sudan to gain the knowledge and skills to establish self-sustaining communities. Churches across our diocese are helping to support this worthy cause this Harvest. For more information and how to donate, go to: https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/bishop-s-harvest-appeal-2023
Sponsored Swim
Susan Brooks will be undertaking a sponsored swim in aid of Church funds next month – please fill in the sponsorship form at the back of church. Thank you, Susan!
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please ask Rev’d Carol to complete the Supplementary Form with you during Office Hour (9.15am-10am on Sunday mornings). The deadline for forms is the 31st October.
Save the date!
Our Christmas Tree Festival will be on the 1-3rd December. If you work for a business which would like to sponsor a tree, or are part of a group (sport, music, charity, etc) which would like to decorate a tree, or if you’re in a band or choir which might like to perform – we’d love to hear from you!
Children’s Church, Messy Church – could you help?
Might you be able to help out occasionally with some of our children’s activities? Rev’d Carol and Julie Tinnion can tell you more about what would be involved.
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