(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 22nd October 2023 Trinity 20
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 – 22nd October – Trinity 20
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Confirmation Class
6pm Evening Prayer
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 29th October – Trinity 21
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
6pm Evening Prayer
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
God, our light and our salvation: illuminate our lives, that we may see your goodness in the land of the living, and looking on your beauty may be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 45.1-7
Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him – and the gates shall not be closed: I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the Lord do all these things.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96.1-9
Refrain: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his name; tell out his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.
Refrain: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are but idols; it is the Lord who made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty are before him; power and splendour are in his sanctuary.
Refrain: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honour and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honour due to his name; bring offerings and come into his courts.
9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.
Refrain: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
1 Thessalonians 1.1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 22.15-22
Glory to you, O Lord
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
God our Father, whose Son, the light unfailing, has come from heaven to deliver the world from the darkness of ignorance: let these holy mysteries open the eyes of our understanding that we may know the way of life, and walk in it without stumbling; 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, Ron Holmes.
Those who have died recently: Maureen Renninson, Jenni Lauruol.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Grasmere Road, Ullswater Road,
For those beginning half term this week.
For the families invited to the Memorial Service on the 5th November and for the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 31st October 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 on Sunday, 5th November- 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
So I was taught that Love is our Lord’s meaning. And I saw very certainly in this and in everything that before God made us, he loved us, which Love was never abated and never shall be. Julian of Norwich.
All Souls’ Eucharist
A Eucharist to remember the faithful departed will be offered on Wednesday 1st November at 6pm in the Lady Chapel. If you would like the name of a loved one read out as we remember the departed, please PRINT their name on the list at the back of church.
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 on Sundays at 4pm, starting on the 15th October. 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…
Warm Spaces in the Hall – winter season
Could you help offer a warm welcome and a hot soup lunch this winter on Monday lunchtimes? Please let Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline know if so.
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
Food is not only at the heart of some of our greatest problems but also a vital part of the solution. See if you can respond to Food Futures’ ideas at https://foodfutures.org.uk/food-strategy/call-to-action/
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 5th November, and the first Sunday of each month.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Two ships collided. One was carrying a cargo of red paint, the other a load of blue paint. Sadly, all the passengers were marooned.
PCC
…. met on the 11th October. We discussed how to encourage people to take the next steps in faith, as well as repair work to the building and reviewing recent events. 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:
Serving Team
We’re looking for new members for our serving team for the 10.30am Eucharist, who help carry the cross, lights and Bible, as well as helping the service go smoothly. This can be on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Suitable for ages 9+, training will be given.
Help needed!
Might you be able to spare some time each week or each month to help with a typesetting job please? Rev’d Carol needs some help preparing the weekly service sheets and notice sheets, using Word or Pages. Please ask if you’re curious!
House to rent needed urgently!
Might you know of a three-bedroomed house to rent for a reasonable price? We have become aware of a lady with two teenage children who is in urgent need, as she is being evicted from her previously rented house through no fault of her own, and she is awaiting surgery. Please contact Rev’d Carol or Jacqueline if you know of somewhere, and we’ll ensure the contact reaches her.
Christ Church Crafting
… meets next on 14th November 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 3rd November!
Quiz Night – 17th November
Why not come along to our first Christ Church Quiz Night on Friday 17th November at 6:30 pm? There will be lots of fun for all the family. Bring your own drinks – snacks will be provided. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door – £10 for a family ticket, or £4 for an individual adult.
Harvest Thank you!
To everyone who supported the food collection for Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service; and nearly £100 was raised for CRESS supporting farming communities in South Sudan) last Sunday. And thank you to all the helpers for the Harvest Jacob’s Join – it was a lovely afternoon!
Harvest Collection for CRESS UK
If you’ve not already made a donation to the Harvest 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 undertook a sponsored swim in aid of Church funds last week. Please pass sponsorship money to Susan this Sunday (22nd). Thank you, Susan!
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! Please take an invite from the table near the church door.
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.
Jam!
With thanks to Valerie and Jacqueline, there’s a wonderful selection of jams and chutneys for sale – £2.50 (or less) per jar from the table near the Children’s area – for church funds.
Other Diary Dates…
1st November 6pm Eucharist for All Souls, remembering the faithful departed
5th November 3pm Memorial Service for the recently departed
10th November 10:45am Community Act of Remembrance at Miss Whalley’s Field
12th November 10:30am Remembrance Sunday Parade Service
17th November 6.30pm Quiz Night
1st-3rd December Christmas Tree Festival
3rd December 4pm Advent Service
10th December 4pm Christingle Service
18th December 4pm Christmas Carol Service
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for hot and cold drinks, biscuits, etc., after the 10:30 am Sunday service.
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