(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 29th October 2023 Trinity 21
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 – 29th October – Trinity 21
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
With thanks to Rev’d Keith and to Pat for leading our services today
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation followed by
6pm All Souls’ Eucharist
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Sunday 5th November – All Saints’
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am All Saints’ Eucharist
3pm Memorial Service
6pm Taizé Eucharist
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
Merciful God, teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty, that trusting in your word and obeying your will we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Leviticus 19.1-2,15-18
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
You shall not render an unjust judgement; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbour. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbour: I am the Lord.
You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbour, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 1
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
1 Blessed are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the assembly of the scornful.
2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord and they meditate on his law day and night.
3 Like a tree planted by streams of water bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither,
whatever they do, it shall prosper.
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
4 As for the wicked, it is not so with them; they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked shall not be able to stand in the judgement,
nor the sinner in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
Refrain: The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
1 Thessalonians 2.1-8
You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 22.34-46
Glory to you, O Lord
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ
Prayer after Communion:
God of all grace, your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry with the bread of his life and the word of his kingdom: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your true and living bread; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please 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: Jenni Lauruol, Ivy Crawford, Doreen Naish.
Parish Cycle of Prayer:
For those who live and work on Bath Street, St Peter’s Road
For our Churchwardens and PCC members.
For the families invited to the Memorial Service on the 5th November and for the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader
For those we will welcome to Mingle on Mondays this winter.
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
I know the two great commandments, and I’d better get on with them. C S Lewis.
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. Preparation classes are taking place on Sundays at 4pm. 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…
Mingle on Mondays – 20th November 2023 – 25th March 2024
This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship will start up again next month, open from 11:30 am – 2 pm each Monday (apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day). If you’re able to help set up and host, even occasionally, or if you can make soup or cake, or shop for bread and other supplies and bring them along on a Sunday, please sign up on the rota at the back of church. Please claim expenses – no-one should be out of pocket. Please pray for all who will come and all who will host. Thank you!
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 world is facing an unprecedented global food crisis. The World Food Programme helps the most food insecure communities to manage natural resources sustainably. Read about their work and support them if you can. https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/global-food-crisis
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!
Q. Why do birds fly south in the winter? A. It’s faster than walking.
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, especially as they share their AwayDay on Saturday 4th November, 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. if you’ve sponsored her, please arrange payment. Thank you, Susan!
Christmas Tree Festival 1st – 3rd December – help needed!
The Christmas Tree Festival will be a great success, again, but it will only be so if people are kind enough to help with setting up the church for the festival and to be on hand to welcome people during opening hours, or to help with refreshments in the Hall. If you are able to help in any way, please sign up on the sheets at the back of church. (There are still a few trees available for sponsorship by local businesses, so please take an invite if you have a possible contact.)
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.
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
11th November 9:30am-11:30 am DIY and Cleaning Morning
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