Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 21st April 2024 Fourth Sunday of Easter
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 – 21st April 2024
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist followed by APCM
4pm Godly Play
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
7:15pm Pilgrim Course at the Vicarage
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Saturday
2pm Sue and Andrew’s Wedding
Next Sunday: 28th April Fifth Sunday of Easter
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Risen Christ,
faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:
teach us to hear your voice
and to follow your command, that all your people may be gathered into one flock, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Godly Play
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm in Church for KS1/2 children. Next today: 21st April
Contact: Rev’d Carol for more information.
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.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Acts 4.5-12
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
“the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.”
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
Refrain: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
Refrain:I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
3 He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Refrain:I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.:
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Refrain:I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
1 John 3.16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John (10.11-18)
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
For those preparing for Baptism:
Ace Altham, Xander Dodd – as they begin the journey of Christian faith
For those preparing for marriage:
Sue Taylor and Andrew Neal – that God will bless them in their new life together.
For those who have died recently: Ronald Stamper, Joyce – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
Those who live and work on Factory Hill, Troutbeck Road, and Wolseley Street
For those standing in our church elections today and for the work of our PCC
For the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader and the person God is calling
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 30th April 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
Thought for the Week
Nothing is more important to the shepherd than the abundant life of the sheep — not even the shepherd’s own life. There’s no joy for the shepherd that doesn’t involve abundant life for the sheep. ……. There are no conditions here, no bargain: simply the offer of life in all its fullness. . Rev’d Dr Sam Wells
Ascension Day (9th May)
To mark Jesus’ ascension into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection, there will be two services on the 9th May.
- 7am Prayers with Churches Together outside the Old/Top Cemetery Chapels (as we can’t get access to Williamson Park due to the Highest Point Festival)
- 12noon Eucharist in Christ Church
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing Scripture stories with children, and helping them wonder about faith, using a Montessori approach, with crafts and a snack to share too. It’s free, and especially suitable for primary age children (accompanied by an adult please). The next gathering is today, Sunday, 21st April, at 4pm. If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you are curious.
Children’s Ministry Leader
We’re looking for someone with experience of working with children and families, who will work with the clergy, congregations and local schools. Might this be you, or someone you know? The post is 22.5 hours per week with a salary depending on experience, for a 3-year contract.The post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance and references. Our parish serves a large number of schools and families. The PCC wish to consolidate and grow our work with primary school-aged children and their families. For more details, please contact Rev’d Carol. For the Job Specification and Application Form: https:// pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/sec-diocese-of-blackburn Closing date 16th May 2024
Please pray for this appointment, and for the person God is calling to this role.
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…
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon today, 21st April, at which our Churchwardens and Parish Church Council will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate to represent your congregation – and whether you have skills and experience you can offer.
Community Fair
*You* make our community possible – please might you be able to help Christ Church by sharing your time and skills? All sorts of roles and jobs are up for grabs. Please take a moment before/after the service today to look at the display in church.
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The foodbank continues to be in great need of tins of curry, chilli con carne, pies, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, kidney beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks of cake, cereal, jam, pasta sauce; packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, cordial, longlife juice, and many types of toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls, etc.) 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
Hedgehogs will be hungry and thirsty when they come out of hibernation. Create hedgehog highways in your garden boundaries to help them hunt for food. You can also provide food and water and leave sticks and dry leaves etc to help with nest building.
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.
Changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco Group
We can still collect plastic bottle tops/lids, plastic toothbrushes and electric brush heads, covers and flosser nozzles, also flossing sticks, interdental brushes and dental tape containers, We can still take medical blister packs, but owing to the large quantities, please take your own to Superdrug if you can. Thank you for your ongoing support with recycling on the first Sunday of each month.
Fairtrade Church
As a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers, Christ Church have become a Fairtrade Church. This means that we commit to using and serving only Fairtrade tea, coffee, and sugar – more info here: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
Wedding Invitation
Sue and Andrew are getting married at Christ Church at 2pm next Saturday 27th April! They’ve invited everyone at Christ Church to come and share their special day, plus the refreshments in the Hall afterwards. If you’re driving, please consider parking in the Grammar School/Wyresdale Road car-park (opposite Wyresdale Gardens). Please keep Sue and Andrew in your prayers as they prepare for their wedding day.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What did the pirate say when he turned 80? A. Aye, matey.
Pilgrim – a new course for the Christian journey
On Tuesdays 7.15pm in the Vicarage, everyone welcome as we continue Pilgrim – A Course for the Christian Journey. Whether you’re new to church, or wanting to go deeper, this new 6-week course will help us think about what it means to turn to Christ. Please ask Rev’d Carol if you’d like more info – why not invite a friend?
PCC
…. met on 10th April. We discussed finance, a PCC Code of Conduct, children’s ministry, and preparations for our parish mission weekend in September. We ask you to pray this prayer ‘this time tomorrow’ after a Sunday service – wherever you are. (Why not put a reminder in your phone?)
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:
Community Fair
*You* make our community possible – please might you be able to help Christ Church by sharing your time and skills? All sorts of roles and jobs are up for grabs. Please take a moment before/after the service today to look at the display in church.
Hall for Hire – Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially at weekends and during the day. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Pat hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855 for more info.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided by Lancashire Libraries, in addition to those shared by members. The date of the next meeting is 3rd May. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion books is very welcome to join us. You can just turn up on the day, speak to Joyce, or send an email to joycelynch1946@gmail.com
Craft Group
Meets on the second (and sometimes other) Tuesday(s) of each month at 11.30am in the Hall. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. The group next meets on 14th May.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meet on the first Friday of the month, between 12 and 2pm. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more.
Easter Gifts
Please could you contribute to the costs of the consumables (e.g. candles, wine, etc. ) we use each week in church? There’s a list at the back of church for your gifts.. Thank you.
Porch Repairs – Thank you
*Thank you* to everyone who has supported the £4.5k work to repair our church porch. The re-mortaring work was done before Christmas – and we’ve now had confirmation that the repairs have been inspected to a good standard. Adding lime mortar to the stonework will ensure that the porch remains watertight, and doesn’t shed its outer layers of salt. There are other ongoing projects, so please consider making a donation to the Church Repair Fund if you can.
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
Christ Church Time Capsule
We’ve been invited by the Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field to bury a time capsule in the field. Do you have photos of Christ Church, or other small items which could be included as a reflection of our community in 2024? Please speak to Rev’d Carol.
Cross Bay Walk for Lightaware
Eleanor Levin, one of our congregation, is organising a Cross-Bay walk to raise much needed funds for the LightAware charity. This will be starting at Arnside at 1pm on Saturday 1st June. Children and dogs also welcome. https://lightaware.org/ https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/54767? If anyone needs a lift, please let Rev’d Carol know.
Christians at Lancaster Pride – 23rd June
Many of us hope there will again be a visible Christian presence at Lancaster Pride this year. If you have ideas and/or can help plan and prepare, you’re warmly invited to a meeting at The Cornerstone on Monday 29th April at 5-6:30 pm – or contact Rev’d Clive if you’d like to know more and/or can’t make the planning meeting.
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for refreshments after the 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:
Churchwarden: … 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: … currently vacant safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
01254 503088
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