Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 30th June 2024 Fifth Sunday of 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 – 30th June
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Welcome to our new Curate, Rev’d Kaarina Leong, and her family and friends.
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Thursday
1.30pm Funeral of Ernie Wilson
(Lancaster Crematorium)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 7th July Trinity 6
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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: 21st July
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
Wisdom of Solomon 1.13-15; 2.23, 24
Because God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. For he created all things so that they might exist; the generative forces of the world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them, and the dominion of Hades is not on earth. For righteousness is immortal. For God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2 Corinthians 8.7-15
Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, ‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 5.21-43
Glory to you, O Lord.
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’
While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Grant, O Lord, we beseech you, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by your governance, that your Church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Mary Tredennick, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
For those who have died recently: Kurt Johnson, Sheelagh Lynch, Ernie Wilson, Joyce Myerscough, Ella Patterson – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work on Aberdeen Road, Wyresdale Road, Kirkes Road
For all who use our Hall
For our September mission weekend and the people we invite to share our church community.
For Rev’d Kaarina as she begins ministry in our parish – that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 9th July 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
As Christians we are not called to be perfect. We are called to be who we are with all our cracks and imperfections, knowing that God’s glory will shine through those cracks into the world around us and that the gold of God’s love will mend our brokenness into something far more beautiful than it was before. * Dr Paula Gooder
*Dr Gooder references Kintsugi pottery, a Japanese practice in which broken pots are mended with gold or silver, so that the resulting pot is more beautiful than the one that broke.
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 Sunday, 21st July, at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
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.
Use of the Sanctuary
A large chunk of plaster fell into the Sanctuary, from a height of at least 60ft. We’re awaiting a specialist to inspect the roof and chimney to find out whether water has got in, and what work needs to happen to stop further issues. In the meantime, we will be worshipping in the Lady Chapel and/or using a freestanding altar in the Nave. Please don’t walk on the carpet in front of the high altar!
In Other News…
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
We often think that are our efforts to be more sustainable are insignificant and will not stop climate change. However as we know from history, individual action can drive culture change and ultimately influence politicians and businesses. So please keep up your small actions every day and contribute to a larger wave of change.
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
We are now a Fairtrade Church. as a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
Christians at Pride – and a new Open Table gathering?
Thank you from Clive to everyone who participated or helped in any way with Christians at Pride last Sunday – it was a great day!
Would you be interested in a new LGBTQ-led eucharistic gathering in Lancaster based on Open Table (https://opentable.lgbt) or similar for LGBTQ+ Christians and friends and allies. Join us for exploratory prayer and planning on any or all of 7, 14, 21 and 28 July – that’s all four Sundays of July – 3pm at The Cornerstone, Dalton Square LA1 1PX. Contact Michael – mh@ssra.uk for more information.
PCC
… next meets on the 17th July. If there are aspects of church life, worship, and work in our parish which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley, or one of your PCC reps. If there are items of business which you’d like discussed, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley.
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:
Help Needed!
On Saturday 10th August between 9.30am and 11am. Please could you spare half an hour (or more) to help clean and care for church? Some DIY jobs need doing too. Children welcome to come and help. Brunch provided.
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 5th July. 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 25th June.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 5th July, between 12 and 2pm (and the first Friday of every month). Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like more 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
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why is an elephant’s skin crinkly? A. Because you can’t iron it.
Consecration of the next Bishop of Burnley – 19th July
Just a reminder that the Rev’d Dr Joe Kennedy will be consecrated in York Minster on 19th July. Please contact Jacqueline about how to book a place for the service and on the (free) coach leaving from Ellel at 8 am..
Save the Date!
Pimms and Hymns are back! Join us on Sunday 14th July from 3pm to enjoy cake and refreshments, before a selection of favourite hymns from 4pm. Please vote for your favourite hymns on the sheet at the back of church – two votes per person. Raffle tickets are also on sale at the back of church.
Save the Date 2
Our annual Pet Blessing Service will be on Sunday 28th July at 3pm Please bring your pet in a suitable container, or on a lead. (Or bring a photo!) All creatures great and small welcome, but you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will also be a collection of blankets, treats, and old towels for Wolfwood. Please invite friends and neighbours along too.
Appeal for donations towards Christmas Tree stands and lights
We are planning to host our fourth Christmas Tree Festival in early December following our previous successful years. Last year, our trees and lights were spectacular, and the improvement was due to better tree stands, which we’d borrowed from Northallerton Church. We’d like to have our own stands and lights this year – please would you help? We’re trying to raise £300-£400 to cover the costs for 20 tree stands and lights, which would then last us for years to come! If you can help, please add your details to the sponsor form at the back of church, and mark your donation ‘Tree Stand’. With grateful thanks, Julie Buckley and the fundraising teams.
Thank you from Rev’d Clive
Clive sends a big ‘thank you’ to everyone for all the birthday greetings and good wishes last weekend.
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: … Mrs Emma Muckalt & Ms Debbie Steele safeguarding@christchurchlancaster.org 07547 717060
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