(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 4th May 2025 Third 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 – 4th May
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist (no Children’s Church)
1.30pm Wedding
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 11th May – Fourth Sunday of Easter
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together Eucharist followed by APCM
6pm Evening Prayer.
Prayer for this week
Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; 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
Children’s Church
welcomes primary-aged children during the 10.30am service during term time. Parents/guardians are also welcome to join in. Please see back-page notice. (Please note there will be no Children’s Church on 4th May.)
Godly Play – 18th May
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 25th May
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
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 today:
Acts 9.1-6
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 30
Refrain: You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead.
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have raised me up and have not let my foes triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you
and you have healed me.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; you restored me to life from among those that go down to the Pit.
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favour for a lifetime. Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Refrain: You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead.
6 In my prosperity I said, ‘I shall never be moved. You, Lord, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong.’
7 Then you hid your face from me
and I was utterly dismayed.
8 To you, O Lord, I cried;
to the Lord I made my supplication:
9 ‘What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
10 ‘Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; O Lord, be my helper.’
Refrain: You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead.
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness;
12 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Refrain: You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead.
Revelation 5.11-14
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, ‘To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might for ever and ever!’ And the four living creatures said ‘Amen!’ And the elders fell down and worshipped.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John 21.1-19 Glory to you, O Lord
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Living God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Liz Hilton, Marlene Phillips, Jamie Haxby- that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: David Whitehouse, His Holiness Pope Francis, Joyce Wilson, Patricia House. – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for Marriage
Jodie Townley and Simon Wearing – may God bless them in their new life together.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work on Edward Street, Wyresdale Gardens.
For our primary and secondary schools
For our preparations for Choir Church on the 16th May.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join them to give thanks for the day past, read the Scriptures and pray, the details are: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1. NO Zoom this week.
Children’s Church
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. We’re looking for helpers for Children’s Church for the new term. If you can offer one Sunday morning each a month (or more if possible) please have a word with Innes. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged. Please note that all children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian.
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play shares 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 on 18th May, at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
Pathfinders & Voyagers – summer holiday clubs – Innes will run activities for Pathfinders (age 4+ Tuesdays) and Voyagers (age 8+ Thursdays) each week during the summer holidays (10am to 12 noon). All youngsters welcome! Flyers will follow.
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.
Rev’d Kaarina’s News
We keep Kaarina in our prayers as she recovers from surgery. Please direct any enquiries or pastoral conversations to Rev’d Carol in the first instance.
Sponsor a Hymn
If you’d like to suggest and sponsor a hymn, to be sung within the 10.30am Eucharist, please fill in one of the blue forms from the noticeboard.
Thought for the Week
In Peter, we find the strength of the rock, the reliability of the stone, and the littleness of a simple pebble. He is not a superman – he is a man like us, who says ‘yes’ generously to Jesus in his imperfection. Pope Francis
Annual Meeting and Elections
Next Sunday 11th May, after the 10.30 Eucharist, we will hold our church Annual Meeting, giving thanks for all that happened within our community during 2024. We will also elect our Churchwardens and church council (PCC) members who will serve the community in the year ahead. Please save the date and come along!
Please prayerfully consider whether you can offer your time and skills to help the church in the year ahead, and have a chat with Rev’d Carol or one of the current PCC members about what’s involved. Nomination forms for PCC members and Churchwardens are available at the back of church. Please also collect copies of the annual accounts and annual report.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink (cans of vegetables, meat, fish, pulses; packets of rice, pasta, biscuits, crisps, bars, cereals; jars of pasta sauce, jam, peanut butter; coffee, tea, hot chocolate; cartons of juice milk) and various toiletries.. You can also give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Approximately 97% of flower-rich meadows have been lost since the 1930s, and with them, vital food and habitat needed by wildlife. No Mow May is Plantlife’s annual campaign urging everyone to pack away the lawnmower, let wildflowers grow freely and help nature. Join their campaign learn more https://www.plantlife.org.uk/
Further changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco-Group
On the first Sunday of the month, we collect medical blister packs and personal care items such as soft plastic tubes (e.g. for hand cream), wet wipe packaging and used make-up such as lipsticks, eyeshadow and mascara. Please look carefully at the information provided on and close to the collection boxes to ensure that you only bring in what can now be recycled volunteers. No bottle tops or dental products, please.
Climate Conversations, 14th June – St Thomas’ Church Centre
Dr Jan Maskell will facilitate interactive workshops about how we can reduce our carbon footprint at St Thomas’s Church Centre on 14th June 9:30am-12:30pm or 2pm-5pm.
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.
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.
PCC
… met on the 9th April. We discussed our financial deficit, and plans for children’s ministry. If there are aspects of life and worship at Christ Church which you’d like discussing, please speak to Rev’d Carol, Julie Buckley, or one of the PCC members.
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:
Monthly Drop-In Lunch and Open Church – today – 4th May
On one Sunday of each month, there is a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month and we shall be keeping the church open during the afternoon. Please sign up on the list at the back of church if you’re able to help by making or serving soup, buying bread and cheese, etc. (expenses will be reimbursed).- Thank you!
Allergies at Christ Church
If you help with refreshments and serving food at Christ Church, please consider doing the Food Safety and Allergy training available here: https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ . It’s free, and simply requires you to register through the website. Thank you!
Choir Church
Our first service in school was a great success, with 40 people attending! Our children’s choir sounded fantastic. If you’re able to help with the 16th May’s service at 3.15pm in school, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
A Pint of Theology – 13th May
On the second Tuesday of the month, at 7:30pm, everyone is welcome in the Olive Bar at the Gregson for an hour’s discussion (with or without a pint) on aspects of Christian theology and its place in our contemporary world. Please share with others who might be interetsted, and contact Innes if you’d like to know more.
Nearly New Sale – Saturday 10th May 10am-2pm – in the Hall
Come and find a bargain in our sale of pre-loved clothes and other items, be a sustainable shopper and raise funds for church at the same time. Free entry. Please bring a bag with you. Refreshments provided. Need a clear out? Bring your clean and good quality clothes and other items to the hall on Friday 9th May 10am-4pm. If possible, clothes on hangers and shoes tied together please. Further details from Julie Buckley or Jane Lippitt.
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.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays, 7-8:15 pm. 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
Craft Group
…. meets most Tuesdays 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 is hoping to increase its frequency – watch this space!
Book Group
The church book group’s meets on the first Friday of the month (the next is on 6th June) at 4 pm in the church hall. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion 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
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (6th June) between 12noon at 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members always welcome – whether for all or part of the time. If you can, please bring gloves and secateurs.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What do you call an unconventional Easter egg? A. Egg-centric!
Christian Aid Week – 11th -17th May Dying crops means food stops
You can help farmers like Amelia in Guatemala, dependent on crops but heatwaves have dried up the river watering her land, by donating to https://fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/envelope-2025/lancaster-and-area-christian-aid-group
Save the dates:
On Thursday 29th May, 40 days after Easter, we keep Ascension Day – remembering Jesus’ return to heaven after His resurrection, and Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit upon His church. Join us for: 0730am Prayers at the Ashton Memorial with Lancaster Churches Together; and a 0930am Festal Eucharist in Christ Church.
Then on Saturday 31st May, join us for a walk around our parish boundary, approx 7.5 miles, leaving Church at 10am. We’ll walk through Scotch Quarry, along the Lune, and back via Halton and the Prison. Accompanied children and dogs welcome – please bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear.
And – on Sunday 8th June, there’ll be a Pentecost Concert in Church at 4pm – have a word with Rev’d Clive if you’d like to offer a musical item!
Promoting a Safer Church
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Any safeguardingconcerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your Parish Safeguarding Officers, Debbie Steele and Emma Muckalt, who can be contacted as above.
Concerns can also be raised directly with our Diocesan Team,Tel: 01254 503088 or email safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
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.
EasyFundraising
Did you know you can support Christ Church when you shop online? Register using https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/, and the brand’s commission will be donated to the church.
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong (On leave)
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp 07853791776 children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
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 07717 824574
Hall Bookings: …hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07980 351855
Christ Church School …Miss Emma Simpson 01524 60955
Promoting a Safer Church
Christ Church, Lancaster have adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training. If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your Parish Safeguarding Officers, Debbie Steele and Emma Muckalt, who can be contacted as above. Concerns can also be raised directly with our Diocesan Team, Tel: 01254 503088 or email safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org