Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 15th September 2024 Sixteenth 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 – 15th September Trinity 16
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
4pm Godly Play – CANCELLED
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer via Zoom (see notice)
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 22nd September Trinity 17
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in 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 notice.
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
Isaiah 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious. I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 116
Refrain:Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
1 I love the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication;
because he inclined his ear to me
on the day I called to him.
2 The snares of death encompassed me; the pains of hell took hold of me; by grief and sorrow was I held.
3 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I beg you, deliver my soul.’
4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
Refrain: Gracious is the Lord and righteous.
5 The Lord watches over the simple;
I was brought very low and he saved me.
6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul,
for the Lord has been gracious to you.
7 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
8 I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
Refrain: Gracious is the Lord and righteous
James 3.1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 8: 27-38
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law: grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves; 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, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Diana Wickens, Steve Wilkinson, Richard Jones – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those preparing for Baptism:
Macey Moffatt – may they grow in faith and shine as lights in the world.
Those preparing for marriage:
Georgia Walker and Matthew Atkinson – that God will bless them in their new life together.
Those who have died recently: Jeanette Woodhead, Susan Allen, Diana Doren-Dean – 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 Stone Row Head, Coleman Drive.
For those living in sheltered accommodation and those supporting them.
For our September mission weekend and the people we invite to share our church community. .
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
On 5pm each Tuesday, Rev’d Carol and Rev’d Kaarina 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: Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Passcode 942105 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
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 6th October – 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.
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 Rev’d Carol. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged.
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 Sunday 20th October at 4pm.Everyone welcome! Many apologies that this month’s session has had to be cancelled at short notice.
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.
Thought for the Week
As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud [person] is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. C S Lewis
Confirmations
Would you like to take a next step in faith? Would you like to start receiving communion? On the 24th 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. Suitable for adults of any age, and for children in Year 6 and above.
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.
In Other News…
We’re recruiting!
Do you have experience of working with children and families? Are you joyful and confident in your own Christian faith, and would like to share this with others? If so. We’d like to hear from you. Please contact Rev’d Carol for an informal chat, and apply here: https://pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/children-s-ministry-leader/1409 The deadline is 24thSeptember.
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 are all aware of the devastating effects of the climate crisis around the world and remember those who have lost their harvest through fire, drought or flood. Pray that while there are many difficulties to be resolved in the world, Government leaders keep climate change high on their agendas..
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 – from the Eco-Group
On the first Sunday of the month, we collect 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. No bottle tops please.
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 September. We discussed the churchyard trees, the mission weekend, finance, and the Choir Church project with our school.
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:
Confirmations
Would you like to take a next step in faith? Would you like to start receiving communion? On the 24th 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. Suitable for adults of any age, and for children in Year 6 and above.
Sponsored walk in aid of Refuge
Rev’d Kaarina is seeking sponsorship for the challenge she is undertaking in support of Refuge, a charity supporting women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse. There’s more information and a sign-up sheet at the back of church – please support her and this very important cause if you are able to do so.
Heritage Open Weekends
Thank you to everyone who has helped keep the church open for the Heritage Open Weekends!
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please ask Rev’d Carol to complete the Supplementary Form with you during Office Hour (9.15am-10am on Sunday mornings). The deadline for forms is the 31st October.
Chimney Appeal.
In May, a large chunk of plaster fell into the Sanctuary, from a height of at least 40ft. We’re awaiting a steeplejack to inspect the roof and chimney, and remove vegetation. If you are able to make a donation towards the £3000 cost of this work, please mark the envelope ‘Church Repair Fund’. Thank you very much.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe: “Can you all hear me?”
Guy at the back of the hall: “Aye, I can – but I’d be very happy to swap places with someone who can’t.”
Harvest Home 26th-29th September 2024
A weekend of special events at Christ Church to welcome people to our church family, and to share the love of God as we give thanks for the Harvest. Please take a card to help you pray for the church and our guests in the coming weeks:
Dear God, give me courage to invite my friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to our Harvest events. Give them an open heart to this invitation, and may they grow closer to your love. May our church be a welcoming community where we see Christ at work in each person. Help me to share what church means to me, and speak of the hope I find in Christ. Amen.
Thursday 26th September 6.30pm Harvest Supper and Quiz Night at the Gregson Centre, Moor Lane. (£3 per person for supper)
Friday 27th September Look out for the Christ Church team’s special events at the livestock market, LRGS, HMP Lancaster Farms, and Christ Church Primary School
Saturday 28th September 2-4pm Apple Festival at Christ Church
Apple juicing, Music, Storytelling, Games, Stalls, Refreshments, Competitions for home-baking. Free entry.
Sunday 29th September Harvest Festival
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Together to Share the Harvest
With a collection of tins and long-life food for Lancaster Homeless Action
6pm Harvest Thanksgiving Service
I’m going – it’s going to be great! Would you like to come with me? Shall I pick you up?
Harvest Home – Food Collection.
As part of our Harvest services, we’ll be taking a collection of the following items to support the work of Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service – more information here: www.ldhas.org.uk. Items needed: Long-life milk, Coffee, Baked beans, Tinned Veg., Ketchup, Brown Sauce, Cooking Oil, Peanut Butter, Cereals, Porridge
Harvest Home 26th – 29th September – help needed
We would be very grateful for volunteers to help at the various events over the weekend (details below) – please sign up at the back of church if you’re able to spare some time to help welcome people.
Help Needed!
If you can help for an hour (or more) on the 28th September to set up, run, and/or clear away with the Apple Festival, please sign up at the back of church. Donations of food, and tombola prizes also needed.
Apples
Our orchard is full of ripe apples – if you can help collect these, wrap them in newspaper and store them ready for the Apple Festival, all help is gratefully appreciated!
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.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 4thOctober 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.
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.
Key contacts:
Vicar: … Rev’d Carol Backhouse revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
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
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