(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 2nd March 2025 Sunday before Lent
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 – 2nd March
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Ash Wednesday 5th March
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer
7pm Ash Wednesday Eucharist
Friday
9:30am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 9th March – First Sunday of Lent
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; 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.
Godly Play – 16th March
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children.
Messy Church – 23rd March
Every 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in church 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:
Exodus 34.29-35
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 99
Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
1 The Lord is king: let the peoples tremble; he is enthroned above the cherubim: let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion and high above all peoples.
3 Let them praise your name, which is great and awesome; the Lord our God is holy.
4 Mighty king, who loves justice,
you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests
and Samuel among those who call upon his name; they called upon the Lord and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; they kept his testimonies and the law that he gave them.
8 You answered them, O Lord our God; you were a God who forgave them and pardoned them for their offences.
9 Exalt the Lord our God: and worship him upon his holy hill, for the Lord our God is holy.
2 Corinthians 3.12 – 4.2
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 9.28-36[37-43a]
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. [On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.]
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may we who are partakers at his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ. 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 Phillip. – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Lindsay Benson, Anne Hull, Rev’d Ken Clapham – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those living and working on Dennison Close, Woodlands Close.
For all families in the parish, and all with caring responsibilities
For Choir Church as it begins under Jayne Crow’s leadership – that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, 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: 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 16th March 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.
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
We are mirrors whose brightness is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us. C S Lewis
Lent Quiet Morning
Join us on Saturday 15th March 9.30-1pm for a Quiet morning of prayer and reflection, led by John Rodwell, a longstanding friend of Christ Church and diocesan environment officer. John will lead us in thinking about Bread from the Desert – the Christian hope in times of climate crisis. Suggested donation £10 to include lunch. Please speak to Rev’d Carol to book a place.
Ash Wednesday
…. is on the 5th March this year. There will be a Eucharist at 7pm, where the invitation is to receive a cross of ash as a sign that we seek to turn afresh to God’s ways as we begin the season of Lent.
Lent
The season of Lent invites us to follow Christ’s example of spending 40 days of prayer, study and fasting as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Please consider what habits you might take up (as well as give up!) to follow more closely in Christ’s footsteps.
You may like to join the Lent Course – The Sacraments – meeting in the hall on Sundays after the 10.30 Eucharist, for 5 weeks from the 9th March.
Please also pick up a Living Hope booklet, and you’re welcome to borrow some of the other books as food for the soul this season!
Notice of the Revision of the Church Electoral Roll
This year a completely new Church Electoral Roll has to be compiled, requiring all members of Christ Church to sign a new form. The new Electoral Roll will open on Sunday 9th March. For a period of 6 weeks, new forms will be available at the back of church for each person to complete and sign. An electronic copy of the form will also be sent out with the newsletter on March 9th, with more details of how to complete and return electronically. Thank you. Jane Lippitt – Electoral Roll Officer
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 PRAY
We know that prayer can make a difference. This Lent will you pray for families in rural Africa living on the front line of the climate crisis?Join the Ripple Effect team for our virtual prayer meeting on Wednesday, 5 March 9.15-10am. For further information see ann.hatton@rippleeffect.org
Further changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco-Group
Sadly, the Philips Recycling Stream has now closed. Bay Area Recycling, who accept the items for recycling from the Eco-Group, can therefore no longer accept dental products. On the first Sunday of the month, we will still continue to 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.
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 15th January. We discussed an external defibrillator, plans for children’s work, repairs to the roof, and our 2025 budget. 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 – 9th March
On the second Sunday of each month, there will be a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month (next – 9th March) and 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), or welcoming visitors into church for a few hours in the afternoon – 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!
A Pint of Theology – 11th March
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.
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
Choir Church
We’re delighted that our Choir Church Project is now up and running. Mrs Jayne Crow, a local music teacher, is leading singing lessons and a Choir Club in Christ Church School. The children will then share a eucharist with their families in school each half term. If you’re able to help with the 28th March’s service, please have a word with Innes or Rev’d Carol. Thank you.
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 7th March) 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 (7th March) 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.
New Compost Heaps
With thanks to the hard work of Neil and the gardening group, we now have new compost heaps in the churchyard, to help us make better use of all the green waste our garden produces. Please do not add food waste (as we don’t want to attract vermin) and please ensure any branches are chipped into small pieces to aid compost.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I entered ten puns in a contest to see which would win. No pun in ten did.
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