Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 6th October 2024 Nineteenth 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 – 6th September
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
12:30 pm Baptism
6pm Taizé Eucharist
With thanks to Clive, Gary and Brenda for covering our services today
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: 13th October – Trinity 20
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
O God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
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.
Godly Play – 20th October
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm 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
Genesis 2.18-24
Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.’ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8
1 O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world!
2 Your majesty above the heavens is praised out of the mouths of babes at the breast.
3 You have founded a stronghold against your foes, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained,
5 What are mortals, that you should be mindful of them; mere human beings, that you should seek them out?
6 You have made them little lower than the angels and crown them with glory and honour.
7 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands and put all things under their feet,
8 All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea and whatsoever moves in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world!
Hebrews 1.1-4; 2.5-12
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, ‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honour, subjecting all things under their feet.’ Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 10.2-16
Glory to you, O Lord.
Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ They said, ‘Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female.” “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.’
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Holy and blessed God, you have fed us with the body and blood of your Son and filled us with your Holy Spirit: may we honour you, not only with our lips but in lives dedicated to the service of 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, Steve Wilkinson, RichardJones, Ella – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those preparing for Baptism:
Joseph Mooney – 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: Diana Doren-Dean, Mike Seed, Betty Jones, Jane Cross, Andrew Sproxton – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
Hartington Street, Park Square.
For the work of Lancaster Churches Together
For those preparing for confirmation.
– 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1. (Please note the recently changed link.)
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!
All Souls
As November begins, the church especially remembers the people who have been saints (those who signpost God’s love in the world), and remembers those who have died and now know the fullness of God’s love. As part of the 6pm Taizé Eucharist on the 3rd November, we remember by name those we have loved – please print their name on the list at the back of church.
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
To live in the world without belonging to the world summarises the essence of the spiritual life. The spiritual life keeps us aware that our true house is not the house of fear, in which the powers of hatred and violence rule, but the house of love, where God resides. Henri Nouwen
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 Kaarina (or email Rev’d Carol to arrange a convenient time to talk to her). 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…
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
Learn about Food insecurity and climate change by attending the lecture at University of Lancaster 24th October.
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
… meets next on the 9th October. We’ll be reviewing the Harvest Home Weekend, and thinking about how Christ Church shares in the life of our wider diocesan family.
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:
Rev’d Kaarina’s walk for Refuge – completed!
Rev’d Kaarina has finished her challenge to walk 60 miles in September to raise money for the charity, Refuge. Thank you for supporting her – she will now be collecting her sponsorship money to go to this worthy cause.
Refuge supports thousands of women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse. They can be contacted for free, 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 or at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk @RefugeCharity.
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please call in to Office Hour (between 9.15 and 10am each Sunday morning before the 31st October). As Rev’d Carol remains on crutches, if it is impossible for you to come to Office Hour, please contact her by email in the first instance, to make alternative arrangements
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
A small boy went to church with his Grandma for the first time. Just after they’d found their seats, Grandma knelt down to pray, and the little boy knelt beside her. After a few seconds had passed, he asked anxiously, “Who are we hiding from, Grandma?”
Apple Festival and Harvest Home Weekend
A huge thank you to everyone who has helped support our Apple Festival, Quiz Night and Harvest Festival. It has been great to welcome a team of people from the Diocese of Blackburn to share this with us too. Thank you to all who have already contributed so generously in so many different ways – your time and talents, as well as your donations and purchases. Over the course of the few days, over £900 (gross) was collected, which was amazing.
Out of this there are some expenses to be paid, e.g. for the Quiz Night supper. Should you feel able, it’s still possible to make a contribution to help subsidise these events. This can be done by cash to Julie Buckley or Jacqueline Stamper, via online banking (account as above: 06309941 01-54-90), or using the QR code or SumUp machine.
Harvest Home – Food Collection.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Harvest Collection for the work of Lancaster Homeless Action – more information here: www.ldhas.org.uk or give via the QR code. If you are able to take donations (including of men’s coats and clothing) into their base in Aalborg Place, these are very welcome. Items also needed: long-life milk, coffee, baked beans, tinned veg, ketchup, brown sauce, cooking oil, peanut butter, cereals, porridge. This Sunday is Homelessness Sunday. The theme this year is ‘Homelessness ends with Communities’ as the role that churches and communities play in ending local homelessness is vital. https://housingjustice.org.uk/donate-or-get-involved/homelessness-sunday
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.
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 on the second Tuesday (and sometimes others!) 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 next meeting is on 9th October.
Book Group
The church book group next meets on the 4th October, and then on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided. 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
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