Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 22nd September 2024 Seventeenth 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 – 22nd September Trinity 17
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
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: 29th September Harvest
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; 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.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.
Godly Play
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
Jeremiah 11.18-20
It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, ‘Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!’ But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 54
Refrain:Behold, God is my helper.
1 Save me, O God, by your name
and vindicate me by your power.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
give heed to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers have risen up against me, and the ruthless seek after my life;
they have not set God before them.
4 Behold, God is my helper;
it is the Lord who upholds my life.
Refrain:Behold, God is my helper.
5 May evil rebound on those who lie in wait for me; destroy them in your faithfulness.
6 An offering of a free heart will I give you and praise your name, O Lord, for it is gracious.
7 For he has delivered me out of all my trouble, and my eye has seen the downfall of my enemies.
Refrain:Behold, God is my helper.
James 3.13 – 4.3, 7-8a
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 9.30-37
Glory to you, O Lord.
They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; 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:
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 – 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 Grimeshaw Lane, Bond Street.
For HMP Lancaster Farms.
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!
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
When we give up what sets us apart from others— not just property but also opinions, prejudices, judgments, and mental preoccupations—then we have room within to welcome friends as well as enemies. 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…
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 closing date for applications is this coming Tuesday -24th September.
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
During Fairtrade Fortnight we are asked to Be the change, Choose Fairtrade. By doing this you contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future for food production and ensure farmers receive a fairer price for what they grow. You can do this by supporting our sale of Fairtrade goods at our Apple Fest on 28th, 2-4 pm.
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:
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.
Ripley Supplementary Forms
If your child is applying for Ripley St Thomas School this year, please note that Rev’d Carol will not now be able to complete the Supplementary Form with you during Office Hour (9.15am-10am) for the next couple of Sunday mornings at least. The deadline for forms is the 31st October, so there will still be opportunities for forms to be signed once Rev’d Carol is again in a position to do so, and we’ll publicise the revised arrangements in good time for the deadline.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. What has ears but cannot hear? A. A wheat field.
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 then bring them 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