(Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 15th February 2026 Sunday before Lent
Vicar: Revd Carol Backhouse 07857 449724
revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com 24 Wentworth Drive, Lancaster, LA1 3RJ
www.christchurchlancaster.org.uk Facebook:@ChristChurchLancaster
Everyone is welcome to join in prayer and worship this week:
Today
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer (Zoom)
Ash Wednesday
12noon Said Eucharist with ashing
7pm Sung Eucharist with imposition of ashes.
Friday
9:30am Eucharist
Sunday 22nd February – First Sunday of Lent
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Messy Church
6pm Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
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
Little Seedlings
Every Tuesday from 9am in the Church Hall for under 4s and their parents/carers.
Children’s Church
… is an important part of our church life, and one of the ways children learn more about Christian faith. If you can offer one Sunday morning each a month (or more if possible) please have a wor with Innes. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged. All children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian, please.
Messy Church – 22nd February
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Exodus 24.12-18
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.’ So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, ‘Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.’
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 99
Refrain: 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.
Refrain: Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his footstool, for he is holy.
2 Peter 1.16-21
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 17.1-9
Glory to you, O Lord.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
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 our Lord. Amen.
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Christine McCrann, Richard Jones, Marlene Phillips, Jenny Lowe, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers. – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Katie McDermott, Muriel Grice. – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for Baptism
Arabella Dodd – may they shine like lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Willow Grove, Ellwood Square.
For all foster carers
For Kim, as she prepares to be our Parish Administrator
– 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.
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.
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 revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com. 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.
Choir Church – Friday 20th March
If you missed last Friday’s fantastic service, please Join us at Christ Church Primary School for our next Choir Church Service (led by our children) at 3.15pm on Friday 20th March. Everyone welcome!
Lent at Christ Church – 1
Please take one of the free booklets from the back of church to accompany you through Lent. You may also like to join the Lent Course looking at Paula Gooder’s book ‘Women of Easter’, led by Rev’d Kaarina on Wednesday evenings and Sundays at 5pm
Lent at Christ Church – 2
On Ash Wednesday, 18th February, there will be a Said Eucharist at 12 noon and a Sung Eucharist at 7 pm. Both services will also offer the imposition of ashes (made from last year’s palm crosses) as a sign of mortality, repentance and humility, should you wish to receive them. We hope you’ll be able to join one of these services on this solemn day.
Mothering Sunday
As part of our service on the 15th March, we will be taking a collection of toiletries for our local refuge. If you can bring shower gel, shampoo, sanitary towels, tampons, deodorant, soap and other pamper products, please give generously.
Welcome to our new Parish Administrator!
Kim Robinson will be starting in March as our new parish administrator. Kim brings extensive experience from her previous role in the NHS and will be a blessing to Christ Church. Please keep her in your prayers as she prepares for the role.
Chimney Tops and Spire Appeal
Urgent repairs are needed to our church chimney and spires to make the building watertight and safe – 170 year old mortar has washed out, causing damage inside the building. We need to raise £10,000 ourselves before we are eligible for grant funding. Please would you help? Pick up a flyer with details of how to donate, and if you have ideas for fundraising events please have a word with Rev’d Carol or the fundraising team. We’re getting closer to the target – can you help us get over the line? Thank you in advance.
Sponsorship needed – varnishing the wooden floors in church
Susan Brooks has kindly volunteered to sand and varnish the wooden floors in church, and asks for your sponsorship to do so. There’s a sign-up sheet at the back of church, so please support Susan in this great fundraising effort, which is also helping to keep our church in good condition and looking attractive.
Hall improvements – appeal for loan of decorating equipment
The new kitchen is very impressive, but has shown up the need for re-painting. We have volunteers to help with the work on 10th March, but if you could possibly help by lending paintbrushes, rollers, paint trays, or dust sheets, that would be great, thank you.
Save the Date! Chinese New Year Dinner – Tuesday 17th February
All are warmly invited to a Chinese New Year Dinner in the Hall, organised by Rev’d Kaarina. There’ll be a sign-up list in due course, but please put the date in your diary in the meantime.
Save the Date! Table Top Sale – Saturday 28 February
If you haven’t been to a table top sale before, it’s like a flea market or an indoor car boot sale. Come and have a rummage for bargains, you never know what you may find! Suggested donation for entry: 50p, to raise funds for the church chimney tops and spires. If you fancy your own household clear-out, table hire is £10. You can keep your earnings, but will need to take back anything unsold at the end of the sale. Contact Clare on 0741 921 1461 for information and booking.”
Thought for the Week
God places us in the world as his fellow workers – agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, ..more laughter and joy, .. more togetherness in God’s world. Abp Desmond Tutu
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. Why couldn’t the candle get any sleep? A. Because there’s no rest for the wicked.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink – please bring a tin or packet to church with you to leave in the collection crates. . You can also give money for them to buy what people need: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
As Christians we are traditionally asked to give something up for Lent. Consider carbon fasting by reducing energy, waste and consumption, and increasing engagement with nature. Even better, adopt sustainable habits beyond Easter.
Are you concerned about climate change, and caring for Creation?
If so, contact joycelynch1946@gmail.com to find out if our active Eco Group is something you’d like to be part of – it meets every six weeks at a member’s home.
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.
PCC
Our PCC met on the 4th February. We discussed plans for the Annual Meeting and the year ahead. Please do talk to your PCC reps about any aspect of life at Christ Church, and pray for the PCC in its work this year. You might want to use the following prayer:
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:
Little Seedlings – New Group for 0-4 year olds and their carers.
Our baby and toddler group, Little Seedlings, meets 9-10.30 every Tuesday in the Church Hall. If you know someone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along, please invite them. It’s free! Holiday activities will be provided for older siblings this week. Too.
Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays 7-8:15 pm in Church. We’re a friendly and supportive bunch who welcome new singers. There’s lots of exciting music as we prepare for the Advent season, so please contact grahamtoft1@aol.com if you’d like to know more.
Hall Kitchen and Cupboards
Thanks to grants from the Walney Trust, Community Fund and the Harold and Alice Bridges Trust, we have a new Hall Kitchen! Please ask for help if you are using any of the white goods for the first time – there will be a short briefing/orientation session so watch this space! Work is still needed to redecorate – but we’re nearly there!
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 Jacqueline at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (6th March) between 12noon and 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members welcome, for all or part of the time – contact lippittjane@gmail.com. Please bring gloves & secateurs if you have them.
Book Group
The church book group normally meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall (6th March). 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
Craft Group
…. meets in the Hall most Tuesdays at 11.30am. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed. Please talk to Julie Buckley if you’d like more info.
Lifts to church? Why not join the FunBus?
Do you or someone you know need a lift to church? If you’re finding it difficult to get to church services (perhaps especially in the winter months), we’re organising a “bus” to bring people to church. Please contact Rev’d Kaarina if you’re interested.
Epiphany Gifts Appeal
Each year, we appeal for funds towards the cost of candles, bread, wine, and other items used in worship. Please take a list at the back of church, and sign up to purchase one (or more) items. If you are paying cash, please mark the envelope ‘Epiphany Gifts’. Thank you very much!
New Youth Group
Innes has started a new group for Year 6 upwards, meeting on the last Friday of the month, 3:30-5 pm, in the hall. The next will be on 27th February. All are welcome. Please share this with any youngsters you know.
Promoting a Safer Church
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999. Anysafeguarding 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
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
Fundraising – ideas, opportunities, and support needed!
We’re blessed to have received some generous grant funding for the work we need to do on the building, but we still need all the help we can get to raise the match funding we still need from our own resources. You’re welcome to send more ideas to buckleys@live.co.uk. if you’re able to send a financial contribution by using the QR code below, thank you. We’re getting closer to the target, so anything you can give would be much appreciated.
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 07857 449724
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07853791776
Church Warden: Greg Skelland churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07944 683847
Director of Music: Graham Toft grahamtoft1@aol.com
Notices: Ms Jacqueline Stamper j.stamper@btinternet.com 01524 64083
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 07808 765364
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