A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 14th June 2026 Second Sunday after Trinity
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 – 14th June
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Celtic Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 21st June
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
3pm Pimms and Hymns
No Evening Prayer
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Kim Robinson by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Prayer for this week
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, 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 word with Innes. An Enhanced DBS check will be arranged. All children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian, please.
Messy Church
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Exodus 19. 2-8a
They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.’ So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 100
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
1 O be joyful in the Lord, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
2 Know that the Lord is God; it is he that has made us and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and bless his name.
4 For the Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting,
and his faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Refrain: The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting.
O Christ, door of the sheepfold,
may we enter your gates with praise and go from your courts to serve you in the poor, the lost and the wandering, this day and all our days.
Romans 5. 1-8
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 9. 35-10.8
Glory to you, O Lord.
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Loving Father, we thank you for feeding us at the supper of your Son: sustain us with your Spirit, that we may serve you here on earth until our joy is complete in heaven, and we share in the eternal banquet with 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, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart, Sylvia Wilson
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Julie Withers, Henry Shields, Richard 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 in Aberdeen Road, Wyresdale Road, Kirkes Road. For all who use our Hall.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
We pray for people attending and helping with the following events:
Pimms and Hymns, Bug Hunt and Pet Blessing.
Bless our community and those who share in worship and service here.
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.
National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups
It’s National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups this month. Please pray for Little Seedings, it’s leaders and all the families it comes into contact with. The theme is Jesus The Good Shepherd. John 10. 14-16
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
This time of year nature really makes its presence felt. All around you, things are buzzing and blooming. Don’t waste this opportunity to sit, sense and reflect on the wonders of creation.
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.
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.
Pride – Sunday 14th June
Pride is this Sunday (14th June), with a Christians-at-Pride presence all day, including with Big Jesus in the Parade from 11am, Christians-at-Pride speakers from the main stage, a Celebration Service at 4pm, and a Christians-at-Pride stall in Dalton Square all day from 12noon to 4pm with Big Jesus and the Prayer Tree both being major attractions, and lots of things to give away, including not only literature but also drinks and cake – therefore donations of cake / tray-bakes very welcome, any time during the day
Please let mh@ssra.uk know if you’re able to offer some home baking, and donations (labelled with ingredients) may be brought to the Cornerstone in Dalton Square on the Friday afternoon or Sunday morning.
Hymns and Pimms – Sunday 21st June 3pm
Join us next Sunday 21st June for Pimms and Hymns. There will be cream tea at 3pm and singing at 4pm. All are welcome!
Open Deanery Synod MeetingTuesday 23rd June – St James’ Heysham 7.15pm
A warm invitation to join an open Deanery Synod meeting at St James’ Heysham at 7.15pm. A chance to hear what other churches in the area are doing and to pray for one another. Our Guest speaker will be Linda Currin, from the Olive Branch. You’re invited to bring a plate of food to share for a Jacob’s Join Supper.
Lunch after the service followed by Bug Hunt – Sunday 28th June
Please join us for lunch after the service on Sunday 28th June. All are welcome, Please bring a friend! Bug Hunt with friends from North Lancs Wildlife Group starts at 2pm – with additional activities for children and families.
Lancaster Churches Together Prayer Walk
Lancaster Churches Together July meeting will be a Prayer Walk around the city, praying for city institutions and organisations and we invite everyone to join us. Meet at 6.30 pm at Ripley School Gates, Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RS. The walk will end at approximately 8 pm at Lancaster Baptist Church for a short service and refreshments.
Save the date – Pet Blessing 26th July 4pm
We will be having our Pet Blessing Service on the 26th July at 4pm. All creatures great and small welcome! Please bring your pet on a lead or in a cage, or just a bring a photo! Just let us know if you are bringing anything larger than a Great Dane! Donations of tinned dog food/treats and old towels and blankets for Wolfwood will be very welcome.
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/
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.
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 Lorna at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (3rd July) 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 (3rd July). 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
Save the date – 27th June
Listening Skills training with Simon Stewart, Chaplain at Lancaster Cornerstone. 10.30 to 12.30 – donations welcome. Whether in church or at work – Simon will encourage us to listen well, and share some techniques for supporting people through pastoral crises. Sign up sheet at the back of church or sign up here – Donations welcome.
Inspired by Icons Workshop – Saturday 18th July
Join us for a fun afternoon at Christ Church led by professional artist Julia M Swarbrick, and learn about the rich history of icon painting and create your own design to take home. Places are £35 includes all design materials and light refreshments. This is a fundraising event to help repair the church roof and spires. Please book your place by 30th June.Contact Rev Kaarina curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or contact Clare Mumford on 07419211461 to book your place.
Supporting Christ 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.
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.
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.
PCC
Our next PCC meeting will be held on the 21st July. Please do talk to our 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
Church Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7 to 8pm in church. Although small in number, we are enthusiastic and newcomers are made very welcome. We sing at services about once a month. Please contact jean.mccafferty@gmail.com if you’d like to know more.
Admission to Communion – Classes continue this week!
Preparation classes for Admission to Communion continue this Sunday 14th June, and will be held for the next 2 Sundays (14th and 21st June) in Church at 9.15am. At least two out of the three classes but be attended. There will be a special service on Sunday 28th June. Please speak to Rev’d Carol or Innes if you have any questions.
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
Organist: Graham Toft grahamtoft1@aol.com
Parish Administrator: Ms Kim Robinson 07483936011 kimberly.robinson@blackburn.anglican.org
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
Refreshments today!
All are welcome for refreshments after the service.
Tuesday Evening Prayer
At 5pm most Tuesdays, the clergy say Evening Prayer over Zoom. If you’d like to join to give thanks for the day past, readings from the Scriptures and prayer, the details are:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Kim Robinson on the above address.