A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 12th July 2026 Sixth 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 – 12th July
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening prayer via zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday – 19th July
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Taizé
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
Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 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.
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 Sunday 26th July at 3pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 55. 10-13
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 65 1-7, 8-13
Refrain: Be joyful in God, all the earth.
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; to you that answer prayer shall vows be paid.
2 To you shall all flesh come to confess their sins; when our misdeeds prevail against us, you will purge them away.
3 Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there. We shall be satisfied with the blessings of your house, even of your holy temple.
Refrain: Be joyful in God, all the earth.
4 With wonders you will answer us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
5 In your strength you set fast the mountains and are girded about with might.
6 You still the raging of the seas, the roaring of their waves and the clamour of the peoples.
7 Those who dwell at the ends of the earth tremble at your marvels; the gates of the morning and evening sing your praise.
Refrain: Be joyful in God, all the earth.
8 You visit the earth and water it; you make it very plenteous.
9 The river of God is full of water; you prepare grain for your people, for so you provide for the earth.
10 You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; you soften the ground with showers and bless its increase.
11 You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty.
12 May the pastures of the wilderness flow with goodness and the hills be girded with joy.
13 May the meadows be clothed with flocks of sheep and the valleys stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing.
Romans 8. 1-11
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 13. 1-9, 18-23
Glory to you, O Lord.
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’
‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
God of our pilgrimage, you have led us to the living water: refresh and sustain us as we go forward on our journey, in the name of 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
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Richard Jones, Barbara Ellison, Finn Dickinson
May they rest in peace and rise in glory
For those to be Admitted to Holy Communion:
Martha and Theo
May they grow in faith and wisdom
For those to be baptised:
Athena and Ariella
May they shine as lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Lytham Close, Wentworth Drive. For those who find work or leisure along the canal.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
We pray for people attending and helping with the following events:
Organ Recital and Pet Blessing, Summer Club, BVM Summer BBQ
Bless our community and those who share in worship and service here.
Prayer for youth work
Loving Father, we ask you to help make our youth summer club fruitful. Lord, as you call us, make us worthy of your calling. Amen.
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.
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.
Community at Christ Church:
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Big Butterfly Count 2026 runs from 17th July to 9th August. Can you spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot counting butterflies. As well as enjoying these beautiful creatures whose numbers have decreased significantly since the 1970, it will help scientists understand how to better protect them.
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.
Bible Study Group – Wednesdays 6.45pm
Are you curious to go a bit deeper into the bible? Rev’d Kaarina will be holding a drop in bible study group every Wednesday Evening after Evening Prayer where we read and discuss the Gospel of Luke. No prior knowledge required, come along and find out a bit more! Wednesdays 6.45 – 7.30pm in the Storey Chapel/Church Hall (dependant on weather!)
Organ recital – Tuesday 21st July 12 noon
Our organist Graham Toft will be hosting an organ recital on Tuesday 21st July at 12 noon in Church. Come and enjoy organ music by Widor, Lefebvre Wely and Franck. Free admission and refreshments in the Church Hall. All are welcome!
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.
Messy Church – Sunday 26th 3pm
We will be making treat boxes for the animals at Wolfwood, which we will donate at the Pet Blessing at 4pm. A dog may make an appearance!
Help Needed – BVM BBQ – 16th August
We are in need for volunteers to help and food and drink contributions for our Summer BVM BBQ. If you are able to help please sign up using the list at the back of church. Thank you!
Tombola at the BVM BBQ – Donations needed
We are going to be having a sweetie and Chocolate Tombola at the summer BVM BBQ. If you are able to donate some treats please leave them at the back of church. Thank you!
In Other News…
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/
Hall for Hire
Don’t forget that the Hall is available for hire, especially during the day and at weekends. £24/first hour and £12 for each subsequent hour/part-hour. Please contact Lorna on hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk or 07808 76536 for more information.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (7th August ) 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 meets on the first Friday of each month (7th August) 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
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.
Coffee with the Curate
Coffee with the Curate is held weekly on Mondays 10-12 at The Gregson Cafe. Meet new folk and have a chat over a brew. All are 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.
Charity Nomination
The Benefact Group are giving 20 charities £5000 each. Please would you be willing to nominate Christ Church for this? The form takes two minutes, and our Charity number is 1216172 – if we’re successful, the grant will make a huge difference to our Choir Church project! Thank you! https://click.benefactgroup.com/click/ggno-77ov4-nngom-5b82kd9/
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
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.
Receiving the notices by email
If you would like to receive these notices by email, please contact Kim Robinson on the above address.