A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 2nd August 2026 Ninth 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 – 2nd August
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 – 9th August
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm 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
Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church: open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; 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 for under 4s and their parents/carers.
Summer Club – This week
Monday 3rd August 1-5pm The Cube
Wednesday 5th August 1-5pm Come Dine with me
For further information, please speak to Innes.
Intercession workshop – Sunday 23rd August
Our prayers of intercession (the ‘prayers of the people’) are a key part of our church’s life and worship as we bring to God the needs and concerns of our community. If you’d like to know more about this way of praying, or would like some food for the soul as you lead these prayers, Rev’d Carol will be running a workshop after the 10.30am service on Sunday 23rd August – all welcome!
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 55. 1-5
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 145. 8-9, 15-22
Refrain- Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, long-suffering and of great goodness.
Refrain- Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
9 The Lord is loving to everyone and his mercy is over all his creatures.
15 The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all those who are bowed down.
16 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season.
17 You open wide your hand and fill all things living with plenty.
Refrain- Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving in all his works.
19 The Lord is near to those who call upon him, to all who call upon him faithfully.
20 He fulfils the desire of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
21 The Lord watches over those who love him, but all the wicked shall he destroy.
22 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Refrain- Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
Romans 9. 1-5
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 14. 13-21
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Glory to you, O Lord.
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
Holy Father, who gathered us here around the table of your Son to share this meal with the whole household of God: in that new world where you reveal the fullness of your peace, gather people of every race and language to share in the eternal banquet 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, Jenny Bowerman
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Finn Dickinson, Bishop Stephen Pedley
May they rest in peace and rise in glory
For those to be baptised:
Poppie-Jean
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 Guildern Park, Dutton Drive, Grab Lane. For the Claver Hill Project.
May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
We pray for people attending and helping with the following events:
Summer Club, BVM Summer BBQ, Organ Recital
Bless our community and those who share in worship and service here.
Prayer for youth work
Come to us Lord, that we may find rest and peace in you. Help our young people know your replenishment. Lord, as we come to you, give us rest and replenishment. 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
While you are taking part in the Big Butterfly Count observe the plants that they like and other insects that are close by. Perhaps add new pollinator plants and leave a corner for ‘weeds’ such as common knapweed, wild marjoram and dandelions to grow including a patch of nettles which serve as host plants for their caterpillars.
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.
MAGIC Morning – Saturday 15th August 9.30- 11am
We will be holding MAGIC (Maintenance and Gardening in Church) morning on Saturday 15th August, 9.30 – 11am. Help is needed with some odd jobs, cleaning and basic DIY around church. Children welcome to help with parent’s supervision
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!
Organ recital – Tuesday 18th August 2pm
Our organist Graham Toft will be hosting an organ recital on Tuesday 18th August at 2pm in Church. Come and enjoy organ music by Elgar, Purcell, Arne and Jeremiah Clarke. Free admission and refreshments in the Church Hall. All are welcome!
Appeal for clean, empty glass bottles
We are in need of clean empty glass bottles with screw top lids for the Apple Festival on the 12th September. Check your recycling and please bring any you have to church. Thank you!
Intercession workshop – Sunday 23rd August
Our prayers of intercession (the ‘prayers of the people’) are a key part of our church’s life and worship as we bring to God the needs and concerns of our community. If you’d like to know more about this way of praying, or would like some food for the soul as you lead these prayers, Rev’d Carol will be running a workshop after the 10.30am service on Sunday 23rd August – all welcome!
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!
Emergency Appeal – Message from Bishop Philip
Request for your urgent support in addressing a humanitarian crisis that has broken out in our link Diocese of Liwolo in South Sudan.crisis in our link Diocese of Liwolo in South SudanParts of the Diocese have been attacked by Ugandan troops in the most serious of a number of border incursions. As a result of this attack and the continuing presence of Ugandan troops, 10,000 people have been internally displaced. With no effective government response, they have taken refuge in the compound of Liwolo Cathedral. We have been working with Christian Aid (SSUDRA: Humanitarian Aid in South Sudan | ssudra). Already, aid supplies are starting to flow because of an emergency grant from this Diocese. But a great deal more is required.If you are able to make a donation, all moneys given will be used at once to alleviate suffering in the Cathedral Compound where people have access to water but not to food, blankets, tents or medical supplies. Donations can be made here via our Harvest Appeal: parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/bburn-diocesan-harvest-appeal-blackburn. Please do be praying for Bishop Joseph and his people.
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://movementforgood.com/draws/1000#charitySearchForm
PCC
Our next PCC meeting will be held on the 17th August. 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.