Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 15th December 2024 Third Sunday of Advent
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 – 15th December –Advent 3
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church with Toys Collection
4pm Christingle
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer via Zoom (see notice)
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Friday
NO Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 22nd December –Advent 4
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Carol Service
Prayer for this week
God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 back-page notice.
Godly Play – next – 19th January
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4 pm in church for KS1/2 children. (Christingle Service in December.)
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
Zephaniah 3.14-20
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Philippians 4.4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 3.7-18
Glory to you, O Lord.
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts; kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again we may shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and for ever. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann, Steve Wilkinson, Richard Jones, Revd Kaarina, Ruby Rodrigues, Anne Brockbank, Marlene Phillips. – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Keith Bridson, Hannah Green, Miles Hickey, Edith Hoyle-Santom – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those living and working on Ambleside Road, Patterdale Road.
For our MP and local council in the year that lies ahead
For the people we will invite to our Christmas services, and those who benefit from our gifts to the Salvation Army, LDHAS, Olive Branch and Children’s Society – 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366929814?pwd=jTDuW7HO8lR7I0nQ9Jrm2BrMxjJqVS.1. (Please note the recently changed link.)
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.
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 19th January at 4pm, as we shall have the Christingle Service on 15th December at 4 pm . 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
Jesus .. wants to free [us] from present anxieties and false convictions, showing [us] how to stay awake in [our] hearts, how to read events from the plan of God, who works salvation even within the most dramatic events of history. Pope Francis, Advent Sunday 2024
Carol Singing in our Nursing Homes
Please help to bring some Christmas cheer to the staff and residents of the nursing homes in our parish. On Monday 23rd December, we’ll be visiting Moorside Hall at 2pm, and Dolphinlee House at 3.30pm Enthusiasm as much as experience in singing welcomed!
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.
Advent At Christ Church
A season of watching and waiting for Christ, the Light of the World.
Sunday 15th December 10:30am Toy Service
Sunday 15th December 4pm Christingle Service for all the family
Sunday 22nd December 4pm Christmas Carol Service.
Join us for the Advent Study Group in the Hall every Sunday after the 10.30am Eucharist each Sunday in Advent, looking at John Bell’s book, The Life in the Comma
Please pick up a leaflet or borrow a book from church for some food for thought and prayer during the Advent season
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank – Christmas Appeal
The Olive Branch have made a Christmas Appeal – for mince pies, Christmas cakes, boxes of biscuits, crisps, nuts, coffee, Christmas puddings and other seasonal foods to make up the Christmas parcels. They are also very low on regular staples, like pasta, rice, tinned meat, vegetables, etc. You can also give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
As world leaders continue to prevaricate and delay please keep up your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint and pray that others do the same. .
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 or toothpaste tubes 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 11th November. We discussed Safeguarding at Christ Church – both what is practically in place to keep people safe, and also the culture of our community.
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
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
After spending six hours learning basic semaphore, I was flagging..
Community at Christ Church:
Christ Church Primary School at 150!
On the 25th January 2025, our school will celebrate its 150th anniversary! Originally founded by Rev’d Philip Bartlett on Moor Lane, it moved to its Derwent Road site in the early 1990s. If you have photos or other memorabilia which you’d like to share for their history project, please drop this into the school office (labelled, so they can return it to you!)
There’ll be a special service for the school on the 19th January, and then our 10.30am service on the 26th January will have an open invitation to past pupils and staff to celebrate this fantastic milestone!
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.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays, 7-8:15 pm. New members always welcome; if you’re not sure, come along and give it a try for a few weeks! Have a word with Clive or contact him via cliveshaw54@gmail.com
Craft Group
…. meets on the second Tuesday of each month (and sometimes others) at 11.30am in the Hall. Everyone welcome – bring your own project, or share in one of the others on the go! No prior experience needed.
Book Group
The church book group next meets on the 3rd January, and then on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided. 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
Christmas Tree Festival
A huge thank you to everyone who has helped make our Christmas Tree Festival possible last weekend – from sponsors and decorators, musicians, organisers and co-ordinators, welcomers and washers-up! Half the funds raised will support the work of Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service.
Toy Service Appeal
During the 10.30am service this Sunday, 15th December, there will be a collection of new and good-condition used toys for the Salvation Army in Morecambe to support local families this Christmas. No soft toys please.
Christingle
As part of our Christingle service this year, we will be raising funds for the Children’s Society, a national charity working with children and young people to help them have a better future. Please collect a donation candle to fill with loose change and notes, or make a donation online.
Save the Date: Christmas Carols with Lancaster Churches Together
Please join the singers for carols at Lancaster Royal Infirmary (RLI) Monday 16 Dec from 7.00 – 9.00pm, Wednesday 18 Dec from 10.30 – 12 noon, and Friday 29 Dec from 10.30 = 12 noon Please email Arton for more details arton.medd@btinternet.com
Monthly Lunch and Open Church – trial in January
We want to increase our welcome to visitors, so in January we are trialling hosting a free soup, bread and cheese (or vegan alternative) lunch on the second Sunday of the month (12th) and keeping the church open during the afternoon, with basic self-serve refreshments available in church. We therefore need volunteers to make and serve soup, buy bread and cheese, etc., and also to welcome visitors into church for a few hours in the afternoon. Expenses will be reimbursed. Please sign up on the list at the back of church if you’re able to help.
Helen and Susan’s Sponsored Silence!
Well done to Helen and Susan for successfully completing their sponsored silence last Sunday. Nearly £500 has been raised for church funds! Please ensure that any outstanding sponsorship money is paid immediately and marked ‘paid’on the sponsorship list. Please mark Gift Aid envelopes as ‘sponsored silence’.
Christ Church Preserves!
There’s a wide range of delicious jams and chutneys available for sale at the back of church, some recipes including churchyard apples! Please do support the church by buying a jar or two!
Allergies at Christ Church
If you help with refreshments and serving food at Christ Church, please consider doing the Food Safety and Allergy training available here: https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ . It’s free, and simply requires you to register through the website. Thank you!
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.
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 01524 942105
Curate: … Rev’d Kaarina Leong curate@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07749 489623
Children’s Ministry Leader… Innes Heron-Stamp 07853791776 children@christchurchlancaster.org.uk
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