A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 16th August 2026 Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 Festal Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 23rd 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 looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; 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
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Kim Robinson. Many thanks.
Little Seedlings
Every Tuesday from 9am in the Church Hall for under 4s and their parents/carers.
Summer Club – This week
Monday 17th August 1-5pm Bushcraft
Wednesday 19th August 1-5pm Fossil Handling at Lancaster Museum (booking is required)
Saturday 22nd August 5pm- Sunday 23rd 10.30am Overnight residential in the hall
For further information, please speak to Innes..
Scripture Readings for our Worship
Isaiah 61, 10-end
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 45. 10-end
Refrain- Behold our defender, O God, and look upon the face of your anointed.
- Hear, O daughter; consider and incline your ear; forget your own people and your father’s house.
- So shall the king have pleasure in your beauty; he is your lord, so do him honour.
- The people of Tyre shall bring you gifts; the richest of the people shall seek your favour.
- The king’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is embroidered cloth of gold.
She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework; after her the virgins that are her companions. - With joy and gladness shall they be brought and enter into the palace of the king.
- ‘Instead of your fathers you shall have sons, whom you shall make princes over all the land.
- ‘I will make your name to be remembered through all generations; therefore shall the peoples praise you forever and ever.’
Refrain- Behold our defender, O God, and look upon the face of your anointed.
Galatians 4. 4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer aslave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 1 46-55 Glory to you, O Lord.
And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked withfavour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things,and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we thank you
that in this sacrament of our redemption you visit us with your Holy Spirit and overshadow us by your power;strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness; 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, Christine McCrann, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Maria, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart, Jenny Bowerman, Tony Walmsley, Chris Treddenick. May God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those preparing for Baptism: Reggie and Koby-Bailey Catalu. May they shine as lights in the world.
For those who have recently died, including: Bishop Stephen Pedley, Caroline Billinge. May they rest inpeace and rise in glory
For those to be married: We pray for Dan and Courtney for their upcoming marriage. May God bless themin their life together
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Cassidy Drive, Far Moor Lane.
For the volunteers and staff who care for Scotch Quarry and Williamson Park. May God’s loving kindness be found and shared.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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 beenattacked 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 havebeen 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 CathedralCompound 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 pray for Bishop Joseph and his people.
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
As habitats in the wider countryside shrink and fragment, and use of pesticides persist, gardens can provide a vital refuge for wildlife. While you are out in your garden this summer spend some time making it more wildlife friendly by leaving a few untidy corners for shelter and providing water for birds, small mammals and insects,and in doing so increase your enjoyment of it.
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.
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!
Apple Festival.
If you can spare 5 minutes to collect the windfall apples in the church garden, wrap them in newspaper and store them ready for the Apple Festival – that would be greatly appreciated! Please also take a poster, and abundle of invitations to share with neighbours in local streets. If you know of someone with an apple tree,please invite them to the Festival! We’d love to welcome stallholders to share the fair at the Apple Festival -if you’d be interested in having a table to sell your produce and crafts, or share more about your community group – please contact Julie Buckley.
Thank you!
To everyone who came to help with yesterday’s maintenance, cleaning and DIY day on Saturday – your help was much appreciated, and we enjoyed a lovely brunch! Thank you to our gardeners for keeping the garden looking lovely this summer – do take a walk and see what wildlife and wildflowers you can see.
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 PCC meets next on 21st September. .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:
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.
Little Seedlings
Our baby and toddler group, Little Seedlings, meets 9-10.30am every Tuesday in church. If you know someone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along, please invite them. It’s free!
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 webring 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!
Little Seedlings – 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!
Church Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7 to 8pm in church. Although small in number, we are enthusiasticand 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!
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 (4th September) 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 (4th September).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.
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
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