A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 9th August 2026 Tenth 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 – 9th 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 – 16th 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
Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please you; 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 10th August 1-5pm Target Archery (soft arrows)
Wednesday 12th August 1-5pm Messy Church session outdoors
For further information, please speak to Innes.
Scripture Readings for our Worship
1 Kings 19. 9-18
At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Psalm 85. 8-13
Refrain- Show us your mercy, O Lord.
8 I will listen to what the Lord God will say, for he shall speak peace to his people and to the faithful, that they turn not again to folly.
9 Truly, his salvation is near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Refrain- Show us your mercy, O
Lord.
10 Mercy and truth are met together,
righteousness and peace have kissed each other;
11 Truth shall spring up from the earth and righteousness look down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give all that is good, and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him
and direct his steps in the way.
Romans 10. 5-15
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?”’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near yo on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 14. 22-33
Glory to you, O Lord.
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion
God of our pilgrimage, you have willed that the gate of mercy should stand open for those who trust in you: look upon us with your favour that we who follow the path of your will may never wander from the way of life; 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, Geoffrey Heywood, Christine McCrann, John Lyth, Freda Jackson, Julie Withers, Martin Johnson, Ruby Rodrigues, Lou Rawlinson, Peter Milburn, Helen Stewart, Jenny Bowerman, Tony Walmsley
– may God’s healing, wholeness and peace be with them.
For those who have died recently, including:
Bishop Stephen Pedley, Caroline Billinge
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 Kershaw Drive, Campbell Drive. For all who visit and work at the auction mart.
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
This Sunday is international day of the World’s Indigenous people whose traditional knowledge plays a crucial conservation role in protecting biodiversity. We are reminded of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips brutally murdered while they were documenting how indigenous communities and activists were working to protect their environment. Learn more by buying a copy of ‘How to save the Amazon: a journalists deadly quest’ completed after his death.
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 (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 meets on the first Friday of each month (4th September) 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.