Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 30th November 2025 First Sunday of Advent
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 Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
12.30pm Baptism
4pm Choral Evensong for Advent
Tuesday
5pm Evening Prayer on Zoom
Wednesday
5.30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer in the Storey Chapel
Friday
NO 9:30 am Holy Communion
Next Sunday: 7th December –Second Sunday of Advent
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Eucharist with Children’s Church
4pm Darkness to Light Service
Gluten-free wafers available. Please ask the Stewards for directions and assistance.
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him 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 – 25th January
On the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm in the Hall for KS1/2 children.
Please send items for inclusion in this newsletter to Jacqueline Stamper by Thursday lunchtime. Many thanks.
Scripture Readings for our Worship today:
Isaiah 2.1-5
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 122
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.
1 I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’
2 And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem;
3 Jerusalem, built as a city
that is at unity in itself.
4 Thither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as is decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 For there are set the thrones of judgement,
the thrones of the house of David.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.
7 ‘Peace be within your walls
and tranquillity within your palaces.’
8 For my kindred and companions’ sake, I will pray that peace be with you.
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.
Romans 13. 11-end
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 24.36-44
Glory to you, O Lord.
‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 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, Richard Jones, Marlene Phillips, Mary Peel – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those who have died recently: Lizzy Hilton, Donald Silverwood – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Those preparing for Baptism: Bethany Muckalt, Isabelle Edwards. Lillie Edwards, and Sofia Edwards – may they shine like lights in the world
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide:
For those who live and work in Keswick Road, Bowness Road.
For our Parish Safeguarding Officers
For those recently confirmed – Harry, Oliver, Amelia, Keaton, Innes.
For preparations for our Christmas Tree Festival and the people we will invite
For Rev’d Kaarina, as she prepares for her priesting on the 17th January.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
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.
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. Please note that all children need to be accompanied to church by a parent/guardian.
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.
Choir Church
Our next Choir Church Eucharist will be in Christ Church Primary School on Friday 12th December at 3.15pm. Everyone welcome as we keep Advent together!
Advent at Christ Church
During Advent, the 6pm service will move to 4pm, as follows:
30th November: Advent Carol Service
7th December: Christmas Tree Festival Service
14th December: Christingle
21st December: Traditional Carol Service
Advent Course – Wednesday evenings or Sunday afternoons
Our course this year is based on Paula Gooder’s book, Women of the Nativity. The course will run at two different times from the first week of December: Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Sundays at 12.30pm to give people a choice of opportunities to join in. There are sign-up sheets at the back of church to indicate your interest.
Sunday Lunch – 14th December
Join us for a simple lunch after the 14th December’s 10:30am service – if you can help, please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. Thank you. Do bring a friend!
Chimney Tops and Spire Appeal
Urgent repairs are needed to our church chimney and spires to make the building watertight and safe – 170 year old mortar has washed out, causing damage inside the building. We need to raise £10,000 ourselves before we are eligible for grant funding. Please would you help? Pick up a flyer with details of how to donate, and if you have ideas for fundraising events please have a word with Rev’d Carol or the fundraising team.
Thought for the Week
I love Advent for itself: a season of longing, expectation, and hope. I think that, in a way, the entirety of life is like Advent. Pope Leo XIV
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank – and Christmas Appeal
The Olive Branch badly needs all kinds of long-life food and drink, as always, but has also launched its annual Christmas appeal for Christmas foodstuffs, toiletries, toys and goodies. They will distribute gift bags from 1st December, so the earlier they receive such items the better. (See the flyer.) You can also give money for them to buy what people need: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Our local charity, Money for Madagascar, has obtained matched funding under the Big Give Appeal which runs between 2nd and 9thDecember. This year the appeal is in support of all their work with children. This includes teaching children and their parents sustainable food growing techniques, school tree nurseries for land restoration, and the solar- powered digital learning programme. Try to make a donation during this appeal to maximise your gift.
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.
Fairtrade Church
We are 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.
Fairtrade Stall – today – 30th November
There will be a Fairtrade stall at the back of church after the 10:30 am Eucharist today- a great opportunity to stock up with fairly-traded gifts and goodies.
PCC
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:
Little Seedlings – New Group for 0-4 year olds and their carers.
We have launched a baby and toddler group called Little Seedlings, which meets 9-10.30 every Tuesday in the Church Hall. New children always welcome. f you know anyone with a child 0-4 who would like to come along with their carers, please pass it on. Free!
Choir
Our Choir rehearses on Thursdays 7-8:15 pm in Church. We’re a friendly and supportive bunch who welcome new singers. There’s lots of exciting music as we prepare for the Advent season, so please contact grahamtoft1@aol.com if you’d like to know more.
Advent Calendars
Fairtrade Advent Calendars are for sale at the back of church – £5 each with all money raised going to church funds. Dark or Milk Chocolate, and contains a Christmas story.
Hall Defibrillator
Thanks to a generous donor and local charity 3R, we’ve been able to install a public defibrillator on the outside of the Hall. We hope that it’s never needed – but pray that if someone is taken ill they will benefit from faster, life-saving treatment. Ring 999 first – and they’ll tell you the access code. Training video at https://vimeo.com/557677120/e7524918c5
Hall Kitchen
After a recent Environmental Health inspection, we found out that our 18-year old kitchen would not pass again and needs replacing. Thanks to grants from the Walney Trust, Community Fund and the Harold and Alice Bridges Trust, we will be replacing and upgrading the hall kitchen in early January. If you’re able to help with the demolition and clearance of the old kitchen, please have a word with Greg.
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 Jacqueline at hall@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 07808 765364 for more info.
Gardening Group
Our friendly gardening group meets on the first Friday of each month (5th December) between 12noon and 2pm to keep our church garden looking lovely. New members welcome – whether for all or part of the time. If you can, please bring gloves & secateurs.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month (5th December) 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
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.
Save the Date!
Rev’d Kaarina’s Ordination and First Eucharist – 17/18th January
Rev’d Kaarina will be ordained Priest on Saturday 17th January 2026, at Colne St Bartholomew. We’re planning to hire a coach so that as many as possible can attend from church. On Sunday 18th, she will celebrate the Eucharist for the first time at the 10:30 am service – and we’ll have a celebration to follow!
Christmas Tree Festival.
Please save the date of the 5-7th December for Christ Church’s famous Christmas Tree Festival! If you run a local business (or have used a local business recently) – please collect an invitation to sponsor a tree. Half the money raised will support Lancaster Homeless Action, with the rest going to church funds. And if you’re part of a community group (music, sport, charity, craft or social) – please consider decorating a tree to show off your work. We’d love you to be part of this fabulous event!
Christmas Tree Festival – Help Needed!
The Tree festival is a great celebration of our local community, welcoming in volunteer groups and schools to show off their good work. Across the weekend, we welcome over 500 people, and to make it a success we need your help. Whether for 30 mins or a whole afternoon, helping with the Festival is fun, chance to make new friends, and help your church community! Children are welcome to help too, so long as they are with their parent or guardian. Please sign up at the back of church, or have a chat with Lorna, Julie and the organising team about what’s involved.
Volunteers
It would be great if we could have a few more volunteers to help with events and services. Sometimes we’re not good at asking for help, but you don’t have to wait to be asked – we’re all in this together. If you are able to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Christ Church Toy Service
One of our church traditions is to take a collection of toys (new, and good-condition used) to share with local families via the Salvation Army in Morecambe. Please bring donations to the 14th December’s 10:30 Eucharist for a blessing. We’re unable to take soft toys, and please leave your gift unwrapped.
Christingle
Christingle is a celebration of the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas. One of the ways we share that light is by caring for others, so as part of our Christingle service on the 14th December, there will be a collection for the work of the Children’s Society. www.childrenssociety.org.uk/ Please take a collection candle to fill with change, or make a donation online.
Rev’d Carol’s News
Bishop Philip has asked Rev’d Carol to be the Area Dean of Lancaster and Morecambe. As well as remaining as parish priest and Vicar at Christ Church, this role also includes the pastoral care of clergy in our local family, and support for churches currently without a vicar. Please keep her in your prayers, and join in a Deanery commissioning service with Bishop Philip on Sunday 4th January at 6pm.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
The present, the future and the past walk into a bar. Things got a little tense.
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 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
Director of Music: Graham Toft grahamtoft1@aol.com
Notices: Ms Jacqueline Stamper j.stamper@btinternet.com 01524 64083
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