Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 5th May 2024 Sixth Sunday of Easter/Rogation Sunday
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 – 5th May Rogation Sunday
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12.30 Baptism
1.30pm Baptism
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Tuesday
7:15pm Pilgrim Course at the Vicarage
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation
6pm Evening Prayer (Storey Chapel)
Thursday
12 noon Ascension Day Eucharist
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 12th May Sunday before Ascension Day
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples: help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
Children’s Church
Every Sunday of term time during the 10.30 service for KS1/2 children
Godly Play
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4pm in Church for KS1/2 children. Next: 19th Mays
Contact: Rev’d Carol for more information.
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
Acts 10.44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 98
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
2 His own right hand and his holy arm have won for him the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his salvation; his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness towards the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
5 Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; break into singing and make music.
6 Make music to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the voice of melody.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sound praises before the Lord, the King.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
8 Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, the world and all that dwell upon it.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands and let the hills ring out together before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world and the peoples with equity.
Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
1 John 5.1-6
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according John 15.9-17
Glory to you, O Lord.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life: may we thirst for you, the spring of life and source of goodness, through him who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Mary Tredennick- that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
For those preparing for Baptism:
Ace Altham, Xander Dodd – as they begin the journey of Christian faith
Those preparing for marriage:
Keely Jolliffe and Richard Geddes – that God will bless them in their new life together.
For those who have died recently: Ronald Stamper, Joyce – may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
In our parish, we ask God to bless and provide for:
For those who live and work on Alfred Street, Shaw Street
For our farmers and agricultural workers.
For the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader and the person God is calling – that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 14th May is the next meeting of Prayer4 – 30 minutes of prayer, at 4pm every fortnight. There’ll be a short Bible reading, some music, some stillness, and space to pray for the people and places on your heart – all from the comfort of your own sofa. Zoom details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8069459310?pwd=cVJ1ZDlnNXF2dDVFWThVa0Z0VWE5dz09
Meeting ID: 806 945 9310 Passcode 942105
Thought for the Week
Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, and under the earth is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness….. Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity. Hildegard von Bingen
Ascension Day (9th May)
To mark Jesus’ ascension into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection, there will be two services on the 9th May.
- 7am Prayers with Churches Together outside the Old/Top Cemetery Chapels (as we can’t get access to Williamson Park due to the Highest Point Festival)
- 12noon Eucharist in Christ Church
To prepare for Pentecost (the day when we remember the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ disciples), there are some Novena booklets available to give a prayer and reflection every day.
**Don’t forget**
Next weekend sees the Highest Point Festival in the park – please allow extra time for travel and parking!!
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing 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 today, Sunday, 19st May, at 4pm. If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you are curious.
Pilgrim – a new course for the Christian journey
On Tuesdays 7.15pm in the Vicarage, everyone welcome as we continue Pilgrim – A Course for the Christian Journey. Whether you’re new to church, or wanting to go deeper, this new 6-week course will help us think about what it means to turn to Christ. Please ask Rev’d Carol if you’d like more info – why not invite a friend?
Children’s Ministry Leader
We’re looking for someone with experience of working with children and families, who will work with the clergy, congregations and local schools. Might this be you, or someone you know? The post is 22.5 hours per week with a salary depending on experience, for a 3-year contract. The post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance and references. Our parish serves a large number of schools and families. The PCC wish to consolidate and grow our work with primary school-aged children and their families. For more details, please contact Rev’d Carol. For the Job Specification and Application Form: https:// pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/sec-diocese-of-blackburn Closing date 12 noon 16th May 2024
Please pray for this appointment, and for the person God is calling to this role.
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.
Reception into Communion
If your child attends Christ Church regularly, and would like to begin sharing communion, please speak to Rev’d Carol. There will be two preparation classes so that children feel ready to being sharing the bread (and wine in agreement with their parents). Suitable for children in Year 2 and above – this forms a stepping stone before Confirmation.
In Other News…
The Olive Branch Foodbank
The foodbank continues to be in great need of tins of curry, chilli con carne, pies, meatballs, hotdogs, stewed steak, tuna, salmon, pork, corned beef, ham, fruit, rice pudding, custard, tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peas, kidney beans, chickpeas; biscuits, crisps, multipacks of cake, cereal, jam, pasta sauce; packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, cordial, longlife juice, and many types of toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, toilet rolls, etc.) Or you can give money for them to buy what is needed: https://www.the-olivebranch.org.uk/donate/
Eco-Group Thought/Action for the Week
Plantlife ( https://www.plantlife.org.uk) encourages us to increase the number of wildflowers appearing in our lawn. Please follow their ‘No Mow May’ advice and allow nature to provide vital food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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.
Changes to recycling at Christ Church – from the Eco Group
We can still collect plastic bottle tops/lids, 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. Thank you for your ongoing support with recycling on the first Sunday of each month.
Fairtrade Church
As a sign of our care for creation, and our support for better working practices for farmers, Christ Church have become a Fairtrade Church. This means that we commit to using and serving only Fairtrade tea, coffee, and sugar – more info here: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. If you buy items for church events, please check for the Fairtrade logo first.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
Q. How do the Welsh make cheese? A. Caerphilly.
PCC
A new PCC was elected at the APCM last Sunday. Your new reps are: Greg and Lorna Skelland, Celia Bragg, Paul Thompson, Clare Mumford, Louise Tuck, Helen Simpson, Susan Brooks, Mandy Whitehouse, Jacqueline Stamper, and Julie Buckley. Our Deanery Synod reps are Cathy Wilson, and Pat Allen, and Sam Price remains as Treasurer. Please keep them in your prayers, and if you have questions or suggestions for life at Christ Church, please let us know!
Unfortunately, we were unable to elect Churchwardens as no-one was nominated. The PCC will look at ways of sharing this important role in the care and oversight of our community and buildings.
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
Community at Christ Church:
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.
Book Group
The church book group meets on the first Friday of each month at 4 pm in the church hall. Books are provided by Lancashire Libraries, in addition to those shared by members. The date of the next meeting is 7th June. Anyone who enjoys reading and discussion books 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 on the second (and sometimes other) Tuesday(s) of each month 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. The group next meets on 14th May.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets on the first Friday of every month, between 12 and 2pm. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more.
Christ Church Choir
….. sings at the 10.30 service about once a month, plus other special occasions, and practises in church on Thursdays at 7.15pm for an hour. 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
Date for your diary – 29th June!
We are blessed that Kaarina will be ordained Deacon on 29th June in Blackburn Cathedral. Rev’d Kaarina will then join Christ Church as Curate for the next few years to train further in ministry. If you would like to support her at her ordination, there will be lifts available to the Cathedral, and also opportunities to welcome her warmly.
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.
Key contacts:
Churchwarden: … Ms Jacqueline Stamper churchwarden@christchurchlancaster.org.uk 01524 64083
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: … currently vacant safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
01254 503088
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