Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 23rd June 2024 Fourth Sunday of Trinity
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 – 23rd June
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
12:30pm Baptism
6pm Evening Prayer
Thank you to Rev’d John Rodwell, Rev’d Alex Logan and Pat Allen for leading our services today
Tuesday
4pm Prayer4 (on Zoom)
Wednesday
5:30pm Meditation and 6pm Evening Prayer
Friday
9.30am Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
Next Sunday: 30th June Trinity 5
8:30am Holy Communion
10:30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evening Prayer
Prayer for this week
Gracious Father, by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation to our wayward world: draw us into harmony with your will, that we may find all things restored in him, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 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: 21st July
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
Job 38.1-11
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
‘Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb?—
when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band,
and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors,
and said, “Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stopped”?
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 107.1-3,23-32
Refrain: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness
and the wonders he does for his children.
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say this,
those he redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 And gathered out of the lands from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Refrain:
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships and ply their trade in great waters,
24 These have seen the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep.
25 For at his word the stormy wind arose and lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They were carried up to the heavens
and down again to the deep;
their soul melted away in their peril.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunkard and were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
Refrain:
29 He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were calmed.
30 Then were they glad because they were at rest, and he brought them to the haven they desired.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and the wonders he does for his children.
32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
Refrain:
2 Corinthians 6.1-13
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
‘At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 4.35-41
Glory to you, O Lord.
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken, you have fed us at the table of life and hope: teach us the ways of gentleness and peace, that all the world may acknowledge the kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood, Mary Tredennick, Sheila Parsons, Christine McCrann – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them.
Those preparing for Baptism:
Willow Swales – may they grow in faith and shine as lights in the world
For those who have died recently: Audrey Crompton, Kurt Johnson, Andrew Bell, Sheelagh Lynch, Ernie Wilson, Joyce Myerscough, Ella Patterson – 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 on Elgin Street, Dunkeld Street, Perth Street
For the work of The Gregson Community Centre
For our September mission weekend and the people we invite to share our church community.
For Kaarina, as she prepares for ordination, and for Bishop-Designate Joe (Burnley)
For the appointment of a Children’s Ministry Leader – that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 25th June 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
Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness. Hildegard of Bingen, 12th cent, German Benedictine abbess, polymath and composer
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 Sunday, 21st July, at 4pm. Everyone welcome!
Children’s Ministry Leader
This post is being re-advertised. Please encourage people you think might be interested in leading and growing our work with children and families to apply, and please share with likely candidates and through your networks. https://pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/children-s-ministry-leader/1087 Closing date for applications is today: 23 June 2024.
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.
Use of the Sanctuary
A large chunk of plaster fell into the Sanctuary, from a height of at least 60ft. We’re awaiting a specialist to inspect the roof and chimney to find out whether water has got in, and what work needs to happen to stop further issues. In the meantime, we will be worshipping in the Lady Chapel and/or using a freestanding altar in the Nave. Please don’t walk on the carpet in front of the high altar!
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
June is a time to enjoy the long daylight hours and to listen to nature that is buzzing, singing and rustling all around you. It’s a joyful time when all nature is at its best and your sense of well-being improves. Most of all it’s a time to witness God’s Creation and be moved by the Holy Spirit to play your part in its care.
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
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.
Pride This Weekend
If you’re joining the Pride Parade at 11am today, look out for Big Jesus, and for the Christians at Pride stall in Dalton Square. There’ll be a 4pm Pride service in the Cornerstone for all LGBTQIA+ Christians and allies. Thank you.
PCC
…. met on the 10th June. We discussed how the new working groups would operate, dealing with finance, care of our grounds and buildings, safeguarding, and social life. We also discussed arrangements for Rev’d Katrina joining us as Curate, and the implications of the recent fall of plaster and the roof repairs likely to be needed. If there are items of business which you’d like discussed at a future PCC, please speak to Rev’d Carol or Julie Buckley.
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 5th July. 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 25th June.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meets next on Friday 5th July, between 12 and 2pm (and the first Friday of every month). Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like more details.
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
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
People say, ‘Bill, are you an optimist?’ And I say, ‘I hope so.’ Bill Bailey
Date for your diary – 29th & 30th 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 are lifts available to the Cathedral. You can also welcome her in the Sunday services the following day., and especially over the Jacob’s Join lunch to welcome her after the 10:30 Parish Eucharist. All are welcome. If you’re also able to bring some food to share, there’s a sign-up sheet at the back of church. Thank you!
Date for your diary – 19th July!
The Bishop of Burnley Designate, the Rev’d Dr Joe Kennedy, will be consecrated at 11 am on 19th July in York Minster. To book a seat on the (free!) coach leaving from St John’s Ellel at 8am, please click here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bishop-of-burnleys-office/diocese-of-blackburn-north-coach-journey/2024-07-19/08:00/t-avkxdmj. You’ll also need to book a place at the service here: https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/Nzk3NS05/t(congregation) https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/Nzk3NS01/t (clergy and LLMs).
Save the Date!
Pimms and Hymns are back! Join us on Sunday 14th July from 3pm to enjoy cake and refreshments, before a selection of favourite hymns from 4pm. Please vote for your favourite hymns on the sheet at the back of church – two votes per person.
Save the Date 2
Our annual Pet Blessing Service will be on Sunday 28th July at 3pm Please bring your pet in a suitable container, or on a lead. (Or bring a photo!) All creatures great and small welcome, but you’re bringing anything larger than a Great Dane, please let Rev’d Carol know. There will also be a collection of blankets, treats, and old towels for Wolfwood. Please invite friends and neighbours along too.
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: … 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