Note: the Newsletter can also be downloaded as a PDF.)
A warm welcome to
The Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster
for Sunday 24th March 2024 Palm 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 – 24th March 2024
8:30am Holy Communion
10:15 Palm Procession begins from Derwent Road/Quernmore Road junction
10:30am Palm Sunday Eucharist
12noon Lent Group (in the Hall)
6pm Taizé Eucharist
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday
7:30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch to remember the Last Supper
Friday
9.30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
12noon Walk of Witness
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday
7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire with a Vigil service to bring Christ’s light of resurrection into church.
Easter Day 31st March
Festival Eucharists at 8:30am and 10:30am
Prayer for this week
True and humble king, hailed by the crowd as Messiah: grant us the faith to know you and love you, that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross, which is the path of glory. 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 April
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
Isaiah 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards.
I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Philippians 2.5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 11. 1-11
Glory to you, O Lord
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.
Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant, and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation: give us the mind to follow you and to proclaim you as Lord and King, to the glory of God the Father. Amen
Please remember in your prayers:
Those who are sick: Youngblood McCray, Ernie Wilson, Stephen Gardner, Thomas Platt, Yan Connell, David Foster, Susanna Michaelis, Juliann Dougherty, Lucas Calvert, Ron Holmes, Ella Patterson, Ann Boss, Geoffrey Heywood – that God’s healing, wholeness and peace are with them
Those who have died recently: Winifred Tyson – 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 Grizedale Road, Coniston Road, Scafell Road.
For the students and staff at the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria.
For the Bishop-Designate of Burnley, the Rev’d Dr Joseph Kennedy.
For our community fair, that help would be forthcoming.
– that God’s loving kindness is found and shared.
Zoom Prayer:
Tuesday 26th March 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
Taizé Eucharist
On most first Sundays of every month at 6pm, there is a beautiful service of prayer, music and stillness in the style of the Taizé Community. The next will be this Sunday, 24th March- everyone welcome! If you’d like to join the music group (singing or instrumental), the rehearsal starts at 4.30pm. Do see Julian if you’d be interested.
Thought for the Week
Remember finally, that the ashes that were on your forehead are created from the burnt palms of last Palm Sunday. New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are allowed to die. Richard Rohr
Palm Sunday
As we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how the crowds laid palm branches on the road before him, our Palm Sunday service will begin at 10.15 at the junction between Derwent Road and Quernmore Road. We’ll process to church ready for 10.30, so if you’re unable to join the walk, we’ll meet you at church. We welcome our uniformed organisations too.
Maundy Thursday – Invitation to our Cathedral
On the 28th March at 11am, churches and clergy from across the diocese are invited to share in a special Chrism Eucharist at Blackburn Cathedral. During the service, the Bishop blesses the oils used for baptisms, confirmations and anointing in the year ahead. If you’d like to come, Rev’d Carol has space in the car – please let her know.
Holy Week
As we remember Jesus’ last days and His journey to the cross, there will be the following services at Christ Church: Please take a flyer to share with friends and family.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
7pm Evening Service
Maundy Thursday 28th March
7:30pm Festival Eucharist and Watch to remember the Last Supper
Good Friday 29th March
9:30am Stations of the Cross
10:30am Family Service
2pm Good Friday Solemn Liturgy
Holy Saturday 30th March
7:30pm Lighting the Easter Fire, with a Vigil service to bring Christ’s light of resurrection into church.
Easter Day 31st March
Festival Eucharists at 8:30am and 10:30am (With Easter eggs for everyone!)
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 on Sunday, 21st April, 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.
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.
Prayers of Love and Faith
The Prayers of Love and Faith are a series of prayers commended by the Church of England’s House of Bishops to be used to pray with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. They include prayers of dedication and thanksgiving; prayers for guidance, for companionship, for God’s blessing, and for the couple’s home and families. If you’d like to read them, they can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/prayers-of-love-and-faith.pdf
This follows the Living in Love and Faith journey which the Church of England undertook (and which Christ Church took part) to discern the calling of the Holy Spirit about identity, sexuality, marriage and relationships. On the 9th February 2023, General Synod voted on a way forward, and there has since been an ongoing process of choosing the Prayers that would be used, and putting pastoral guidance in place so that the many sharp differences of opinion and belief within the community that is the Church of England can continue to be held together.
The Prayers of Love and Faith can be used in private prayer or as part of a regular service. It is important to note that they are not a form of wedding service, and so couples would need to seek a registry office wedding. Rev’d Carol and the PCC have agreed that the Prayers of Love and Faith will be offered at Christ Church. If you would like to discuss this, Rev’d Carol is available to talk.
In Other News…
Notice of APCM The Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will happen at 12noon on Sunday 21st April, at which our Churchwardens and Parish Church Council will be elected for the next year. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to nominate to represent your congregation – and whether you have skills and experience you can offer.
The Electoral Roll
Would you say that Christ Church is your church? If so, please consider adding your name to the Electoral Roll (a list of people who are part of Christ Church and who worship here regularly). This entitles you to vote in church elections, and also helps us know how many people feel at home here. Please pick up form at the back of church, or see Jane Lippitt for more info. (You don’t need to complete a form if you signed up last year.)
Mingle on Mondays this autumn/winter
This space for warmth, welcome, food and fellowship is open from 11:30 am – 2 pm this Monday (25th) and will then close for the spring and summer. Thank you to everyone who has supported the work this winter, our guests have really appreciated it. .
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
Woodland creation is critical if the UK is to meet net zero by 2050. However UK tree planting targets have fallen seriously behind despite the National Forest programme. Think about planting a tree or supporting tree planting charities especially those who ensure their establishment and future maintenance.
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.
Anny Lee – Memorial Service
Anny (and her husband John) were part of Christ Church for several years. Their daughter has shared an invitation to Anny’s Memorial Service at Cockerham on the 30th May – more details from Rev’d Brenda Harding.
Giggle (or Groan) of the week – suggestions welcome!
I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure. Eric Morecambe
Godly Play! 4pm on the third Sunday of each month
Godly Play is a way of sharing Scripture stories, and helping children wonder about their 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 on Sunday, 21st April, at 4 pm. If you can help, or would like to come along, please pick up a flyer, and ask Rev’d Carol if you’re curious.
PCC
…. met on the 13th March. We approved the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts, and discussed the recent Quinquennial Inspection, and ministry to children, youth and families. 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:
Community Fair
Our community life at Christ Church wouldn’t be possible without the gifts, skills and time of so many people. We have a display of help needed at the back of church along with booklets of what’s up for grabs – so please take a look and consider how you might support your 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 April. 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 Tuesday 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 the 10th April.
Gardening
If you can spare some time to help weed and tidy the church garden, our gardening group meet on the first Friday of the month, between 12 and 2pm, starting on the 5th April. Please bring gloves and secateurs if you have them – and contact Liz Mills if you’d like to know more.
Easter Gifts
Please could you contribute to the costs of the consumables (e.g. candles, wine, etc. ) we use each week in church? There’s a list at the back of church for your gifts.. Thank you.
Porch Repairs – Thank you
*Thank you* to everyone who has supported the £4.5k work to repair our church porch. The re-mortaring work was done before Christmas – and we’ve now had confirmation that the repairs have been inspected to a good standard. Adding lime mortar to the stonework will ensure that the porch remains watertight, and doesn’t shed its outer layers of salt. There are other ongoing projects, so please consider making a donation to the Church Repair Fund if you can.
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
Christ Church Time Capsule
We’ve been invited by the Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field to bury a time capsule in the field. Do you have photos of Christ Church, or other small items which could be included as a reflection of our community in 2024? Please speak to Rev’d Carol.
Farewell to our Brownies
Sadly, the Christ Church Brownie pack has had to close this week owing to a lack of volunteers. Holly Bretnall, the Brown Owl, continues to run a pack in Bowerham and our girls will transfer there. With thanks to Holly for all her hard work in sustaining the group for so long.
Thank you
To everyone who helped at our Working Party – much cleaning, tidying and clearing was done, and we enjoyed a delicious brunch!
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