St Mary's, Balderstone is hosting its Women's Breakfast this morning from 9am to 10.30am in the parish room. Alongside the usual breakfast baps, there will be pastries, fruit, and a selection of juice, coffee, and tea. It is an ideal opportunity to relax, catch up with old friends, or make new ones. All women are warmly invited, and attendees are encouraged to bring a friend. During the event, a church member will share her personal journey of faith.
The morning service begins at 10.30am, focusing on Romans 7:7–25. Children's groups are available for ages four to 11. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Whether attending for the first time, after a long absence, or simply exploring faith, everyone is welcome.
Youth Bible study resumes tomorrow after the Easter break. For details, contact the church office. The Sunday evening shared prayer gathering meets in the parish room from 6.30pm.
On Monday at 7.30pm, the annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) will review the past year and discuss future plans. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the church and its vision.
SMUrFs (St Mary's Under Fives) meets on Tuesday from 1.30pm to 3pm in the parish room. The cost is £1 for one adult with one child, plus 30p for each additional child. The session includes play, craft, and music for under-fives.
Midweek small groups meet on Wednesdays, exploring the Bible and praying together. The daytime group meets at 10am in the church lounge, and the evening group meets at 7.30pm on Zoom. This term's study is on Samuel. Starting this Wednesday evening, a new Discipleship Explored course will run for eight weeks on Zoom. All are welcome; contact the church office for more information.
For more details about St Mary's activities, visit the website at www.stmarysbalderstone.org.uk, email stmarysbalderstone@gmail.com, or see the Facebook page.
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough
On Sunday, Holy Communion will be celebrated at 10.15am, officiated by Rev. Ian Butterworth. Sunday School is held during the first half of the service for primary school children during term time. Tea, coffee, and biscuits follow the service. On Tuesday evening, Bible study and prayer meet at 7.30pm at a member's home; everyone is welcome.
After 14 years, the Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop has been disbanded due to rising costs, with licenses now exceeding £1,500 per show. The decision was made with sadness, as the children greatly benefited from the productions. The church has many professionally made costumes that have been sold to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America. Remaining costumes are available for sale; interested parties should contact Holy Trinity Littleborough.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
St Chad's on Sparrow Hill and the Grade 1 listed St Mary in the Baum serve the Rochdale community. Children's activities and refreshments are provided during Sunday morning services. On Sunday, April 26, the 4th Sunday of Easter, the Eucharist with hymns will be at St Mary's at 9.15am, and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, with Rev Pamela Parr officiating. On Monday, the Red Cross provides help for refugees at St Mary's from 10am to 2pm, with free refreshments. On Wednesday, April 29, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert features Sinead D'Abreu-Hayling (soprano) and Roisin Fleming (piano) from 12.30pm to 1.30pm; admission is £6. On Sunday, May 3, services follow the same schedule. The Asian Christian Fellowship worships at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons (call 07983 388 169). The next Saturday Midday Concert on May 9 features organist Logan Ferris; admission £6 includes light refreshments from 11.30am. The Friends Together Bereavement Support Group meets on Wednesday, May 13, from 10am to noon; all are welcome.
St Andrews, Dearnley
On April 19, readings were Acts 2:14, 1 Peter 1:17-23, and Luke 24:13-35. For April 26, readings are Acts 2:42-end, 1 Peter 2:19-end, and John 10:1-10. Services this week include Morning Prayer on Wednesday at 9.30am, Midweek Eucharist on Thursday at 10.30am, and Sunday service at 9.30am, with light refreshments after. The Prayer Group with Mike and Mag will restart soon, and the Mothers' Union meets next on May 4 at 2pm. Blessings bags donation money is being collected for MU charities. A thanksgiving service for Councillor Ashley Dearnley was well attended, with Rev Rachel leading and Bishop Mark Davies preaching. The church is asking for poppies and red wool for a November display. The electoral roll has closed. Those feeling called to lead worship could become a Lay Reader; training takes two years, with licensing after the first year. The chosen charity for this month is Marie Curie and Macmillan, sponsored by Janice Perkins. This week's reflection is Luke 15:7, highlighting the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
To submit news for inclusion in the Rochdale Observer, email info@inyouarea.co.uk by 4pm each Wednesday.
