Rochdale Churches Announce January Services, Events and Community Gatherings
Churches across the Rochdale area have released their schedules for late January, featuring a diverse range of worship services, community activities and special events designed to welcome both regular congregations and newcomers.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will host a Morning Praise service on Sunday, January 25th at 10:00 am. The service will be officiated by Reader Sue Horobin. Following the worship, attendees are invited to stay for tea, coffee, biscuits and friendly conversation.
On Wednesday, January 28th, the church offers two opportunities for spiritual engagement. At 10:00 am, a Bible Study session begins, open to anyone interested in exploring the Bible in a welcoming and informal setting. This is followed at 11:00 am by another Morning Praise service, this time led by Reverend Duke O'Baka-Torto. The congregation extends a warm welcome to all, emphasising their friendly and caring community spirit.
St Mary's Church, Balderstone
St Mary's in Balderstone continues its Sunday morning services with a sermon series focusing on the Book of Romans. The service begins at 10:30 am, with this week's teaching examining Chapter 5, Verses 1 through 11. For those who miss a talk or wish to revisit it, sermons are available on the church's Facebook page or via their sister church, Christ Church Chadderton, on YouTube.
The church doors open from 10:00 am, and children's groups are provided. After the service, light snacks and refreshments are served in what is described as a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, a Sunday evening prayer gathering is scheduled between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm at St Saviour's Church, located on Bishopsgate Street, off Denton Lane in Chadderton (OL9 9BF). All are welcome to attend in person, with a Zoom option available for remote participation.
The church also hosts a weekly session for carers, babies and toddlers every Thursday from 1:30 pm, featuring songs, snacks and toys. The cost is £1 for one adult and child, with an additional 30p for each extra child.
Midweek small groups meet on Wednesdays, with a daytime session at 10:00 am in the church lounge and an evening group convening via Zoom at 7:30 pm. This term, the groups are studying the Book of Samuel, aiming to foster small communities where faith and friendships can grow.
Please note a date change for the Women's Breakfast. Typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month, it will instead take place on Saturday, January 31st. The event remains free, offering breakfast, friendly fellowship and community.
For more information about events at St Mary's, visit their website. Concerns or prayer requests can be directed to their email address or via their Facebook page.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale
This Sunday, January 25th, marks the Third Sunday of Epiphany and the Conversion of St Paul. Services include The Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9:15 am, followed by Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11:15 am, featuring hymns, Psalm 67 and the anthem "How beautiful upon the mountains" by Stainer. Reverend Duke O'Baka-Torto will officiate and preach at both services.
Community support is available each Monday at St Mary's from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, where the Red Cross provides assistance for refugees. Refreshments are offered and admission is free.
A cultural highlight is the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday, January 28th, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at St Mary's. The Roth Guitar Duo, comprising Emma Smith and Sam Rodwell, will perform. Admission is £6.
Looking ahead to Sunday, February 1st, the churches will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. The Eucharist with hymns is at St Mary's at 9:15 am, and Choral Eucharist is at St Chad's at 11:15 am, featuring hymns, Psalm 84 and the anthem "Kindle a light" by Fleming.
For details about the Asian Christian Fellowship, which worships at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons, contact the provided telephone number.
Both St Chad's on Sparrow Hill, Rochdale's ancient Parish Church, and the Grade I listed St Mary in the Baum serve the local community. Children's activities are available during Sunday morning services, with refreshments served afterwards.
St Andrews Church, Dearnley
St Andrews in Dearnley reported a good turnout for their service on Sunday, January 18th. For those who missed it, the readings were from Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and John 1:29-42.
Regular weekly activities include Morning Prayer on Wednesday at 9:30 am and a said midweek Eucharist on Thursday at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome, and light refreshments are available afterwards. The Prayer group with Mike and Mag continues on January 29th at 1:30 pm.
A special Burn's Night event is scheduled for Friday, January 24th at 7:00 pm, featuring music from the Littleborough Brass Band. Tickets are priced at £8 and include a light haggis supper (Haggis, Neeps and Tatties). Tickets are available from the church.
On Saturday, January 25th at 3:00 pm, St Andrews will host the Littleborough churches together Christian Unity service.
Looking forward to February, the church will observe Candlemas on Sunday, February 1st, and Ash Wednesday on February 18th at 10:30 am.
This month, the church's chosen charity is Oxfam, sponsored by Reverend Rachel. The congregation is encouraged to give generously to support efforts to end poverty.
The church shares an inspirational message from Philippians 3:14, encouraging a life that honours God and personal growth in faith and maturity.
For those interested in submitting news for inclusion in local publications, please note the weekly deadline is 4:00 pm each Wednesday.
