Rochdale Churches Announce Special Mother's Day Services and Lent Activities
Churches across Rochdale are gearing up for a series of special events in March, including Mother's Day services, Lent activities, and community gatherings that welcome all residents.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold a café church Mothers Day service of Holy Communion on March 15 at 10am, officiated by Revd Duke O'Baka-Toto. Attendees are encouraged to arrive a bit earlier to enjoy croissants, tea, and coffee before the service begins.
The service will be followed by a Lent lunch featuring homemade soup, bread, cheese, jams, and tea or coffee, providing a chance for fellowship. Donations for the food will be collected for Tear Fund.
On Wednesday, March 18, at 10am, the church will host a Bible Study session as part of their Lent course. This event is open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in a friendly and informal setting.
Later that same day at 11am, a Morning Praise service will be officiated by Reader Sue Horobin. The church looks forward to welcoming both regular members and newcomers to their caring congregation.
St Mary's, Balderstone
St Mary's in Balderstone invites the community to their monthly coffee morning today from 10am until noon in the parish room. Visitors can enjoy lovely drinks and edible treats, including popular toasted teacakes, whether stopping by for a quick coffee or staying the whole morning.
Additionally, men are invited to a Men's Breakfast this morning at 9am at the sister church, Christ Church Chadderton. The event offers a free Full English Breakfast and a short testimony by Alex Gregson, providing a hearty start to the weekend.
Tomorrow, the church will celebrate Mothering Sunday with an all-age service at 10.30am, where Rev Wilkinson will explore Colossians 2:12–17. The service will feature performances by the day school choir, followed by refreshments of brew and cake.
Sunday evening prayer will be held in the parish room at 6.30pm, focusing on church life, world issues, and the local community. Everyone is welcome, regardless of prayer experience.
For families with young children, SMURFS (St Mary's Under FiveS) meets on Tuesdays at 1.30pm, offering toys, stories, snacks, and smiles for 0–4s, plus a warm cuppa for parents.
Midweek groups are available for those wanting to deepen connections. A daytime group meets at 10am in the church lounge, and an evening group meets on Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, currently studying Samuel.
For more information, visit www.stmarysbalderstone.org.uk, email stmarysbalderstone@gmail.com, or check their Facebook page.
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 with warm welcomes. Children's activities are available during Sunday morning services, with refreshments provided afterwards.
On Mothering Sunday, March 15, The Eucharist with hymns will be at St Mary's at 9.15am, and Choral Eucharist with hymns, psalm, and anthem will be at St Chad's at 11.15am. Both services will be led by Rev Pamela Parr.
Each Monday from 10am until 2pm, St Mary's hosts the Red Cross to help refugees, offering free admission and refreshments.
On Wednesday, March 18, St Luke's Deeplish will hold Lent Study at 10am followed by Morning Prayer at 11am. Meanwhile, St Mary's will feature a Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert from 12.30pm until 1.30pm, with music from Tonacliffe Primary School directed by Freda Farnworth. Admission is £6.
On Saturday, March 21, at noon, St Chad's will host the first Midday Concert with Voci Voices, a vocal quartet accompanied by Jonathan Ellis on piano. Admission is £6 and includes light refreshments from 11.30am.
On Sunday, March 22, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, services will be held at St Mary's at 9.15am and St Chad's at 11.15am, both led by Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto. The church will collect foodstuffs and personal toiletries for Rochdale Foodbank, with envelopes available for monetary donations.
For details on the Asian Christian Fellowship worshipping at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons, call 07983 388169.
St Andrews, Dearnley
St Andrews in Dearnley continues its weekly activities with Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 9.30am and a said Midweek Eucharist on Thursdays at 10.30am, followed by light refreshments.
Special events include a Wardens Eucharist at 6pm on March 22 and a Palm Sunday Eucharist with Donkeys on March 29 at 10.30am.
The Lent course continues on Thursdays at 11.15am after morning service for three more weeks. Confirmation will take place on March 15 at 6pm at St James Milnrow, with no more classes left before the event.
The church is asking for help making poppies for a November display, with knitting and crochet patterns available. Holy Communion classes for children are on Wednesdays at 4pm on March 11, 18, and 25.
Those interested in becoming a Lay Reader are encouraged to speak with Rev Rachel, as training is available with no age limit, including a pathway for those 70 or above.
The Mothers' Union will meet on Monday, April 6 at 2pm, and a retirement service for Councillor Ashley Dearnley will be held on Sunday, April 19 at 3pm to celebrate his community contributions.
This month's chosen charity is the Church of St Mary Magdalene Omboloka, with donations welcomed. The church shares a reminder from Luke 5:16 to seek moments of quiet reflection and prayer.
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