Churches across Rochdale have released their schedules for the coming weeks, featuring a range of services, community events, and a notable costume sale. St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold Morning Praise on August 16 at 10:00 am, officiated by Revd Natty Gray, followed by tea or coffee and a chance to chat. On Wednesday, August 19, at 11 am, a Holy Communion service will be officiated by Revd Pamela Parr. The church welcomes regular members and newcomers to its friendly, caring congregation.
St Mary's Balderstone Services and Activities
St Mary's Balderstone invites the community to its altogether service on Sunday at 10:30 am, featuring guest preacher Richard Stancliffe, who will continue the 'The Gospel for all' sermon series in Romans, focusing on chapter 15, verses 14 to 33. The church welcomes visitors and regulars alike. During the summer, Sunday school is paused, but children are welcome with activities provided in church.
On Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm, the church will gather for practical jobs around the building, requiring no experience—just a willingness to help. This is also an opportunity to socialize. For more information or prayer support, visit the website, email, or check the Facebook page.
Holy Trinity Littleborough: New Priest and Youth Theatre Disbandment
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough celebrated Holy Communion last Sunday with the Area Dean Revd Anne Gilbert. This Sunday, August 16, at 10:15 am, Revd Sharon Jones will lead Holy Communion, followed by tea, coffee, and biscuits. Sunday School and Bible Study groups are on break and resume in September. The church thanked volunteers who helped tidy the churchyard.
After a long wait, Rev Kirsten Rutherford will finish her curacy and become the benefice's priest, an answer to prayer. However, the Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop has been disbanded due to rising licensing costs, now exceeding £1,500 per show. The decision saddened the children who gained confidence through productions. Unsold costumes, professionally made, have attracted international buyers, with sales to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America, including the first Joseph and Wizard of Oz costumes sold to professional companies. Some costumes have been sold on eBay, but many remain, including military items and nun costumes from The Sound of Music. Interested parties can contact Holy Trinity Littleborough.
Upcoming Events at Holy Trinity and Other Churches
Holy Trinity will host its sixth annual Art Exhibition on the first weekend of September, open to artists across the Diocese, with some artwork already loaned. The exhibition usually features art for sale and craft stalls, with a preview Cheese and Wine evening on Friday. Tickets are on sale now, while the exhibition itself is free. A Children's Craft Day on Saturday will allow kids to create items to take home.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum will hold services on Sunday, August 16, with The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9:15 am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11:15 am, both led by Rev Pamela Parr. The Asian Christian Fellowship can be contacted at 07983 388169. The Red Cross provides refugee help at St Mary's each Monday from 10 am to 2 pm, free with refreshments. On Wednesday, August 19, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert features pianist David Daniels at St Mary's from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, admission £6.
St Chad's, Rochdale's oldest building, is open to visitors Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm, with donations welcome. Gardening takes place Wednesdays 1-3 pm, and cleaning Thursdays 10:30 am-noon, with volunteers welcome. On Saturday, August 22, Midday Music features Gabriel Rhodes (baritone) and Evan Watkinson (piano), admission £6 including refreshments. On August 23, services are at St Mary's 9:15 am and St Chad's 11:15 am, again with Rev Pamela Parr. Children's activities and refreshments are provided.
St Andrew's, Dearnley, will hold a 'Return to School Sunday' service on September 6 at 9:30 am, where children can bring their school bags for a blessing. The church also seeks volunteers to garden and clean the front of the church; contact Christine. Regular services include morning prayer on Wednesday at 9:30 am and said midweek Eucharist on Thursday at 10:30 am, with Sunday's Sung Eucharist at 9:30 am. August 9 marked the 150th anniversary of the Mothers' Union, with a prayer shared. This month's charity is RNIB, sponsored by Christine Longhurst, and donations are encouraged. The Rochdale food bank needs UHT milk, jars of jam, coffee, snacks, instant meals, toiletries, and pet food. The message ends with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, encouraging joy, prayer, and thankfulness.
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