Churches across Rochdale have congratulated young people receiving their GCSE and A-Level results, while announcing a series of services, community events, and fundraising initiatives for the coming weeks.
St Mary's Balderstone congratulates students
St Mary's, Balderstone, has praised all young people who received their exam results over the last couple of weeks, regardless of the grades achieved. The church said it is cheering on everyone receiving results and offered prayers and support for those planning their next steps, whether that be sixth form, college, university or another adventure.
The church's holy communion service continues tomorrow at the usual time of 10.30am, with the sermon series 'The Gospel for all' in Romans, looking at chapter 16 verses 1 to 27. Cake and refreshments will be served after the service.
Work parties continue on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm, and volunteers are welcome, even if only able to help for an hour.
Vicarage Garden Party and community events
All members of the three churches are warmly invited to a Vicarage Garden Party at Christ Church Vicarage next weekend from 2pm to 4pm, with tea and cake. Families are welcome, and while booking is not required, attendees are asked to email office@christchurchchadderton.co.uk to confirm attendance. The event may be cancelled if the weather is too wet, with notice given if possible.
For more information about St Mary's activities or prayer support, residents can visit the website www.stmarysbalderstone.org.uk, email stmarysbalderstone@gmail.com, or see the Facebook page.
Holy Trinity Littleborough disbands youth theatre
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough has announced the sad decision to disband its Youth Theatre Workshop, which used to perform two successful productions each year. The main reason cited is the cost of a licence for each show, which has reached over £1,500. The church expressed sadness for the children who enjoyed being part of the productions and the confidence they gained.
Despite the closure, the church has been selling costumes professionally made for the productions. Societies from Germany, Italy, Norway and America have purchased costumes, with the first Joseph and the first Wizard of Oz costumes sold to professional companies. Some costumes have also 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.
Annual Art Exhibition and Children's Craft Day
Holy Trinity will host its sixth annual Art Exhibition on September 4, 5 and 6, open to artists throughout the Diocese, whether amateur or semi-professional. Some artwork has already been loaned for the exhibition, which is normally offered for sale, and there will be craft stalls where stallholders keep their profits after paying for a stall.
A preview evening on Friday at 7pm will feature a Cheese and Wine evening, with tickets on sale now at £8, also available on the door. The exhibition itself is free to attend, with a bar and refreshments throughout the weekend. On Saturday, a special Children's Craft Day will allow children to create various craft items to take home.
St Andrew's Dearnley services and charity appeal
St Andrew's, Dearnley, has announced its readings for the coming Sunday: Isaiah 51.1-6, Romans 12.1-8 and Matthew 16.13-20. On September 6, a 9.30am service will celebrate the start of the new school year, and children are invited to bring their school bags to be blessed.
This month's charity is RNIB, supporting blind and partially sighted people, sponsored by Christine Longhurst. The Rochdale food bank's most needed items this week are UHT milk, jars of jam, coffee, snacks, instant meals, toiletries and pet food. Volunteers are also sought to help garden and clean the front of the church, with contact via Christine or Rev Rachel.
Littleborough Churches Together Harvest Festival is on September 20 at 3pm at St Mary's RC Church, and the next Mothers' Union meeting is on September 7 at 2pm. The church's usual services include 9.30am morning prayer on Wednesday and 10.30am said midweek Eucharist on Thursday, with the traditional Sung Eucharist at 9.30am on Sunday.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum concerts and services
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum have announced a series of events. Today, Saturday, August 22, Midday Music at noon at St Chad's features Gabriel Rhodes, baritone, and Evan Watkinson, piano, with admission £6 including light refreshments from 11.30am. The concert lasts about 50 minutes.
Tomorrow, Sunday, August 23, is the 12th Sunday after Trinity, with Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, with Rev Pamela Parr as celebrant and preacher at both services.
Each Monday at St Mary's from 10am to 2pm, the Red Cross provides help for refugees with free admission and refreshments. On Wednesday, August 26, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert at St Mary's features Henry McNamara, bass clarinettist, with admission £6.
Throughout August, the Grade 2 listed St Chad's is open to visitors from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with free admission and donations welcome. Gardening takes place each Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm, and church cleaning each Thursday from 10.30am to noon, with volunteers welcome and all equipment provided.
On Sunday, August 30, a joint service of Holy Communion will be held at St Chad's at 10.15am, with Canon Sharon Jones as celebrant and preacher.
St Chad's on Sparrow Hill is Rochdale's ancient Parish Church, and together with the Grade 1 listed St Mary in the Baum, serves the community today. Children's activities are available during Sunday morning services, and refreshments are served afterwards. News submissions for inclusion in InYourArea and the Rochdale Observer print edition should be emailed to info@inyouarea.co.uk, with a deadline of 4pm each Wednesday.
