Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough: Summer Services and Youth Theatre Disbandment
Last Sunday, Holy Trinity celebrated Holy Communion officiated by the Area Dean Revd Anne Gilbert. This Sunday, Revd Roger Hill will lead Holy Communion at 10.15am, followed by tea, coffee, and biscuits. Sunday School and Bible Study groups are on break for school holidays and will resume in September.
The church has sadly decided to disband its Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop, which previously staged two successful productions annually. The decision was driven by escalating licensing costs, now exceeding £1,500 per show. The church regrets the loss for children who gained confidence through participation.
Costume Sales Reach International Buyers
Due to the disbandment, the church holds many unsold professionally made costumes. Remarkably, some have been sold to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America. Initial Joseph and Wizard of Oz costumes went to professional companies. Remaining items, including military costumes and nun costumes from The Sound of Music, are available for sale via eBay or direct inquiry. Interested parties should contact Holy Trinity Littleborough.
Annual Art Exhibition in September
On the first weekend of September, Holy Trinity will host its sixth annual Art Exhibition, open to artists across the Diocese, amateur or semi-professional. Artwork is typically for sale, with craft stalls where stallholders keep profits. A preview cheese and wine evening will be held on Friday; tickets are now on sale. The exhibition is free to attend. Saturday will feature a Children's Craft Day where children can create and take home crafts.
St Luke’s Church, Deeplish: Services and Bible Study
St Luke’s will hold Holy Communion on July 19 at 10am, officiated by Revd Sylvia Baron, followed by refreshments. On Wednesday, July 22 at 10am, Bible Study is open to all; at 11am, Holy Communion will be led by Revd Pamela Parr. All are welcome.
St Mary's, Balderstone: Summer Break and Sermon Series
St Mary's invites all to its Holy Communion service at 10.30am, continuing the 'The Gospel for all' sermon series in Romans, focusing on chapter 13, verses 1-7. Children's groups for ages 4-11 are available, with cake and a brew after. The church is switching to holiday mode: SMUrFs (Under Fives) and midweek study groups will resume on September 9, 2026. Young people are wished a safe summer.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum: Concerts and Weekly Activities
On Sunday, July 19 (Seventh Sunday after Trinity), Eucharist with hymns is at St Mary's at 9.15am, and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, with psalm 139 and anthem 'If ye love me' by Tallis. Rev Pamela Parr is celebrant and preacher. The Asian Christian Fellowship worships at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons (contact 07983 388169).
Each Monday, the Red Cross provides refugee help at St Mary's from 10am to 2pm (free refreshments). On Wednesday, July 22, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert features Alice Roberts & Kathryn Mason 'Racallity Harp Duo' at 12.30pm (£6). St Chad's (Grade 2 listed) is open to visitors Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm (free, donations welcome). Gardening takes place Wednesdays 1-3pm; cleaning Thursdays 10.30am-noon; volunteers welcome.
On Saturday, July 25 at 3pm, the Scott Brothers Duo present a Celebrity Piano Duet concert (£12, includes refreshments), featuring works by Rossini, Bach, Debussy, and Liszt. On Sunday, July 26 (Eighth Sunday after Trinity), services are at 9.15am (St Mary's) and 11.15am (St Chad's). Children's activities and refreshments are provided.
On Saturday, August 1 at noon, Midday Music features guitarist Richard Haslam playing Variations on a Theme of Handel and Bagatelles by Sir William Walton (£6, includes refreshments from 11.30am, concert lasts ~50 minutes).
St Andrew's, Dearnley: Poppy Display and Charity
Last Sunday's readings were Isaiah 55.10-13, Romans 8.1-11, Matthew 13.1-9,18-23. Next Sunday's readings: Isaiah 44.6-8, Romans 8.12-25, Matthew 13.24-30,36-43. Services: Wednesday morning prayer 9.30am, Thursday midweek Eucharist 10.30am, Sunday traditional Eucharist 9.30am.
The church is collecting red wool and making poppies for a November display. Volunteers are needed for gardening and cleaning the church front. This month's charity is RNLI, sponsored by Chris Longhurst. Rochdale Food Bank needs UHT milk, jam, coffee, snacks, instant meals, toiletries, and pet food. The first fire drill was held; those needing help evacuating should inform church wardens.
The week's verse is Romans 12.12: 'Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.'
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