Churches across Rochdale are gearing up for a busy period of worship, community gatherings, and special events. From Holy Communion services at St Luke's Church in Deeplish to a summer of maintenance and fundraising at St Mary's Balderstone, there are numerous opportunities for residents to engage with their local faith communities.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish: Services and Fellowship
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold a service of Holy Communion on August 9 at 10am, officiated by Revd Pamela Parr. The service will be followed by tea or coffee and a chance to chat, offering a warm welcome to both regular members and newcomers. On Wednesday, August 12, at 11am, a Morning Praise service will be officiated by Reader Sue Horobin.
The church extends an open invitation to anyone looking to join a friendly, caring congregation. These services provide a space for spiritual reflection and community connection.
St Mary's, Balderstone: Summer Sundays and Community Projects
St Mary's Balderstone is embracing the summer with a series of services and activities. Tomorrow at 10.30am, the 'The Gospel for all' sermon series continues in Romans, exploring chapter 15 verses 1 to 13, focusing on acceptance and encouragement. Children are welcome, with activities provided, and refreshments will be served after the service.
The church is also undertaking summer maintenance projects, starting at 6.30pm, welcoming volunteers to help with cleaning and DIY tasks. No experience is necessary, and tools can be brought if available. Additionally, the church is collecting donations for Rochdale Foodbank, particularly important during the summer when children who receive free school meals may be at home.
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough: Services, Costume Sale, and Art Exhibition
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough will celebrate Holy Communion this Sunday with Area Dean Revd Anne Gilbert officiating. The service will be followed by refreshments, providing a time for fellowship. Sunday School and Bible Study groups are on break for the summer and will resume in September.
The church has made the difficult decision to disband its Youth Theatre Workshop due to rising licensing costs, now exceeding £1,500 per show. As a result, they are selling professionally made costumes, with some already sold to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America. Remaining costumes, including military items and nun costumes from The Sound of Music, are available for purchase by contacting the church.
Looking ahead, the church will host its sixth annual Art Exhibition on the first weekend of September. Artists from the Diocese are invited to submit work, and a preview evening with cheese and wine will take place on the Friday. Tickets for the preview are on sale now, and a Children's Craft Day will be held on the Saturday.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum: Worship and Community Support
Tomorrow, Sunday, August 9, marks the 10th Sunday after Trinity. Services include The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Matins at St Chad's at 11.15am. The Asian Christian Fellowship meets at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons, and the Red Ross provides help for refugees at St Mary's each Monday from 10am to 2pm.
On Wednesday, August 12, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert will feature More than Melody Ladies Choir, conducted by Jonathan Gibson, with Brian Mulligan on piano. Admission is £6. St Chad's, a Grade 2 listed building, is open for visitors each Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm, with donations welcome. Volunteers are also needed for gardening and cleaning tasks throughout the summer.
St Andrew's, Dearnley: School Blessing and Mothers' Union Anniversary
St Andrew's Dearnley invites families to a special 'Return to School Sunday' service on September 6 at 9.30am, where children can bring their school bags to be blessed. The church is also seeking volunteers to help with gardening and cleaning at the front of the church.
On August 9, the church will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mothers' Union, founded by Mary Sumner. A special Evensong will be held at the Cathedral at 3.30pm. The next MU meeting is on September 7, with this month's charity being RNIB, sponsored by Christine Longhurst. Donations for Rochdale Foodbank are also being collected, with items such as UHT milk, jam, coffee, snacks, and toiletries most needed.
