St Luke's Church, Deeplish, will hold a Holy Communion service on May 17 at 10am, officiated by Reverend Duke O'Baka-Toto. Tea or coffee and a chance to chat follow the service. On Wednesday, May 20, at 10am, a Bible Study session welcomes anyone interested in learning about the Bible in a friendly, informal setting. At 11am the same day, a Holy Communion service will be officiated by Reverend Pamela Parr. Regular members and newcomers are warmly invited to join the congregation.
St Mary's, Balderstone
The Holy Communion service at St Mary's begins at the usual time of 10.30am, focusing on Romans chapter 7, verses 28 to 39. Doors open from 10am, and children's groups are included. After the service, light snacks and refreshments are available. A joint prayer gathering will take place at Christ Church (Block Lane, Chadderton, OL9 7QB) at 6.30pm, with a Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. SMUrFs, the babies and toddlers' group, meets each Tuesday during term time at 1.30pm, offering toys, stories, snacks, and smiles for children aged 0-5, plus a warm drink for adults. Cost is £1 for one adult with child, plus 30p for each additional child. Midweek small groups meet on Wednesdays for prayer and mutual support. The daytime group meets at 10am in the church lounge, and the evening group meets at 7.30pm on Zoom, currently studying Samuel. Also on Wednesdays, the Discipleship Explored course takes place on Zoom, suitable for those wanting to grow in faith or explore following Jesus for the first time. For more information, contact the church office or visit the website at www.stmarysbalderstone.org.uk, email stmarysbalderstone@gmail.com, or see the Facebook page.
St Andrew's, Dearnley
Last Sunday's readings were Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-end, and John 14:15-21. Next Sunday's readings will be Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11, and John 17:1-11. Morning prayer takes place on Wednesday at 9.30am, and the said midweek Eucharist is on Thursday at 10.30am. The Sunday morning service is at 9.30am, with light refreshments afterward. The prayer group with Mike and Mag will restart soon. The Christian Aid coffee morning raised £250, with thanks to MP Paul Waugh and all who attended. The summer fair is scheduled for next month on the 27th; donations of raffle prizes such as bottles, chocolates, sweets, jams, and preserves are appreciated. Poppies are being collected for a November display; patterns are available in church, and spare red wool can be donated. This month's chosen charity is Christian Aid, sponsored by Reverend Roger and Jo Hill. The next Mothers' Union meeting is on June 1 at 2pm, where Jan Hicks will discuss communication in the Second World War. Romans 10:9 is this week's verse: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
On Sunday, May 17, the Sunday after Ascension, the Eucharist with hymns is at St Mary's at 9.15am, and Choral Eucharist with hymns and psalm 147 is at St Chad's at 11.15am. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting follows at 1pm. Reverend Pamela Parr is celebrant and preacher at both services. The Red Cross provides help for refugees at St Mary's each Monday from 10am to 2pm, with free refreshments. On Wednesday, May 20, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert features Eccles Community Choir from 12.30pm to 1.30pm; admission is £6. Gardening takes place at St Chad's each Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm, and cleaning on Thursdays from 10.30am to noon; volunteers are welcome. On Sunday, May 24, Pentecost, the Eucharist is at St Mary's at 9.15am, and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, with Reverend Duke O'Baka-Torto as celebrant and preacher. For details on the Asian Christian Fellowship, call 07983 388169. The next Midday Music concert at St Chad's is on Saturday, May 30, at noon, featuring pianist Liana Storey. Children's activities are available during Sunday morning services, with refreshments provided.
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough
Last Sunday, Holy Communion was officiated by Archdeacon Karen Smeeton. This Sunday, Reverend Anne Gilbert leads the 10.15am service; during the first half, Sunday school meets for primary school children. Tea, coffee, and biscuits follow. On Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, Bible study and prayer meet at a member's home, currently studying the Holy Spirit. After 14 years, the Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop has disbanded due to licensing costs exceeding £1,500 per show. Costumes from the workshop have been sold to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America. Remaining costumes are available for sale; interested parties should contact Holy Trinity Littleborough. To submit news for InYourArea or the Rochdale Observer print edition, email info@inyouarea.co.uk by 4pm each Wednesday.
