Churches across the Rochdale area have published a vibrant schedule of services, study groups, and community events for January 2026, extending a warm welcome to both regular congregations and newcomers.
Weekly Worship and Fellowship
St Luke’s Church in Deeplish will hold a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, January 18 at 10am, officiated by Revd Duke O’Baka-Torto. The service will be followed by refreshments, offering a chance for fellowship. On Wednesday, January 21, a friendly and informal Bible Study session opens at 10am, followed by a Holy Communion service at 11am led by Revd Natty Gray.
Meanwhile, St Mary's in Balderstone invites people of all ages to its Sunday gathering at 10.30am, with doors opening from 10am. The service includes children’s groups and continues a sermon series in Romans, focusing on chapter four. Light snacks and refreshments will be served afterwards in what is described as a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Midweek Activities and Community Support
St Mary's also hosts a quiet, reflective prayer gathering in the church lounge on Sunday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, designed as a non-judgemental space for all. For families, the popular SMuRFs group returns on Tuesdays at 1.30pm, costing £1 for one adult and child.
The church emphasises community connection through its midweek small groups, which meet on Wednesdays. A daytime group gathers at 10am in the church lounge, while an evening group convenes via Zoom at 7.30pm, currently studying the book of Samuel.
In central Rochdale, St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum continue their weekly schedule. On Sunday, January 18 (The Second Sunday after Epiphany), The Eucharist is at St Mary's at 9.15am with Canon Sharon Jones. Choral Eucharist follows at St Chad's at 11.15am with Canon Roger Hill. St Mary's also hosts a Red Cross support session for refugees every Monday from 10am until 2pm, offering free admission and refreshments.
Special Events and Notices
A highlight of the month is a Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert at St Mary's on Wednesday, January 21 from 12.30pm, featuring pianist Jonathan Ellis. Admission is £6.
St Andrews in Dearnley is preparing for a Burn’s Night celebration on Saturday, January 24 at 7pm, featuring music from Littleborough Brass Band. Tickets, priced at £8, include a light haggis supper and are available from the church. The following day, Sunday, January 25 at 3pm, the church will host the Littleborough Churches Together Christian Unity service.
Looking further ahead, several churches note that Candlemas will be celebrated on Sunday, February 1, with a joint service at Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough at the earlier time of 10am. The Benefice also reports that, while still without a vicar, a position is now being advertised on the Diocese of Manchester website.
Each church reiterates its open-door policy, encouraging anyone seeking more information, wishing to submit prayer requests, or wanting to get involved to contact them directly via their websites and social media pages.
