Rochdale Churches Announce Easter Services and Community Events
Several churches across Rochdale have released their schedules for the Easter season, featuring a variety of worship services, community activities, and special events designed to welcome both regular congregants and newcomers.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold a Holy Communion service on April 19 at 10am, officiated by Rev Natty Gray. Following the service, attendees are invited to enjoy tea or coffee and engage in friendly conversation. Additionally, on Wednesday, April 22, the church will host a Bible Study session at 10am, open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in an informal setting. This will be followed by a Morning Praise service at 11am, led by Reader Sue Horobin.
St Mary's, Balderstone
St Mary's Church in Balderstone emphasizes that Easter is just the beginning, with a morning service on Sunday at 10.30am. The service will continue the sermon series in Romans, focusing on chapter seven, verses one to six. Doors open from 10am, and children's groups are available. Light snacks and refreshments will be served afterward in a warm atmosphere.
The church also hosts a Sunday evening shared prayer gathering at Christ Church on Block Lane, Chadderton, which can be joined in person or via Zoom. Midweek activities include SMurFs stay and play sessions on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm in the parish room, with a small fee, and small group meetings on Wednesdays at 10am and 7.30pm, currently studying 2 Samuel.
An Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is scheduled for Monday, April 27 at 7.30pm. For more information, visit the church's website or contact via email or Facebook.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum, both serving Rochdale, welcome the community with children's activities during Sunday services and post-service refreshments. On Sunday, April 19, services include The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, both officiated by Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto.
Weekly activities at St Mary's include Red Cross refugee help sessions on Mondays from 10am to 2pm, and at St Chad's, gardening on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm and cleaning on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12pm. Upcoming events feature a Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert on April 22 at St Mary's with Johanne Leung and ChiChi Li, and a Saturday Midday Concert on May 9 at St Chad's with organist Logan Ferris.
A Friends Together Bereavement Support Group will meet on Wednesday, May 13 from 10am to 12pm at St Chad's.
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough
Holy Trinity will celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday at 10.15am, led by Revd Anne Gilbert, with Sunday School available for primary school children during term time. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. A prayer and Bible study group meets on Tuesdays at 7.30pm in a member's home, open to all.
St Andrews, Dearnley
St Andrews Church continues its weekly activities with morning prayer on Wednesdays at 9.30am and a midweek Eucharist on Thursdays at 10.30am, followed by light refreshments. Special events include a retirement service for Councillor Ashley Dearnley on April 19 at 3pm, a St George's Night celebration on April 18 at 7pm with Littleborough brass bands, and a Christian Aid coffee morning on May 9 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
The church is also seeking a new lay reader, with training available for all ages, and encourages donations for Marie Curie and MacMillan charities this month.
These events highlight the vibrant and welcoming nature of Rochdale's faith communities, offering numerous opportunities for worship, learning, and community engagement during the Easter period and beyond.
