Rochdale Churches Announce February Services, Events and Community Activities
Multiple faith communities across Rochdale have released their detailed schedules for February, offering a wide array of services, study sessions, and community gatherings that welcome all residents regardless of background.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will host a Morning Praise service on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Pamela Parr. Following the service, attendees are invited to enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, and informal conversation. On Wednesday, February 18, the church offers two events: a Bible Study session at 10:00 AM, open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in a friendly setting, and a Holy Communion service at 11:00 AM, also led by Reverend Parr. The congregation emphasizes its welcoming and caring atmosphere for both regular members and newcomers.
St Mary's, Balderstone
St Mary's in Balderstone is holding its monthly coffee morning today from 10:00 AM to noon in the parish room, featuring cake and craft stalls for all attendees seeking company. Tomorrow, Sunday, February 15, a morning service begins at 10:30 AM with guest preacher Reverend Dr Rohintan Mody, Director of the North West Gospel Partnership. He will explore Romans Chapter 6, verses 15 to 23, drawing on his extensive experience as a New Testament lecturer and academic dean in Singapore. Children's Groups for ages four to 11 will be available during this service.
Due to half-term holidays, there will be no SMurFs groups or midweek Bible study this week. Looking ahead, the church announces a Christianity Explored course starting Wednesday, February 25, from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM on Zoom. This series of group conversations is designed for those curious about faith or asking life's big questions, providing an open and friendly environment to explore Christianity.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
St Chad's on Sparrow Hill and the Grade 1 listed St Mary in the Baum continue to serve the Rochdale community with warm welcomes. Children's activities are offered during Sunday morning services, followed by refreshments for all. Tomorrow, Sunday, February 15, the Sunday before Lent, features two services: The Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9:15 AM and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11:15 AM, both with Reverend Duke O'Baka-Torto as celebrant and preacher. The Choral Eucharist will include Psalm 99 and anthems by Tallis or Whitlock.
Each Monday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St Mary's hosts the Red Cross providing help for refugees, with free admission and refreshments available. On Ash Wednesday, February 18, marking the start of Lent, a joint Holy Communion service for St Chad's, St Mary's, and St Luke's will be held at St Mary's at 7:00 PM. Additionally, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert at St Mary's from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM that day features pianist Adrian Lord, with admission priced at £6.
Next Sunday, February 22, the First Sunday of Lent, services include The Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9:15 AM and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11:15 AM, both officiated by Reverend Pamela Parr. For details on the Asian Christian Fellowship worshipping at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons, contact 07983 388169.
St Andrews, Dearnley
St Andrews in Dearnley reports a lovely turnout last Sunday, February 8, with readings from Genesis, Romans, and Matthew. This week's regular events include morning prayer on Wednesday at 9:30 AM and a Said Midweek Eucharist on Thursday at 10:30 AM, both followed by light refreshments. The Prayer group with Mike and Mag continues on February 12 at 1:30 PM.
Ash Wednesday on February 18 features a service at 10:30 AM, followed by a six-week Lent course starting Thursday, February 19 at 11:15 AM. Confirmation is scheduled for March 15, with classes on February 14, 21, 28, and March 7 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The church is also seeking volunteers to create poppies for a November display, with knitting and crochet patterns available, and requests donations of spare red wool.
Opportunities for lay reader training are available, with a tailored pathway for those aged 70 or above, involving a two-year program with licensing after the first year. The Mothers Union meets on Monday, March 2 at 2:00 PM, featuring wood sculptor David Neal as speaker. During Lent, the congregation is encouraged to participate in 'count your blessings', and the chosen charity for February is the North West Air Ambulance, sponsored by Linda Smith.
The church shares an inspirational verse from James 4:8: "Come near to God and he will come near to you," reminding all that God is always inviting closer connection.
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