Rochdale Churches Announce March Schedule for Lent and Community Activities
Several churches across Rochdale have released their schedules for March, featuring a variety of Lent services, community events, and support groups open to all residents. The announcements highlight opportunities for worship, fellowship, and learning during the Lenten season.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold a Holy Communion service on March 8 at 10am, officiated by Revd Duke O’Baka-Toto. Following the service, a lent lunch will be served, including homemade soup, bread, cheese, jams, tea, or coffee, providing a chance for attendees to chat. Donations for the food will be collected for Tear Fund.
On Wednesday, March 11, at 10am, a Bible Study session will continue the Lent course, open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in a friendly and informal setting. At 11am the same day, a Morning Praise service will be officiated by Revd Natty Gray, welcoming both regular members and newcomers to their caring congregation.
St Mary's, Balderstone
St Mary's in Balderstone invites the community to explore faith amidst modern distractions. A morning service begins at 10.30am with a guest preacher exploring 2 Corinthians 8:1–15. Children’s Groups are available for ages four to 11, and the church emphasizes its open door policy for those seeking faith.
Additional events include:
- Sunday Evening Prayer on March 8 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Christ Church (Block Lane, Chadderton, OL9 7QB), with a Zoom option available.
- SMURFS (St Mary’s Under Fives) sessions on Tuesdays from 1.30pm, featuring songs, snacks, and toys for £1 per adult with one child, plus 30p for extra children.
- Midweek small groups on Wednesdays, with a daytime group at 10am in the church lounge and an evening group at 7.30pm on Zoom, currently studying Samuel.
For more information, visit the church's website or contact via email or Facebook.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
On Saturday, March 7, St Mary's hosts a "Quiet time for Reflection and Prayer" at 10am with Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto. Sunday, March 8, the Third Sunday of Lent, features:
- Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9.15am.
- Choral Matins with hymns, psalm, and anthem at St Chad's at 11.15am, both led by Rev Pamela Parr.
Weekly activities include:
- Red Cross help for refugees at St Mary's every Monday from 10am to 2pm, with free refreshments.
- Friends Together Bereavement Support Group at St Chad's on Wednesday, March 11, from 10am to noon, with light refreshments.
- Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert at St Mary's on March 11 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, featuring Rochdale Phoenix Opera Company, admission £6.
On March 15, Mothering Sunday, services include Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, both with Rev Pamela Parr. Children's activities and refreshments are provided.
St Andrews, Dearnley
St Andrews in Dearnley continues its regular schedule with Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 9.30am and a Said Midweek Eucharist on Thursdays at 10.30am, followed by light refreshments. The Lent course runs on Thursdays at 11.15am for four weeks.
Upcoming events:
- Confirmation on March 15 at 6pm at St James, Milnrow, with the last class on March 7 at 2pm.
- World Day of Prayer on March 6 at 2.30pm at St Barnabas Church, Littleborough.
- Holy Communion classes for children on Wednesdays at 4pm on March 11, 18, and 25.
The church is also seeking a Lay Reader, with training tailored for all ages, including those 70 or above. This month's charity is the Church of St Mary Magdalene Omboloka, and donations are encouraged.
For inclusion in local news, submissions can be emailed by 4pm each Wednesday. These church events underscore Rochdale's vibrant faith community, offering spiritual growth and social support during Lent.
