Several churches across Rochdale have announced their schedules for February, offering a diverse range of services, study groups, and community activities for local residents.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will hold a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, February 8 at 10am, officiated by Reverend Natty Gray. Following the service, attendees are invited to enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, and a friendly chat.
On Wednesday, February 11, the church will host two events. At 10am, a Bible Study session titled "Jesus through Old Testament Eyes" will take place, open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in an informal setting. This will be followed by a Morning Praise service at 11am, also led by Reverend Natty Gray, welcoming both regular congregation members and newcomers.
St Mary's, Balderstone
St Mary's in Balderstone continues its regular Holy Communion service at 10.30am on Sundays, with doors opening from 10am. The sermon series on the Book of Romans progresses, focusing on chapter six, verses one to fourteen this week. Children's groups are available, and light refreshments are served afterwards in a warm atmosphere.
The church emphasises the importance of prayer, holding a weekly prayer meeting on Sunday evenings at 6.30pm in the parish room to pray for the church, city, and world. All are welcome to attend this hour-long session.
For families with young children, SMUrFs (St Mary's Under Fives) meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm in the parish room. There is a small charge of £1 for one adult and one child, with an additional 30p per extra child. The session includes play, craft, and music activities.
Midweek activities include a craft corner focusing on seasonal themes, with flowerpot decorating planned, and small groups meeting on Wednesdays. A daytime group convenes at 10am in the church lounge, while an evening group meets via Zoom at 7.30pm, currently studying the Book of Samuel.
Advance notice is given for a Christianity Explored Course starting on Wednesday, February 25 from 7.30pm to 9pm on Zoom, designed for those new to or refreshing their understanding of Jesus's message.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
On Sunday, February 8, the Second Sunday before Lent, services include The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Matins at St Chad's at 11.15am, both with hymns. Reverend Duke O'Baka-Torto will officiate and preach at both services.
Community support is available at St Mary's each Monday from 10am until 2pm, where the Red Cross assists refugees, offering free admission and refreshments.
On Wednesday, February 11, the Friends Together Support Group meets at St Chad's from 10am until noon, with refreshments provided. Later that day, St Mary's hosts the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, featuring the Rascallity Harp Duo for a £6 admission fee.
The following Sunday, February 15, services include The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, again led by Reverend O'Baka-Torto. Children's activities are available during Sunday morning services, with refreshments afterwards.
St Andrew's, Dearnley
St Andrew's in Dearnley continues its weekly routines with morning prayer on Wednesdays at 9.30am and a said midweek Eucharist on Thursdays at 10.30am, followed by light refreshments.
A prayer group led by Mike and Mag will meet on February 12 at 1.30pm. Important dates include Ash Wednesday on February 18 with a service at 10.30am and Confirmation on March 15, with classes scheduled for February 14, 21, 28, and March 7 from 2pm to 3pm.
The church is also seeking a new lay reader, with training tailored to all ages, including those over 70, involving a two-year programme. This month's chosen charity is the North West Air Ambulance, sponsored by Linda S.
For more information on specific events, residents are encouraged to contact the individual churches directly or visit their websites and social media pages as provided in the original announcements.
