Rochdale Churches Unveil Lent and Easter Schedules with Community Focus
Several churches across Rochdale are gearing up for a spiritually enriching period, with a full slate of services, study groups, and community events planned for Lent and the upcoming Easter celebrations. From traditional worship to musical performances and family-friendly activities, these institutions are opening their doors to welcome both regular congregants and newcomers alike.
St Luke's Church, Deeplish: Services and Fellowship
St Luke's Church in Deeplish will host a Holy Communion service on March 22 at 10am, led by Revd Natty Gray. The service will include an update from missionaries Tim and Rachel Green on their work. Following the worship, a Lent lunch will be served, featuring homemade soup, bread, cheese, jams, tea, and coffee, providing a chance for fellowship. Donations for the meal will support Tear Fund.
On Wednesday, March 25, the church offers a Bible Study session at 10am as part of their Lent course, open to anyone interested in learning about the Bible in a friendly setting. This will be followed by a Holy Communion service at 11am, officiated by Revd Duke O’Baka Toto, welcoming all to join their caring congregation.
St Mary's, Balderstone: Worship and Outreach
St Mary's in Balderstone holds its Sunday service at 10.30am, focusing on 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, with children's groups available for ages four to 11 and light refreshments served afterward. The church emphasizes communal prayer, with a shared gathering at Christ Church on Block Lane, Chadderton, offering both in-person and Zoom participation.
For families, SMUrFs (St Mary's Under Fives) meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm in the parish room, featuring play, craft, and music for a small fee. Midweek small groups continue on Wednesdays, with the evening Zoom session at 7.30pm running as usual.
Looking ahead to Easter, St Mary's has planned a series of events:
- Palm Sunday at 10.30am: A celebration for all ages.
- Maundy Thursday meal: A ticket-only event with food and fellowship.
- Good Friday at 11am: A meditation service for quiet reflection.
- Easter Sunday: An all-ages Holy Communion service.
For more information, visit their website or contact via email or Facebook.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum: Concerts and Services
St Chad's hosts a Midday Concert on Saturday, March 21 at noon, featuring the vocal quartet Voci Voices with piano accompaniment by Jonathan Ellis. Admission is £6, including light refreshments from 11.30am.
On Sunday, March 22, Passion Sunday services include The Eucharist at St Mary's at 9.15am and Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am, both led by Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto. In support of Rochdale Foodbank, donations of foodstuffs, toiletries, and money are encouraged.
Weekly, the Red Cross assists refugees at St Mary's on Mondays from 10am to 2pm, with free refreshments. Upcoming events include Lent Study and Morning Prayer at St Luke's Deeplish on March 25, and a Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert at St Mary's on the same day, featuring soprano Louise Taylor and mezzo-soprano Jill Taylor.
On March 29, Palm Sunday, a joint Choral Eucharist service at St Chad's at 10.15am will be followed by a bring-and-share meal. Children's activities and post-service refreshments are available at both churches.
St Andrews, Dearnley: Regular Worship and Special Events
St Andrews in Dearnley continues its weekly services, including Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 9.30am and Said Midweek Eucharist on Thursdays at 10.30am, with light refreshments afterward. Special events include a Wardens' Eucharist on March 22 at 6pm and a Palm Sunday Eucharist on March 29 at 10.30am, featuring donkeys.
The Lent course runs on Thursdays at 11.15am for two more weeks. Holy Communion classes for children are scheduled for Wednesdays at 4pm on March 18 and 25. The church is also seeking a new Lay Reader, with training tailored for all ages, including those over 70.
Community highlights include a Mothers' Union meeting on April 6 at 2pm and a retirement service for Councillor Ashley Dearnley on April 19 at 3pm. Donations are being collected for the Church of St Mary Magdalene Omboloka this month.
These events underscore the vibrant faith community in Rochdale, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and charitable support during this holy season.
