Rochdale Churches Prepare for Advent and Christmas Celebrations
Churches across Rochdale are gearing up for the festive season with a diverse programme of services, community events and special activities for all ages. From traditional carol services to modern Zoom gatherings, the local faith communities are offering numerous opportunities for celebration and reflection.
St Mary's Balderstone: Weekly Services and Special Events
St Mary's in Balderstone continues its regular worship schedule with Sunday morning services at 10.30am, currently focusing on a sermon series exploring the Book of Romans. This week's service will examine chapter 2 verse 12 through to chapter 3 verse 8. Families are well catered for with Sunday School available for children aged four to eleven, and light refreshments served in the parish room after the service.
The church maintains its commitment to community connection with Sunday evening prayer sessions from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Christ Church on Block Lane, Chadderton. For those unable to attend in person, participation via Zoom remains an option.
Young families can look forward to SMuRFs (St Mary's Under Fives) meetings every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm to 3pm in the parish room. The sessions cost £1 for one adult with a child, plus an extra 30p for each additional child. The craft corner will begin exploring the Christmas story and the role of angels in preparation for the festive season.
Midweek Activities and Special Announcements
St Mary's emphasises community through its small groups programme, with Wednesday meetings providing opportunities for shared learning and fellowship. The daytime group meets at 10am in the church lounge to explore the Book of Ruth, while the evening group convenes via Zoom at 7.30pm, following the 'God's Big Picture' course that traces biblical connections from Genesis to Revelation.
Important date changes include the women's breakfast, which moves from its usual fourth Saturday slot to November 29th. The event promises the same free breakfast, friendly faces and fellowship, just one week later than originally scheduled.
Looking further ahead, St Mary's is organising group attendance at the NWGP Annual Conference on Saturday, January 24 2026 at The Edge in Wigan. Featuring Christopher Ash focusing on 'Missionary Psalms', the event runs from 10am to 3.30pm with tickets priced at £19 per adult, £6 per child, or £48 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children. Those interested must contact the church office before December 7th.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum: Royal Celebrations
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum are preparing for the Festival of Christ the King on Sunday, November 23rd. Services include The Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's at 9.15am, celebrated by Canon Nick Smeeton, followed by Choral Eucharist at St Chad's at 11.15am featuring hymns, psalm 93 and the anthem "Lo! He comes with clouds descending" by Philip Lowe, with Rev Dr Sharon Jones as celebrant and preacher.
The churches maintain their community outreach with the Red Cross providing help for refugees every Monday at St Mary's from 10am until 2pm, offering refreshments and free admission. Music lovers can enjoy the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday, November 26th from 12.30pm until 1.30pm, featuring the Notability mixed voice choir with Lesley Cavanagh for £6 admission.
Looking toward December, St Chad's Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 6th from 11am until 1.30pm promises seasonal gifts, various stalls and refreshments with free admission. Both churches welcome children during Sunday morning services and provide refreshments afterwards.
St Andrew's Dearnley: Advent Preparations
St Andrew's in Dearnley recently celebrated the blessing of new kneelers with a special service at the High Altar. The church continues its regular schedule with Wednesday morning prayer at 9.30am and Thursday said midweek Eucharist at 10.30am, followed by light refreshments.
Important upcoming dates include the St Andrew's day service followed by brunch at 10.30am on November 30th, and an advent course running on three Thursdays after the Eucharist starting December 4th. The Christmas story and Christingle service takes place on December 7th at 11am, with a BCP Eucharist at 5pm.
The Mothers' Union meeting on Monday, December 1st at 2pm will feature an Advent service led by Revd Sidwell Isaac, welcoming all attendees. Throughout November, the church is supporting the British Royal Legion as its chosen charity, encouraging generous donations during this period of remembrance.
All three churches emphasise their warm welcome to newcomers and visitors, with various contact methods available including websites, email addresses and social media pages for those seeking further information or wishing to submit prayer requests.
