St Luke's Church, Deeplish will hold a Holy Communion service on May 24 at 10am, officiated by Revd Pamela Parr. Tea or coffee and a chance to chat follow the service. On Wednesday, May 27, a Bible Study open to all takes place at 10am, followed by a Holy Communion service at 11am officiated by Revd Duke O'Baka-Toto. Regular members and newcomers are warmly invited to join the friendly congregation.
St Mary's, Balderstone
Women's breakfast will be held this morning from 9am to 10.30am in the parish room, offering friendship, fellowship, and free food. A short reflection on using God's name will be shared. All women are welcome, and bringing a friend is encouraged. Tomorrow, Pentecost Sunday, an all-age service starts at 10.30am, exploring Galatians 5:13-26, followed by light snacks. A Sunday evening prayer meeting from 6.30pm to 7.30pm offers a relaxed opportunity to pause, reset, and pray for the church, community, and selves. No commitment or pressure to speak. Due to half term, SMurFs and midweek meetings are paused; Bible study resumes next Wednesday. For more information, visit www.stmarysbalderstone.org.uk, email stmarysbalderstone@gmail.com, or see Facebook.
St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum
Tomorrow, Sunday, May 24, is Pentecost. At 9.15am, Eucharist with hymns at St Mary's; at 11.15am, Choral Eucharist at St Chad's with hymns including 'Come down O Love Divine'. Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto is celebrant and preacher at both. Each Monday, the Red Cross helps refugees at St Mary's from 10am to 2pm, with free refreshments. On Wednesday, May 27, the Toad Lane Lunchtime Concert features Elliot Gresty on clarinets from 12.30pm to 1.30pm; admission £6. Gardening at St Chad's takes place each Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm, and cleaning each Thursday from 10.30am to noon; volunteers welcome. Next Saturday, May 30, St Chad's Midday Music features pianist Liana Storey performing Bach, Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Debussy, and Gershwin at noon; admission £6 includes light refreshments from 11.30am. Next Sunday, May 31, is Trinity Sunday; a joint Benefice service at 10am at St Mary's, with Rev Duke O'Baka-Torto. The Asian Christian Fellowship worships at St Chad's on Sunday afternoons; call 07983 388169. From June 3, St Chad's opens for visitors Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm throughout summer. On June 6 and 7, St Chad's is open during the Boadfield Park Slopes Medieval Fayre, from 10am to 4pm Saturday and 1pm to 4pm Sunday. Free events include archery, re-enactments, medieval music, cookery demonstrations, history displays, combat, medieval law courts, manuscript workshops, and coin striking. Details on the Council website. St Chad's and St Mary in the Baum serve the community; children's activities and refreshments are provided at Sunday services.
Holy Trinity Benefice of Littleborough
Last Sunday, Holy Communion was officiated by area dean Anne Gilbert, with the Annual Church Council meeting. This Sunday, Revd Anne Gilbert returns for a Pentecost Benefice service of Holy Communion at 10am, followed by tea, coffee, and biscuits. Tuesday evening Bible study and prayer at 7.30pm at a member's home continues studying the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop has been disbanded due to high licensing costs (over £1,500 per show). Unsold costumes, professionally made, have been sold to societies in Germany, Italy, Norway, and America. Remaining costumes, including military caps, are for sale; contact Holy Trinity Littleborough to view.
St Andrew's, Dearnley
Last Sunday's readings were Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11, and John 17:1-11. Next Sunday's readings: Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, and John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39. Wednesday morning prayer at 9.30am, Thursday midweek Eucharist at 10.30am. Sunday service at 9.30am; all welcome with light refreshments. The prayer group with Mike and Mag restarts soon. Littleborough Churches Together holds a Pentecost service on May 24 at 3pm outside Wardle Library. The summer fair is planned for June 27; raffle prizes appreciated. Poppies are being made for a November display; patterns available in church, and red wool donations welcome. This month's charity is Christian Aid, sponsored by Revd Roger and Jo Hill. Next Mothers' Union meeting on June 1 at 2pm features Jan Hicks on secret communication in WWII. Galatians 5:16: 'So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.' To submit news, email info@inyouarea.co.uk by 4pm each Wednesday.
